How to choose a sewing pattern

I do a bit of sewing but not enough to say I am a good seamstress or dressmaker. Sewing is a bit like running or riding a bicycle, you have to keep at it or you lose the knack. I don’t have that kind of time.

I make a point of only buying patterns that say EASY on the cover. Pattern catalogues often have an EASY section, so whatever you choose from those pages will be easy.

I can’t put hours of effort into making something only to throw it away because it was beyond my skill level.

One other thing I have learnt. Buy your fabric as per the fabric suggestions on the back of the pattern. Too many times I’ve fallen in love with a piece of  fabric and tried to make something from it.It only leads to disaster.

Too stiff fabric for a soft drape design will not work. And vice versa, too soft fabric for a design that requires a stiffer shape will also be a mess.

I also avoid button holes. But am happy to set a zipper. See my zipper tutorial.

The Greenie Galleries at the top of this page have 100s of photos of older and newer projects showing multiple ways to make your own clothing and accessories. There are also ideas to recycle or upcycle.

See you soon.

Greenie