Teenage Textilelover: You should not be using Misses patterns. You should be using Junior's patterns. If all else fails make sure you have your key measurements on hand when purchasing your patterns so you can look on the back of the pattern and compare them. I would do a mock up before making a nicer pricier item I might have in mind.

It is very easy to use the mock up as a base to play around with an item and make your own unique pattern and/or design for yourself or others when using a mock up to begin with.

I use to do it from paper bags in my youth and still use papers that I recycle from pkgs I receive to make bases for clothing and upholstery patterns I make up-you can sew paper as well and get a good idea of the finished product/size of garment you might want to make up, thereby skipping buying muslin for the mock up!

Thank you so much for keeping the tradition alive! Share your love of sewing with your friends and just have a great time!

NubianGoddess: Great name! Hey, just like I was saying to selderkin, you can do an open search for example: free apron patterns and hit enter. There are so many it will blow your mind. Tobe specific you would wanr ro input free apron patterns, 50"s style and then just hit enter. I have seen many on the blogs from the makers on the handmade site Ravelry. Sew Mama Sews is very nice.

I hope this helps!

Happy stitchin'!

Selbian: There are free tutorials on youtube for this as well as many bloggers have some free tutes on this usually handmade items from Ravelry shops. Here is something that might interest you to get you started. http://stitchandboots.wordpress.com/2009/04/30/make-a-mushroom-smock-recycle-a-mens-shirt/

One way to do an open search is for ex. recycled men's shirt tutorials, free and then just hit enter.

Happy cutting!

PS You can make children's dresses and nightgowns using men's shirts as well!

That was a beautiful golden dress, yes? You have designed a perfectly gorgeous creation, tailor made, and perfectly executed copy! Kudos!! Keep Stitchin'!

The Rose is beautifully done but a bit out of proportion for the overall outlook of your otherwise gorgeous work! If you downsized it and/or place it on the back then you would get the credit you deserve as the person behind the rose! Keep stitchin!

Neckline embellishment is so now!~Wish I could see the other thumbnails in larger detail.

Don't you just love this jpeg?! I would love to have this tool, it's great for the hands!