Any ideas for a good androgynous or unisex clothing to sew?

[Kendall]

Its been a while since I sewed last. Some other hobbies took my attention.

I am sorta figuring out what to do next. But I am not a clothing designer, so I was looking for some inspiration.

What sorta androgynous or unisex type clothing would be good to sew?

It might help listing the things I have made complete so far.
1. giant T-Shirt for sleeping in (floor length) or around the house
2. matching skirt (wrap style) and jacket
3.  50s style dress
4. white blouse
5. kitchen apron, full length
6. spring dress
7. full length duster
8. see through silver mesh tunic (low shoulders)
9. violet red maid uniform

10. started, but failed at a corset (unfinished)

Any pictures, ideas, or thoughts would be helpfull since I am not that imaginative. Though I am not skilled to "wing it" and use patterns still, so am limited by that also (though I can try modifying the pattern, which I have done slightly)

Possible items suggested so far: pants, leggings/capris, shorts, shirts/blouses, and possibly a kilt

[Nero]

Oh can we see pics of some of the ones so far? Would love to see the 50s one and the maid one. Pleeease.

[Constance]

I've toyed with the idea of taking up sewing because I have such a tough time finding clothes that I like.

Is there an (economical) sewing machine you'd recommend for someone starting out? For now, I'm thinking about things like pants, leggings/capris, shorts, shirts/blouses, and possibly a kilt.

[Kendall]

I've toyed with the idea of taking up sewing because I have such a tough time finding clothes that I like.

Is there an (economical) sewing machine you'd recommend for someone starting out? For now, I'm thinking about things like pants, leggings/capris, shorts, shirts/blouses, and possibly a kilt.

I would look at your basic one at your local department store. The fancier stuff I don't even use. I only use a few basic stiches, button hole creator, zig zag for stretch, gathered wide stiches, zippers, buttons, etc. The basic single stich with adjustable length is your basic one however. The most simplest machines can do that. You can probably find a basic one for under $100. I wouldn't get a toy one though. Don't need embroidery or anything like that. Just needle, and some thread to match the fabric.


I use a Brothers XR-75 sewing machine more advanced than this one pictured bellow, but more costly as well. Brothers brand has been great and lasted forever.

Oh can we see pics of some of the ones so far? Would love to see the 50s one and the maid one. Pleeease.

Actually you have seen the post that I made that had a pic of the top of the 50's dress. It doesn't show the bottom however.

I found it in my homemade earing post. This shows the truest color of it, since I took this pic with a nice digital camera. I also made the earings.



These Next two were taken with my old webcam. The second one was made by merging two pics. The colors are not quite right, being a cheap digital webcam (but hey that cam got lots of miles, and lots of use).






The maid one....ummmm (blushes).

Isn't rated PG. Sorta intimate.


Also, my current profile pic, I am wearing the white blouse/stretch shirt that I made. I love the fabric that I made it with.

But here is a pic of the pattern. I made the one that looks like a nurse, minus the apron, and violet red. the frills I used also violet purple matching lace.

[Constance]

Thanks for the recommendations. I'll start looking around.

[Kendall]

This time I really think it would be so great to start from an idea based on concepts to finish. My other ones have been sorta visualized and guesswork.

So the last day I have thought about what concepts to use.

Picking colors.

Starting with Hair Color


Which leads to these colors, which will slide to account for eyecolor.



Once eyecolor is taken into account.


These colors are a possible pool.



Names of the colors
Natural Colors


Eye modified Colors



Possible combinations


Design Clothing Lines
Based on my body shape square top, round bottom
+ =

Which leads to some Basic Rules which I am next going to work on listing next time.

[Del]

Ken/Kendra,
  Here is a site that has a wide variety of patterns available by various suppliers. They also have forums for sewing tips, time saving methods and sewing machine reviews for all types of sewing machines, surgers and such.
  They seem to have a wide assortment of info on a lot of sewing related topics.
 
http://sewing.patternreview.com/

  I enjoyed the pics.
  I hope this is of some help.
  Del

[Gill]

I'm a long time sewer.  I have used the pattern review website and subscribe to their newsletter.  As Del says it has great reviews, tips and recommendations.  For me, I also watch "What not to wear" (the British one with Trini and Susanna) and find their suggestions and advice extremely helpful; dressing for our body shape, etc.

Gill

[Kendall]

Ken/Kendra,
  Here is a site that has a wide variety of patterns available by various suppliers. They also have forums for sewing tips, time saving methods and sewing machine reviews for all types of sewing machines, surgers and such.
  They seem to have a wide assortment of info on a lot of sewing related topics.
 
http://sewing.patternreview.com/

  I enjoyed the pics.
  I hope this is of some help.
  Del

I'm a long time sewer.  I have used the pattern review website and subscribe to their newsletter.  As Del says it has great reviews, tips and recommendations.  For me, I also watch "What not to wear" (the British one with Trini and Susanna) and find their suggestions and advice extremely helpful; dressing for our body shape, etc.

Gill

Thanks Del and Gill for the link.

I have seen the "What not to wear" book, haven't bought it yet, though I might. I do have the other color system reference, which is where the color swatches and body shape basic form came from, as well as some basic suggestions.

Something I would like to try is a light satin. So far I have only used inexpensive cloth. I just thought of trying to make an oriental tai chi /kung fu uniform something like one of these. I own a white set that I bought. Except maybe try some color play, from one of the color pallets with trim vs main cloth colors. Wish I could silk screen. Hehe maybe another hobby to try. That way if it works, I'll have something very useful.

I think something like this would be cute based off of the uniform.

Example of uniform


Sorta what I have in mind. These I found on that pattern review  site you linked.





Gonna have to look to see if I can find a good one that the cut and size are just right.