A question for women who like to wear dresses

justam

If a seamstress was going to make you a dress as a present, what kind of dress would you ask for?

Would you just copy a favorite dress from a movie, or would you leave it up to the person making it? :geek:

Who Princess

I need a little more information. Do you usually wear dresses? Is this a dress for a special occasion or for everyday wear, like for work? That would make some difference to me. Is the seamstress making this as a gift or are you having it made?

*Edit* I see from your post that it's a gift but it would still help to know what it's for.

pandora

justam wrote:

If a seamstress was going to make you a dress as a present, what kind of dress would you ask for?

Would you just copy a favorite dress from a movie, or would you leave it up to the person making it? :geek:

If its a present I would leave it up to her- thats half the gift seeing what she'd think I like

decides2dream

oooooo....

well, this really is SO dependent on the seamstresses talents and tastes. if i know her well, and she knows me REALLY well....my likes/dislikes, i might opt for her surprising me. however, given the amount of work that goes into making a dress and would hate to see that wasted, i would more than likely pick a pattern i like, or a pic from a magazine, etc as a guide.


on a related note - i WISH i could find a damn seamstress/tailor who would actually make clothes from scratch. my mother used to be that person but given her age now, not about to ask.i have this jacket that i love, love, love...soooo on it's last legs, but i refuse to give it up. i would LOVE to bring it to a tailor and get a new one made...hell...2 new made....so i can have it forever. anyone have a good tailer in NYC/long island that is not insanely expensive, any pointers, etc...would be most helpful.

justam

Here's the story. The seamstress is the mother of someone who owes me about $300. I told her if she just wants to make me a dress, I'll call it even.

I don't really have a need for a specific dress, but I've also never had one made from scratch for me either so I was thinking of having her copy some vintage dress from the 1950's. *shrugs*

Not for any specific occasion though. :geek:

decides2dream

justam wrote:

Here's the story. The seamstress is the mother of someone who owes me about $300. I told her if she just wants to make me a dress, I'll call it even.

I don't really have a need for a specific dress, but I've also never had one made from scratch for me either so I was thinking of having her copy some vintage dress from the 1950's. *shrugs*

Not for any specific occasion though. :geek:

do you think you will actually wear a dress based on a 1950s vintage design?
i mean, is it something you'll wear out to dinner or a party or sumthin'?
if so....go for it!
if not....either rethink what you might like, or....hold out for the $300.

justam

decides2dream wrote:

oooooo....

well, this really is SO dependent on the seamstresses talents and tastes.

however, given the amount of work that goes into making a dress and would hate to see that wasted, i would more than likely pick a pattern i like, or a pic from a magazine, etc as a guide.

This is what I'm thinking too. She said she can copy anything!

justam

decides2dream wrote:

justam wrote:

Here's the story. The seamstress is the mother of someone who owes me about $300. I told her if she just wants to make me a dress, I'll call it even.

I don't really have a need for a specific dress, but I've also never had one made from scratch for me either so I was thinking of having her copy some vintage dress from the 1950's. *shrugs*

Not for any specific occasion though. :geek:

do you think you will actually wear a dress based on a 1950s vintage design?
i mean, is it something you'll wear out to dinner or a party or sumthin'?
if so....go for it!
if not....either rethink what you might like, or....hold out for the $300.

I think you've all called to my attention that I'd really better have a thought about where I might wear the proposed dress... :shock: :?

LOL!

pearljgirl2010

justam wrote:

decides2dream wrote:

oooooo....

well, this really is SO dependent on the seamstresses talents and tastes.

however, given the amount of work that goes into making a dress and would hate to see that wasted, i would more than likely pick a pattern i like, or a pic from a magazine, etc as a guide.

This is what I'm thinking too. She said she can copy anything!

interesting!! I like the idea of having a nicely tailored dress for special occasions (not that I have one)....so I would try and find something that's flattering to you and that you'd get good use out of...maybe an extra-special Little Black Dress!?

justam

I'm trying to help them out though which is why I'm not asking for the money, but I also don't want to give away so much of my time for free...

PearlOfAGirl

I think you should both share your thoughts on what would work best for you... use both of the ideas that you had mentioned in your thread. I'd love to see what you two come up with...

Good Luck!

justam

pearljgirl2010 wrote:

interesting!! I like the idea of having a nicely tailored dress for special occasions (not that I have one)....so I would try and find something that's flattering to you and that you'd get good use out of...maybe an extra-special Little Black Dress!?

That's probably the most practical isn't it? Hmm... :geek:

pearljgirl2010

justam wrote:

pearljgirl2010 wrote:

interesting!! I like the idea of having a nicely tailored dress for special occasions (not that I have one)....so I would try and find something that's flattering to you and that you'd get good use out of...maybe an extra-special Little Black Dress!?

That's probably the most practical isn't it? Hmm... :geek:

I'm pretty practical--it's a curse sometimes ;-) and I can just imagine having a beautifully tailored dress that I would actually wear!

Who Princess

Yeah, it's one thing if you have a need for a really tailored dress. Otherwise, I'd think about what you could use it for. Or maybe she could make you a suit or outfit?

