The benefits of making your own clothes
Frances Tobin, The Makers Atelier – wearing a top created with one of her patterns.
‘I think we are all becoming more aware of our shopping habits, questioning where our clothes came from and at what price to the environment,’ states Frances Tobin founder of The Maker’s Atelier. ‘The slower and more considered route of making them for yourself is the perfect antidote to fast fashion.’ Darning, mending, tweaking and upcycling are subjects that come up over and over again on the That’s Not My Age podcast. The Great British Sewing Bee’s Patrick Grant spoke of sock-mending, and as a fashion stylist, Caryn Franklin has always included an element of DIY in her creative work. And this make-do-and-mend mentality was instilled in me as a child. Whether caused by environmental concerns and the backlash against fast fashion or a renewed interest in crafting and creating, sales of sewing machines, knitting needles and dress-making patterns are soaring. When Frances from The Makers Atelier told me that the latest issue of her magazine was taking a fresh look at tailoring, I asked how I could get involved. Sadly, the only thing I can make is a mess, so my contribution came down to modelling the latest blazer design.
That’s Not My Blazer photos by Charlotte MacPherson
‘The immediate benefit of sewing your own clothing is the sense of achievement that comes with creating a garment, in a fabric of your choice,’ adds Frances, ‘And the enjoyment of making. In the longer term, we have a different relationship with clothes we have made for ourselves. The garments have more intrinsic value and they are less disposable.’
There’s an interesting feature on the Rise of Upcycling HERE. More about The Maker’s Atelier magazine HERE. And don’t forget to listen to my podcasts with The Great British Sewing Bee judge Patrick Grant HERE, fashion activist and academic Caryn Franklin HERE and knitwear designer Debbie Bliss HERE.
Are you making and mending?
Please note affiliate links in this post may generate commission.
Discussion (70 Comments)
Val says:
There’s not much you can do about the space issue but take a look at The Camden Stitch on YouTube to see what Jay achieves in a small flat. Also, most good on-line fabric shops will send a sample of fabric for not much more than the cost of a stamp. Not quite the same as feeling the fabric on a bolt but a good compromise.
Kristen says:
Check your local library – mine has a “maker space” with all kinds of resources including sewing machines
Jacque says:
Well done your local library – what a fantastic idea and I will suggest it to our local council who are quite good at supporting art and craft.
Rowan says:
The ‘Did You Make That?’ sewing blog is a source of sewing inspiration, and also the blogger’s ‘Little Book of Sewing’.
It was from a blog post there that I learned about the fabric shops and stalls at Walthamstow market.
Vivien Hallberg says:
I so agree about being able to buy decent fabric now. I always made my own clothes for years so I looked individual but then there were so many local shops and stores selling fabric. And I agree about buying fabric online, not the same at all and of course it is non returnable as it has been cut.
Patty says:
Fear not, online fabric purchasers! I sew all my clothes and have found that most online retailers DO take returns. They generally vary whether the return is a shop credit, or you get your money back to your card. Most do not refund the cost of shipping, but I am OK with that for the ability to purchase fabric in, say, Italy. There is always a SHIPPING/RETURN bit on the Web site you can read.
I’m in my 60s and have seen an explosion in the sewing world in the last ten years. So many younger people coming to it, so many pattern companies expanding their inclusion and using models of all age and size. So many non-Big4 designers (some better than others, though, at testing their patterns). My kitchen table is my sewing space; lay out the fabric and machine (1940s Singer) on it. Yes, I would clear the table for dinner, but well worth that. You just need a table, sewing machine and iron to get the juices going.
For those of who used to sew, things have changed in a wonderful way. I buy new fabric, and I also repurpose garments into new garments. Tons of resources these days with the Internet, tons of blogs on sewing (especially how to make adjustments based on your body), a Web site for people who sew (pattern review.com). As another commenter mentioned pattern sizing, beware, though: buy patterns based on your measurements, not your ready-to-wear size.
