Dress MakingJust another Totalaccessnet.com Blogs weblog

Seasoned dressmakers would agree that to be able to become successful in

dressmaking, it is very important to have various sewing tools. This is

because these tools would ensure not just the quality of work but also the

convenience and accuracy the sewer or the tailor needs.

When choosing tools to be used for dressmaking, don’t get overwhelmed with

brands or prices. Don’t be fooled that all tools for sewing that are

expensive have always the highest quality. If you are knowledgeable enough,

you can buy tools that are cheap but can meet high standards.

A rundown on sewing tools for dressmaking

For people who have just started their journey to sewing or dressmaking in

particular, knowledge on sewing basics as well as the tools needed to make

the activity easier and more convenient is a must. Here is a rundown of the

most basic sewing and dressmaking tools needed:

1. A set of quality needles. If you are just starting to in dressmaking,

the most basic tool that you need for sewing is a set of good needles.

Whether you are sewing by hand or by machine, needles play a very important

role because they are the ones responsible for stitching pieces of fabric

together.

When you buy needles for sewing, always make sure that they are sharp

enough to ensure that you will not have difficulty in stitching everything

together. Sharp needles also veer you away from difficulties in the sewing

process but also ensure that your fabric will not have any frays or snags.

2. High quality pairs of scissors. Another important tool is the scissor or

shear because it is responsible for cutting, trimming, or clipping the

fabric. Expert sewers suggest that a four or five-inched tailor point

scissors or embroidery type of scissors are ideal for all of your sewing

needs. Different types of shears such as pinking shears with zigzag blades

used to avoid the fabric from fraying and dressmaker shears with

bent-handles used to flatten the fabric while cutting are also considered

as essential sewing tools.

3. Enough supply of marking tools. Next important set of tools for sewing

is marking items such as the tailor’s chalk, water-erasable pen, and water

disappearing pen. These are very significant because they are used to mark

the fabric before it gets cut for sewing. Being a wax based marker, a

tailor’s chalk—which comes in various colors—is a must for every sewer

because it can provide markings that are not easily wiped out.

Seasoned sewers say that white colors chalks should only be used when

making garments while the other colors can be used in various items. The

water-erasable marking pens or water disappearing pens, on the other hand,

are ideal to ensure that no trace of marking is present on the fabric of

the clothing or any item being sewn.

4. Reliable sets of pins. Pins are also very important sewing tools because

they hold pieces of fabric temporarily. Most sewers use pins to see the

initial outcome of the item they are sewing. Pins are very important in any

sewing project because these lessen the room for any mistakes before the

final sewing. Make sure that you choose needles that are stainless steel

and with fine points to achieve best results.

Other tools needed for dressmaking should include tape measure, needle

threader, fabric glue, basting tape, bodkin, weights, soap, rotary cutter,

seam gauge, thimble pads, flexible ruler, hump jumper, thimble, tracing

paper, thread clippers, magnetic pin cushion, and yardstick.

Taking measurements before dressmaking is an art and a science because you

need to combine dedication, time, and accuracy to get the job done. Note

that measuring the body is more than just measuring the hip, bust, and

waist in inches. Measurements for clothing should be more detailed

especially if you aim to come out with a custom-fitted outfit. You have to

aim to keep the accuracy at all costs. It can be tedious and costly

re-doing a dress from scratch just because you messed up in measurements.

Before making any dress, you need to first take the necessary body

measurements of the person who will wear the outfit. If you are making your

own dress, you need to take your own measurements. If you are dressmaking

for another person, you need to schedule a session so you can take the

necessary and important body measurements.

You should include the necessary measurement tools in your dressmaking kit.

The basic tool for measuring sizes is a tape measure. You can use a nylon

or plastic tape measure for the purpose. Use the English standard

measurement (i.e. inches).

Before proceeding to measure anyone, be sure the person is not wearing

bulky outfit. Advise the person to come wearing well-fitted undergarments.

This is because oversized underwear may drastically affect the accuracy of

measurements. For women, bras should fit well, and for men, boxers and

other loose underwear should not be worn when in the session.

