The FastDay Forum

Anyone out there know anything about dressmaking?? I need pattern buying advice.

Min has asked for a dress for Christmas. Simples you may say....errr you don't know Min. This dress, this vision of beauty must be a specific style, sorted, fitted bodice, flared but not too flared skirt, kinda tea dressy/shift dress! I know what she means. A loud flower / peacock feather design. Okay. It's the kind of dress you slap on some red lipstick, killer heels and boom you've arrived. No one will miss you in a dress like this! She's 11!! Oh and it has to be made in Santas workshop and be hand stitched with love by Mrs Santa ( yes she still believes)
I have found my Mrs Santa who has told me get the pattern and material and I shall sew.

Therein lies the problem. I have no knowledge about this. Please where do I get this kind of pattern from, any good brands etc websites, im in a paper pattern hell!! I have a good local material shop nearby but they do quilts not dresses so no patterns.

All I need is a gentle nudge in the right pattern direction. Thanks x

[carorees]

Simplicity are a good brand: http://www.simplicitynewlook.com/
The website is v helpful about fitting etc too!

Thanks for that will take a look x

I've not bought from this site but it looks to have a good selection of patterns:

http://sewing-online.com/haberdashery/sewing_patterns/

Just avoid Vogue patterns are they are a bit tricky if you're not used to following a dress pattern.

Good luck and post a pic of the dress when it's made!

As well as finding a pattern, scour magazines and cut out the bits that you think will show what your daughter has in mind. Things like 'this bodice but not the skirt' for your dressmaker to peruse. If she is experienced enough she will be able to adapt patterns for you.