Sorry I don't live in NY and my mom buys most of her fabric at Walmart because it's cheap, but great fabric for her purposes.  But, if you are a beginner it's best to choose soft fabric w/ both direction elasticity and preferably more cotton because it's easy to sew and easy to wash.  If you plan to sew for yourself, of course you either have to know your size or measure yourself (better is you measure yourself).  I have bought patterns before and even the smallest size didn't quite fit, so if you do buy patterns and it doesn't fit your size, you probably need to adjust it.  Sewing can be very difficult even with instructions because I'm more of a visual person, I have to see it to do it.  I only watch my mom sew and even then, I didn't learn too much because no time and my mom said that I don't need to learn how to sew because it's more convenient and cheaper to buy the clothes nowadays....  

I know there's a channel on youtube that is for diy sewing. Look it up, I wish I had a sewing machine... I'd definitely just make all my clothes =P

I remove the thread from the maching and use freezer paper to let the children practice their stitching. I draw patterns on a square of paper starting out simple like just straight lines and then moving on to more complicated ones. It is an inexpensive way for them to practice. When they have mastered that I move them on to the cheap fabric scraps and old clothes to practice. I let them use a seam ripper to take apart an old garment then let them sew it back together. I am not sure what level you are on but maybe one of those things will help. Most fabric stores also offer inexpensive or free classes.

I don't know whether you are in New York city or state, but JoAnn Fabrics is having a major sale on McCall's patterns this week, until Saturday.  They are 99 cents each, whereas they are normally around $16.  I just bought twelve of them today, and may go back tomorrow!  Check their website to see if the promotion applies to your area.  Click on the "Store Sales Flyer" link and put in your zip code.

Happy sewing!

I recommend taking sewing classes if you're more of a visual person. It helps a lot. My teacher at my school made us practice sewing on paper with and without thread for practice before we started sewing on actual fabric.

@Amarisa@xanga - ooh, i am so going to JoAnn's Fabrics this week ! :D 

@aN_amAYzInG_storrII@xanga - heys! i was wondering how you like those 4 books you bought and if you can give a short review on them or show us which one you got :D  too bad we can't save entries to see updated comments (maybe in the future xanga will add a function that will let us do that)

I have a sewing machine. I bought some fabric at wholesale prices by the bulk on ebay. I didn't have an instructions book or any tips. I just took some of the clothing that I already have and examined those and noticed how they were sewn. I don't even use a ruler lol I just cut the fabric into what I deem as the right size and piece them together and sew it. I think that is what is so unique about DIY(Do It Yourself) clothing...each and every piece that you design is one of a kind and made from scratch, no set patterns, not even a drawing, just what you imagine in your mind and it comes to life like magic. it is difficult at first but once you get the hang of it, sewing and designing is fun and easy:) I also buy appliques, buttons, ribbons that I make into bows,etc to hand-sew onto my clothing to give it an added cuteness. it took me like 4 hours to design,cut & sew together my first creation, which was this skirt, but practice makes perfect.

i prefer shopping online for my fabrics, a lot of local shops don't carry designer fabrics. you can get them online for cheaper also.

a few designers that i absolutely love:

amy butler
joel dewberry
anna marie horner
the list goes on

you can buy cheap fabric at esty.com. they have a supplies section. the prices are usually $1-$2 cheaper then other online stores. and shipping is much cheaper as well, usually $2.

you can also check out ebay, jcaroline and fabric.com. joann.com which has a huge notions selection is also having a huge sale at the moment.

if you want to keep it local, mood fabrics has a great selection (a little expensive though) and purlsoho has a great selection of designer fabrics.

the garment district has cheaper vendors but you never want to go too cheap. after all, you're making your own stuff and its cheap to begin with.

for patterns, go to burdastyle. you can download them for free. also check out pursoho blog. they have a great listing of free patterns. amy butler has a great selection of patterns for sale.

im afraid of the machine, so i sew by hand

u have to have a lot of patience, and practice on scraps first

and NEVER wear what uve sewn, without anything underneath, there is a large chance the seams might rip

Simplicity patterns.

Search online for "simple sewing pattern". I'm self taught and I think I do a fairly good job at the items I have sewn, clothes, and crafts.

Good-Luck!!! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

And don't forget to ask others if they sew, lots of times you'll discover many do and are more than happy to share their expertise with you.

I don't live in NY, but I assume the super cheap $.99 per yard muslin that I use to practice is everywhere / and findable on the internet. It looks like crap, but it's perfect for practicing.

Patterns usually have a 'difficulty' marking on them, and when they say 'very easy' they actually mean it. Also, they come with super specific details, you'd be suprised.

My suggestion is, great job getting instructions and a sewing machine, now chuck the manual and dig in! Practice is the ONLY way to get better at sewing. Start off with elastic waist things, or stuff with 10 pieces or less. Not necissarially small stuff like teddy bears, cuz those are tricky with sewing machines and are best done by hand.. but say, pajamas, so that you can be proud of your accomplisments and not have to wear in public  : )

Don't get me wrong, once you get better, sure wear it in the day light. I'd venture a guess and say that 50% of my wardrobe is handmade, and I haven't had any problems of seam ripage or anything like that. Infact, clothes I make last longer than bought ones.. (and are prettier!)

good luck! and have fun!

If you are interested in being very original then check out threadbanger.com

They have some really great video tutes and use clothes from their own closets and thrift stores. There are tons of great ideas there. Another good site is Burdastyle.com, there are tons of great patterns there and most of them are free.

One of my personal favorites is www.nikkishell.typepad.com/wardroberefashion I go there for inspiration a lot.