Dressmakers also provide tailoring services, pattern making and basic alterations. It is not only important to provide good needle skills, but it is also important to get some good fashion sense, as well.  This is why most dressmakers would not only study basic sewing techniques, but would take up fashion and design classes.

The Dress making industry

The dress making industry could be competitive. Not only dressmakers would have to compete with dressmakers like themselves, they would have to share market with the rest of the clothing retail companies. So, it is important to understand the latest fashion trends and also understand what kind of clothes work for different body types.

For some dressmakers, training would be by getting hands-on experience. Apprenticeship or internship is something some dressmakers would rather have than training. This would give the actual experience of dealing with customers and day-to-day challenges dressmakers handle.

The first records of dressmaker first appeared in the Oxford English Dictionary in 1803.Early dressmakers would be employed by women who do not have dressmakers at home.  Most of the fashion ideas would come from the big cities like Paris or London.

Early dressmakers would have training by means of apprenticeship. Dress making, during that period, requires a lot of fittings. They would also have a trial garment which is referred to as “muslin”.

Learning dress making

If you are just starting to learn dress making, then start with simple and easy projects. Then gradually increase the difficulty of the projects that you are making. There are beginner patterns which you can follow.

Dressmakers do not only follow patterns, they could also make their own patterns or custom-made clothes for different kind of customers, like the disabled, historical costumes, and those who have a different kind of fashion sense.

Dress making and sewing

Dress making and sewing have a lot of benefits. The good thing is you would not always be wearing clothes that most of the population wears. You could make your own clothes based on what color and pattern best work for your body. You do not have to rely what’s on the store’s clothing racks.

Aside from your wardrobe, it could also be the same for your home decorations and furnishings.  You would be able to make your own curtain, throw pillows, tablecloths and other things. The good thing is the things you have sewn could actually be better since you could pay more attention to its detail and could meet your standards and needs.  Aside from that, you do not have to go to dressmakers, or even worse throw your clothes, just for repairs and alterations.

Many dressmakers and hobbyist would say that sewinghas a calming and relaxing effect. They also attest that it can even boost their confidence and sense of accomplishment, especially if people would comment on how great their products are. Creative outlets, whether it is music, literature or fashion, can be both enjoyable and challenging.

Although dress making and sewing comes with a price, that is equipment and maintenance, it still beats the long-term benefits you would have. Think about the money that you have spent on clothes that do not show who you really are and flatter your figure.

In ancient China, only the emperor could wear yellow. It was the assigned imperial colors and nobody was entitled to use it except the highest royalty.

In the old island kingdom of Hawaii, only the chieftain had the right to wear feather cloaks, a clothing accessory that was hallowed to them.

Ancient temple priests had to wear specific garbs while doing their priestly duties, with the pain of death imposed on those who broke them. Today, not everyone can be assigned to sew priestly apparel, but once they are, standard forms and patterns must be thoroughly followed to the last lines.

In ancient Rome, only the senators of the republic could wear purple. Aside from the hallowed status, this came with some bragging rights because purple dye at that time was the most expensive and was not available to everyone.

Most of today’s women in the U.S. and Europe still wear white wedding dresses. This is because of the widespread belief that white symbolizes purity, and every woman wants to project that trait.

Sikhs in India wear turbans, one sample of a strict religious requirement.

Different Arab nationalities have different head scarves specific to their countries. The manufacture of these scarves follows exact specifications that are very important to them, sacred even.

Politics, religion, and traditions

Evidently, politics and other socio-cultural aspects play a very significant part in the making and wearing of clothes, including the accessories that go with it. One can see from the examples above that these practices transcend time and place. Some are still in practice today.

As societies and other groupings begun to coalesce and develop, hierarchical rankings developed as well. Royalties, priests, ordinary citizens and others took to their assigned roles in their respective groups.

One effective way people were classified and organized would be by their clothing.

Countries have their own national costumes for their people. Armies have uniforms. The rankings of soldiers and officers are noted by insignias and other markings. Religious groups have their priests, rabbis, and elders sporting special clothes.

Economics and status symbols

Today, the social status of a person or group can sometimes be classified, too, by their capacity to acquire very expensive clothes and other luxurious items not available to everybody. These personal goods are limited only to these people with enough wealth to buy them.

