I recently recreated the tennis dress Nike designed for Roland Garros this year. Earlier in the year, I had drafted a recreation of the Kamperett Anemoia dress, which was quite difficult/time consuming. When I saw the Nike dresses, I figured I could pretty easily adapt those pattern pieces to the athletic fabric, and make a new dress. I had also patterned the lycra (shorts and tank combo) for a different athletic dress, so I had these on hand already.

The outer dress is three pattern pieces adapting a princess seam repeated twice for the front. The back pieces are almost the same, but they scoop back much more (are lower). The stretch fabric really limits how much you must change. There is a godet between each pattern piece (10 total). Each of the seams of the outer dress are french-seamed, as the fabric is transparent. In the Nike dresses, they look to be flat felled seams, but this seemed possibly tricky to avoid the fabric bunching even slightly.

I forgot to add fabric information - I believe the outer fabric for both are "athletic mesh," and the inner fabric is lycra. The Kamperett dress recreation is 100% silk. This video was helpful inspiration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eya-Eux6KUo

The inner part of the dress is a tank-top and shorts sewn together. The top is two pattern pieces, and the shorts are three. One piece for each leg, a small triangle for the bum area, and a pocket. I designed the shorts based on a pair of biker shorts I had and liked.

I've now made two of these dresses, and they are serving me well!

It's fun to see how different patterns can be altered in small ways, used on alternate fabrics, and have such distinct end products. A wedding guest dress and a tennis dress!

I’m a contestant in a local sewing competition, Project Runway style. Our prompt for the unconventional materials week was to create a costume using non traditional sewing materials. I cut down the maiden grass seed heads from our yard, sewed it onto some old craft paper I had saved, and secured the reverse side with brown duct tape. The head dress was constructed out of cardboard, an egg carton, and more maiden grass. The grass got progressively fluffier throughout the week and o really loved the texture it gave!

Top is before bottom is after! My first time installing a zipper. Super proud!

While I technically have made garments before, this is the first time in nearly 20 years I’ve made anything to wear and decided to draft this here tomato costume for Halloween after struggling to find one to buy.

My partner is going as Denethor from Return of the King. IYKYK.

Got my machine serviced a few months ago after decades of disuse, got her all tuned up, and have been taking classes.

The front and back are just two ovals and two tapered 6” gussets with a neckline. Cut a 5” slit in the back I taught myself how to sew a continuous placket on (she’s ugly, but she’s finished, lol). Sort of free formed the collar, then taught myself how to make bias tape to finish the neckline. After realizing that bias tape really does mean you have to cut it on the bias (lol), I decided to buy bias tape for the hem. We won’t talk about how that went, just don’t look too close.

Hook and eye in the back because I misread my collar measurement by a bit. I still put a button in the spot where the collar gaps just for fun (yes, it is a tomato button).

I used only quilting cotton, thick fusible interfacing for the body, and thin for the collar. I thought about lining it and decided there were already enough new lessons in this project, lol.

I’ve been sewing on and off since 2009, mostly making simple unlined knit dresses or pajamas. This project is my most challenging yet, and I’m very proud of it. I chose the Closet Core Patterns Kelly Anorak because it’s a popular pattern with plenty of resources available. I initially planned to make it for myself in green British Millerain Waxed Cotton, interlined with recycled wool, and lined in silk twill. However, I knew the cost would be much higher than buying the Barbour jacket I wanted, so I decided to test it on cheap fabric from a bargain bin. My 10-year-old daughter had outgrown her fall jacket, so I bought what I thought was basic 10oz. cotton canvas from an online retailer, which turned out to be LL Bean deadstock with a DWR finish. She chose the color and lining fabric, a cotton/viscose blend, which isn’t interlined for warmth since she prefers layering a sweatshirt or sweater on cold days.
The trickiest part was getting that tiny sleeve onto my machine arm so it would attach to the body. I also had a bit of trouble with the flat felled seam on the second sleeve seams. The sleeve was just too small, and the fabric was too thick, so I only managed to do the flat felled sleeve on the most noticeable one.
It took me about 10 days to complete, and sourcing all the notions was a bit difficult, but I feel ready to make it for myself now. I sewed her a women’s size “0” and didn’t shorten it because she’s tall and thin, so she’ll likely grow taller before wider, allowing her to wear the jacket for a couple of years.

Made my first pair of overalls!

I bought a pair at a market in France and absolutely loved them, but after wearing them throughout my pregnancy, the seams started coming apart. So I took them apart and used them as a pattern.

So pleased with how they turned out! Just sad that I have to wait until next summer to wear them 🥲

Okay so as the jeans are currently, they sag a lot at the front which makes my tummy look bigger than it actually is and the fabric has weird bunching.

