craftgrrl | Advice for the new seamstress

So you got a new sewing machine and now you want to make an easy dress for yourself?

I strongly suggest choosing something from the New Look pattern book (they're Simplicity's European division but you can get it in the US too).

Why? I find that the designs and the technical aspects of the patterns are better than the other Big Four pattern companies (Simplicity, Vogue, Butterick, McCall's). I'm experienced at sewing and today I was making a simple knit dress for myself from one of their patterns. I was afraid it would look like a hospital gown on me, but it didn't! I was very impressed. In the past, I've made easy dresses from Simplicity and the others, and the end product looked like a hospital gown. I had the skills to add darts and stuff, but a first timer might not want to have to deal with that.

Other items from the Big Four are more or less just fine with a little tweaking, but be wary of their "Two Hour Dress!" patterns.

Can anyone suggest a good easy pattern from one of the other companies?

Pyjamas are also a great thing to start with, probably even before you tackle a dress.