Make the person to be measured stand correctly and in good body posture. He

or she should stand proudly, with eyes gazing straight ahead and both arms

very relaxed at either side. The back should be ideally straight and

shoulders in a relaxed state. Some people do not naturally stand this

proud, but advise the person you are measuring to observe correct and proud

standing for the sake of getting accurate and ideal body measurements.

There is a need to take a good position base.

When finally measuring, take note that the job does not end in measuring

the bust, the waist, and the hips. Other body areas should also be measured

correctly. There can be differences in procedures when measuring men and

women, but there are general body areas to scale.

• To measure the chest, put the tape measure under the person’s arms. Wrap

the tape measure around the area, specifically to the fullest bust line

part.

• To measure the waist line, put the measuring tape at the person’s belly

button. Let the tool fall naturally. The area where it fell is the waist

line, the measurement you should take.

• Measure the fullest part of the person’s hip.

• To measure the arm length, place the tape measure at the top of the arm

in the armpit area extending until the wrist. Bend the arm without taking

off the tape. Take the measurement as the arm length.

• Take back length measurement after determining the length from the base

of the neck until the waistline.

• Measure the length from hip to heel to get the accurate leg measurement.
In taking measurements before dressmaking, it is a standard practice to

measure the areas thrice in one session. There might be differences

resulting from changes in positions and starting points of measurements.

There is a need to do so to ensure measurement accuracy.

Dress-making was not as old as mankind as had been previously thought. It

turned out that food-gathering was our ancestors’ first priority. The need

for shelter came in second. Clothing, generally regarded today as man’s

third basic need, came in much later.

The jury is still out there as to how late it was when our ancestors

finally decided to make and wear clothes. Initial findings say it was some

time around 650,000 years ago when people thought it was good and healthy

to wear something to protect themselves against the rain, the wind and the

sun.

The experts were also uncertain if the decision to wear clothes included

the avoidance of stares from the others. That reason might just be plain

conjecture. We still have groups of people, old tribes living in

present-day jungles, who consider personal modesty a non-issue.

What is certain, though, is that the manufacture of clothes had evolved

into one of the world’s biggest multi-billion dollar industries. It had

spawned its own specialized idioms, created fashion movements, made up its

own philosophy and quirky politics, and created its own star personalities.

It had even overlapped into the equally hyper entertainment industry. But

that’s another story.

Our story is about the dying art of dress-making.

Clothing materials

It had been a long while since people used fur and leather from animals, as

well as leaves, barks and hemp from plants as clothing. Wearing was simple:

either these were tied to the body or were wrapped around the backs of the

wearer.

Much later, the craft of weaving was developed and the use of hand needles

to stitch fabrics together arose some 40,000 years ago. The making of

clothes went a notch higher.

In China, silk was discovered around 3,000 ago, almost around the time the

Egyptians found the use of linen. In Europe, wool was first used in Greece

and later in Rome. It is remarkable that we still use these materials

today.

The art and the craft

Even then, the craft of tailoring was slow to come by. Everything then was

done by hand — thread-making, weaving, and sewing. The techniques

discovered and developed painstakingly over hundreds of years were handed

down from generation to generation.

Alongside these, almost every housewife had a dress-making box at home.

This box contained pins and needles, scissors, threads, and a tape measure.

These were the tools mothers used in simple clothes-making and repairing

techniques, as well as using them in teaching their little girls sewing

lessons learned from their own mothers.

When the Industrial Revolution flourished in Europe, the textile industry

was the first to be mechanized. This freed the people from the tedious job

of making threads and fabrics which in turn are sewn into clothes.

Mass production

This was the beginning of the decline in the art of making clothes. These

were the days when dress-makers become famous and people want to wear their

creations. To make more of these clothes, more assistants and seamstresses

were hired. Later, there were armies of their garment workers all over the

world.

Nowadays, a piece of clothing is considered a ‘consumable item’ — sold and

bought over the counter no different from a can of soda or a bag of potato

chips.  This is because mass-produced clothes are less expensive now than

the labor to make it.

