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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: Hankc
Date: 01-03-2006, 11:17 PM (1 of 21)
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Hello All I'm Hank. I'm a 56 yo retired truck driver. My wife and I have decided to learn how to sew. We just ordered disk #1 of the "You Can Make It" series. I'm on a fixed income and frankly very tired of wearing the latest Walmart specials, that is when I can find something in my size and my taste. Don't know if any of you have been into a Big and Tall store lately but the prices for someone with limited resources are pretty scary. Anyway that's why I decided to learn to make my own clothes. Now aside from making clothes I really don't want to look sloppy in them and that has lead me to look into pattern making and design. I recently read the thread on this board re: The Lutterloh system and the Dusan Mrak system and I have tons of questions about each mainly re: Men's clothing. Won't get into all of them now but I will ask with the Lutterloh system are the measurments for the man the same a for the woman? Lastly, I would especiallly like to here from any men that are on the list and would be interested in any groups that might discuss more mens clothing sewing issues. |
User: Hankc
Member since: 01-03-2006 Total posts: 5 |
From: paroper
Date: 01-04-2006, 12:11 AM (2 of 21)
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There is a pattern software system that I've been drooling over for some time. It is the Livingsoft pattern system. It is not really inexpensive, but it might be worth a look anyway. If nothing else, it may give you an idea of what you want/need. It is also purchased in modules which, given your specialty, might make it more affordable. Don't forget that you can always take an old shirt that is comfortable apart, cut on the seamlines and make a pattern from that. You can then add seam allowances back (usually the old seam allowances are not necessarily uniform). If it is a really good pattern, you might want to cut it out in a stabilzer so that it will last for many shirts to come (just an idea that could save you a lot of dollars). In time as you become more comfortable, you should be able to widen and narrow the collars and cuffs as those "fads" pass. You can do this with almost any beloved pattern. 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: Tom Land
Date: 01-04-2006, 12:34 AM (3 of 21)
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Welcome to the craft(art) of sewing. Hope you and your wife enjoy it.
Have fun or don't do it, Tom
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User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 01-04-2006, 01:25 AM (4 of 21)
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Welcome Hank! There's a few guys hanging out here with us, I'm sure you'll meet them soon enough! I sew occasionally for my 6"5 son-in-law and my 6'2 son, so I know what you mean about the patterns, it's alot of altering to get them to fit these big guys!
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: wp88
Date: 01-04-2006, 04:23 AM (5 of 21)
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Hi Hank and welcome, I am in England but have been sewing about a year making my own shirts mainly. I did buy a pattern and worked from that and am gradually getting better, also the very good book and video called Shirtmaking by David Coffin which I got from the states is good. I try and take my time learn from mistakes, I hope. This group has a lot of helpful people so ask away and they usually come up trumps with the solution. Happy Sewing from Bill. |
User: wp88
Member since: 03-28-2005 Total posts: 35 |
From: MaryW
Date: 01-04-2006, 06:22 AM (6 of 21)
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If you guys would feel more comfortable, start a thread for guys sewing.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 01-04-2006, 07:41 AM (7 of 21)
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There is some guy that sells patterns for large men but I can't find the link. I'll look later but maybe someone else here has it. It might be useful to you. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Hankc
Date: 01-04-2006, 01:16 PM (8 of 21)
| Thanks for making me feel welcome. Coffin's shirt making book is number one on my wish list. Number 2 is Classic Tailoring Techniques: A Construction Guide for Men's Wear by Roberto Cabrera, Patricia Flaherty Meyers. I mean lets face it there really aren't many patterns for men. Shirt, pants, jacket thats about all there is. But what ever I make I what to look great. RE: Starting a thread for men. I'm so new at this I certainly would not know where to begin. The experience or should I say the most experience seem to be with you ladies. I'm perfectly happy to watch, listen, and learn and ask questions. |
User: Hankc
Member since: 01-03-2006 Total posts: 5 |
From: MaryW
Date: 01-04-2006, 01:35 PM (9 of 21)
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Have a peek at www.kwiksew.com They have patterns for mens wear in larger sizes.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: sewingrandma
Date: 01-04-2006, 03:42 PM (10 of 21)
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Welcome Hank. My Dad taught me to sew way back when. My DH also wears Big and Tall and it is a challenge to find something his size that doesn't require a lot of fitting. I do like the Kwik Sew patterns. They are the closest I've found that are easy to understand and put together. Only downfall is you have to trace all the patterns out as they contain numerous sizes in one envelope. http://www.askandyaboutclothes.com/Forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=14248 This is a link to where menswear is discussed regularly.
Brockie
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User: sewingrandma
Member since: 03-06-2003 Total posts: 432 |
From: Dede
Date: 01-04-2006, 05:31 PM (11 of 21)
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Welcome to you and your wife. You have picked up a great hobby for your retirement. What else do you do? A word of advice: do not expect perfection for the first couple of shirts or pants you make, you might decide to wear them in the house only but with patience and practice you will improve and will learn to love this craft and you will get much better at it, I promise. Is there anywhere you could take a beginner's sewing class in your area? Don't forget to have fun. |
User: Dede
Member since: 03-23-2001 Total posts: 469 |
From: paroper
Date: 01-04-2006, 05:36 PM (12 of 21)
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If you decide to take classes, don't forget to check for Jr. colleges, colleges, universities and trade schools in your area. Any one or all of these can offer beginning to advanced sewing classes. Many machine dealers as well as private individuals offer classes. If a local dealer does not offer classes, they might be able to make a recommendation.
