The movie industry has had an obvious impact on the fashion industry. Dressmaking is no exception. Just look at what happens after all those Hollywood award shows. Knock-off designs of vintage dresses begin to pop up wherever you look. The best way to save on a vintage dress is to make your own. Want to look like a Hollywood celebrity at your next special event? Dressmaking 101 has some tips for you.

1. Find some inspiration: Grab a news magazine or search online for the latest red carpet vintage fashions. Know what’s hot and what’s not before you begin your vintage dressmaking adventure. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday party or special birthday bash, Valentine’s, a wedding, or the officer’s ball, knowing what Hollywood is wearing will inspire you.

2. Look for a vintage pattern: Many of the fashionable styles dressmakers use today come from styles made popular in the 1940s and 1950s. Vintage dressmaking patterns are the best place to start when it comes to gaining a Hollywood edge. There is a great website that sells vintage patterns, www.oldpatterns.com.

3. Have the right notions: When working with special occasion fabrics, you will need special notions like boning, finer machine needles, and embellishments like lace or faux flowers. Before starting your dressmaking project, be sure you have everything you need on hand. It’s a bummer when you are into a dressmaking day and you realize you don’t have the hooks or correct zipper to finish the job.

We all want to look as great as the stars do on the red carpet, and with these basic insider tips from Dressmaking 101 you are off to a great start!

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Hollywood’s Influence on Vintage Dressmaking

Go to http://www.emmaonesock.com. This site offers detailed fabric descriptions, which is one of the most important qualities in a good dressmaking material website. The site offers many beautiful, high quality designer materials to choose from at a reasonable rate for these types of fabrics.

If you are looking for a large selection of designer label fabrics for dressmaking, you may like www.manhattanfabrics.com. The website lists dressmaking materials by color, designer, fabric, print, and weave. The organization and search functions make this a desirable site to search for your next dress material.

Another way to find great dressmaking material is to enter “online fabric store” into your search engine. There are hundreds of websites devoted to providing dressmaking material. It’s like going to the mall and having more then one well-known department store mixed in with a bunch of boutiques. You will find something you like if you shop around.

Finally, don’t forget those trusty pattern magazines. Buy a copy of Vogue Patterns magazine, for example, and take a look at the fabric adds. They have ads for all the big internet fabric stores, along with URLs and in some cases discount codes for Vogue pattern shoppers. Dressmaking 101 also recommends searching through specialty sewing magazines for dressmaking supplies and material, as well as sewing notions.

Common dressmaking materials include: lace, silk, satin, chiffon, crinoline, crepe, polyester, nylon, sateen, taffeta, sequined fabric, and spandex.

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Find Dressmaking Material Online

The standard dressmaker scissors are the 8 inch Dressmaker Shears, double plated chrome over nickel. Most have a knife edge with an adjustable pivot and locking nut. This is the industry’s standard shear for dressmaking.

Another thing you may want to look for if you will be using your dressmaking scissors as a profession and not just a hobby, is an ergonomic handle. This allows for a good grip. Longer blades are another feature to consider when shopping for dressmaking scissors. Longer blades allow for easier cutting.

How do your dressmaking scissors measure up? Do they come with a 90-day warranty? How much should you spend to make an investment in your dressmaking scissors? What types of fabrics are they best to use with? Can they cut multiple layers? Is it important to go with a well-known brand?

These are the questions you need to ask when you are shopping for dressmaking shears. Know what you need for your specialty and know what the industry standards are before you buy.

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A Snip Peak at Dressmaking Scissors

Are you just starting out and don’t know where to begin when it comes to the right dressmaking course for you? Or are you are a seasoned pro looking to learn the latest techniques in the dressmaking business?

Taking a dressmaking course will give you the chance to combine your creativity with your technical skills to learn more about how to produce fashionable dresses. Some sewing and dressmaking topics to consider looking into include: sewing essentials, equipment, dressmaking patterns, color and design on fabric, sewing for kids, decorative machine stitching, and specialty threads and needles.

