i'm so new, i don't even know where to start....

hi, everyone...i've been browsing these this forum for a while, checking out all your amazing clothes! (funkyphresh, you are absolutely amazing!!!)

well, i haven't sewed anything since 7th grade home economics, which would be about 15 years ago. but i REALLY wanna try! a friend of mine lent me her sewing machine (cuz she never uses it) after my yard sale/thrift store search was unsuccessful.
i went to JoAnne's to look for patterns, and DAMN, they are expensive! i just want a simple skirt pattern or something to start with!
do you all use patterns? where do you get them? my thrift stores suck for this kind of thing.
i'll keep you posted once i learn how to use the machine.....any advice would be MUCH appreciated!
peace.
LP

 

Sewing patterns are expensive unless you wait for the sales then the patterns will be anywhere from 1.99-.99 for simplicity and mccall's and 75% off of vogues. That's when you should stock up; otherwise check for the cheaper patterns put out from Simplicity called New Look or It's So Easy those are usually $2-3 all the time.

But you don't need patterns to make a skirt. I've listed some free pattern links here, here, and another list can be found here.

You should also check out TrippyThreads, Sewing.org, and SavvySeams.com.

Sometimes I use patterns sometimes I don't.

 

hullo and welcome
any patterns i get are usually vintage from ebay..
i really only use patterns for bodice's tho..
good luck!!

 

I work at hobby lobby and we sometimes have sales on them. Their anywhere from like 6-18 ish bucks. but we have them on sale sometimes for either 99 cents or 1.99.

 

Well, in case you want to try JoAnn's again for patterns, according to a sales flyer, McCall's patterns will be on sale for $1.99 on June 17 & 18. I usually get patterns from JoAnn's when they're 99 cents, but it's been several months since they've had them marked down that low. However, every month I've seen them advertise certain brands for the $1.99 price.
Good luck with the whole sewing thing!!

 

some sewing stores have discount patterns - I've picked up a few of them (I don't normally order online) and adjusted the pattern to my taste, that seems to work well and is inexpensive