Clothes make the man, so goes a tired old saying. To most people, this still holds true. They see beautiful clothes worn by beautiful movie stars and models, and even by plain celebrities. Helped by non-stop media barrage, the ordinary guy’s desire of owning and wearing these clothes themselves becomes obsession. Everyone wants to look like the current hot movie star or celebrity.

Astute dress-makers (name couturiers, big clothing companies) come into the picture by making these kinds of clothes available to every man and woman. Mass production of these expensive-looking clothes at a much lower cost becomes the solution to everyone’s yearning of owning them.

One very simple way of increasing value for these low-cost products is the prominent display of the clothes-maker’s brand name logo on the merchandise itself. The difference in value becomes the profit margin for the designer-manufacturer. These items may be clothes, bags, or any accessory considered hot at the moment.

In effect, the dress-maker’s logo defines the status of a person’s place in society. Stranger still, most people put such a high premium on these little signs. They display them whenever possible for other people to see.

Who’s that on your shirt’s label

The main purpose was simply to protect the fragile human body against the rain, the sun, wind, and the cold.

These primitive clothes were either tied up or wrapped around the bodies as people went foraging for food.

Needles and threads

Some 19,000 years ago, evidence of needles made of bones and ivory were found. Around 6,000 years ago, woven textiles (linen) were found in Egypt as well as evidence of silk culture in China 5,000 years ago.

This marked the early beginning of dressmaking.

Silk road

This was the series of ancient trade routes between China and countries in Asia Minor. The trading between them played a significant role in the development of civilization in China, India, Mesopotamia, Egypt, including Rome.

Classic clothes

In Greece, clothes were simple lengths of wool or linen secured at the shoulders with sashes used as belts. Peplos was a loose ankle-length robe worn by women while chlamys was knee-length robes worn by the men. Both were covered with a loose cloak called himation.

The toga in Rome was an unsewn length of cloth draped on the body over a simple tunic.

This tunic is held together at the shoulders and at the sides.

Medieval Europe

By this time, there had been improvements on the quality of clothes. The Byzantines dressed themselves with richly patterned, embroidered cloths draped over a tunica, the replacement of the toga.

Early medieval Europeans either took to the short tunics with leggings of the invading population (Franks, Anglo-Saxons, and Visigoths) or to the longer Roman tunics.

Cotton and silk as well as dyed linen were popular alongside the old wool.

Later Middle Ages

Cultural historians agree that the 14th century signaled the beginnings of European fashion. People now used lacings and buttons. Expensive silk and woven brocades were imported from Italy.

It was also the time for the beginning of tailoring. Straight and draped garments were now replaced by curved seams that followed the contours of the human body.

The Renaissance

More people wore complex clothes following the fashion lead of the elites. Variations in the form and design of clothes adapted in various countries were now showing their differences.

Modern Europe

The early part of the 16th century had the influence of the formal Spanish dress. The century also saw the rise of the ruff (ruffles) and the popularity of needle lace.

Industrial Revolution

The Industrial Revolution mechanized the manufacturing processes using steam power. The sewing machine was invented in the 19th century, while the synthetic fiber, rayon, was discovered in the 20th. They were all part of the long Industrial Revolution.

In this era, textiles were not only manufactured in factories, they were exported to unlikely places. The transportation system was revolutionized and had progressed immensely. Goods became cheaper.

Fashion and the future

After World War II, there was no stopping the dress-makers all over the fashion capitals of the world (Paris, Rome, New York, and London) from flourishing in their industry.

Fashion trends become media events and followers of fashion lapped them up. Models became superstars. Whatever Kate, Naomi, Cindy, and Linda wore, everybody wanted to wear them, too.

Nowadays, the manufacture of the other pieces of the modern apparel is taken over by the dress-makers. Shoes and bags, kerchiefs and purses, perfume and jewelry and other beauty-related products are now merchandised aggressively.

Exactly how high should a skirt be?

Is red the ultimate power color of all time?

When will bell-bottomed pants be back?

Why wear clothes?

According to experts, the original purpose of clothing was primarily functional. Garments were used to help protect us from the rain, the sun, the cold wind, and other unwanted elements in the environment.

Later, such cultural aspects as modesty and religious practices were added to the original list of reasons why we wear clothes. Specific rules were then included on how to wear these clothes, how they should look, and the things they signify.

The idea of fashion came in relatively recent as compared to all the other reasons. However, it is just as important as the others. It may take some persuasion for us to accept the fact that such a simple act as dressing up has something significant at all.