If you interested in a distance learning course in dressmaking, you may want to check out the offerings of Stratford Career Institute or Penn Foster Career School. Interested in taking your passion for fashion to the next level, then you may want to enroll in one of the many Art Institute campuses around the United States and study dressmaking through their Fashion Design degree program. Many community college programs offer dressmaking and fashion design courses as well. You can even check out your local sewing machine store or fabric store. They often post local dressmaking course offerings.

Though a high school education is usually adequate when it comes to the dressmaking profession, fashion is a highly competitive industry. Finding a few dressmaking courses or studying fashion design could give you the edge you need to make your dressmaking dreams come true.

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Dressmaking Courses

Purchasing a dressmaking mannequin can be a very confusing process. It is important that you know some basic things before talking to the professionals to make your purchase. Mannequin sizing, adjustable features, your budget, and the basic uses will be key to ordering the right dressmaker mannequin for you.

Will you be making dresses for yourself and others? Then you will want to find an adjustable dressmaking mannequin. Many dressmaking mannequins come with adjustable dials in various areas to help fit the dress to each unique body type and size.

Not to worry when it comes to your budget. You can start out with a cheaper style mannequin for dressmaking and then graduate to a more sophisticated style as you get better at sewing or possibly when you go into business making dresses for others.

Dressmaking mannequins can be used not only as a dress form when putting together the pattern pieces while you sew a dress, but also as a display piece for the finished product. Some dressmaking mannequins come with arms, some do not. Many dress forms are simply a torso on a metal stand. Be sure to know the uses before making your purchase.

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Dressmaking Mannequin

Dressmaking used to be just a skill which is best applied for family clothes repairs and easy sewing. But currently, these skilled and talented people are turning their skills into something profitable.

Should you be planning to start a dressmaking business, what sort of supplies do you need?

• Sewing machine- Needless to say! You’re not actually deciding to sew everything by hand, right? Sewing machines are no longer merely to get straight stitches. The contemporary sewing machine comes having various purposes. It will be able to sew hems, seams, zigzag stitching, buttonholes and a great deal features.

Sewing machines typically range from$ 300 to$ 6000, depends on the type, brand name and purposes. Is you’re barely beginning, then you possibly can acquire a second hand sewing machine.

Just make certain that it’s still in decent condition. Should you be utilizing the sewing machine on a regular basis, then have someone professional check on it yearly. This would be necessary, specially if you would be using your sewing machine heavily and frequently or if dressmaking is your livelihood.

• Tape measure – They are available in different lengths, you can just have the standard 60 inches long. It can be in paper or plastic, so you can just pick one. Aside from measuring customers, tape measures are also used to measure fabric.

• Dressmaker shears and paper scissors- The dressmaker shears or scissors is completely for fabric only. Do not use them for paper or thread. They have edges that are ideal for cutting any kind of fabric, whether it is leather. It is really important to keep the condition with the blades and edges with the shears, so put them inside the plastic sheath after using.

Paper scissors are also needed especially for cutting out patterns and threads. They should be in the same size as the dressmaker shears. It is possible to simply acquire standard scissors.

• Pins and needles – You will find mixed packs of needles with various sizes, you might require them particularly if you will be putting some hand- made detail on the garments or if it requires you to hand- sew. Dressmaker pins are also important to keep the fabric in place before sewing. Any blunt, rusty or bent needles and pins ought to be thrown away straight away. They might produce some harm to the fabric.

• Pencil, rulers and tailor’s chalk – Pencils and rulers are important for making paper patterns. While the tailor chalk would be assisting you to mark the parts of the fabric that must be sewn or cut.

• Iron and iron board- These would come handy if you are going to be displaying products or merchandising merchandise.

• Dress form- Some people would say this is required and some would say that you could start a dressmaking business devoid of one of these. Actually, these could help us make adjustments on clothes and see how it fits. This might provide us a basic idea the way the garments we produced might appear once it’s put on.

