34 Comments
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TC's avatar

As a complete newbie, I’d be interested in good sewing machine recommendations! Maybe if there’s something specific to look for if buying one secondhand? The thing that scares me about making my own clothing is the learning curve of using the actual machinery.

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Cat Rowe's avatar

I look for lightly used machines at machine repair shops. I also like to go for thrift stores that get from estate sales. I got a lightly used one for $45 and it's a dream.

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Tanner Frost Bowen's avatar

I have a list coming with my fav sewing supplies with the Friday newsletter!

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McKenzie's avatar

I’d love to learn how to source affordable, sustainable, and quality fabrics as well as how to alter/ create custom “staple” items of clothing that could build a capsule wardrobe. Excited for this platform!

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Tanner Frost Bowen's avatar

I am working on a fabric video right now, I have lots of thoughts on the subject!

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Josi's avatar

I'm a total beginner, so I'm interested in the technical aspects of sewing like what kind of different settings does a sewing machine have and how to use different stitch patterns etc

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Annika's avatar

A bit off topic maybe. I’d love to hire a “stylist” who helps me understand/sort through my wardrobe “personality”

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Lisa's avatar

How to make your boobs look not saggy... or harnesses!!

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Parker's avatar

Pls pls do a short king's guide to hemming too-long dress shirts :' )

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Tanner Frost Bowen's avatar

STEALING lol

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Jen's avatar

Hemming straight, making patterns out of existing clothes without disassembling them, sewing "gathered" pieces, adding pockets, identifying quality fabric. This is a great idea!

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Malena's avatar

I'd love to learn how to alter garments I thrift. Common problems are the shoulders bunching in a weird way, sleeve length too long, and making more room for a full bust.

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Tanner Frost Bowen's avatar

You are in the right place! Upcycling is one of my main focuses for this project. I am glad you are here!

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Dee's avatar

for me, fitting to my body measurements is the most nerve racking.

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Tanner Frost Bowen's avatar

I know this feeling, that is why I love free sewing so much! All of their patterns are made to measure, so there is less chance of the garment not fitting once you finish it!

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Cat Rowe's avatar

I'd love to learn the basics of pattern drafting and creating some standard pattern templates specific to my body measurements.

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Tanner Frost Bowen's avatar

You are in the right place! I love approaching garment making from a pattern drafting perspective!

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Yan's avatar

I don't know how realistic this is but-- ways to extend clothes? I've got so many pants that no longer fit at the waist and would love to rework them to fit my body!

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Tanner Frost Bowen's avatar

Yes this is a good idea for one of the weeks

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Carolyn B's avatar

I want to make pants that are either tie or elastic waist (adjustable) that are wide leg and flowy. I’m potato-shaped (I say this affectionately) and I really want clothes that get wider than my hips as they go toward the floor. I’m mainly nervous about how much fabric it’ll take and whether I can even find a pattern that matches what’s in my head. Part of me says -do I even need a pattern???- 😵‍💫

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Tanner Frost Bowen's avatar

I think the best way to get an idea out of your head is to just start. Experiment and fail and redo it. I would start with a pants pattern from freesewing.org

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Carolyn B's avatar

I needed that kick in the ass, honestly. Once I have the fabric I can start. Now I need to psych myself up to drive to SR Harris. Cheap fabric for experimenting!

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Cole (She/He/They)'s avatar

I'm super happy to find this resource! I'm a beginner sewer, have made a few things on my own, and am excited to learn more! I am especially interested in ways to make garments that could be adjusted or altered for size fluctuation. I'm a person whose body is different sizes throughout the year, and I am hoping to create a wardrobe that can adapt to me!

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JLWill's avatar

How to fix all my mistakes!

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Tanner Frost Bowen's avatar

Hahah I wish, I need someone to do that for me

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JLWill's avatar

How to fix all the mistakes I’ve made!

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Carole Hanna's avatar

I do not k ow how to sew knits and I am afraid.

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Tanner Frost Bowen's avatar

You can do it! I find that the less I stretch the better!

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Lisa's avatar

Having them look shoddy or poorly made

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Tanner Frost Bowen's avatar

WHO CARES, you made it!!!

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Jasmine Lukuku's avatar

I need to know what I’m going to do with all that junk, all that junk inside my trunk. In other words, I need to learn how to adjust patterns for a dramatic hip to waist ratio.

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Tanner Frost Bowen's avatar

This is a great topic! Lol

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Renn Moss's avatar

How to crop a fleece pullover without ruining it. How to turn a mesh bodysuit from a turtleneck to a v neck (if that’s even possible). How to turn bell sleeves into a regular sleeves (and/or add elastic at wrist). How to quilt a jacket. How to sew my own crewnecks.

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Tanner Frost Bowen's avatar

I am the crewneck queen I got you :)

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