So there comes a point when you face that dilemma buy or make yourself...which then leads to buy cheap or buy more expensive in the hope it will last forever (or near enough).
I see dresses I like such as these online* and I think I could make it for less...but it wouldn't look anywhere as professional nor would the fabrics be anywhere near the same quality...plus it would take me ages. I know I haven't got the skills or materials to come close but then I worry about buying clothes online as I'm not sure about the fit. I always prefer to try before I buy something over £20.
I know one of the staples of my wardrobe is the 'shirt dress' I have two which I love and as soon as they are out of the wash I'm wearing them again. So I think when it comes to something like that I'd pay a premium to have one custom made.
But when it comes to the more costume-y historically inspired clothing I really have to try hard to resist getting it made up....because I know it'll be the case of getting the outfit then finding a place to wear it. ;) (I have a whole sketchbook full of designs).
But then I've seen quite a few 'cheap' shirt dresses in high street shops....although they tend to be too short...I really don't have the knees for a mini skirt and skinny jeans really aren't my thing.
So its the case of my skills not matching up to my needs and wants clothes wise (and not finding patterns that match what I have in my minds eye). I can't possibly make all that I want so sacrifices will have to be made.
*I do love all those dresses BTW
Lady D, this is very defeatist. I love those clothes too and it seems to me that you just need to get a couple of dress patterns that are simple and classic enough to look very different with different fabrics, accessories and trims. A nice shirtwaister and an empire line with cutaway flare would give you coverage of a lot of those frock styles. The first 'make' of each, use something you like but that was cheap, so if you muck it up no big deal but if it turns out, you'll get some wear out of it. :) Wish you were here, I'd have you sorted in no time! Now if I get time to surf today I'll post back some links to possible pattern options. :)
ReplyDeletehttp://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m4769-products-7355.php?page_id=108
ReplyDeleteIt looks like the best shirtwaist pattern ever!
Thanks. I did look at thet pattern. Only worry is I find butterick/mcalls pattern instructions a bit...erm...sparse. Will have to go serch pattern review see if anyone else has used the pattern.
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