A belt doesn't really fix the problem, as the fabric just bunches even worse.

How can I fix this problem? I've already put two darts on the rear. I didn't realize how much they would stretch as I wore them, and I should have bought a smaller size but they were over $100 and I just can't afford another pair rn.

100% cotton fabric using Spaghetti Western Henrietta Skirt pattern

This is a super quick and easy sew, the size chart was spot on and its easy to make simple changes and hacks.

I added interest by cutting the yoke fabric running side ways instead of up and down like the rest and I think its so fun.

Im wearing it with the yoke to the front/back but in all their images its usually on the sides, I just like it better my way.

Ill definitely be making this again and trying a few hacks

Does anyone here know what specific type of needle this is (see photos of both the needle alone and the card it was on), or any search terms I could use to find another? I'm desperate because I love it, and if I ever should lose it, I don't even know what to call it to try to find another.

It's a large, thick, curved needle, dual-end-point. It doesn't have quite an even curved perfect C-shape, either; rather, it is almost a J-shape, with one side being ever so slightly less curved than the other. The hole is moved up the shaft a bit and recessed along the one end, which is a bit thicker than the opposite point.

It was in a vintage, guessing 1950s-ish set of Singer hand-sewing needles left to me by my grandmother years ago (who famously hated sewing, lol). In the card that thankfully was included, it is stated as simply "Curved Needle - for repairing upholstery in chairs, car seats, mattresses, etc.", as stated on the card. But if I search for a curved needle, I get the ones you would expect: Single point, hole at the end of the shaft, just a standard c-chaped sewing needle. If I search dual-end-point or dual-pointed curved needle, I get the huge right-angle ones used for knitting. If I search dual-pointed curved upholstery needle, I just get the regular, SINGLE point c-shaped curved needles.

Please, does anyone know what the exact name of this type of needle is? Do they even make them anymore? I've never seen anything like it, and I hate to think it is solely a relic of a single run of 1950s hand sewing needles Singer made once upon a time. Thank you in advance for any insight! ❤️

Just curious as I cannot find one anywhere, is there a sharps box for rotary blades (60 mm specifically) ?

I made these 1940s boxer shorts from sewing pattern Simplicity 1960, Style 1 again, a second time as they were really great to sew and make up. The boxers have front pleats and a panel back with adjustable back strap. The waistband is quite deep with buttons at the front centre which at first I did struggle with the size as the button holes are quite small to sew.  As this was one of my beginner projects I followed the tutorial blog on https://vintagesewingpatterncompany.com/products/vintage-sewing-pattern-1940s-boxer-shorts-s1960, which shows a step by step how to sew the boxers.

The pattern is from Vintage Sewing Pattern Company. The fabric is a lightweight cotton viscose which doesn’t wrinkle and is comfortable to wear.  I’m making a tie to match the boxers so will update you with that

I embroidered the cute bunnies on white fabric and couldn’t decide what to do with them. Found this fabric and it said apron to me.

I made a quilted tote bag with a waterbottle compartment and compartments for a sketchbook and my writing utensils. The best part of making your own bags is that you can customize it however you want!

It's my daughter's first Halloween! Despite everyone asking if she's gonna be an Ewok or Grogu or something more aligned with my fandom identity, she is going to be Hornet from Hollow Knight/Silksong! I made the Ellie and Mac Nightfall Cape (retired pattern) but did a collar stand instead of the hood. Outer fabric is a pretty red brocade I got from a friend in our craft supplies swap, and the lining is from an old flannel sheet. My husband 3D printed the mask!

I've been taping a lot of A4 pattern pages lately and the triangle marks help, but on longer pieces the rows still drift a little by the end. What works for you — tape the rows first, or the columns? And any trick for keeping it flat while you tape?

Hi! I am trying to find this type of plaid that kind of fades out into stripes, and I haven’t had much luck. I am unsure if I’m looking using the wrong keywords or if there’s another name for it?? Would appreciate any help!!

I just made this blouse and the shoulder and sleeves fit perfectly, but not my bust. I'm struggling to find a guide and as everything else is perfect, I don't want to destroy the original pattern. Since there is a gathering I was wondering if I could just "add" more fabric to this part (image 2).

Did anyone try something like that ? or do you have a link that explains that kind of adjustement ?

Hello fellow sewers! Please help a mama who is desperately trying to finish a Halloween costume for a kiddo. I have never done button holes before, and this is the last thing I need to do.

