In the past when I was desperately trying to project a male image I wouldn't go near a sewing machine, unless, of course, the sewing machine needed to be repaired, which was a man's job... ::)
Later, when I tried to envision myself living as a woman, the question came up where I would find clothes that fit, since I am a very, very tall woman (like 6'6" / 198cm tall, without heels!). Most retailers, if they offer a tall women's size range, it is usually made for women between 5'6" / 168cm and 5'11" / 180cm, so still too short for me. [A big shoutout here to American Tall (https://americantall.com (https://americantall.com)) for offering an extra tall size scale for women between 6'0" and 6'6".]
As usual when I can't find what I want, my next thought is: how about I make it myself? And that got me interested in learning how to sew. For my first project I found a pattern with a pretty good video instruction that was easy to follow and voila, I found a new hobby! And it aligns perfectly with my gender identity, unlike other hobbies of mine like welding...
With that, I'd like to introduce this new thread where all of us hobby seamstresses and tailors can share and proudly show off our latest fashion designs.
I'll go ahead and show my latest project. For a long time I wanted to have a cropped tweed jacket, but couldn't find one for my arm lengths. So after Thanksgiving I got some fabric, thread and buttons and started the Tweed Jacket project. It took me about 2 weeks to finish the jacket, but that time also included time for grading the pattern to my size, lengthening all pieces and making a toile before even laying hands on the fabric for the jacket. And since I had some leftover fabric, I recently decided to make a matching skirt, so I have now a complete outfit. Here is a picture, both the jacket and skirt are fully lined and the only thing missing are commercial neck or back labels and care instructions:
(https://i.imgur.com/rqVrEkT.jpg)
I hope to see lots of wonderful designs here from you all!
Hugs,
Heidemarie
Hi Heidemarie,
That looks great. Especially the matching skirt.
It was the opposite for me. I bought sewing machines to make my guy clothes fit.
There is such a poor selection for small guys that I had to make do with what I could find.
Marion
Marvelous outfit! It fits so well, and is beautifully proportioned for you! You did great learning!!!!
Quote from: Iztaccihuatl on January 12, 2024, 02:09:36 PMIn the past when I was desperately trying to project a male image I wouldn't go near a sewing machine, unless, of course, the sewing machine needed to be repaired, which was a man's job... ::)
Later, when I tried to envision myself living as a woman, the question came up where I would find clothes that fit, since I am a very, very tall woman (like 6'6" / 198cm tall, without heels!). Most retailers, if they offer a tall women's size range, it is usually made for women between 5'6" / 168cm and 5'11" / 180cm, so still too short for me. [A big shoutout here to American Tall (https://americantall.com (https://americantall.com)) for offering an extra tall size scale for women between 6'0" and 6'6".]
Quote from: Maid Marion on January 12, 2024, 02:55:55 PMIt was the opposite for me. I bought sewing machines to make my guy clothes fit.
There is such a poor selection for small guys that I had to make do with what I could find.
Marion
I, too, have had a lifelong problem finding clothes that fit. I've been sewing all of my life but I don't enjoy it. However, I love the results for my narrow shoulders, long arms, legs, and torso. I bought a pile of women's clothes when these features were in style. But my body has changed shape during the past few years, so I'm replacing my wardrobe.
Taking my petite sweetheart shopping for men's OR women's clothes motivated me to sew again. I love designing clothes and shopping for materials. I'd rather create something new than alter another item that was poorly made. But altering men's and women's patterns for her and me hasn't been as rewarding as I'd like.
QuoteAs usual when I can't find what I want, my next thought is: how about I make it myself? And that got me interested in learning how to sew. For my first project I found a pattern with a pretty good video instruction that was easy to follow and voila, I found a new hobby! And it aligns perfectly with my gender identity, unlike other hobbies of mine like welding...
With that, I'd like to introduce this new thread where all of us hobby seamstresses and tailors can share and proudly show off our latest fashion designs.
I'm learning patternmaking from a Craftsy set of videos and the instructor's book. It's pretty annoying that the instructions for women's bodies don't work for us, and the author plainly states that men's clothes fit looser, so I've had to do days of trial and error to get my first project to fit well. But I'm really excited as I get each step closer to being able to hold functional fabric versions of what we've been imagining.
