[missy123]

I have a sewing machine and have a basic knowledge of sewing. With how expensive clothes are I was thinking of learning to sew some basic sundresses for Scarlett.

Is it hard to sew from a pattern? I am thinking like a simplicity pattern.

[.:Shortcake:.]

I'm pretty sure that Brittanie does?!? I sew a little but mostly hand sew and repair holes, hem up the bottom simple stuff lol. I've been thinking of doing more though too!

[Shadeauxe]

I can sew simple things. Fabric can be expensive. I can buy a shirt at Target for $5 and there's no way I could make it for less than that. So, I guess it depends what you want to sew and what kind of deal you can get on fabric.

[luvmykids623]

I can fix simple holes, but other than that I wish I had sewing skills.

[LindseyE117]

Originally Posted by Shadeauxe

I can sew simple things. Fabric can be expensive. I can buy a shirt at Target for $5 and there's no way I could make it for less than that. So, I guess it depends what you want to sew and what kind of deal you can get on fabric.

Ditto. Fabric used to be cheap, now it is ungodly expensive. I bought fabric (on sale mind you-50% off) for my MIL to make my daughter a quilt, and it still cost me almost $100. Unless you can get it for around $1 a yard, you'd be better off hitting the clearance racks.

Another option is making clothes out of old t-shirts and outfits. T-shirt dresses are cute.

[silverlife]

I sew. I don't sew all of my kids clothes, though. Most of the time it's easier and cheaper to just buy something. For pretty dresses and such it can be cheaper to sew, especially for a baby (since it takes such a small amount of fabric).

If you don't have much experience sewing, it might actually be easier to use a pdf sewing pattern from etsy or "you can make this". Usually the pdf patterns have step-by-step instructions with lots of photos to show you what to do.

The patterns like Simplicity expect you to understand some sewing terminology. Not only that, but sometimes sizing is way off for the baby sizes. I once made some pants for my son from a store bought pattern and they turned out several sizes too large. I've found sizing to be more accurate with PDF patterns.

I've used these patterns and thought they were good:
The Handmade Dress by littledresses on Etsy
Printable Sewing Patterns by scientificseamstress on Etsy

There are several others out there, too.

[lindsey2000k]

I sew a tiny bit but I agree with the ladies above its honestly cheaper to buy clothing now days.
I made a rag quilt for the baby and fabric was on sale and it still cost me $35.00 and I could have bought a blanket for $15.00 that size.

[missy123]

Thanks girls! You are all right - it is cheaper to buy the clothes now a days. I guess I will find something else to do with my time

[owensmom]

I sew. I agree, that if you don't know much about patterns that it might be easier to get something online or a video. I think as far as the cheapness- it depends on what it is. I was looking at dresses (like easter ones) yesterday for little girls - size 0-3 months...it was $25! I KNOW you can buy a yard of fabric for way less then that. i really enjoy sewing, and it can be hard to get it right sometimes, but don't let it discourage you. I started off easy with curtains

[owensmom]

here's something I saw today and thought of you. it would be a cute, easy dress to make and prob pretty cheap. you can find instructions online

Pillowcase dress: Pillowcase Dress Mardi Gras size 1 2 3 4 5 6 by CoverUnderTheMat

[.:Shortcake:.]

Have you thought about digital scrapbooking or crocheting?

[Pitridge]

I can't sew, I can do simple things, they don't turn out great but...I wish I knew how to sew.

[revolutionarygirl]

sewing can be really fun and fulfilling though...! Walmart sometimes has cheaper fabrics, and also if you live in LA, California, there is the fabric district (around 9th and maple) which has tons of fabric for really cheap.
Also if you have a Joann's Fabric near you, you can sign up for their coupon list and get things 40% off.

But I agree with what a lot of other people have said, that often, it's cheaper to just buy something.

I sew pretty well and have been sewing clothing for myself, others' babies and costumes... but I only take the time and trouble when it's something really special, or something that doesn't exist that I really want. Like if I can't find a skirt long enough in a particular color, a skirt is really easy, so I'll make that.

A simple pattern would be one that doesn't have that many parts, no ruffles, no extra bits. something like this would be relatively easy:
karimeawayDOTcom/products/378

or look for simplicity "it's so easy" patterns and the equivalent.