I think I might go to a fabric store and look at patterns and select one that way. Pattern books are pretty detailed now. They usually have photos of the dresses you can make. When I started sewing (like 150 years ago!) they usually had drawings. Patterns cost a lot more now too! I'm not sure but it seems like they cost about $20. When I was learning to sew they cost $1. One of those that makes me feel OLD! :oops: :shock:

justam

pearljgirl2010 wrote:

justam wrote:

pearljgirl2010 wrote:

interesting!! I like the idea of having a nicely tailored dress for special occasions (not that I have one)....so I would try and find something that's flattering to you and that you'd get good use out of...maybe an extra-special Little Black Dress!?

That's probably the most practical isn't it? Hmm... :geek:

I'm pretty practical--it's a curse sometimes ;-) and I can just imagine having a beautifully tailored dress that I would actually wear!

I like this idea too.
Thanks!

decides2dream

pearljgirl2010 wrote:

justam wrote:

decides2dream wrote:

oooooo....

well, this really is SO dependent on the seamstresses talents and tastes.

however, given the amount of work that goes into making a dress and would hate to see that wasted, i would more than likely pick a pattern i like, or a pic from a magazine, etc as a guide.

This is what I'm thinking too. She said she can copy anything!

interesting!! I like the idea of having a nicely tailored dress for special occasions (not that I have one)....so I would try and find something that's flattering to you and that you'd get good use out of...maybe an extra-special Little Black Dress!?

can't go wrong there!
if this is your opportunity to have something custom-made just for you....definitely go for something 'classic'...that you can wear forever....


my mom made me some gorgeous clothes when i was very young but once an adult...nada. eh well. she made her own gown for my wedding, she truly was such an amazing seamstress!

Lizard

If the person does not know you well I would give her some input.

decides2dream

or, i'll fedex you my jacket....tell her to make 2 copies of it....and i'll give you the $300.

justam

whoprincess wrote:

Yeah, it's one thing if you have a need for a really tailored dress. Otherwise, I'd think about what you could use it for. Or maybe she could make you a suit or outfit?

I think I might go to a fabric store and look at patterns and select one that way. Pattern books are pretty detailed now. They usually have photos of the dresses you can make. When I started sewing (like 150 years ago!) they usually had drawings. Patterns cost a lot more now too! I'm not sure but it seems like they cost about $20. When I was learning to sew they cost $1. One of those that makes me feel OLD! :oops: :shock:

Yeah, I don't think sewing is what it used to be.

justam

Lizard wrote:

If the person does not know you well I would give her some input.

Definitely.

justam

decides2dream wrote:

or, i'll fedex you my jacket....tell her to make 2 copies of it....and i'll give you the $300.

justam

decides2dream wrote:

can't go wrong there!
if this is your opportunity to have something custom-made just for you....definitely go for something 'classic'...that you can wear forever....


my mom made me some gorgeous clothes when i was very young but once an adult...nada. eh well. she made her own gown for my wedding, she truly was such an amazing seamstress!

Wow. How wonderful she was able to make you your wedding dress!

decides2dream

justam wrote:

decides2dream wrote:

can't go wrong there!
if this is your opportunity to have something custom-made just for you....definitely go for something 'classic'...that you can wear forever....


my mom made me some gorgeous clothes when i was very young but once an adult...nada. eh well. she made her own gown for my wedding, she truly was such an amazing seamstress!

Wow. How wonderful she was able to make you your wedding dress!

please reread.

tho technically, i am SURE she could've made my wedding gown, she really could make anything with a pattern!
she did make my prom gown tho - so beautiful! and the gown she made for herself for my wedding was stunning too!

justam

I'm sorry, it was the words "for my wedding" that threw me off. :?

Now I see what you meant. She made a dress for herself that she WORE to your wedding.

decides2dream

justam wrote:

I'm sorry, it was the words "for my wedding" that threw me off. :?

hehe....no worries!
just clarifying!


and hey, let us know what you decide...and how it all comes out!
perhaps post a pic!

justam

^^^

You all have been very helpful. Thanks!!

Heineken Helen

justam wrote:

whoprincess wrote:

Yeah, it's one thing if you have a need for a really tailored dress. Otherwise, I'd think about what you could use it for. Or maybe she could make you a suit or outfit?

I think I might go to a fabric store and look at patterns and select one that way. Pattern books are pretty detailed now. They usually have photos of the dresses you can make. When I started sewing (like 150 years ago!) they usually had drawings. Patterns cost a lot more now too! I'm not sure but it seems like they cost about $20. When I was learning to sew they cost $1. One of those that makes me feel OLD! :oops: :shock:

Yeah, I don't think sewing is what it used to be.

patterns are much cheaper online, as is the material (ebay is GREAT for material). I did a dressmaking course (ok well half of the course lol) earlier this year and that was the advice we were given and they were right. I suggest looking for the material and when you find material you love, then try and imagine it in a dress, drape it around you and stuff and find a pattern to suit.

I do like wearing dresses... I think I'd be like a kid in a sweet shop in your situation... I'd google stuff and then find a million things I want and then never ever be able to decide on one . I'd probably go for something extra special that's gonna make me stand out, a classic design that will never go out of style though.

ZiggyStar

Helen, i was just wondering this week what ever happened to your dress you were making!?

Heineken Helen

ZiggyStar wrote:

Helen, i was just wondering this week what ever happened to your dress you were making!?

:oops: I'm sure I'll finish it some day I still have other materials and patterns I have to use also.