Fashion, for all the original shallow connotations we knew of it, actually covers the combined social, artistic and political trends of the times. Fashion, in effect, is the unofficial barometer of the people’s likes and dislikes, mores, and popular ethics.

Some fashion trends, however, defy logic when viewed against today’s perspectives. Sociologists and historians in the future will have their hands full for a long time when they shall be putting things in their proper historical places.

For a quick scan, let us check what happened in fashion in the last 100 years.

A rundown on 20th century fashion

The beginning of the 1900s saw the corset, a 19th century fashion hold-over, slowly abandoned. Women’s skirts still trailed on the floor but the gowns were narrower. Paris became he arbiter of style.

In 1920, fashion entered modern times. Clothes became comfortable because hemlines rose to the knees, perfect for dancing the Charleston.  Knickers and drawers were out and panties were in. Clothes now used zippers, hook-and-eyes, snaps, and buttons for fasteners.

From 1930 to 1945, shoulder pads strangely became the rage. The hemlines, raised a decade earlier, were now lowered. Nylon was used in the making of stockings, although there was a temporary shortage for sometime because of the war.

In 1945 up to 1960, the couturiers ruled. Dior introduced the New Look. Balenciaga presented the high-waisted dresses. Givenchy made mix and matched separates. Balmain cornered the market for luxurious clothes, while Chanel invented the braided suit with gold chains and shiny costume jewelry.

In 1964, Mary Quant invented the mini-skirt and shocked the world. Hemlines kept on rising with micro-minis. Hippies took the scene with bell-bottom jeans and tie-dye shirts. Women loved Jackie Kennedy’s signature pillbox hats.

In the 70s, bell-bottoms still ruled. There were additions, however. Polyester, rayon and jersey dresses and shirts became popular. There were now three different skirt lengths to choose from maxis (ankle-length) midis (mid-calf) and the original minis. Then, there were the hot pants, a shorter version of regular shorts.

The 80s had Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein in the scene. The street urchin look was popularized by Madonna. Leg warmers seen in “Flash Dance” became the rage even for non-dancers.

Shoulder pads made a splashing comeback courtesy of the TV shows “Dallas” and “Dynasty”. Tattooing and body-piercing began. Men and women wanted acid-washed jeans as well as Michael Jackson jackets.

When the 90s came around, retro clothing took off.  It was the decade of supermodels. Whatever Kate or Naomi or Cindy wore, the women wanted them. Princess Diana, not a model, also inspired many with her dresses.

When 2000 rolled in, it was the turn of the music scene “look”. Heavy metal, hip hop, low-rise jeans, spiked hair – these fashion markers were most popular.

Fashion cycles

Fashion trends are like seasons, leaving and returning in cycles. Only that they go away when no one is looking and come back when least expected. There are no formulas, nothing cast in stone as far as fashion is concerned.

For fashionistas, don’t throw out your old clothes. They may look funny now, but you’ll definitely strut in them sometime in the future when they are back in fashion.

On second thought, you can do the strutting right now. Somebody has got to jump-start things.

Given the dizzying pace of technological innovations all around, it is not easy to get the right answers to our questions. However, the future looks pretty exciting in every sense of the word.

At the very least, in the sartorial sense, there is promise that we shall all be comfortable, that we will all look good, and that we will all be happy with our choices.

Or, at least on paper.

Age of agriculture

It took thousands of years for our past civilization to be able to make threads and weaving these materials into cloth. Around that time, our ancestors also discovered needles to do the stitching. They had been wearing animal furs and skins and plant parts as clothes for a much longer time than needed. Maybe, it was because hunting and food gathering took up much of their time and effort.

The Renaissance brought some sophistication to making clothes because artisans began to specialize in the craft. Still, everything was done manually. These were not only error-prone but also excruciatingly slow.

When the Industrial Revolution came, there were some surprising technological leaps and advances. Modernization machines like the cotton gin introduced by Whitney to cotton farming, the sewing machine needle by Otis, the zipper, the snap-on buttons — these and more made the manufacturing process faster and better than before.

Computerization

The advent of the Digital Age or the coming of computers in the 20th century revolutionized everything on the planet. These included all kinds of industries, production processes, manufacturing, education, science, technology, medicine, and many others. From then on, progress and new things happened fast.

