Dear Monika,
I am looking for exactly that kind of silver brocade textile you showed on your photo! I see you uploaded it already 2 years ago... Do perhaps know where I can buy that type of silver brocade??? Its really hard to find.. Pffff
Hope you hear from you.
Thanks!!!

Only just saw your topic. I see many designers who create over the top fashion, and personally wear sweatshirts and jeans. Totally understandable. In high school people are usually too judgmental. If you're heading off for college, thats a great time to let your creativity show in what you wear as well. It's an easy way to start conversations about one of your designs. Later when looking for jobs, or creating your own line, what you wear will have an impact on your success. I've always loved combining little beaded dresses with a hoody and sneakers. There's always a way to mix your pieces in!!! Well.... Unless its a sequined gown with a mermaid tail!!!!! Best of luck!!!

A picture would be great.

If you need a pattern for a generic bunny hug, simplicity 7854 (you can buy the pattern online if you can't find it in a pattern store). If you don't want to spend the money or time, take an old bunnyhug that you no longer use, but that still fits, and cut it out along the seams (when you trace this, add a seam allowance).

If you need to have the stripes a certain way (which is usually the case), figure out the base colour and build the bunny hug out of that. Before sewing, cut the stripes out and applique them onto the cut out fabric pieces (or you could build your own striped fabric by cutting out the stripes from each fabric and sewing them together before construction).

I hope this helps

Or you can just cut a green OR purple hoodie and sew it onto the other one. =)

You should try opening your own online store. Start small - maybe a free Big Cartel site - and then go from there. Etsy could work too.

Source: I own my own streetwear brand, Winter Lotus (www.winterlotus.com)

Do you know the make and model number of the machine? A lot of newer machines have downloadable pdf files of the manuals which have helpful tips in them on setup, different stitches, and usually a troubleshooting page in case you get stuck. I think craftsy.com has a beginners sewing class online. You pay for it once and then you can do a little bit whenever you have time. The tutorial videos are there forever once you pay for them.

I learned a lot from books and tutorials on youtube when I was getting started. Look on Amazon for beginner's sewing books. The reviews are usually a great indication of whether or not the book will be a good fit, and if your local library is any good they probably have some of the same books for free. This one was really helpful for me:http://www.amazon.com/Sewing-Machine-Accessory-Bible-Machine-From/dp/0312676581/ref=pd_sim_b_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=1WBCD2W9SMV1Q3NV0ABS

Once you figure out the basic setup and maintenance, the best way to get accustomed to your machine is just to start sewing! Most people's first machine projects tend to be pillows, since they're all straight seams with a basic running stitch. Using different fabrics and learning to adjust your tension accordingly will save you lots of frustration down the line. The One Yard Wonders series are full of beautiful projects for all levels of sewing once you get used to the basics of your machine.

So I'm not sure where I should post this or if I am even doing this correctly but here it goes.

I was recently gifted a sewing machine, something I have wanted...well for years. There is one slight setback...I have no idea how to work it.

I've never really had anyone around me who..would sew? We're all pretty crafty (you get that way when money is tight!) But we don't really..sew. I love sewing by hand but I only know a few things because I don't have anyone around to really show me how its done.

I was just wondering could anyone try to either link me to helpful things or explain some of the basics of operating a sewing machine and sewing by hand.

I know this post was 2 years ago, but I was wondering if you ever did anything with that fabric. If not, I'd like to buy it from you. Let me know. Thanks!

Could you post a picture of the one you're trying to make?

You could always paint it with fabric paints, which would probably be the cheapest option. Other than that, you could cut green and purple hoodies into strips and sew them together in whatever formation you need them.

I'm a cosplayer, working on a costume for a convention coming up and after all the searching I did, the one piece I need doesn't appear to exist so I decided to make it. Only problem is, I'm not sure where to start.

I need a green and purple stripped pullover hoodie. I figure sewing would be the best option, but can't seem to find a pattern online. Anyone know of any patterns that would be available in stores, or even a better way to go about this?

You can get some idea from online store they also have a great collectino of clothings. Two Square Clothing brings a best range of <a href="http://twosquareclothing.com/">mens streetwear</a>.

If they're expecting unique, tailored costumes, then an hourly rate should be factored in as well as the usual cost. I'm going into costuming after I graduate and so far everyone I've talked to in the industry has told me they either charge an hourly rate or per fitting. Personally I prefer an hourly rate for anything elaborate, plus cost of materials x3. Once I work up an estimate I ask for the cost of materials as a down payment just in case they change their mind, and let them know that if any changes need to be made (like they decide they want an extra detail added in, or they want some sort of accessory to go with the costume) that that will affect the final cost. So far that's been working for me.

I'm a bit frazzled. Someone sent me a message on my FB page asking for a price quote on a group of Flinstone costumes. But gave me no specifcs. I have no idea how many costumes they want made, what costumes they want made, what sizes they need or when they need it done by.

So I responded back with these questions and let them know that that affects the price. Generally I charge cost of materials X3 but I'm wondering if a flat rate price would work better or an hourly cost? Any suggestions from anyone else who makes costumes for extra income?

Maybe organize a fashion show? Get your friends, family, and anyone else you know who'd like to participate involved. Make it an open invite, and just have fun!

(plus when you sell them on etsy/ebay later, you can say they were used in a fashion show c: ) Blogging is also a good outlet, you'll receive feedback and feel great about your clothes/designs

Hey guys,
I've been looking around (pretty much everywhere) for apprenticeships in dressmaking which I could apply for in September 2015, but I can't seem to find any. I've found a few college courses but I would prefer to do an apprenticeship because that would suit me better.
Does anyone know of any that are available?
Thanks! x