I started learning pattern drafting from someone who primarily designs for The Industry using Industry Standards. That doesn't work for my sweetheart and me.
I learned from several other sources. I keep getting stuck because our bodies are so non-typical. I'm collecting bits and pieces so I can eliminate Industry Standards and just use our extremely detailed and precise measurements.
Here are some examples of what I've been going through.
I decided if I wanted to sew better fitted clothes for me I really need a dress form. The problem is: there are no dress forms available for 6'6" women! Unless I spend bug bucks and go for a custom made dress form. Or so I thought. Until I stumbled over a web site (https://patterns.bootstrapfashion.com/diy-dress-form-sewing-pattern.html) where one can enter all their measurements and will receive a computer generated sewing pattern for a custom dress form. Cool!
So I spent the last 2 weeks building me my own custom dress form. Here it is. I am still working on the detachable arms.
(https://i.imgur.com/MwGFrJR.jpeg)
Quote from: Iztaccihuatl on February 23, 2024, 04:21:27 PMSo I spent the last 2 weeks building me my own custom dress form. Here it is.
Wow! That is seriously awesome! You'll love seeing your work on it and making adjustments on it!
Years ago, I got the smallest Industry Standard one and glued thick layers of felt all over it to make it close to my shape. Now I have to rebuild it because my shape is all different.
Heidemarie -
Wow! Very very impressive!!!
Thanks, Allie and Moonflower for your comments!
Quick update, over the weekend she has grown some arms. Now I am on the lookout for my next sewing project to make good use of that dress form. I probably will make a dress since I always have issues finding a dress long enough and with the waist line on my waist, not somewhere between my waist and my boobs...
Hugs,
Heidemarie
(https://i.imgur.com/4zyaqMr.jpeg)
Here is my latest creation as a couturière. That dress form I recently made came invert handy for making this dress.
(https://i.imgur.com/vllw6iR.jpeg)
Quote from: Iztaccihuatl on March 13, 2024, 03:47:11 PMHere is my latest creation as a couturière.
Absolutely gorgeous! The fit is excellent! And it hangs so beautufully on your frame!
You are an accomplished seamstress Heidemarie!
Very nice work indeed.
Chrissy
Thanks, Moonflower and Chrissy!
I agree it hangs nicely on my frame, although I have to admit that I don't really like my frame, it is too bulky and no noticeable waist. This dress is somewhat flattering as it features an A-line skirt which desperately tries to simulate wider hips, which simply aren't there. Yeah, and I should loose some weight, I know...
Hugs,
Heidemarie
Quote from: Iztaccihuatl on March 15, 2024, 11:57:12 AMThis dress is somewhat flattering as it features an A-line skirt which desperately tries to simulate wider hips
The skirt definitely works without being toooooo girlish. The sweetheart neckline also feminizes your figure well.
Have you tried V-shaped princess seams on a bodice, just between your bust and waist to see their feminizing effect? Like these patterns
https://simplicity.com/vogue-patterns/v8997
I've been loving this one for years with sleeves and the flared skirt
https://simplicity.com/vogue-patterns/v9327
View A
Here is the latest design from the fashion house of Heidemarie, a ruched bust top, just in time for the summer!
It is my first piece using knit stretch fabrics. A serger / overlock sewing machine would have been really nice for this type of fabric. Since I don't have one I had to zigzag my way on a normal sewing machine through the entire project...
(https://i.imgur.com/P65rSq7.jpeg)
@Iztaccihuatl
Dear Heidemarie:Very, very nicely done. You did a great job with the
sometimes difficult to work with stretch fabric... and the ruched
and gathered sewing projects are not easy to do.
Again, very nice job. Thank your for sharing and posting your
photo of your latest design from the Fashion house of Heidemarie
HUGS, Danielle [Northern Star Girl]
Thanks Danielle, that's so kind of you!
Heidemarie
Hi Heidemarie,
That looks great!
I have a Bernette Coverstitch machine for stretchy fabrics.
Marion
Wow Heidemarie, that looks awesome!
