No longer just the stuff of grandmas and home economics classes, dressmaking is making a comeback. With the current economic crisis more and more people are tightening their belts and thinking of creative ways to make their own clothes in order to save some pennies. So whether you want to impress your friends, make clothes for your kids, or simply restyle your wardrobe, here are a few tips as to how to get going!
If you're a newcomer when it comes to fashion design, don't set your sights too high to begin with. Allow yourself lots of time to practice your sewing skills before you're set loose on the real thing. Try making small alterations such as turning up long trousers to get a feel for using the sewing machine. This will prevent any material wastage caused by mistakes when it comes to your own designs.
Once you feel ready to begin you can decide on what item you would like to make. Use magazines and photographs of this season's top trends to help you, and don't decide on any styles that look like they will be too complicated or expensive to make.
Make sure your design reflects your taste. Choose a simple design for your first project such a beach top or skirt. Also, choose fabrics that are cheap and easy to sew as shiny and slippery fabrics can gather and ruck-up.
Once you get more confident you can start attempting more difficult designs. There are many websites that offer inspirational ideas and step-by-step help with this. From here you can impress your friends by making them clothing gifts for Christmas and birthday presents!
Project runway couture is all about using your creativity, so don't stop at making your own clothes, work on reinventing the wardrobe you already have. Embellishing t-shirts and jeans with buttons, ribbons and other ornamental items is a great way to smarten up tired trends at a minimal cost.
Similarly, try looking in sales and second ?hand shops for great clothes at bargain prices. You may not be seen dead going in with your mum, but the 'retro' look is all the rage and you can find some perfect items that you can customise at low cost.
Designing and making your own clothes isn't just a way to show off your creative ability, it is also a great way to save you money. So get your designing cap on and start saving!
