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Today I have a question from a reader named Chelsea:  "I'm a complete sewing noob.  What are some good patterns for someone to start with?  Any rookie mistakes to avoid?" A newbie sewer outfit made by me a few years ago. I made the top and skirt with no pattern. It's actually quite a MESS. LOL But it made me confident enough to work into using patterns. When I started, I didn't use patterns. I was just making it up as I went. I didn't even follow any rules; like for instance grains and such. Well some parts of my beginning were good (like digging into sewing and learning as much as I could), but then other aspects were bad (not following grain lines makes wonky dresses/skirts). So my advice would be to try out something that will sharpen your skills just simply using the machine. I am talking about sewing yourself a little purse! Or an apron! If you jump right into garments, chances are that you are going to be very frustrated and dissapointed, and end up quit...

When I found out that I could buy Skelanimals fabric, I was so excited! I love the Skelanimals that you can buy at Hot Topic. So this is the first ever Skelanimals 50s inspired dress....I think. LOL  The pattern for the neckline is copied from a late 50s McCalls pattern. I added red piping to make it pop.  I also made a red belt. I used a buckle from a pair of my shoes that had fallen apart.  The skirt is cut on the bais.  I also cut sleeves on the bias.  I drafted a seam pocket on the one side. I made it a bit too low, but it will still come in handy!  The sleeves have small red rick tack to add a second touch of color. From far away it looks like all dots, but close up you can see the Skelanimals! I think it looks very Lucy! I wore it to my acoustic gig last night  It matches my vintage looking hollow body guitar!

Hello! Long time; no see! This dress was not supposed to turn out so cute. It was a test for the neckline and sleeves. The scallop edge neck came from a late 50s pattern. The pattern also has kimono sleeves- MY NEMESIS!! They never fit right on me. So when I up sized the pattern, I made a sample out of this cotton skeleton fabric I had in my stash. It is like a waxy cotton, almost like it supposed to be for a table cloth....not really the best for draping. That's why it lays weird on my butt. Still there are some issues with the fit, so I am going to be back at the drafting table! Enjoy! not too bad for a test! green bottom trim and matching on the inside of the scallop edges see the weird bubble but drape the earrings are from mi abuelita, they were clip ons, but I glued posts on