Hortensia Celiceo says:
I too am in my 60’s and I also use my kitchen table to cut and sew I have been sewing since 1970 I have taught my daughter and granddaughters to sew and repurposed garments, also they even use my patterns from the 70’s
Grew up in the sort of NZ household where you grew your fruit and veg and exchanged surplus with neighbours for eggs or whatever. Mother sewed everything – curtains, sewing machine cover, kenwood mixer cover, made our clothing including school uniforms and knitted furiously – in fact she did everything furiously. Fast forward and I’m still an avid knitter, sometime sewer and occasional dressmaker who revels in the rituals and special little tools for each job whereas my sister is scarred for life by the fury and perfectionism we grew up with. I see making as a pleasure, my sister won’t even contemplate it preferring to op-shop instead for her kicks
Boadicea says:
Oh, I can sew (ahem) identify with your sister! I too, am scarred for life, thanks, in my case, to a perfectionist sewing teacher many many years ago. She absolutely did for me.I even rail at replacing a button!
Max says:
The other issue with living in a really small flat ( I do also) is that there’s no space to lay out your fabric and pattern to cut out a garment. These days I’m more inclined to buy pre-loved garments and ‘remake’ them. They cost far less (from Op shops) than fabric, so if I mess up it doesn’t matter.
Book Goddess says:
This might not work for you, but when I was quilting I used a foldable cardboard dressmakers cutting board on a smaller table.
Lisa says:
When we lived in a very small apartment I used the folding cardboard cutting board and laid it out on the bed. It was the only space large enough and it worked, but you can’t spend long amounts of time cutting things out as your back would start to ache. I made a lot of lovely clothes back then.
Sara says:
As an ex maker of almost everything I then wore, including coats, I thoroughly endorse Maryann’s comments. All the wonderful sources of good fabric have gone the way of the dodo. Online fabric buying just does not cut it: fabric has to be handled to ascertain it’s suitability and quality, yes, really! I had fabulous fabrics available 20 years ago, nothing now.
While I completely support the principle in every way from sustainability, to creativity let alone expense, the availability of good quality fabric is just not there, especially for those of us outside the environs of London and I’m speaking as one who lives within reach of all the areas that used to manufacture Britain’s finest wools and silks. When that part of manufacture started to go, so did all those fab northern shops who sourced the ends of lines made for the top end of the market. So many tales of buying Paul Costello fabric for £20 for a silk dress, Max Mara for similar, £6 for pure fine black cashmere for a skirt………..All gone!
If anyone knows how to circumvent this, please please let us all know. My skills are quietly rusting away. Give me some lightweight pure wool and I could knock up that blazer you’re wearing in two evenings, Alyson.Are you aware of a shop called Shufflebothams in Macclesfield? This shop supplies heaps of the most stunning woollens and silk from the two remaining mills in town. Plus acres of upholstery fabrics in all cotton, linen, wool and everything in between. They are open on Saturdays until 1pm and then why not pay the Tailoring Academy in town a visit, which has an open Drop In Sewing Class from 1 to 5pm (for a tenner per session), with heaps of space, light and advice, on the top floor of another former silk mill. Plus an epic haberdashery shop on the ground floor. There is also the twice yearly silk sale at Adamley Textiles in Langley, two miles down the road (let me know if you need any links or contact details).
Joanna says:
Many online shops will provide samples of particular fabrics if you ask – you may need to pay a small amount but they can be posted very cheaply and quickly – worth it if you want to ‘try before you buy’. I also find that getting to know particular, high-quality fabric manufacturers (Merchant & Mills for linen, Nani Iro for printed cottons, Atelier Brunette for rayons) means you can be confident of the quality as well as knowing the weight, drape etc.