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Dressmaking Supplies What Will We Have to Have

Color is important for a prom dress, why?

Color plays a major role in a prom dress during the special night. It should compliment your skins complexion. For that flattering image, you can accentuate your figure through the use of slimming shades such as wine, deep gray, forest green, midnight blue, burgundy, cocoa, and the neutral colors of beige, black, gray, silver, gold, and taupe.

What patterns make your figure stand out?

Material of the prom dress also matters a lot. The pattern or the cut that emphasizes your figure can also matters. An example is the vertical pattern and the long straight flow of the prom dress will make you appear sexy and slim.

The emphasis of your figure can be contributed by the fabrics material. Choose a clingy material to show off you full figure to look sexy for your best prom dress. Use accessories which will complement and complete your best prom dress statement. Body type and the size are also important, why?

In shopping your prom dress, focus on your body type. Through this, size and style of the prom dress that will best fit for you can be determine. Never choose a prom dress that does not suit your body type no matter how much you crave to wear that dress you saw worn by the mannequin or model. Take time to fit it.

The Perfect Dress for Different Body Styles

Hourglass. The most envied body type for anything looks perfect on it. Wearing a haltered top or a strapless prom dress with cinched or sash on the waist can be perfect.

Straight. Body hugging dresses will not be good to look at this type. To add some curves and volume to the body, wear an A-line prom dress. An open shoulders and flared skirt for the prom dress is perfect.

Rounded. Dressing up with flattering styles is best for this style. Options like a low neckline and a drop waist for the prom dress style is also good. The bust can be emphasizing in the low neckline and the torso can be lengthening with the drop waist. Empire cut prom dress will fit right in this type.

Pear-shaped. Prom dresses in empire cut and A-line patterns would be good and balance everything in this body type.

Size Matters

Size of the prom dress really matters as this is one of the problems of teenagers buying one. Make sure that the prom dress fits you when buying in the malls. Estimates are not reliable. Be sure to have an expert decide on what size you must get in buying online. To have everything flawlessly perfect prom dress is to have it tailor-made.

Have you checked this important prom dress guide? The one you should be reading before trying any prom dress. If not, dont be left out and most importantly save yourself from regret and embarrassment. click here: http://UltimatePromdressSecrets.useful-tips.com/

Written by Jed Baguio Original Location: Pointers That You Should Know So You Can Have The Best Prom Dress

Author: Jed Baguio
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Mobile game news

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Pointers That You Should Know So You Can Have The Best Prom Dress

Kelly Pickler, the cute and adorable contestant of American Idol, was an instant hit with a majority of viewers. This small-town, vulnerable-looking girl from South Carolina became famous for her country songs and one-liners. Hailing from a broken family, her naive looks garnered enough sympathy from everybody to take her to great heights of popularity. However, the whole country got a rude shock when a particular picture of hers surfaced. Here’s the scoop –

This particular picture showed her wearing a red colored prom dress which most people found to be very offensive! This was primarily because the dress was very revealing and had a built in thong! The dress, people thought, was not in accordance to the popular innocent image which Kelly portrayed. This was found all the more offensive because Kelly hails from a small town and girls out there do not dress this way (?) for proms.

The question now arises is, how far is it justified to create such an uproar about something as personal as a girl’s prom dress? What one wears is undoubtedly one’s personal choice and decision. However, one should not forget that celebrity status demands a certain price! Kelly represents a certain segment of the population and is definitely answerable to her fans who have made her popular. Celebrities should generally take care not to hurt the sentiments of their supporters because it is the public who makes them popular.

Therefore, it did not come as a surprise that her glaring, baring prom dress attracted so much negative attention. However, it must also be realized that instead of creating an uproar one can do more subtle things like withdrawing support. The now popular Kelly Pickler prom dress was no doubt offensive, but fact remains that absolutely nobody can restrict Kelly from wearing the same again. As far as Kelly is concerned, she must be well aware of the consequences of her wearing such a dress. So, she should be best left alone as far as her personal grooming is concerned. The people on their part got to learn a lesson that looks can be deceptive.

