Sew What?

Some of you may remember that one of my goals this year was to sew five items. I bought this little beauty last year:



And...it's still sitting in the box.

So, the other day I was browsing around the web trying to find some cute dresses for spring/summer without much success and I thought, "Why don't I just make the dresses I want?"

I started looking for some patterns and this is what I've come up with so far.







That's as far as I've gotten though. I haven't ordered the patterns, looked for fabric or anything. For those who actually sew, do those look like difficult dresses to make? What online fabric stores do you recommend?

I'm thinking about when my mom comes to visit this summer having her help me a little with a dress. Sneaky I know! She comes expecting to travel and instead I have her doing Mom duties.

New Project

There's something I've been wanting to try for awhile and since it's also on my deployment goals list, I think I better get started on it.

I'm talking about sewing.



My Mom and Grandma both sew wonderfully. My Mom made all my Halloween costumes growing up and countless other dresses and outfits. I've sewed one dress in my life and that was with extensive help from my mother.

So, here is my question for those that sew.

1. What sewing machine do you recommend for a beginner?
2. What other tips do you have? Where should I start? Any books you recommend? Websites?