Tove Kjellerød says:
I grew up under my mother
s sewing machine in the 50-ies and always wore her lovely, homemade clothes. Of course I always dreamt of bought from the shop clothes, but I was always imacculately dressed as a child. As a grown up I sewed a bit to and fro, sewing machine ready at hand but it never came to much. Then, when I retired from work and got time on my hands I picked up sewing. Hard work, lots of tears and shameful results, but now after three years it (sometimes) works out. I even tried my hands on a winter coat this autumn and it turned out smashing if I may say so myself. So, its never too late to start, I highly recommend the hobby! For fitted and sustainable clothes.Sam says:
This has hit a nerve here, as I am easing back into sewing for myself (or altering/ hemming clothes for my pregnant daughter). I have re-purposed some op shop finds, especially beautiful silk clothing that I wouldn’t wear myself, eg. a lovely full skirt to silk pyjamas – very lush! I have quite a few paper patterns however they are all Size 10 -12 from years ago and they don’t fit now, strange about that 🙂 so checking out the Big 4/Burda / Indie patterns. Lovely old sewing machines gathering dust in odd corners or friends who have gifted me their mothers’ machines as they ‘don’t know how to sew’ . I have so much to learn and this is one of my retirement projects. Sam the Aussie
Longdenlife says:
Hi Sam, If the patterns are older, the sizing will be completely different to sizing nowadays! What was a 10-12 from, say the 60’s is more like an 8-10 in today’s sizing
Ana says:
May I ask what an op shop is? It has been mentioned several times in the comments (I am not a native speaker).
Paula says:
Hi Ana
In the UK we’d call them chairty shops, the US thrift shops, Oz & NZ op shops 🙂Maureen says:
I think it’s opportunity or that’s what I took it to mean when I lived in Aus. I never asked tbh
Anna says:
Opportunity?
A new term to me when I immigrated to Australia. Charity shop/thrift shops…
Katarina says:
Wow, that’s an awesome post! The blazer is spot on and you look terrific wearing it. Where can I get the pattern? I went to The Maker’s Atelier homepage and browsed the available patterns but to no avail. Perhaps it will be included in the next magazine?
Laura K says:
I love this post! Having been underimpressed by today’s fashions and my own thickening middle-aged waist, I’m starting to turn back to my hoard of fabrics for inspiration. I’ve even purchased a dressmaker’s dummy. Have yet to actually make anything, but I dream about it a lot. Yes, it’s true that today’s fabric stores have morphed into hobby stores–my town’s last fine fabric store closed five years ago and I still mourn it. Wouldn’t it be great if there were stores where you could go feel fabric samples, purchase a few yards, and have it delivered to your house? Sigh.
maudie says:
I have just dusted off my mum’s old sewing machine. (Terrified of the bloody thing). Although she was by no means an expert or perfectionist, as a child most Saturday afternoons were spent at Lewisham market stalls buying ‘remnants’ so that she could ‘run something up’!. There was very little money around in our house and, had she not sewn and knitted, I think I would have either been naked or lived in my school uniform. I have decided to have a bash myself – I am sure it could all end in tears but there is the niggling bug to have a go.
Kathleen Lazzara says:
Thank you for this post. I will listen to the podcast interviews when time allows. As a fellow maker and upcycler, I connect with these designers and artists. Please check out my instagram @katlazzcreations. That blazer looks lovely on you!
Anne Chevalier says:
What a brilliant inspiring post! I do love sewing and all the accoutrements that go with it but have only made baby quilts recently. Back in the day, my sisters and I made skirts and shift dresses on a Saturday and wore them out that night! The navy jacket is lovely and I’m setting myself the challenge of trying to make it – I’m 5’ 1” and getting the right fit in shops seems impossible. With a trip to India in April I’m also hoping to “run up” tunics and trousers. I agree about lack of fabric shops – Linton Tweeds in Carlisle is worth a look – expensive but exquisite.
Claire B says:
I love that blazer, you look great! And I absolutely love everything Francis Tobin is wearing – she looks amazing!
Linda says:
I have not gone very far in making my own clothes, but this blog has captured my imagination: http://www.mrsmscuriositycabinet.com/ This blog is written by a woman in the UK who was motivated to limit her clothing acquisitions to the levels allowed during WWII. Years ago, when I started following her, I was interested in minimalism, and the sourcing of yarns and fabrics that didn’t pollute waterways with dyes and other chemicals. I hope to at least make a sweater someday.
I also enjoy Alabama Chanin.