There maybe a handful of traditional tailors lurking around. But they are

getting harder and harder to find. They are, sad to say, a dying breed.

Another group of old-fashioned dress-makers are found in countries where

strict traditions still dictate the make and form of their clothes.  Sadly,

their days may be numbered. In a fiercely traditional nation as Tonga, one

sometimes sees men wearing modern T-shirts together with their traditional

Tongan wrap-around skirt called tupeno.

It is a strange mix, but today’s Tongan men probably think they look better

in it than before.

Dressmaking is not longer just a hobby or something that you do when you

repair clothes and zippers.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics,

there were about 31,500 Americans who were working as dressmakers in 2007.

If you think you have the skill and the fashion sense, why don’t you go

ahead and give dressmaking a career try?

A dressmaker does not only work part time or contractual basis, there are

dressmakers who have their own business.  Currently, dressmakers are about

earning $18,510 to $28.800 every year.  Some dressmakers also offer

tailoring and patternmaking services to add some bucks to their paycheck.

Patternmakers and tailors would earn about $14.78 per hour.

What kind of work do dressmakers deal with?

Daily dressmaker tasks would include measuring and assisting customers,

doing alterations in clothes, and sewing clothes.  It is also a

responsibility of the dressmaker to assist the customer in making correct

pattern and fabric decisions.  If no existing pattern suits the customer,

then it falls for the dressmaker to create a suitable pattern.

If you are planning to apply for a dressmaker position, some employers

would look for knowledge in design, craft, pattern cutting, sewing and

knowledge in textiles.  To have better chances of landing a dressmaking

job, it would be great to take a course or training that covers general

aspects of dressmaking.

Where to look for the training?  There are dressmaking courses offered in

different educational institutions and colleges.  Short courses offered

here can actually get you started with the basic things that you should

know when entering this professions.  There are associate degrees and

vocational diplomas offered to dressmakers and tailors.

Some would take their training and education in a higher level and get a

bachelor’s and master’s degree leaning towards fashion and design.  Getting

higher education and training like these would help you get top-class

positions and high-end fashion job opportunities.  In these kind of

programs, not only is basic dressmaking skill required but students also

learn something about fashion history, fashion trends, and working with

textiles and colors.

If you are having problems taking classes because of time constraints, then

the good thing is that there are online dressmaking career training that

you can have. Home training are good for those who are juggling a lot

between their hands.  Studying can last from six months to two years.

Aside from fashion knowledge, dressmaking students are also introduced to

merchandising, marketing, and apparel manufacturing to equip them if they

are interested in establishing a dressmaking business.

This knowledge would definitely come handy if you have decided to set up

your business.  Aside from helping you with your business, it can also give

you an edge with employers who are looking for those who can make a change

with a manufacturing and design company.

Aside from studying or taking courses,  you could also do apprenticeship or

internship.  This would give you hands-on experience which will be very

important and at the same time, this could even help you land a job in the

company where you are training for.

Just like any job, dressmaking as a career is something that would need

training and skill.  It may not be similar to the training and education

like lawyers and doctors get, but it is still essentially in pursuing your

interests and preferred career.  Dressmaking is something that needs you to

be prepared for.

The fabric to be used is one of the major determinants of a successful

dressmaking project. This is because the fabric itself will make or break

your project by telling you if you have chosen the right kind in your

specific creation.

Most dressmakers would agree that knowing the right kind of fabric to be

used for a specific project would require the knowledge about its different

kinds. If you are just starting to sew and is quite hesitant about choosing

fabrics, then now is the time to familiarize yourself with the different

kinds of fabrics to be used in different creations.

Knowing the different types of fabric

For beginners in dressmaking, choosing fabrics is probably one of the

hardest tasks because these can be overwhelmed with so many different kinds

available. To avoid being confused and spend money on the wrong kind of

fabric, take time to research on different types available in the market so

you can identify which is the ideal or suitable type for the sewing project

you have in mind.

