Can anybody recommend a pattern for a first-timer? (Mor Sewing Machines Parts and Sales in Los Angeles

Hello /r/sewing!

All of you lovely people (coupled with my interest in fashion) have inspired me to learn how to sew. I have just ordered a sewing machine and some thread from amazon and am looking forward to beginning this journey.

I am planning to go and purchase some fabric in the city this weekend and was hoping somebody would be able to recommend me a good pattern to start off with so I would know how much to but and what fabric to look for.

I hope you don’t think I’m putting the cart before the horse, I am quite creative and handy so I think I’ll be a quick learner but I have never ever sewn before.

I am flying to visit my girlfriend in mid-may as she is studying abroad for the semester and was hoping that my first project could be a nice present to bring to her. I’m planning to use the next few weeks to learn the basics of how to sew and then to try and tackle a pattern to bring over a garment as a present.

Therefore my criteria are as follows:

• A nice fashionable garment, possibly a dress

• Not too complicated for a beginner, but I also am eager to jump in at as deep and end as I can go.

• Something that could be completed in 3 weeks

Thank you for any help you can give me, I am looking forward to becoming a part of this community – and add to the number of men on here as well!

BusyPedro