Angela Muller says:
My Mom made all the clothes for herself and me, my sister, and her granddaughters …meticulous, gorgeous clothes! She could look at a dress in a store window, go home and make the pattern to sew that wonderful garment. It was a gift! She also inspired and taught a neighbor how to sew, who eventually made everything she wore. Sadly, only my sister inherited the talent! But, she instilled in me my love for vintage, well made clothing! Wonderful article!
Donna Gilbert says:
After finishing uni as a mature student recently I’ve returned to sewing with a vengeance. I adore being able to challenge myself to make more complex garments – far more exciting than anything you will find on the High Street and with a longer life span. I agree that buying fabrics on line is not the same but there are some amazing online suppliers out there. Many post on Instagram and include videos to show how the fabrics drape. I used to live in a small suburb and pre-internet found the choice of fabrics just dire. Alyson, there are some amazing women of our age creating the most fabulous garments – just check out the #sewover50 hashtag. They are an inspiration – and so supportive of sewists at all levels. Great blog post btw and good to see you promoting home sewing. If you have time please have a look at my own Instagram @sewnotmature – several Maker’s Atelier garments on there!
Zoe says:
I have used furnishing silk for dresses as it often is more interesting . Always have a slight fear that I ll meet someone who says they ve got bedroom curtains that match my dress !
Linda B. Kerr says:
I have made my clothes since I was a teenager. My inspiration was the fashion magazines I poured over for hours. First Seventeen, later Glamour and Mademoiselle, finally Vogue and Bazaar. I couldn’t find or afford those clothes, so I bought patterns (mainly Vogue) and went to our local department store (this was in the 60’s and 70’s) or Chicago and bought basic, good quality cottons, wools, linens and silks….I guess I was driven, and followed the instructions relentlessly, which were written very well, and over the years became quite good. Most of my clothing hanging in my closet is made by me. And the insides of the garments are just as beautiful as the outsides. I have an older machine, heavy and substancial which does basic stitches and a good buttonhole attachment. I do not own a surger. I make French seems, flat-felled (where appropriate) or other old-fashioned methods of finishing seems. There is a huge feeling of accomplishment to have created a garment that fits and is of the perfect fabric of my choice. Yes, and at a fraction of the price in most cases. If I were paid for labor, the cost would be huge!. The only problems is that when I no longer wear the garment, for whatever reason, it is very hard to give it away, to a resale shop or whatever.
I buy my fabric online or make pilgrimages to Oak Fabrics (in Chicago) or Britex in San Francisco and stock up. Thanks you for posting this!
Carol G. says:
Linda, I live in a suburb of Chicago so quickly looked up Oak Fabrics. Google says they are permanently closed. There is still Vogue Fabrics in Evanston, IL..I have not been there in probably over 20 years.
Les Is More says:
Do not despair! Oak Fabrics did close their brick and mortar store but Rachel is still going strong online. Fabulous, well curated indie patterns and high quality, fun fabrics (Liberty and Merchant & Mills, to name a few). Free swatch service and quick shipping.
Where was she 30 years ago when I was learning to sew???
Flora says:
I live in France and yesterday I saw Lidl had Pfaff sewing machines for about 100€ if I had any sewing talent I would have snatched one up. I think Lidl are fairly similar throughout Europe you may find one where you live.
Sheree says:
Totally agree with all your comments Donna. It seems to me that although the old-fashioned high street fabric shops have mostly died away, they had a poor selection of fabrics. These days the choice is amazing. Those that live in London have Goldhawk Road (lots of shops) Walthamstow (market plus shops ) Soho (Cloth House) and Brixton (Simply Fabrics).
Many of these will have ex designer fabrics.Barbara says:
Inspired by the Great British Sewing Bee I returned to sewing a couple of years ago. I find now that being older I have more patience when things go wrong to sort it out ! The lack of fabric shops is a problem so I tend to buy when the opportunity arises to build up a bit of a stash. Difficult to find patterns that are simple enough to achieve without too much stress but the few I have found I tend to repeat in different types of fabrics. It’s so satisfying to set up on a corner of the kitchen table with a podcast on and create, with varying degrees of success
bobbie Calgaro says:
I have been sewing for 50 years. I still make a good many of my clothes and now at 67 I am taking the time to be more intentional with what I make. I’ve lived a kind of Peter Pan life with clothes. Dressing cutesy and not grown up enough. (ahh what my daughter always called “elementary school teacher clothes”) Now I want to dress like the grownup I am with a little cheek but more classy. It’s never too late to change your spots right? Loving the thought of being casual yet spending money on good fabric and definitely interesting patterns.