One of the biggest beneficiaries to this technological revolution is the dressmaking industry. Just like all the other industries that had long been dormant for years in terms of innovations and discoveries, the clothing industry never had it so good since then.

The computer age ushered in some technological advances that were unthinkable before. These are all in the areas critical to mass production’s goal of less manual handling, better percentage in accuracy, and faster speed. All of these are geared towards the ultimate goal of lower manufacturing cost possible.

One future idea

There are several proposals regarding future clothes on the drawing board. Some had been in development for years. All of them, however, are still waiting for the manufacturing economics to be resolved (lower cost of materials and labor, some technicalities, etc.) before they can be implemented.

One example is the talk of a prototype of new clothes that are touted to be disposable. After use, these worn clothes will then be sent to the recycling plant to be processed into some other new products or into new clothes again.

The main idea is to bring the manufacturing costs of these clothes lower than the costs of laundry, repair and storage. Ideally, it should be cheaper to buy new clothes compared against the sum spent on laundry, repair, ironing and storage of traditionally-made clothes.

Our future clothes, scientists say, shall have automatic temperature control (special fabrics), sweat and odor disposal systems embedded into the material, as well as some kind of anti-bacterial additives incorporated in their manufacture. And these are just for starters.

Some questions remain, however.

What happens to that wedding dress you kept for sentimental reasons?

What about that dowdy-looking but lucky tennis shirt you hate to throw out?

Will you get rid of that favorite sweater someone special gave you on your birthday?

Will all of these be made of disposable materials, too, to be discarded right after use?

Stay tuned for more of tomorrow’s news on dress-making.

Dressmaking tools for starters

For those who are just beginning or those who have plans of starting dressmaking business in the future, tools and accessories would be so important to be successful.

These important tools for starters in dressmaking include sewing machines, dressmaking materials and resources such as books, magazines, DVDs, and CDs, cutting tables, dressmaking and pinking shears, irons and ironing boards, rotary cutter sets, various sewing kits, and different kinds of sergers would be a great help. This is because these tools and references can give you an idea where to start and how to start with your dressmaking process.

Once you are confident that you can handle not just your own dressmaking needs but of others as well, you can now start advertising your very own dressmaking services. Compared before where people who are into dressmaking business have difficult time managing their business due to lack of efficient tools, sewers today are lucky because the modern technology offers a lot more advanced tools and gadgets they can use to make sewing easier, faster, and more convenient.

How to start growing a home dressmaking business?

Dressmaking is indeed one of those industries that can offer almost limitless opportunities. As long as you don’t run dry out with ideas and creativity, you can find your place in this ever-growing industry. If you are planning to start a dressmaking business, one of the most important things to consider is the uniqueness of the needlework and services you’ll be offering.

Since there are so many dressmaking businesses today that specialize on different types of clothing, having a unique concept for your business will increase the chances of its success. To achieve this, explore the different possibilities of the type of dressmaking you specialize on.

You can opt for custom dressmaking if you love making clothes for individuals who have different needs and demands using patterns, custom designer if you have mastered enough skills in designing different styles of clothing,  dressmaking for weddings if you have an eye for creating the gowns and accessories needed for the bridal events,  dressmaking for the home if you are fond of making decorations for home like curtains, pillow cases, tablemats and the like, sewing crafts if you specialize in creating different crafts such as toys, bags, and the like, alterations if you are into clothes repair, and sewing for pets if you love creating clothing and other accessories for animals.

After coming up with a great concept, it’s now time to consider the basics of dressmaking as a start up business such as costing for the materials and tools you’ll need, pricing for the services you’ll offer, calculating your potential earnings or sewing income, and your strategies to get as many paying customers as possible.

These considerations are very important because you can use these as a guide in determining the success of your dressmaking business. Make sure that you think of all considerations very well before you finally engage in a dressmaking business.

Aside from being an economical activity, dressmaking for children can also help you to be more creative and resourceful because the craft itself would encourage you to come up with designs without having to spend so much money.

Dressmaking for children does not really require outstanding needlework skills. All you have to do is to learn the basics of sewing and come up with your own style, designs, and ideas. You also need to be creative and patient when doing this because you will have to consider a lot when it comes to kids’ clothing.

Getting started with dressmaking for children

If you are planning to sew the clothes of your kids, the major consideration that you have to pay attention to is the time. If you were a full time mother or father, then time would not be a problem for you. But for working parents, this activity would require outstanding time management skills to finish a certain sewing project.

