Lolita beginner needs help?

Question

I want to make my own lolita clothing because lolita clothing is really high and i was wondering were i could get a good lolita pattern book and what sewing machine would be good in making lolita clothing. I'm 17 is that to old to be wearing lolita clothing because i really want to wear it.

What other sites sells nice but not to expensive lolita clothing I know bodyline sells cheap gothic and lolita clothing and the other websites like cosmate, Baby the Stars Shine Bright, Moi-Meme-Moitie, in the starlight, black alice, Metamorphose Temps de Fille, closet child, anna house fashion, and clothing drop. Is there any other sites that sell them too and do any of you wear lolita clothing out around town too.

Where's the best place to buy fabric. Oh by the way I live in florida.

Answer 1

Wow there are quite a lot of questions in your post but I will try to get through all of them and answer them to the best of my ability!

Q: I want to make my own lolita clothing because lolita clothing is really high and i was wondering were i could get a good lolita pattern book and what sewing machine would be good in making lolita clothing.

A: Try getting the Gothic and Lolita bible.  They have some pull out patterns at the back of every issue that have accessories and clothing from different name brands.  Most of the items are staple items as well meaning that you can use them over and over with different outfits.  I use the Gothic Lolita bible patterns on a regular basis and absolutely love them.  You may need to look up some basic information on the internet to grade the patterns if you don't already fit into a Japanese size medium.  I generally have to out about 2 inches to the patterns and drop the waist and hemline about the same due to my height.

May I suggest that you invest in some non-dyed muslin which is available at most fabric stores often times for as little as 99 cents a yard.  The first time you grade you pattern cut out the pattern you want (I often want to use more than one pattern from the pattern sheets so I have the copied at a copy store so I can use the different patterns), use the muslin to make the garment in the original size. Once you try the garment on you'll know about how much to add to your new pattern.  

There are two ways I go about grading a pattern to get a new pattern to fit my size.  If you are interested in knowing about this please feel free to get in touch with me directly at [e-mail].

As far as a sewing machine you could get away with a low end sewing machine.  My first Lolita dresses were made on a $99.00 singer from Wal-mart.  While I have since upgraded to a new machine I was able to do everything I needed on the 99.00 dollar machine.

Q: I'm 17 is that to old to be wearing lolita clothing because i really want to wear it.

A: 17 is not too old to wear Lolita at all!  I'm 22 and I wear Lolita often. I know girls that are older than me who wear it.  They tend to lean towards the more mature Classical styles but some of them look so young that they can still get away with sweet.

Q: What other sites sells nice but not to expensive lolita clothing I know bodyline sells cheap gothic and lolita clothing and the other websites like cosmate, Baby the Stars Shine Bright, Moi-Meme-Moitie, in the starlight, black alice, Metamorphose Temps de Fille, closet child, anna house fashion, and clothing drop. Is there any other sites that sell them too

A: You may also try http://www.inthestarlight.com or

http://jchansdesigns.com/  both are state-side.

Q: Do any of you wear lolita clothing out around town too.

A: All the time.  I wear alot of casual Lolita and save more dressy pieces for meet-ups.  Depending on where you are in Florida there may be meet-ups in your area.  Try going to the EGL community on livejournal and see if there are meet-up in your area.  I know of one Florida meet-up group that meets once a month but I can't remember of the top of my head where they are located.

Q: Where's the best place to buy fabric.

A:  That all depends on your personal style.  I like JoAnns myself but I know others who don't.  JoAnn's has always been willing to work with me to special order fabric I need and I am in love with the 50% off coupon on any cut of fabric that comes out every two weeks or so.  That 20.00 brocade just became 10.00 to me!

I hope this helps answer your question. If you have any further questions please feel free to email me or join my lolita yahoo group

http://www.groups.yahoo.com/vanilla_loli  I've been on the Lolita journey for a while and am most willing to help my fellow ladies out!

Answer 2

Isn't most Lolita clothing Victorian inspired? Maybe try searching for patterns with Victorian inspired clothing. You should also look for corset patterns, tiered skirt patterns. I don't think 17 is too old. Try shopping at good fabric stores, just go onto a sewing site like Threadbanger and ask on there. They are all people who know about this stuff. Get a really good sewing machine. You will need a regular machine and then a serger. Any good brand name like Singer, or Brother is good.