I did pretty good at some straight stitch sewing at one time, but that zigzag stitching, it's a whole other level of sewing skill.
It looks great with that skirt.
Great job!
I have zero sewing skills, except for minor repairs. So I am in awe of what others can do. That is a beautiful top. Thanks for sharing!
Here is a picture from my latest sewing project, a woolen half circle skirt. I recently found some remnant fabric on sale which was just enough for this skirt. It is a nice piece for the colder seasons.
(https://i.imgur.com/mfv6Em0.jpeg)
It does combine very well with the jacket from the project that was the subject of my first posting under this thread:
(https://i.imgur.com/pXd4iy0.jpeg)
@Iztaccihuatl Dear Heidemarie:
VERY NICE WORK that you are doing with your sewing projects....
The wool skirt looks amazing and it goes very nicely with the jacket that
you made earlier.
Thank you for sharing. I am looking forward to seeing more of your sewing successes.
HUGS, Danielle [Northern Star Girl]
You definitely have talent.
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Danielle and Lori!
Nice work! I like your outfit.
Chrissy
Thanks, Chrissy!
You are quite the seamstress!
Chrissy
Quote from: Iztaccihuatl on March 11, 2025, 12:36:34 PMHere is a picture from my latest sewing project, a woolen half circle skirt. I recently found some remnant fabric on sale which was just enough for this skirt. It is a nice piece for the colder seasons.
(https://i.imgur.com/mfv6Em0.jpeg)
It does combine very well with the jacket from the project that was the subject of my first posting under this thread:
(https://i.imgur.com/pXd4iy0.jpeg)
Well done! I love it! Age appropriate I'd say. Classy.
Quote from: D'Amalie on March 11, 2025, 04:10:19 PMWell done! I love it! Age appropriate I'd say. Classy.
That is actually the style I am trying to achieve, a classic, elegant and timeless design which also happens to be totally age appropriate for me. Feminine, but not overly girly. Maybe slightly on the conservative side in fashion terms.
Quote from: Iztaccihuatl on March 12, 2025, 12:22:28 AMThat is actually the style I am trying to achieve, a classic, elegant and timeless design which also happens to be totally age appropriate for me. Feminine, but not overly girly. Maybe slightly on the conservative side in fashion terms.
You got it! The pattern and fabric combine well to meet your goals. Spot on!
Thanks, Moonflower!
Here is my latest creation. I found a lovely fabric late last year in Vienna while on a trip to Europe. And now I turned it into a lovely skirt with box pleats:
(https://i.imgur.com/t3pLp6n.jpeg)
Very nice. I think a belt might look nice with that, too.
Quote from: Lori Dee on March 16, 2025, 01:04:53 PMVery nice. I think a belt might look nice with that, too.
Probably. However, I didn't add any belt loops and with my not very well defined waist I fear that the belt might move to places where it shouldn't be...
Quote from: Iztaccihuatl on March 16, 2025, 01:26:42 PMProbably. However, I didn't add any belt loops and with my not very well defined waist I fear that the belt might move to places where it shouldn't be...
I understand. I was just thinking about how it might look with a medium to wide belt, white maybe, to bring out the dots. ;D
@Iztacciihuat
Dear HeidiMarie:
VERY NICE WORK ... it looks lovely with or without a belt and belt loops.
It looks nice on you and fits you perfectly !!!
HUGS, Danielle [Northern Star Girl]
Quote from: Iztaccihuatl on March 16, 2025, 01:26:42 PMProbably. However, I didn't add any belt loops and with my not very well defined waist I fear that the belt might move to places where it shouldn't be...
Thanks, Danielle!
Here is my latest creation. I found some lovely denim fabric embroidered with flowers and I turned that into a beautiful denim skirt.
(https://i.imgur.com/lwGFNr7.jpeg)
The flowers could be daisies, marguerites or edelweiss. I like to think the latter as it would make me feel like Empress Elisabeth (Sissy) of Austria in that famous painting by Franz Xaver Winterhalter from 1865...
That is really cute, Heidemarie. You have a gift.
Thanks for sharing!
I like it!
Chrissy
Thanks, Lori & Chrissy!