Once you conduct a research on different kinds of fabric, you will learn

that these kinds are based on the fiber content of the fabric. Fiber

content refers to the components of the fabric that will make it suitable

for a specific use. But among the so many sources of fiber contents out

there, the natural fiber fabrics are most preferred for clothing. This is

because these are made from materials that are inherent in nature such as

coats from animals, cocoons of silkworms, and stems, leaves, and seeds of

various plants and are considered hypoallergenic.

Choosing fabrics for dressmaking

The most common fiber preferred for garments is cotton because of its

strength, neat appearance, durability, and easiness to work on. Cotton is

also preferred because it comes in so many colors, weights, weaves,

patterns, and wider price range. Different types of cotton fabrics that are

available depending on your preference include lawn, gauze, duck, flannel,

muslin, gingham, matelasse, organdy, moire, pique, pima, poplin, plisse,

swiss, seersucker, velveteen, and terry cloth.

Other popular types of natural fiber fabrics include linen perfect for

humid climates, hemp which is great when combined with other types of

fabrics, ramie which has similarities with linen except that it is more

hairy, silk which is considered as “luxury fabric” because of its price,

wool that is made from animal coats, and rayon or the “artificial silk”.

Specialty hair fibers, man-made fiber fabrics, acetate and triacetate,

acrylic, nylon, olefin, polyester, spandex, leathers and suedes, synthetic

suedes, vinyls, and furs can also be used for specific sewing purposes.

When choosing fabrics for dressmaking, always consider its:

1. Price. The budget should be one of the major considerations when

choosing fabrics for dressmaking. Since you are just starting, it is best

not to spend more than you could afford. It is also best to buy in bulk so

you can save some money.

2. Availability. If you are sewing clothes in bulk, it is best to choose a

fabric that is widely available. In this case, you won’t have to travel in

places once that specific fabric ran out of stock.

3. Durability. For dressmaking, the strength and durability of the fabric

should be of utmost consideration since this will be used for everyday

wear, it is a must that the fabric you will use is durable enough to

withstand human pressure.

Dressmaking can be a wonderful bonding activity for parents and children

because it nurtures creativity and resourcefulness in both parties.

Unfortunately, most children are not into dressmaking because the parents

themselves do not encourage them to indulge in the craft.

If taught early, dressmaking could bring so many advantages to children.

Aside from encouraging them to be creative, dressmaking also teaches these

kids skills such as drawing. It also inspires them to make their own

creations and will make them more aware about the independence they can get

from this wonderful activity.

Teaching children the beauty of dressmaking

If you are a parent who is into dressmaking and would like your child to

join you while you’re doing the craft, you must first show him or her the

beauty of dressmaking. You can do this by slowly introducing the child into

the craft starting with the dressmaking tools, patterns that can be used,

different designs, color scheme and selection, types of fabric, and

accessories that can be used in sewing clothes, bags, and other items.

When you’re teaching a child to sew, make sure that you explain the purpose

and advantages of sewing. Explain how she or he can benefit from it and

what are the different creations the child can produce. You can also let

the child watch you when you sew to tickle his or her curiosity and try the

craft by himself. When you are demonstrating the craft, make sure that you

are confident with your work, and are ready to answer all the questions the

child might have.

Effective strategies to get kids started on dressmaking

No matter how you look forward to having your child join you while you are

dressmaking, parents must never force the kids to do what they don’t want

to do. So, to spare you from the pains of forcing a child to get into

dressmaking, you must access assess the child’s personality first by

observing him or her and by asking the child questions about his or her

interest in sewing briefly. Here are other effective strategies to get kids

into sewing and dressmaking:

1. Gauge the maturity of the child. Expert sewers would agree that the

basic trait that the child to be able to enjoy dressmaking is his or her

maturity level. This is because when the child is mature enough, he or she

will develop the importance of finishing what was started. Maturity level

can also develop dedication and discipline in your child because he or she

already understands the pros and cons of what he or she is doing.