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: Hankc
Date: 01-04-2006, 06:51 PM (13 of 21)
| The question was asked about what else I do. Of late I have been a volunteer with the County Sheriff as a member of the Sonoran Search and Rescue team. This year I hope to get my SAR Tech2 certification. I have and idea that I may want to train and handle a tracking dog. Just bought a Black Lab puppy. Though I'm close to 60 and have grown children and grans, I'm currently head of a very young family. I have a 5 yo daughter and a 2 1/2 yo son. My wife 33 has always been a stay at home mom but never was interested in sewing tell now. I think she has an idea that she might use her sewing skills to earn some extra income. Don't think she really wants to work a regular job. The closest Sewing center to us is about 30 miles and although we have a Community College right in our town not sure if they offer sewing classes mostly agricultural, construction, and technology. But I will check. Hank |
User: Hankc
Member since: 01-03-2006 Total posts: 5 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 01-04-2006, 07:06 PM (14 of 21)
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Hank, Community colleges are great for sewing classes.. In our area , if 12 people request a class , they will get it.. That means a lot of attention from the Teacher.. I love small classes.. If you do get any of the Kwik Sew patterns, you will need pattern paper to trace on.. If you have connections in a Drs office, you may be able to buy a roll of exam table paper or a partial roll from them.. Most supply houses only sell it by the case... That is the best way to go.. Easy to see through to trace, and Kwik Sew are easy to trace.. The notions specialists online also have rolls of pattern tracing paper for sale.. I personally have just used regular sheets of gift wrap tissue for a long time.. I now have a roll of the regular pattern paper.. You can check Nancys notions or Clotilde for all kind of notions you may need to order.. Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: gm23237
Date: 01-04-2006, 08:20 PM (15 of 21)
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Hi Hank! I am George. This is just a super site to be in. I love the help you get here. Everyone is so polite and so much fun. The advice here has really saved me a few headaches. Welcome to the message boards and it is nice to see other men in here! I have been sewing for 25 years. I love the hobby and it has been very nice to see what you can do. Only advice I have is be gentle with yourself starting out. I found my worst critic is me! |
User: gm23237
Member since: 11-03-2003 Total posts: 145 
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From: paroper
Date: 01-04-2006, 08:52 PM (16 of 21)
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I usually order the pattern tracing paper from here: http://www.clotilde.com/cl/product_group.asp?listtype=search&searchterm=paper&go.x=11&go.y=10&pg=1&dept_name=Search+Result%3A+paper&g_id=116747V It is pretty much the same as the medical paper I used to get through my sister (the doctor's wife) when she was living and it is about what I paid her (cost) for it. 77 Yards will go for a long time and it is also great for the kids for crafts if you want to use it that way too. Several of the gals also use sewer paper from the lumber yard. 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: Hankc
Date: 01-05-2006, 01:45 AM (17 of 21)
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George, you are right what a great group. The tips and advice are awesome. Kwik-sew is a really cool sight. Oh, is it still PC to say cool. Anyway I like the men's patterns. Clotilde is where I'll get my tracing paper, thanks Pam. Livingsoft is a great piece of software. Brokie I really like that Ask Andy sight you linked me to. I just feel pretty lucky that you found this group. Our first sewing DVD should arrive this week and I'm taking the plunge. Problem with this course and every other course or class that I've ever looked into is the first project is a "Skirt". But as I told you there are two girls in my house so I keep my eye on the prize, the (Skill Set) I'll be getting. I think around Level 3 I'll be making myself a shirt and by Level 5 pants. I'll keep you all updated on my progress. Thanks again Hank |
User: Hankc
Member since: 01-03-2006 Total posts: 5 |
From: paroper
Date: 01-05-2006, 05:13 AM (18 of 21)
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When I taught home ec, we had a jr high boy moved to our class. When the girls were sewing skirts, we had him make a shirt. His shirt was a little more simple, like a Hawaiian shirt to start, but it turned out quite well. I'd talk to the teacher if you end up taking a "live class". Most teachers, unless you get an old fashioned one, will adapt. Part of the job of teaching someone to sew is fitting. You can't do that if you try to put a skirt on a guy. At the very least, they should be willing to let you make pajama pants.
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: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 01-06-2006, 12:11 PM (19 of 21)
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Hank, I got a new catalog from Clotilde yesterday. (notions and more for sewers and quilters) on page 44 at bottom of page she has the David Coffin Book on Shirtmaking on sale.. Regular price is 20.00 but sale price is 12.00.. I thought this would be of interest to you.. You can pull it up on the www. I don't have time now to find it, but I wanted you to know about the price.. It sounded good to me, at least.. 
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022
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From: Hankc
Date: 01-07-2006, 11:36 AM (20 of 21)
Just ordered Coffin's book from Clotilde. Thanks for the heads up. I also finished my very first sewing project yesterday. I made my five year old daughter a skirt. Using the "You Can Make It Level 1" DVD I was able to pull this off. I am thrilled. Today my wife and I will do another skirt this time for her so she will do most of the work. What fun this is, no wonder clinics use sewing for therapy!  I did't include a pic cause my daughter wouldn't take it off all day so now it in the laundry basket. But, I will take a pic of the one my wife and I make for her. Hankc |
User: Hankc
Member since: 01-03-2006 Total posts: 5 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 01-07-2006, 11:45 AM (21 of 21)
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Until I retired in july 1999, sewing kept me sane.. Sure is cheaper than a Physchiatrist (sp) and easier to spell also.. Now its just fun, fun, fun... Like my 3 Grands and my GrandDog.. LOL
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022
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