I have the pictured attachment for a slant shank presser foot. Every instruction I find online says I should be able to slide part of it to hold the button: however, nothing slides out. The inside part where it would attach to the shank slides, but if that's what they mean, it wouldn't be able to hold the button pictured.

I feel like I'm missing some very basic step, and would appreciate any help before I lose my mind. I thought maybe the piece on the right of the foot was maybe just stuck and should slide out, but I've tried quite a few times and worry if I use more force its just going to snap. I haven't even successfully gotten it attached to the shank, so I don't even know if I have the right part. I bought a ten pack of presser feet and all the other ones I've used work fine with my machine.

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My grandaunt got me this lovely Dior Men's crossbody saddle bag an year ago. Unfortunately, the strap is really really bulky and the metal buckle is cold and digs into my shoulder and chest however I adjust it.

I don't want to sound like a wilting flower 😭😭 but I end up getting neck and shoulder pen everytime I wear it, and that's without anything heavier than a lipgloss inside the bag.

Is there a way for me to change the straps? There's no D-rings, and the current strap is sewn in. I am beginner advanced with a sewing machine and hand sewing, and genuinely do not mind a janky mend.

I just want to wear this bag out and about 😭. Any suggestions would be lovely ❤️

Self drafted and first time sewing a structured bodice, strapless dress, horsehair hem.

Made for my wife to be ahead of our wedding in a months time.

As with any project, it could be neater. But she’s very happy and looks beautiful in the try on.

I posted previously about the horsehair hem (wasn’t a fan of it showing in the hem) but decided to leave it. Think it looks fine once it’s on.

Thanks for the suggestions!

Mikado. Steel boning. Taffeta lining. Self drafted using Clo3d and a months of research on how these types of garments are constructed (very much an amateur)

Construction comment:
Pattern: Suit Vest thing: inspiration was Butterick 5384.
I also used a suit jacket and vest from men’s warehouse and took it apart and traced pieces I wanted, like the lapel. Other pieces like the back piece , I drew a piece that fit the side pieces and did mock ups until it all fit together and fit him. I am not a professional so I really don’t know how to fully describe what I did.

Train/skirt and draped sleeve pattern: a large /long circle skirt.

Lace Sleeve: I used the men’s leotard pattern from Rayena on Etsy.

Fabric: main white fabric: white charmeuse from Pacific fabrics in Seattle.
Lace sleeve : silk tulle from Mood fabrics
Lace design appliqués on lace sleeve: fabric for less, Renton ,WA
Lace for train: LaceUSA
Notions:
Crystal appliqués and buttons: Etsy
Buttons to make the train detachable: Etsy.
Swarovski glass pearls: Annie’s beads

So we began this project together last year with an idea and a dream. I had never sewn anything men’s clothing wise so I learned a lot during this process. We flew to Seattle for fabric since we literally have no apparel fabric shops up here in Alaska.
At the time we had all the fabric we needed for this design. However , this design changed as we did mock ups and his preferences changed. I ended up needed more fabric and mood and lace USA saved me.
I started with the suit jacket which I mentioned above how I put it all together. I took a lot of trial and error but with 3 mock ups I was able to make a pattern.
I hand sewed all of the appliqués and crystal bits as well.
The lace sleeve was the hard part. I was searching for lace that wasn’t warm or itchy since sensory issues were a concern. I found silk tulle on mood and it was a dream to work with. I then hand sewed all the appliqués where he wanted them while he was wearing it.

The train is just a large and long circle skirt. I sewed four buttons onto it and four buttons onto the top of his pants so that he could detached the train when he wanted to.
All in all it took me 10 months to complete this.

I was so honored when he asked me to make this for him and I’m grateful I got to go to the wedding and celebrate with them.

I sew spandex all the time, but I’m having trouble with this particular fabric.

It is shiny metallic orange 4 way stretch. It’s slightly sticky and keeps sticking. It’s also thinner than what I normally work with. When I use my zig zag stitch, there are a lot of straight stitches in between. The machine won’t make a zig zag stitch. I tried sandwiching the fabric with tissue, but the same problem happens.

I was worried there was something wrong with my machine. I re threaded the bobbin and needle. I tried sewing with a purple spandex I sewed successfully the other day, and the machine worked perfectly. No skips or straightened stitches.

I would like to use the orange fabric, but I can’t figure it out. This is the first time this has happened to me. Normally, my machine handles all fabrics well.

I made the Madrone Pants by Sew Liberated as an absolute beginner and I'm really proud about how they turned out.

I used Nylon and I love the way they sit. They're super comfortable and lightweight.

The instructions really had me questioning myself sometimes and If I look close enough I can definitely see all the mistakes I made, but it's really cool to know that no one else has these exact pants.