Once you have fixed your schedule, another consideration would be the acquisition of sewing tools. Since you will be sewing just for your kids, basic sewing tools such as sewing machine, needles, threads, serger, and shears are needed. If you are planning to sew an entire wardrobe for your kids, make sure that you invest in good sewing tools because they will make the work easier and hassle-free for you.

Dressmaking for children can be fun as well as economical. You do not have to be an expert to make a satisfactory child’s garment. After all, any sewing mistakes you make will not be around very long, since children outgrow their clothes so quickly. If you are a beginner, choose simple patterns. Save the harder ones for later.

Once you have all the tools that you need, consider the type of fabrics, designs, patterns, and colors that you will use for the child. In choosing fabrics, make sure that they are strong and flexible enough to endure everyday use. Opt for cotton fabrics or cotton variations with polyester because they are soft, comfortable, and easy to work on.

When it comes to patterns, always base them on the child’s body measurements, so you can make the necessary adjustments. Also, opt for printed designs and bright colors to stimulate your child’s enthusiasm and cheerfulness. For boys, colors such as red, blue, green, and brown are recommended. For girls, soft and bright colors such as yellow, pink, orange, and violet are ideal.

To ensure that children will really like the clothes you will do for them, get their suggestions and approval before finally proceeding to the sewing proper. You can spend some time asking them what color they would want, the design they prefer as well as the characters they might want to add.

If you have spare time, you can ask them to do simple sketches of the clothes that they want and make a pattern out of these sketches. Aside from enhancing their creativity, you are also encouraging the child to gain independence as well as teaching him or her to make decisions on his or her own.

Dressmaking

Before doing it, you should first take enough motivation and determination to learn. Condition your mind by thinking about the advantages, perks, and savings you can generate if you know how to make your own clothes.

There are several important ideas you need to get to know before you get started on how to make a dress. Dressmaking is not as hard as you think it is, but no one says it is easy. For beginners, learning how to make a dress and getting started can really be challenging.

Tips and tricks on how to make a dress

Here are several tips and tricks that can surely be of help to you. But before going into procedures, prepare your sewing machine as well as necessary materials like thread, Muslin cloth, pins, and pens.

• Prepare to facilitate clothing measurements. Use a fiberglass or linen tape for accuracy. Basically, you need to measure your bust, waist, and hips. Measure the fullest parts. Allot a couple of inches more to every measurement to achieve a comfortable fit and give yourself or the wearer freedom for several body movement.

• Make the pattern. You can buy ready-made standard patterns or you can make use of your creativity by putting together your own. The dress pattern should be done as if it is the real dress you are making. This serves as the actual guide you will follow when you proceed to making the dress.

• Once the pattern is successfully done, start pinning it to the fabric. Remember to pin it properly because the pattern will serve as the guide when you cut the fabric for making the dress.

• Press the dress after you completed making it. As a tip, press the dress on the fabric’s interior side. This is to avoid creating any burn mark on your new dress.

As additional tips on how to make a dress, make sure you are using sharp scissors especially when cutting the fabrics. You surely do not want to mess up as you cut the fabric according to the shape of your pattern. Prepare threads in different colors.

Make sure the color of the thread you will use matches the color of the fabric. You may use pens in outlining the cuts from patterns or you could opt to just pin the patterns to the cloth, then proceed to cutting. As a beginner, you should first go with the basics. When you are already familiar and comfortable with the procedures, start applying your creative ideas and designs.

Dressmaking is a skill that can bring about cost savings, potential income, and added personal pleasure. To some people, making dresses can be a stress-relieving habit. To others, it can be bread and butter, a source of living.

Imagine yourself setting your own fashion label when making clothes. After mastering these fundamentals, you can continue making dresses until the activity comes naturally and easily on you. By the time you get accustomed and very familiar with the skill, you can start creating rare and challenging designs. Be a good, patient, and determined beginner.

Dressmaking

If taught early, dressmaking could bring so many advantages to children. Aside from encouraging them to be creative, dressmaking also teaches these kids skills such as drawing. It also inspires them to make their own creations and will make them more aware about the independence they can get from this wonderful activity.

