[Sally76]

Hi, I have been sewing for about a year, so I am a moderate beginner, and to date have just made stuff for the children.

I'd really like to make something for me, am thinking probably a top, not too tricky, not too fancy, probably casual, but open to any ideas.

Can anyone suggest a pattern (free online would be great, but am happy to buy a pattern too).

From one tired mum

[noi'mnot]

I can't suggest any patterns, but how about a bag? I haven't had time between sewing for little people and curtains to do anything for me, and really love the bag that I sewed.

[claireabell]

Colette patterns are very good, and they have a free top download: http://www.coletterie.com/colette-patterns...he-sorbetto-top

Their sewing handbook is fantastic and comes with five patterns that ate quite easy. I'd really recommend it as an introduction to sewing for yourself. There's heaps of info in fitting etc.

[Alvarywinters]

I recently made myself a poncho type top...super easy, looks great, in fashion and took very little time.
I made mine from another I had and made the body part much longer...was 2 sideways D shapes with a short seam under the arm to make it sit closer...there are heaps of patterns online, many of them free

[SarahM72]

You can make skirts very easily without a pattern. Just sew up a tube of material that is about two times your waist measurement. Then put a double row of elastic in the top by making a casing then sewing through the middle to make two (double elastic looks nicer IMO). Then thread elastic, sew up holes in casing. Hem. TA-DA! New skirt.

Otherwise make a tiered skirt by sewing gathered tiers together, and making the waist band in the same way. No need for any pattern. Just decide the ratio you want your tiers to be. I like one and half times as long as the tier above.

This post has been edited by SarahM72: 03/04/2012, 11:27 AM

[melajoe]

Alvarywinters, do you mean something like this? I recently made one of these for DD1 following this tute. Have been thinking about making myself one as I have noticed this style of top seems to be 'in' at the moment. Have seen a few of them around anyway.

This post has been edited by melajoe: 03/04/2012, 12:05 PM

[Alvarywinters]

Yup, much like that. You can use so many types of fabrics and change the design easily without risking ruining it...going to be making a little one for my niece using layers of frills of floral cotton hehe

[Sally76]

Thanks for all of your ideas, much appreciated