patterns

there is something incredibly rewarding about making your own clothes, not only is the finished product entirely unique but it is exactly how you want it to be - use a pattern right to the very instructions or deviate slightly and use a zip rather than buttons, lengthen a dress, shorten a jacket, cut a deeper neckline - the choice is yours.

inspiration - comes, of course, from all over the place, but sometime spent in R D Franks bookshop is a fabulous place to start - not only are there hundreds of books on fashion through the ages, designers etc, but you can also find some books on pattern cutting/design, costume patterns, draping, and dress fitting.

patterns - a vast range of patterns by Vogue, McCall's and Butterick can be found at sewdirect whatever you want to make there is sure to be a pattern for you from very easy patterns, patterns for larger sizes, vintage patterns, out-of-print patterns, children's patterns, costume patterns, bridal patterns and much much more.

also be sure to look at the Colette patterns for beginners, intermediate and advanced 'sewers' and the versatile Amy Butler designs on raystitch.

at Merchant and Mills, Carolyn Denham is really determined to encourage us to sew - her website shop includes unique dress patterns made from sturdy card that can be directly chalked around instead of pinned out, sizes range from 8 to 16, and come with full instructions that even small children can understand, and there are also beautifully packaged notions and high quality sewing tools - it really is like visiting an old fashioned drapery store.

vintage patterns and vintage fabrics to make them in have a great craft section where you can buy vintage fabrics and haberdashery to create your own unique style at the Vintage Fabric Market.

and finally ...
take a look at Sew - it is the only sewing magazine to offer readers a FREE dressmaker's pattern with every issue.

patterns

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