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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: sharonsnell
Date: 03-22-2005, 03:57 PM (1 of 12)
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I am very new to sewing. I figured I would start with a very easy pattern. I have chosen Simplicity its so easy #5155. My question is, can the same pattern be used for different sizes? How would I make a small size, than still have pattern for larger size? Wont it be cut for the smaller one? I know this sounds like a dumb question, but I am very new thank you for any answers |
User: sharonsnell
Member since: 03-14-2004 Total posts: 15 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 03-22-2005, 04:04 PM (2 of 12)
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A lot of people trace the patterns onto another paper before they cut it. Then you keep the original in tact. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: AndreaSews
Date: 03-22-2005, 07:01 PM (3 of 12)
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Not a dumb question. In fact, it's an insightful one. Another peson might not have thought of that until it was too late. I do a lot of sewing for the 5-and-under crowd, and my how they grow! I've done well with a large pad of tracing paper from the craft/art store, but recently someone pointed out how much cheaper it would be to just buy a pack of white tissue paper in the wrapping paper aisle. Flimsier, but way less money. I sit in front of the tv on the floor in the evenings, and I trace every single detail of the size I'm going to use, including the pattern # and the style and size, and what piece #, the grainlines, the little notches, you name it. When my child grows, I sit down and I do it again in the next size! It's also really nice to use a single pattern several times. For one, I find it easier each time. Also, I learn about fabrics, b/c when you use two different fabrics in the same way, you get to know their nuances. I get to play around and find ways to make the garments unique. Oh, and I save a lot of money on patterns. I staple the pattern envelope to a large manilla envelope. I stuff the whole, intact pattern and instructions inthe envelope, as well as the pattern pieces I have traced, in all the sizes and styles I have made. I keep all the manilla folders in a file cabinet, all lined up and waiting for their next jobs. Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007 
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From: paroper
Date: 03-22-2005, 07:45 PM (4 of 12)
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Nancy's Notions sells tracing paper very much like medical paper for about 6.99 (last I check) per 77 yard roll. It goes for several years even if you are sewing professionally.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: sharonsnell
Date: 03-22-2005, 08:54 PM (5 of 12)
Thank you for the responses. I really felt stupid asking that but I guess other people go through the same thing.Being that the patterns were only 1.75 I can invest in a couple for different sizes. I also have a pattern with differnt cloth purses and plan on making matching summer pants with purses. Please wish me luck as I am new to sewing. 
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User: sharonsnell
Member since: 03-14-2004 Total posts: 15
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From: MaryW
Date: 03-23-2005, 11:16 AM (6 of 12)
Sharon, there are no stupid questions. Every one of us had to go thru this at one time or another. Welcome to Sew Whats New. 
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: Vanessa's sewin
Date: 03-24-2005, 09:41 AM (7 of 12)
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I just buy the pattern again at the 99 cent sales if it is a good one. I just don't have the patience for the tracing. Once I have them cut out, I put the pattern with envelope in a ziploc bag with the size labelled in my drawer. HTH! Vanessa |
User: Vanessa's sewin
Member since: 02-22-2005 Total posts: 30 |
From: Debby215
Date: 03-24-2005, 10:37 AM (8 of 12)
HI Sharon and welcome to sew what's new. Like Mary said there are NO dumb questions. I just spent have the morning of my first day of Easter vacation gathering up all my sewing patterns and put them into a box. SInce I also so for under 10 agegroup, including neices, and grandkids, I buy my patterns at Joann's for 99 cents, in a couple sizes. Then I mark the names on the envelopes, I mostly make pj's summer and flannel for Christmas for ALL of them, that way I know which pattern fits each child. Right now they are a mess and I may start putting mine in manilla envelopes too, after I take my kitchen curtains out of the dryer...Have a super day and don't EVER feel silly about asking a question. HAPPY SEWING!! 
Debby
So much fabric....... So little time!! |
User: Debby215
Member since: 11-14-2001 Total posts: 611 
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 03-24-2005, 11:50 AM (9 of 12)
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I copy mine on pattern tissue or gift wrap tissue or the plumbers sewer cloth I bought at Lowes, whichever I get my hands on first, because I cannot stand to use a multi-size pattern on a curved line.. I then pin all the pattern pieces together and (in pencil , I write childs name and month and year on it) mark it temporarily.. I recycle them for different children.. Works great for the boys, especially.. GRD is a different story.. She likes Style, with a capital S..LOL.. She takes the girls plus size anyway.. They are really a blessing ! ! I always mark vitals on each pattern piece I copy..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: sharonsnell
Date: 03-24-2005, 02:06 PM (10 of 12)
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I am going to buy another pattern for a different size. Sounds easiest. The manilla envelope idea sounds great. I am definately going to use that. I have to wait till after easter to start as I am busy with other projects,plus work. I make my own candy and tried my hand at using fondant to make a nice spring cake. So far it turned out great Will keep you posted on the sewing. Are we allowed to post pic?? I want to post one when I am done thank you all again |
User: sharonsnell
Member since: 03-14-2004 Total posts: 15
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From: vicious kittie
Date: 03-25-2005, 09:43 AM (11 of 12)
| i make alot of kid and baby clothes so i trace..i found its better because 1. you have it for all sizes still, and 2. what i use to trace them doesnt rip or tear as easily as the mccalls and simplicity patterns..i trace,cut, and put them in a zip lock baggy..write down the info, then i put into a larger zip lock, the original pattern and any other sizes of it..it works well so far for me..i use something called red dot tracer..i get it at the quilt shop for maybe 2 bucks if that a yard...i love it..they always joke around because thats my main thing i purchase...good luck! |
User: vicious kittie
Member since: 02-02-2005 Total posts: 27 |
From: gm23237
Date: 05-12-2005, 07:35 PM (12 of 12)
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You are an adventurous one! When I started sewing I started with the most basic things. Pillows, napkins, any project with all straight stitching. LOL, I bought my first sewing machine at a yard sale it looked like a little toy and only had one stitch, straight. When I got braver and I saw I really like sewing I moved up to a fancier machine. Now I am sewing, serging and make pretty much what I want to make. I have been sewing now for about 26 years. I do sew some clothes but if you can buy the clothes cheaper than make them (and sometimes you can) I buy clothes. Make sewing a fun hobby. Do not make it like work or you may end up burned out. Do not critize yourself! We are so cruel to ourselves as critics. Good luck sewing and as said! Enjoy and have fun. |
User: gm23237
Member since: 11-03-2003 Total posts: 145 
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