Mrs Tonia says:
This post has inspired me to return to dressmaking which I used to do from my teens onwards. I enjoyed first making dolls clothes then things for me to wear out of an evening.
I uncovered loads of fabulous Liberty fabrics, bought long ago and mislaid in storage units but found again last year. Plans to make garments then didn’t materialise. But no excuses now. I’ve got sewing kits, books on pattern making, cutting out scissors and a new machine. And fabric. Plan is to install myself at the dining table and set up a sewing place. It’s big enough for the cutting out and keeping the machine at the ready. Thanks for this post, the profile of the Makers Atelier and this must needed nudge to do more than repairs by hand.Such a pity that the classes at Makers Atelier are already booked, as they were when I checked last year.
Any suggestions Alyson or others for other sewing workshops in London area ? Also, where can I get a dressmakers dummy ideally second hand, looking at the finished garments I realise how useful this would be if I resume dressmaking in earnest, rather than tinkering with hems and small alterations of the type I do now.Yolande Knight says:
As a kid in the 70s, my mum made a lot of my clothes, with the rest second hand from jumble sales. I’m quite handy with knitting needles, but less so with a sewing machine, but bought myself a second hand 80s metal Bernina a few years ago, which came with all the trimmings. It’s sturdy, built to last, and entirely unconfusing in how it works, and is proving great for sewing simple patterns in cottons and linens. It even sews at half speed, which is essential for me 😀
There are so many amazing sewing resources out there now on the web- from wonderful patterns, to tutorials on youtube, to whole online video classes. I also have no issues with buying fabric online, as I tend towards known-to-me suppliers and natural fabrics. The good online suppliers will provide swatches as well- ok, you have to pay for them, but that seems fair enough, and again, the good ones are also happy to chat about your needs. Sadly the fabric shops I do know about near me tend to only carry cotton quilting fabric.
Fran says:
Mum was a sewer & a knitter making many of our clothes as my siblings & I were growing up. I have inherited the sewing gene which was further advanced in my first job making medical garments of all things! Compelled to give any shop bought items of clothing a good check over before parting with any money. Been known to partly re-make said clothes! Also, securing of buttons seems to feature quite a bit! Interesting to know if there’s anyone else out there who does the same!
Goddess in the details says:
I hate sewing and knitting. I was put off by the needlework classes at my all-girls’ grammar, and my fury that this subject was considered necessary for girls, whereas my brother, at the boys’ school, got far more exciting options. As a consequence, anything I make is distinctly poor quality – e.g. the curtains I made in 2012 that hung, limply and unevenly, until last year when I had to replace them. So my sewing isn’t waste-saving, rather the opposite!
Isobel says:
I thoroughly enjoyed this post and all the comments and now want to check out The Maker’s Atelier, The Camden Stitch, sewoverfifty and all the rest mentioned!
In my 20s I worked at a big department store, in patterns and dress materials, which is when I learnt to sew. I did enjoy it but let it peter out somehow. I’m now one of those with a drawer or more of various fabrics, clothing items that need altering (all from op-shops) and a collection of wonderful sewing/tailoring books. My plan is to catch up on the alterations and then next year, in retirement, “return to sewing with a vengeance”, as Donna above said!Definitely check it out Isobel – ther’e’s a wonderful sewing community out there who will be only too happy to spur you on – some great sewing challenges on Instagram as well if you’re stuck for ideas
Cath Clarke says:
Thank you again Alyson – your always on the money with your blog. I am for ever glad I failed Latin in high school as I studied ‘ needlework’ instead. Whipping up a sky blue denim jacket & skirt with Hong Kong interior finish for my finals – aged about 15 years of age. I was then a no fear sewer. ( I have found that post menopause I’m not as trusting in my abilities) I type this with two patterns on my lap as I’m planning/dreaming of popping in to the city ( Sydney) to purchase fabric to create with. Sewing – purposeful, planned, fabulous for ones mental health I find. Happy sewing everyone- even if it hand sewing.