2. Measure the child’s interest in dressmaking. Aside from maturity, you

should also gauge the child’s interest towards the craft. If you see him or

her observing what you are doing while sewing and you feel the child’s

excitement about the outcome of the item, then you should give the child a

simple sewing project.

3. Start simple. When teaching a child to sew, start with simple projects

such as a handkerchief, tablemat, or a simple blouse. Start with the basic

patterns so the child will be familiar with different patterns available.

Also, choose designs and colors that are bright and happy to stimulate your

child’s positive attitude.

4. Teach basic sewing techniques. In teaching kids to sew for dressmaking,

introduce him or her hand sewing first. When you see that the child has

mastered sewing by hand, you can introduce him or her to using the sewing

machine with your guidance.

Did you know that aside from being a wonderful and rewarding pastime

activity, dressmaking could be a profitable business for you even if you

are at home? This is because it can enable you to get customers that have

various sewing needs for their clothes, homes, offices, and other areas

that need to be addressed.

For those who are just beginning or those who have plans of doing so in the

future, tools and accessories would be so important to be successful. These

important tools for starters in dressmaking include sewing machines,

dressmaking materials and resources such as books, magazines, DVDs, and

CDs, cutting tables, dressmaking and pinking shears, irons and ironing

boards, rotary cutter sets, various sewing kits, and different kinds of

sergers would be a great help. This is because these tools and references

can give you an idea where to start and how to start with your dressmaking

process.

Once you are confident that you can handle not just your own dressmaking

needs but of others as well, you can now start advertising your very own

dressmaking services. Compared before where people who are into dressmaking

business have difficult time managing their business due to lack of

efficient tools, sewers today are lucky because the modern technology

offers a lot more advanced tools and gadgets they can use to make sewing

easier, faster, and more convenient.

How to start growing a home dress making business

Dressmaking is indeed one of those industries that can offer almost

limitless opportunities. As long as you don’t run dry out with ideas and

creativity, you can find your place in this ever-growing industry. If you

are planning to start a dressmaking business, one of the most important

things to consider is the uniqueness of the needlework and services you’ll

be offering.

Since there are so many dressmaking businesses today that specialize on

different types of clothing, having a unique concept for your business will

increase the chances of its success. To achieve this, explore the different

possibilities of the type of dressmaking you specialize on.

You can opt for “custom dressmaking” if you love making clothes for

individuals who have different needs and demands using patterns, “custom

designer” if you have mastered enough skills in designing different styles

of clothing, ” dressmaking for weddings” if you have an eye for creating

the gowns and accessories needed for the bridal events, ” dressmaking for

the home” if you are fond of making decorations for home like curtains,

pillow cases, tablemats and the like, “sewing crafts” if you specialize in

creating different crafts such as toys, bags, and the like, “alterations”

if you are into clothes repair, and “sewing for pets” if you love creating

clothing and other accessories for animals.

After coming up with a great concept, it’s now time to consider the basics

of dressmaking as a start up business such as costing for the materials and

tools you’ll need, pricing for the services you’ll offer, calculating your

potential earnings or sewing income, and your strategies to get as many

paying customers as possible.

These considerations are very important because you can use these as a

guide in determining the success of your dressmaking business. Make sure

that you think of all the considerations very well before you finally

engage in a business such dressmaking.

How does one dress up in the future? Will dress-making still be around?

What will our clothes be made of? What will be the look of clothes in the

future?

Given the dizzying pace of technological innovations all around, it is not

easy to get the right answers to our questions. However, the future looks

pretty exciting in every sense of the word. At the very least, in the

sartorial sense, there is promise that we shall all be comfortable, that we

will all look good, and that we will all be happy with our choices.

Or, at least on paper.

Age of agriculture

It took thousands of years for our past civilization to be able to make

threads and weaving these materials into cloth. Around that time, our

ancestors also discovered needles to do the stitching. They had been

wearing animal furs and skins and plant parts as clothes for a much longer

time than needed. Maybe, it was because hunting and food gathering took up

much of their time and effort.

