Just got back from a "productive" time at a store called Abakhan where they have loads of fabrics and wool at reasonable prices. I was wondering if there were any other DS members who enjoy creating their own pieces either by sewing, knitting or refashioning existing items of clothing?

I am a relative newcomer, and having discovered sites like "Threadbanger", "Cut out and keep" and "Burda Style", I've been inspired to make a few things.

I particularly like the cute, simple and chic aesthetic you get with a lot of the Japanese designs. Amy Butler also does some nice stuff.

One of the main differences I noticed between some of the free patterns you get online and the professional patterns you buy in the sewing shops is that the design and feel of the online patterns tend to be more fresh and trendy, whereas the professional patterns look like their sense of style has frozen in the 90's.

Your thoughts? Any other suggested sites? What have you made in the past that you're particularly proud of?

I watch threadbanger ha and go abakhan which one you go to? One in liverpool isnt very good compaired to north wales the fabric seems a bit cheaper and a bit tatty.

So far ive made slob around the house clown pants in red, in the middle of a waist coat for myself nice long one to go with skinnies, erm a skirt made of thick curtainy material (sounds naff i love it fits perfect), a vogue high waist grey skirt and butterick blouse in silk they were for my mum but her measurements (sadly she had to give them on the fone) were incorrect and they didnt fit on her waist shame cus the materials so nice id finish it for me but id rather make it again so its special for her, a silk scalf with overlocking machine and a dress for my mate for a festival (made it together).

Other things are just like amendments and changing clothes i own but hate into something i like. fixed a few peoples curtain lengths, got some sleeves on a coat to shorten too on my list. Bits and bobs really, i always feel guilty when i sew cus i enjoy it so much i feel like i should be doing something gruelingly productive. Infact this friday im having a sewing day i keep thinking about that waistcoat.


They do look a bit dated, what i do is if i have something i like the shape of that i dont need anymore, take it apart so can see the shapes used to make it, how it was put together. Find a pattern close to what you want then use experience of other designs you complete to change it. With my mums skirt i added length, changed the fabric to one that i knew would be ok, and made it go from wider to slip (a bit vicky beckham-like) with a longer slit.

I also have tailors dummy thanks to partner, thats how made the skirt....made it to my fitting and pinned material to and around the dummy then sew it together. Took about 8 hours maybe a little extra for professional edgings.

I have 2 books i read cover to cover that always answer any queries 'complete guide to sewing' 'sewing for dummies' they both explain the same thing differently so if one doesnt answer you the other will.

I also have pattern design book which comes with explainations on what pattern shapes create what look.

Lastly (i cant afford this option) theres comp software that you can design an outfit on (within reason of course but the shape etc) and it prints u out a pattern ...good eh.

Excuse my lack of grammar.