Where can I buy 1950's style fabric for a dress?

Question

I recently got a pattern for a 1950's style dress. I've never mae a dress before so don't want to spend to much money on the fabric but would like to use a fabric in keeping with the style of the dress. Ideally I'd like a floral pattern, but not too complex in case I manage to make mistakes!

I need aprox 400cm of 115cm wide fabric OR 350cm of 150cm wide fabric.

If you also have any tips for a first time dress maker I'd be very grateful!!

Answer 1

try reprodepot.com or rubyjane.com

you can also check out your local fabric store - some of the floral calico prints for quilting can be 50's looking too.  good luck!  

as far as advice, I might recommend cutting the pattern in muslin and sewing it up that way first to give you an idea of where you might need to make alterations to pattern.  you don't want to make irreversible mistakes on the good fabric. I know it's a lengthy step but then you have an altered pattern in muslin that you can use again and again.  

Answer 2

You might try going on freecycle and asking if anybody has any extra material they'd like to give you.

Most sewers have plenty of fabric and would enjoy helping out a beginner!

Or you could go to a fabric store. I find most of the employees are pretty knowledgeable and would be able to help you find something appropriate.

Have fun!

Answer 3

1950's patterns can be quite complex, and not all are good for a first time dressmaker to use.  Have you made other clothing?  And how familiar are you will using a sewing machine?

Also, genuine 1950's patterns are made on a different set of measurements from modern reproductions, and you will need an accurate set of measurements to work from.  You cannot do this alone!  For my standard advice on taking measurements, look here: http://www.diceyhome.free-online.co.uk/K...

If you have never made anything before, I would suggest you put that pattern aside for a while and try a simple cotton skirt first, to familiarize yourself with the techniques and equipment, the terminology, and the fabric handling.

You'll need to learn how to read the pattern, how to alter it to fit you, how to lay it out on the fabric, how to cut it, and the techniques for sewing it together and finishing it so that it doesn't fall to bits or fray away to nothing on the inside.  The best way to do this is a good dressmaking class.  Next best is personal tuition from an experiences seamtress/sewist with patience and a talent for teaching.  Failing this, a good sewing manual like the Readers Digest Complete Book of Sewing, Sewing for Dummies, or one of the Singer illustrated ones will help a great deal.

If you are not familiar with a sewing machine, you will need to practice seams so that they are straight, and have someone on hand to help you out of a mess when it happens.  And it will...  But don't worry - we were all there at one time, and patience is a very fine tool to keep in the sewing room!  :)

For some more general advice on sewing equipment, simple pattern alterations, seams and finishes, and so forth, do pop in to visit me at http://www.katedicey.co.uk/ and look in The Learning Zone.

When you come to make the dress, look on the pattern envelope back for recommended fabrics.  For 50's style cotton prints, look at quilting fabrics like these:

http://www.equilter.com/

http://www.virginiaquilter.com/

http://www.bighornquilts.com/

Quilting fabrics aren't cheap, but they do make excellent cotton frocks!

Above all, be patient with yourself, and have fun!

Answer 4

Go to a thrift shop and look for vintage (old) clothing to cut up and use.You can also find a place that sells vintage clothing for the same reason,but a regular thrift

shop would be much cheaper.

     You could also use a vintage dress as your pattern,just add your own ideas here and there.