Questions for experienced sewers

[Anonymous]

I'm starting to sew but have several questions, hoping I can learn from your collective expertise!

1. How many yards of fabric does one need for making pillow shams that go on a bed or sofa? Is there a general yardage amount for these small projects? When I go to the fabric store I always get confused about how much to buy, and fabric is not cheap.

2. I'm plus-sized and I find the ready made clothes I buy never fit right. Tops are always too big in the bust/armhole and waist (but perfect in the belly) and pants always gape at the back. Would sewing darts in the bust help with fit issues on the top? And how many yards of fabric would I need to make a top for myself? Size 16/18 on top.

3. Are there any good sewing blogs or forums good for beginners?

Thanks so much!

[RedTailHawk]

Darts are part of what makes great fitting adult clothes but sometimes it isn't obvious where/how to put them in. This http://www.ikatbag.com/2010/09/drafting-part-xi-princess-seams-and.html is a resource I find myself going back to regularly.

For something flat and square like shams, bring the pillow (or, even better, an existing sham that fits the pillow) and tell the person at the cutting table what you are trying to do. For flat things like that you can actually lay it down on the fabric to see whats needed.

[Anonymous]

The package of the top patterm will tell you how many yards are needed for the different sizes and styles of that pattern.

My proportions are not average, which is why I make some of my clothes. I take measurements and adjust the pattern cut. If I'm a size 18 bust, but 14 for hips, I cut close to those individual size markings. I usually pin it together on me, then pinch together here and there, then mark the adjustments with chalk for my proportions. Putting on a partially assembled shirt that has 20 pins in it can be tricky. Just a suggestion. Crayola chalk works just as well as what you'd find at the fabric store.

[Anonymous]

I don't do pillow shams, but I often do 20x20 pillows (I hate pillows smaller than that, they look cheaper). I normally do the expensive fabric on one side and cheaper, solid colored on the back. Really cuts down on fabric costs and I like the contrast. I normally buy 1-2 yards to make pillows with. Depends how many pillows you want.

Fabrics.com is where I've gotten a lot of fabrics cheaper. I like the $4-8 a yard fabrics. I like high end fabrics too, not the cheap quilt fabric they sell at JoAnns.

[Anonymous]

Thank you for the replies!

I guess what I am wondering is if I can generally know when I'm buying fabric how much to get depending on what I want to make. So if I am making a top for me, and I know I am a size 16, I can safely buy 2 yards and know it will be enough.

Is there a general rule?

[Anonymous]

It also depends on the width of the material. Some is 45" wide, some is 60" wide (and some is sort of non-standard, in neither of these widths.

I find that if I see fabric that I really love, and I buy 3 yards, I can make almost anything I want (and can change my mind and make a dress instead of a blouse when I get it home). I'm a size 16/18 in off the rack sizes, and have a 36" inseam (so I need a good length for pants & dresses).