The Renaissance brought some sophistication to making clothes because

artisans began to specialize in the craft. Still, everything was done

manually. These were not only error-prone but also excruciatingly slow.

When the Industrial Revolution came, there were some surprising

technological leaps and advances. Modernization machines like the cotton

gin introduced by Whitney to cotton farming, the sewing machine needle by

Otis, the zipper, the snap-on buttons — these and more made the

manufacturing process faster and better than before.

Computerization

The advent of the Digital Age or the coming of computers in the 20th

century revolutionized everything on the planet. These included all kinds

of industries, production processes, manufacturing, education, science,

technology, medicine, and many others. From then on, progress and new

things happened fast.

One of the biggest beneficiaries to this technological revolution is the

dress-making industry. Just like all the other industries that had long

been dormant for years in terms of innovations and discoveries, the

clothing industry never had it so good since then.

The computer age ushered in some technological advances that were

unthinkable before. These are all in the areas critical to mass

production’s goal of less manual handling, better percentage in accuracy,

and faster speed. All of these are geared towards the ultimate goal of

lower manufacturing cost possible.

One future idea

There are several proposals regarding future clothes on the drawing board.

Some had been in development for years. All of them, however, are still

waiting for the manufacturing economics to be resolved (lower cost of

materials and labor, some technicalities, etc.) before they can be

implemented.

One example is the talk of a prototype of new clothes that are touted to be

disposable. After use, these worn clothes will then be sent to the

recycling plant to be processed into some other new products or into new

clothes again.

The main idea is to bring the manufacturing costs of these clothes lower

than the costs of laundry, repair and storage. Ideally, it should be

cheaper to buy new clothes compared against the sum spent on laundry,

repair, ironing and storage of traditionally-made clothes.

Our future clothes, scientists say, shall have automatic temperature

control (special fabrics), sweat and odor disposal systems embedded into

the material, as well as some kind of anti-bacterial additives incorporated

in their manufacture. And these are just for starters.

Some questions remain, however.

What happens to that wedding dress you kept for sentimental reasons?
What about that dowdy-looking but lucky tennis shirt you hate to throw out?
Will you get rid of that favorite sweater someone special gave you on your

birthday?

Will all of these be made of disposable materials, too, to be discarded

right after use?

Stay tuned for more of tomorrow’s news on dress-making.

First, consider these quirky facts on dress-making and the wearing of

clothes.

In ancient China, only the emperor could wear yellow. It was the assigned

imperial colors and nobody was entitled to use it except the highest

royalty.

In the old island kingdom of Hawaii, only the chieftain had the right to

wear feather cloaks, a clothing accessory that was hallowed to them.

Ancient temple priests had to wear specific garbs while doing their

priestly duties, with the pain of death imposed on those who broke them.

Today, not everyone can be assigned to sew priestly apparel, but once they

are, standard forms and patterns must be thoroughly followed to the last

lines.

In ancient Rome, only the senators of the republic could wear purple. Aside

from the hallowed status, this came with some bragging rights because

purple dye at that time was the most expensive and was not available to

everyone.

Most of today’s women in the U.S. and Europe still wear white wedding

dresses. This is because of the widespread belief that white symbolizes

purity, and every woman wants to project that trait.

Sikhs in India wear turbans, one sample of a strict religious requirement.

Different Arab nationalities have different head scarves specific to their

countries. The manufacture of these scarves follows exact specifications

that are very important to them, sacred even.

Politics, religion, and traditions

Evidently, politics and other socio-cultural aspects play a very

significant part in the making and wearing of clothes, including the

accessories that go with it. One can see from the examples above that these

practices transcend time and place. Some are still in practice today.

As societies and other groupings begun to coalesce and develop,

hierarchical rankings developed as well. Royalties, priests, ordinary

citizens and others took to their assigned roles in their respective

groups.

One effective way people were classified and organized would be by their

clothing.

Countries have their own national costumes for their people. Armies have

uniforms. The rankings of soldiers and officers are noted by insignias and

other markings. Religious groups have their priests, rabbis, and elders

sporting special clothes.