Hi! My name is Hwang Keum-OK. I have a website with lots more thoughts and info about prom dresses — http://www.todays-prom-dresses.com Please stop by and visit Today’s Prom Dresses. We think you’ll like it!

Author: Hwang Keum-Ok
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Digital Camera Times

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Kellie Pickler Prom Dress — Much Ado About Nothing?

What made you decide to sell modest clothing patterns online?

The Paisley Pincushion Sewing Patterns: There are many people who sew tucked away in places that I can’t get to with a trade show or a store front. The nature of those living a more modest life-style keeps these people out of the mainstream marketing areas. However, my market research had shown there was a demand for this type of pattern, so my website was born.

Candle On the Hill Modest Sewing Patterns:

I remember combing through the pattern books page by page at the local fabric stores, looking for something, anything, that might be modest enough for me. I often would buy something just because it was modest, even if it wasn’t comfortable or I didn’t really like it. Even then, I so often had to raise necklines or lower hems, that I actually kept templates I made in order to do it quickly with a store bought pattern.

Then a few years back I learned to draft sewing patterns using a blank sheet of newsprint, some rulers, pencils, and a lot of time and patience. Finally I could create something that truly was modest, feminine, and comfortable to wear. I could make things that were suitable for maternity, nursing, and everyday all at once. However, I was having to remake a pattern over and over on the back of wrapping paper, newspaper, (or even once on the back of unused wallpaper!) for a friend or family member.

Then friends of friends were asking for one of the patterns I made, ladies at church
would bring requests from an aunt or cousin in another state even. My mailbox was filling with letters from ladies all over the US, Canada, and overseas! Each letter had a unique story of how they saw a garment from one of my patterns and wanted one, too.

It became apparent that I was in over my head! An hour of tracing a pattern by hand at the kitchen table while my children napped became a task that was filling my day from dawn to dusk. My husband suggested that I draw out all the patterns and all the sizes for each in standard size measurements (instead of custom sizes like I had been doing), and then find a printer to print the copies for me. We also had made new designs beyond the original first Amish and Mennonite styles to accommodate ladies requesting patterns from many other backgrounds.

After some organizing, we got things together and opened. Candle on the Hill was born. We went online sometime later, due to prompting from our customers.

CommonSensePatterns: The decision to sell modest clothing patterns began with time-consuming and frustrating searches for girls clothing – especially preteen and older sizes. I had purchased a few of the dresses and jumpers from Common Sense Designs and felt I had hit upon a gold mine. With their beautiful cotton fabrics, their clothing was pretty, modest, and easy to wear. Unfortunately they were bought out and then forced to close. I was pleased with their clothing, so I was sure other women would be, too.

A miracle of God transpired over the next 6 months. A purchase was made of a commercial printing machine (plotter), plus a digitizer board (to be used later) and a computer program.

We started from scratch, with no background. I considered myself only a ‘beginner’ seamstress. I became overwhelmed, and my husband put out an ‘SOS’. Some wonderful women responded and wrote a few basic instructions for our patterns in exchange for a pattern. Those are the humble beginnings. There are still many patterns waiting to get web ready.

What criteria do you use to design or sell patterns?

PaisleyPincushion: The main criterion is the question:

“Is this something I would wear or use myself?”. Each pattern starts as a

garment that I want for myself, but can’t find in the size or shape that I
need. Sometimes I get requests for a certain pattern. However, I can tell
it would never be worth the time, funds and effort to design. I have to
pass on those. “The Worker Bee” was a plea from a friend of mine and it was easy to see that she had a serious need and that it would work for others also. It’s a super sturdy, reinforced apron that men or women could wear.

CandleOnTheHill: I respond to feedback from my customers…is there a style or design they’ve seen but want a modest alternative? Also, what is important to their modesty? We have customers of varying faiths and backgrounds and each has a unique story of how and why they cover their body modestly. Each also may have different views on what is modest and what is not.

