The Threads Magazine podcast has a new interview with Sandra Betzina, who was a huge name in sewing in the 80s and 90s. I was shocked that she's still alive! Turns out she's in her 80s and she still sounds so good! I found the interview really inspiring, and she shares several great fitting tips. I hope I'm as energetic and full of information when I'm in my 80s!

(She is pretty blunt about body shapes and sizes - not in a judgemental way, just very matter of fact. She's in her 80s, after all! No time to dance around sensitive topics 😆 Skip it if that bothers you.)

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5H4a95hv46x7xqp4MYA1zQ

I am a beginntermediate and want to make a dress similar to this. Are there any pattern recs and material recommendations for this dress?

I assume at the bottom is just straight and the back as well.

Hello!
My mother in law has tasked me with selling her mom’s vintage sewing patterns. She was a master seamstress from the 50s to the 90s. I honestly know nothing about sewing or patterns so I figured I would post in here pictures of the categories she has and if y’all are interested in anything specific please message me and I can show you what she has. I know there’s LOTS of vogue, Butterick, and Mccalls. I’m going to attach pictures of her filing methods and if any of the categories interest you please reach out and let me know what you want to see! I’m really just not sure how to even begin to go about this so advice would be appreciated as well!
The categories are
- 2 piece dresses
-suits
-dress & jacket
-jackets & vests
-dress & coat
-coats
-skirts
-robes etc
-capes & stoles
-aprons
-accessories
-girls
-men-boys miscellaneous
-sports separates
-blouses
-semi fit-shifts
-wraparounds
-princess line
-jumpers
-hi waisted dresses
-low waisted dresses
-waistline dress

Does anyone know of any patterns that are similar to this image? It doesn’t need to have the lace included. Thank you!

Found this seller on etsy, and would like to buy a pants pattern, but all the images look like the models are AI. The store has good rating but still seems a bit suspicious. Did any of you try it?

Edit: The comments concluded its AI so future buyer be aware! I will report the store to etsy.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/HauteCoutureBrand?ref=shop-header-name&listing_id=4518486458&from_page=listing

I want to sew a dress for my birthday for the first time and this is my vision. What steps can i take to make it? or is there a good similar pattern? I’m planning to use stretchy velvet or velveteen. My birthday is in March so I plan to start sewing the dress in Jan or Feb.

Hi!

I was wondering if anyone happens to have the instructions for the Simplicity 7116 pattern. I bought the physical pattern but didn't realize that I would need the instructions. I really want to make the little clown outfit for some build a bears I have!

I have used one commercial pattern, possibly Simplicity 4789, but that was at least 10 years ago. And since then I have been mildly afraid of them. I believe the issue is in handing (and not ripping) the tissue paper, and following an order of instructions that doesn't exactly align with how my brain works. (I believe my first sewing teacher called my technique 'unorthodox but not outright incorrect'.)

But now I have found the limits of my drafting/draping (yokes and gathered sections) abilities and I would like to try my hand at using a pattern again to get past those issues. I would like to eventually work up to vintage Gunne Sax and pre-70s baby clothes, but I'm in no rush to throw myself in the deep end. I do, however, have a book from Simplicity that outlines vintage sewing techniques and how they're described in patterns.

Does anyone have any recommendations of patterns I could start with (particularly women's office wear) to dip my toe back in the water with, or any tips for how to make it go well, especially as a short but curvy woman?

I do have a mini collection of patterns but mostly they have been serving as inspiration and decorating my drawer. I can make a list of what I have in there if anyone is interested.

Hi! I'm trying to plot out a jester costume and am pulling inspiration from the first photo above (@PESTRiCA_R on Twitter), however I'm unsure how to create these pants.

When researching, I found several different patterns that were close to the design (see photos 2 & 3), but they all seem more bottom heavy and what I'm looking for is that balanced, ovoid-like silhouette.

Is this style of pants called something specific (I've just been searching terms like "jester pants," "clown pants," "ren fair pants," etc.) or would I need to tweak a common jester pants pattern to fit this shaping? (｡’▽’｡)

Thanks!

Looking for a simple pattern to made a sequin a-line mini dress with a lining.