Shirley says:
I recently discovered Nerida Hansen fabrics. – unique and inspiring designs in limited editions just begging to be purchased. When my purchases arrived, the quality of the fabric was fabulous and I was inspired to think ‘how can I best showcase this’.
Janet says:
As a lifetime sewer, who started making dolls clothes and eventually made my own wedding dress, I still occasionally make something to wear, as well as making curtains and cushion covers.I did have some sewing lessons, as even the grammar school I attended in the 60’s still thought girls should be able to do basic sewing. It is a useful skill to have and now there is more general encouragement for people to make things for themselves. Although fabric shops have more-or-less disappeared from high streets, on-line fabric shops have made fabric much more available . As a teenager, both my sister and I were encouraged to make clothes for ourselves, which at that time were cheaper than those in the shops. My mother made a lot of her clothes, especially when she lived in West Africa, as European clothes were simply not to be had. On the other hand, there is now a much broader range of well-made ready -to-wear clothes.
Fabulous post Alyson, I get such a happy feeling reading anything about sewing. I bought a new sewing machine when I retired over 10 years ago and knew that it would play an important roll in my future although at the time I had no idea what. Since then I have joined a creative sewing group and learned all sorts of new skills that have helped me in my new career as a textile artist. I occasionally make something for myself to wear and would suggest to anyone thinking of having a go that a skirt is a good project to begin with. For anyone visiting Perth in Western Australia there is an exceptional fabric store aptly named”Fabulous Fabrics”. They select beautiful fabrics from all over the world and although not cheap provide quality, choice and expertise. Thank you to all the commenters who have recommended fabric shops – I have made notes of places to visit when I am in the UK in June.
Amy Tuite says:
I’ve been sewing my own clothes for about 12 years now. I don’t have trouble finding good fabric. Maybe Australia has better curated fabric shops, but I doubt it. There’s lots of excellent fabric shops out there. I found a few really good ones in London three years ago. Check out some fabric shop guides on sewing websites.
What a timely and encouraging post. I have resolved to have a “No Retail 2020”. If I want or need (not likely) something “new” I can either make it myself or find it secondhand. Too many Scrolling sessions have resulted in unnecessary packages arriving at my door. Making your own clothes requires a more purposeful and thoughtful approach to acquiring more clothes, not to mention honing or learning a skill and spending those scrolling hours more mindfully. Thank you for always providing your readers with something interesting and worthwhile. Cheers!
MaureenC says:
Great post, I’m delighted to see this happening whilst knowing that I will always be a spectator. At school I got thrown out of needlework after I irreparably knackered a sewing machine, then as an adult I had another equally unsuccessful attempt at an evening class, run by a tutting older women who seemed to take sadistic pleasure in my inadequacy as a seamstress. However I salute those who can do this stuff and I am happy to use local tailoring and alterations businesses (which have also made a welcome return) to get the right fit. I can do basic repairs which probably puts me ahead of most of the population these days but I’ve made peace with my lack of aptitude for anything more complex. I’m thankful for my green fingers in the garden!
Janet van der Veen says:
First find your fabric. For anyone living in the north we have my spiritual home
Fabworks Mill in Dewsbury.
They have tweeds from Avoca, Huddersfield suiting,
Saville Row shirting and much more including curtaining and upholstery fabrics.Francesca Robinson says:
I live in rural Norfolk, and while the fabric shops are spread thinly, they are there. Market towns such as Eye, Attleborough, Wymondham, Kings Lynn, Great Yarmouth, all have their own fabric shops, and I know that some date from the days when many people sewed their own clothes. How odd that Norfolk should be so blessed when other areas are barren.