I try to be sensitive to this. Fused into each pattern are options for the customer to personalize their garment. A dress may have waist tie options, or a traditional Mennonite “cape” option. A vest pattern may have options for with or without buttons. A pattern may offer options for darts for a more fitted look or without darts, elastic or without for a more loose fit, and suggestions on ideas to make a garment more simple and plain, or as a base to add their own trims, additions, and creativity for something unique.

Above all, I strive for versatility and comfort. I want our patterns to be something that makes clothing that fits your life comfortably, whether you’re a teacher in an urban community or a farmer’s wife on a ranch, I want the designs to work for you. I also keep in mind the changing seasons of a woman’s life…can this design be used for a nursing mother? Will it fit for maternity use? Is this comfortable for an elderly person with limited mobility and dressing capability, or a busy mother with small children? I try to include either in the pattern or in the instructions, ideas and tips for making the garment more versatile for the wearer.

When considering patterns by other designs for sale through our shop, we like to also keep these things in mind. We look for things our customers have requested, or patterns they’ve enjoyed and suggested to us. We avoid plunging necklines, tight fitting bodices, and short skirts or mile-long slits. We want our customers to feel that they can relax in browsing our selection, knowing that the modesty is already ensured and they can just browse for what best appeals to them for style, comfort, and fit.

CommonSensePatterns: The criteria we use in our decision to use these particular patterns are:

1. they need to be modest and feminine
2. quick and easy (fairly easy) to put together
3. we want to use classic styles that never go out of style and can be used over and over.

Which of your patterns would you recommend to a beginner at sewing?

PaisleyPincushion: I recommend the Reversible Apron for beginners. It doesn’t use much yardage, and is quick to
sew. I try very hard to put explicit instructions in each pattern.
Usually when people have trouble doing a pattern it’s because they skim
the words…..or only go by pictures. Read, read and reread the
instructions. A good habit to have is completely reading the
instructions, even before you purchase your fabric. I answer questions
also….calls are welcome and emails too. I want ladies to finish and
like what they have made.

CandleOnTheHill: It depends what you would like to sew! There are a variety of patterns that are good for a beginning seamstress. We also offer a page on our website with tips, information, and how-to, for those looking to learn to sew. The Kwik Sew Skirt Pattern, the Simple Culottes pattern, and the Simple Skirt pattern are great choices for a beginner because they are uncomplicated and quick to make. They require no buttons or zippers, yet give good sewing experience for a beginner. Many of the Baby & Toddler patterns are good choices, too. The Quick and Comfy Dresses pattern is a favorite, as well as the Elizabeth Lee Little Ones pattern.

CommonSensePatterns: For a beginner new to sewing, I would recommend any skirt or jumper pattern (shoulder button). Once you make one of the basic style dresses, you will find it goes together quite easily and from then on you will only get better and better.

What are your best selling patterns?

PaisleyPincusion: Hands down, the Scalloped Apron. They have all have had successful runs at different times….and there is no guessing when or which one will be next.

CandleOnTheHill: Our apron patterns are very popular sellers. We also
sell a lot of the Country Classic and Country Cape dress patterns. The Simple Culottes for both girls and ladies have been hugely popular. We also sell a lot of our headcovering patterns. Whether worn for religious observance or other reasons, they have been a popular purchase. We’ve added some helpful information and tips for those that want to get more comfort and ease out of wearing a headcovering.

Our Cloth Menstrual Pads pattern is one of our best sellers of all. I know that may seem unexpected, but many women are happily discovering this budget saving option.

CommonSensePatterns: Women buy all of our patterns, but probably the best selling patterns are:

• Wm’s Lace Collar Dress and the Girls Lace Collar Dress
• Wm’s Panel Dress Wm’s square neck dress
• The preteen combo (square neck/sweetheart neckline dress)
• Preteen empire dress.