Teach your children the beauty of dressmaking

If you are a parent who is into dressmaking and would like your child to join you while you’re doing the craft, you must first show him/her the beauty of dressmaking. You can do this by slowly introducing the child into the craft starting with the dressmaking tools, patterns that can be used, different designs, color scheme and selection, types of fabric, and accessories that can be used in sewing clothes, bags, and other items.

When you’re teaching a child to sew, make sure that you explain the purpose and advantages of sewing.

Explain how she or he can benefit from it and what are the different creations the child can produce. You can also let the child watch you when you sew to tickle his or her curiosity and try the craft by himself. When you are demonstrating the craft, make sure that you are confident with your work, and are ready to answer all the questions the child might have.

Effective strategies to get kids into dressmaking

No matter how you look forward to having your child join you while you are dressmaking, parents must never force the kids to do what they don’t want to do. So, to spare you from the pains of forcing a child to get into dressmaking, you must access assess the child’s personality first by observing him or her and by asking the child questions about his or her interest in sewing briefly. Here are other effective strategies to get kids into sewing and dressmaking

1. Gauge the maturity of the child

Expert sewers would agree that the basic trait that the child to be able to enjoy dressmaking is his or her maturity level. This is because when the child is mature enough, he or she will develop the importance of finishing what was started. Maturity level can also develop dedication and discipline in your child because he or she already understands the pros and cons of what he or she is doing.

2. Measure the child’s interest in dressmaking

Aside from maturity, you should also gauge the child’s interest towards the craft. If you see him or her observing what you are doing while sewing and you feel the child’s excitement about the outcome of the item, then you should give the child a simple sewing project.

3. Start simple

When teaching a child to sew, start with simple projects such as a handkerchief, tablemat, or a simple blouse. Start with the basic patterns, so the child will be familiar with different patterns available. Also, choose designs and colors that are bright and happy to stimulate your child’s positive attitude.

4. Teach basic sewing techniques

In teaching kids to sew for dressmaking, introduce him or her hand sewing first. When you see that the child has mastered sewing by hand, you can introduce him or her to using the sewing machine with your guidance.

Dress making tips

To improve the quality of your clothes, you would have to have understanding about fashion in general.

The easiest way of being acquainted with fashion and its recent trends is by reading fashion magazines and watching runway and lifestyle shows in television.  By doing this, you would understand patterns and different kinds of fabrics.  You would also have understanding on different kinds of clothes and color combinations and groups.

Aside from knowing the fashion trends, you can also ask some people in your customer target area to identify what kind of clothes best appeal to them or they need.  This could help you identify what kind of clothes you are going to make and eventually sell.

When a customer comes into your door to ask for a fitting and then requests different kinds of clothes, of course, you would like them to be happy.  Make sue that they are easy to wear, comfortable and at the same fits the lifestyle and activities of the customer.

Aside from being fashionably aware, you would also need to be familiar with your present equipment.  Surely, you do not want to lose a lot of time, effort and money by continuously making mistakes, while sewing. Practice can contribute in making your skill close to perfect.

For sewing machine owners, make sure that they would get the proper maintenance that it needs regularly.  Even little defective parts on your sewing machine can have an impact with your product.

Aside from taking care of your sewing machine, using the proper equipment would also help a lot in creating a great output.  For example, there are different sizes of needles.  These different sizes are appropriate for different kinds of fabrics and sewing jobs.

Of course, thicker fabrics like denim or jeans would require thicker needle that those used in sewing blouses. This would definitely help in making you sewing job easier, whether it is by hand or through machine.

Take good care of your equipment.  Exposure to dust, lint and dirt can cause your machine to malfunction.  You can cover it with cloth or plastic to make sure that they are free of pollutants.  Make sure your dress making shears and scissors are kept in their plastic containers.  Working with blunt equipment can be very troublesome and even dangerous.

Also keep your dress making equipment in one place.  This would save time when you time from looking stuff all over the place.  Your sewing patterns should also be stored in a place where it would not wrinkle and crease. To avoid wrinkling and creasing you can roll your patterns and keep them cardboard rolls.  This will keep them crisp and wrinkle-free.  In general, keep your workspace clean and organized.

Before you proceed with any kind of project, you would need a definite plan first. Actually, planning is not just something you do in dress making, but also for other projects.  Before you cut or sew anything, you have to be sure about it.

If you are unsure, you can put it in place first with pins and see if the changes are working to your favor.  But do not be too afraid of making mistakes.  This would eventually help you to learn the tricks of the trade.