Judith says:
It’s fabulous to see this article and the comments from people who are feeling inspired to start sewing again. As Donna said there is plenty of inspiration on our account @SewOver50 on Instagram, and on the hashtag #SewOver50. I started the account 18 months ago due to the lack of representation of the over 50s in the sewing world media. There are now 17,000 of us inspiring each other , sharing patterns and ideas, feeling so much better about our clothes as we can adapt to our own styles, colours, bodies. I am also at @judithrosalind. Hope to see some of you over there
I just checked out the websites recommended by Amy above. Of the two Tilly and the Buttons looks like a very friendly site with good online tutorials available plus fabric and patterns to purchase too. A useful resource to engage with. Lots of the models millennials in cute outfits which I wouldn’t wear. But as a late 60s somewhat rusty but competent needlewoman I’m sure this can work for me too.
Mrs Tonia, you may be interested in Raystitch classes. I noticed that in April they have a class that teaches the “fielder top”. This is a pattern by Merchant and Mills (an excellent source of fabric and patterns). I made the dress version of it myself and it is a straight-forward pattern that is comfortable to wear.
Sue Bailey says:
Try Merchant & Mills. They do run workshops and they have the most beautiful fabrics online. They are based in Rye with a fabulous shop. Carolyn the owner is lovely.
Helen says:
I’m a 56yr old fashion designer who went back to making my own clothes. This decision had everything to do with sustainability, and knowing who made my clothes. I have also embraced secondhand clothes. Aside from the better fit/styling/fabrics that my me-made clothes have , I also can choose prints and colors that appeal to me, and suit me. Diving back into sewing gave my creativity a boost, as I have been in the biz a long time. Learn to sew, start with easy items and learn by doing. It is satisfying and will spark pride, I promise.
Sue Dunne says:
Fabulous site so glad I found it. Abakhan (not sure if that’s the right spelling) mills in North Wales, Liverpool and lots of other northern towns (wish they would open a place in Bristol) sell interesting fabrics some you can buy by the kilo ! It’s a bit hit and miss sometimes but it’s well worth a visit. I pop in when I visit my Cousin in Anglesey most of my curtains are made from material bought by the kilo, from there. Made some shift dresses from fabric again bought by the kilo staff are very friendly and knowledgeable and there is a very good cafe.
At moment trying to make a prom dress for my Granddaughter who has grand design ideas ! Lovely to read all of your comments.AVC says:
I was an enthusiastic but not very proficient sewer in my teens in the 1970s.
My patient sewing teacher encouraged the skills and love of fabric which I still retain.
I did improve and made maternity dresses, baby and toddler clothes, curtains and bedding and small items.
When my daughter needed a prom dress I bought the most beautiful violet silk, the lining required and muslin to support the construction as a chance meeting with a friend said it would help. It did. She looked sensational in it. Her domestic crafts teacher told her it was an excellent result. I was so proud!
Then I went to a school reunion in my 60th year and my old teacher was there. And I told her too and she was so pleased. A circle completed!MrsSchuby says:
I’m just tired of not finding what I need in ready-to-wear clothes. I think the lack of pockets is so irritating. I asked my husband recently if he would ever buy a pair of jeans without pockets. He laughed and said he wouldn’t even look at them! I recently saw a photograph of a bride who wore a stunning dress, but had her hands in pockets! Well what a great idea! So many of us have been indoctrinated that we must always carry a handbag for our little things (and not so little with the addition of phones). This is why I like to sew my own clothes. To ensure I am well dressed in lovely, but functional garments.
Michelle 
Val 
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I grew up wearing homemade clothes and hand me downs. My mother taught me how to sew and how to knit. While I have done a fair bit of knitting I haven’t done any real sewing in a very long time. I have been considering going back to sewing pieces especially as I can’t always find what I want to wear in the shops. However, I need a sewing machine and in my tiny flat there simply isn’t room for one. The other issue is buying material. These types of shops are disappearing and although I believe material can be purchased online that wouldn’t suit me as I need to feel the texture and be sure of the colour. Making your own clothes is not only satisfying it also means the items are unique which gives me added impetus to work my way through the issues I have raised.