Copyright (c) Basya Speshel

About the author:
Basya Speshel writes for http://www.sewmodestclothing.com about topics in modesty. Visit for a free snood pattern or a free downloadable beret pattern. Help review modest patterns by sending in a review on the Contact page.

This article may be freely distributed; Resource Box Must Stay Attached.

Author: Basya Speshel
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Digital pipeline

Post from: Dressmaking

Modest Clothing Patterns – Who Sells Them and Why – Online Niche Fashion Industry

There are those who can sew without a pattern, just with the measurements of the person and some good drafting skills. Many, however, need a sewing pattern to assemble a garment from a bolt of fabric. One niche in the online pattern industry caters to those looking for modest style clothing. Some customers are interested in “plain” clothing such as Amish or Mennonite styles, others are looking for more modern styles that cover more skin, and others are looking for timeless or period styles such as Edwardian or Swing era styles.

Are you interested in sewing your own clothes? Check out what these online vendors have to say about their clothing patterns:

Which of your patterns would you recommend to a beginner at sewing?

PaisleyPincushion.biz: I recommend the Reversible Apron for beginners. It doesn’t use much yardage, and is quick to sew. I try very hard to put explicit instructions in each pattern. Usually when people have trouble doing a pattern it’s because they skim the words, or only go by pictures. Read, read and reread the instructions. A good habit to have is completely reading the instructions, even before you purchase your fabric. I answer questions also: calls and emails are welcome. I want ladies to finish and like what they have made.

CandleOntheHill.net: It depends what you would like to sew! There are a variety of patterns that are good for a beginning seamstress. We also offer a page on our web site with tips, information, and how-to, for those looking to learn to sew. The Kwik Sew Skirt Pattern, the Simple Culottes pattern, and the Simple Skirt pattern are great choices for a beginner because they are uncomplicated and quick to make. They require no buttons or zippers, yet give good sewing experience for a beginner. Many of the Baby & Toddler patterns are good choices, too. The Quick and Comfy Dresses pattern is a favorite, as well as the Elizabeth Lee Little Ones pattern.

CommonSensePatterns.com : For a beginner new to sewing, I would recommend any skirt or jumper pattern (shoulder button). Once you make one of the basic style dresses, you will find it goes together quite easily and from then on you will only get better and better.

What are your best selling patterns?

PaisleyPincushion: Hands down, the Scalloped Apron. They have all have had successful runs at different times….and there is no guessing when or which one will be next.

CandleOnTheHill: Our apron patterns are very popular sellers. We also sell a lot of the Country Classic and Country Cape dress patterns. The Simple Culottes for both girls and ladies have been hugely popular. We also sell a lot of our head covering patterns. Whether worn for religious observance or other reasons, they have been a popular purchase. We’ve added some helpful information and tips for those that want to get more comfort and ease out of wearing a headcovering.

Our Cloth Menstrual Pads pattern is one of our best sellers of all. I know that may seem unexpected, but many women are happily discovering this budget saving option.

CommonSensePatterns: Women buy all of our patterns, but probably the best selling patterns are:

• Women’s Lace Collar Dress and the Girls Lace Collar Dress
• Women’s Panel Dress
• Women’s square neck dress
• The preteen combo (square neck/sweetheart neckline dress)
• Preteen empire dress.

Those sewing their own clothing are finding new options for purchasing patterns online. Niche markets, such as modest clothing patterns are still growing. These cottage industry businesses emphasize customer service as well as quality products.

Copyright (c) Basya Speshel

About the author:
Basya Speshel writes for http://www.sewmodestclothing.com about topics in modesty. You can read reviews of many modest clothing patterns that are available online at http://www.sewmodestclothing.com

SewmodestClothing.com also accepts reviews by readers of modest clothing patterns. Visit for a free snood pattern or a free downloadable beret pattern.

This article may be freely distributed; Resource Box Must Stay Attached.

Author: Basya Speshel
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Latest trends in mobile phone

Post from: Dressmaking

Modest Dress Patterns – From the Experts