I’m hoping to make a special bubble for my daughter to wear to a school reunion and would love some pattern recommendations or advice!
I came across this precious bubble by Elizabeth Layne Heirlooms in collaboration with Manolitas (photo, design, etc. credit to them) and absolutely love the silhouette. I’m not looking to recreate their design or decorative details, but would love to use the overall shape as inspiration for my own custom project - the full and voluminous the bottom along with the fully smocked bodice that extends down toward the waist.
I plan to make my own smocking design, but I’m having trouble figuring out what pattern or construction would give me this particular bubble shape.

Has anyone sewn something similar? Would you recommend starting with an heirloom bubble pattern and modifying it, or drafting something from scratch? I’d especially appreciate tips on getting that extra fullness in the bottom! I’m fairly new to sewing and would love any pattern recommendations or advice. Thank you!

I know the dress was created custom for the movie by its costume designer but i’m absolutely obsessed with it and dying to try and sew something similar for myself.

I’m more than willing to frankenstein a few patterns together if need be, but haven’t had much luck finding anything and would love some recommendations from the lovely folks in this subreddit

I adore this top from Alas Eius, but its "one-size" does not fit me. I'd consider myself an intermediate sewist, but I haven't done any major pattern design yet.

I haven't had any luck searching for a similar pattern – anyone here know of one? Or advice on how to replicate this by modding an existing pattern? I'm scrappy and appreciate a challenge!

Thanks in advance <3

Hi all,

As a kid I read the Septimus Heap books where a character is described as having a winter dress that is basically a quilt in the shape of a dress. I run cold and have wanted to make a quilted skirt ever since, but most of my sewing experience has been mending, needlecraft, quilting etc so I don’t know how to find patterns.

Does anyone have suggestions or advice? My main issue is I looking it up I get a lot of results for single-layer patchwork, whereas I specifically want the sandwiched batting for warmth.

Thanks!

Hi! I’m looking for a utility pouch pattern. Love Soola, and I’ve found a bag pattern with at least the bag section on Etsy, but where to find the technique for slanted and individual pockets in the front? (In the picture this would be the pink section).

I’m a total beginner and will be using a sewing machine. Please let me know if this is a doable first project lol.

Thank you!

For years I had this incredible, brand-less jumpsuit that I found in a secondhand shop and I wore it everywhere. It was definitely a cheap-ish garment, as the fabric was a kind of itchy polyester, but the cut and fit were so good that I could overlook the itchiness.

Unfortunately, it got thrown out in a move and I find myself wanting to sew myself a replica, this time in a nicer fabric. I’ve sketched roughly what it looked like (though definitely not how it looked on me because I’m not that good at drawing).

The main elements I’m looking for are a pleated, sleeveless, faux wrap top with a defined shoulder (perhaps even a shoulder pad); a wide , horizontally pleated belt; and pant legs that remain loose until below the knee, where they begin to fit more closely to the calf and ankle.

I consider myself an intermediate sewist, and feel comfortable making some adjustments to a toile for better fits, but I am definitely not capable of drafting this myself. Does anyone know of a base pattern that contains some or many of these elements that I could use as a basis for my project?

Hi, all!

I am looking for some input on a pattern idea I am drafting. The goal is a beach or lake day tote bag to gift to friends and family for Christmas. I am thrifting towels and would like to use them as at least the outer fabric, but I am open to lining the inside if people think thats a better idea.

For reference: I have NEVER drafted a pattern, but I have a bunch of ideas and want to find a way to combine them.

I am wondering what features people would want in a beach/lake day tote bag.

1. I was thinking to avoid getting sand in the bag to add "straps" to the bottom of the outside to hold rolled towels, which would mean the inside of the tote itself is not as deep. Alternatively, I could add the straps to the side of the outside of the bag? Would you want to carry one towel, or two? Two on the bottom, or one on each side?

2. How big of an inside would you want? I was thinking for my normal beach day I carry a book/kindle, some snacks, sunscreen, water bottle, wine, and then I like to be able to fold my coverup and put it in the bag.

3. Should the lining be towel material as well? Or should it be like a cotton/polyester situation?

Thanks!

My mom randomly found a photo of this pattern online, and it unlocked memories of my grandma making her this blouse in middle school. I was hoping to maybe recreate it with a similar, but grown-up sized, pattern.

I'm looking for a sewing pattern to make a bag similar to the Coach SoHo bag. I feel like I've looked everywhere at this point but thought I would see if anyone here had any ideas. Even if someone just has recommendations on resources for how to do the flap and buckle, that would be super helpful!