Economics and status symbols

Today, the social status of a person or group can sometimes be classified,

too, by their capacity to acquire very expensive clothes and other

luxurious items not available to everybody. These personal goods are

limited only to these people with enough wealth to buy them.

Clothes make the man, so goes a tired old saying. To most people, this

still holds true. They see beautiful clothes worn by beautiful movie stars

and models, and even by plain celebrities. Helped by non-stop media

barrage, the ordinary guy’s desire of owning and wearing these clothes

themselves becomes obsession. Everyone wants to look like the current hot

movie star or celebrity.

Astute dress-makers (name couturiers, big clothing companies) come into the

picture by making these kinds of clothes available to every man and woman.

Mass production of these expensive-looking clothes at a much lower cost

becomes the solution to everyone’s yearning of owning them.

One very simple way of increasing value for these low-cost products is the

prominent display of the clothes-maker’s brand name logo on the merchandise

itself. The difference in value becomes the profit margin for the

designer-manufacturer. These items may be clothes, bags, or any accessory

considered hot at the moment.

In effect, the dress-maker’s logo defines the status of a person’s place in

society. Stranger still, most people put such a high premium on these

little signs. They display them whenever possible for other people to see.

Who’s that on your shirt’s label?

According to surveys, there are about 22 million Americans doing some

sewing at home.  Last 2007, there are about 31,500 Americans who actually

make a profit out of dressmaking.  But is dressmaking just for dresses?

Dressmakers also provide tailoring services, pattern making and basic

alterations. It is not only important to provide good needle skills, but it

is also important to get some good fashion sense, as well.  This is why

most dressmakers would not only study basic sewing techniques, but would

take up fashion and design classes.

The dressmaking industry could be competitive.  Not only dressmakers would

have to compete with dressmakers like themselves, they would have to share

market with the rest of the clothing retail companies. So, it is important

to understand the latest fashion trends and also understand what kind of

clothes work for different body types.

For some dressmakers training would be by getting hands-on experience.

Apprenticeship or internship is something some dressmakers would rather

have than training.  This would give the actual experience of dealing with

customers and day-to-day challenges dressmakers handle.

The first records of dressmaker first appeared in the Oxford English

Dictionary in 1803.  Early dressmakers would be employed by women who do

not have dressmakers at home.  Most of the fashion ideas would come from

the big cities like Paris or London.  Early dressmakers would have training

by means of apprenticeship.  Dressmaking, during that period, requires a

lot of fittings.  They would also have a trial garment which is referred to

as “muslin”.

If you are just starting to learn dressmaking, then start with simple and

easy projects.  Then gradually increase the difficulty of the projects that

you are making.  There are beginner patterns which you can follow.

Dressmakers do not only follow patterns, they could also make their own

patterns or custom-made clothes for different kind of customers, like the

disabled, historical costumes, and those who have a different kind of

fashion sense.

Dressmaking and sewing have a lot of benefits.  The good thing is you would

not always be wearing clothes that most of the population wear.  You could

make your own clothes based on what color and pattern best work for your

body.  You do not have to rely what’s on the store’s clothing racks.

Aside from your wardrobe, it could also be the same for your home

decorations and furnishings.  You would be able to make your own curtain,

throw pillows, tablecloths and other things.  The good thing is the things

you have sewn could actually be better since you could pay more attention

to its detail and could meet your standards and needs.  Aside from that,

you do not have to go to dressmakers, or even worse throw your clothes,

just for repairs and alterations.

Many dressmakers and hobbyist would say that sewing has a calming and

relaxing effect.  They also attest that it can even boost their confidence

and sense of accomplishment especially if people would comment on how great

their products are.  Creative outlets, whether it is music, literature or

fashion, can be both enjoyable and challenging.

Although dressmaking and sewing comes with a price, that is equipment and

maintenance, it still beats the long-term benefits you would have.  Think

about the money that you have spent on clothes that do not show who you

really are and flatter your figure.