I thought this sounded like fun, so here is my question for "Works for Me Wednesday: Backwards day."I have recently been given a sewing machine by my precious Grandma Jean Riley. That's the good news. The bad news is that I can't remember anything I learned in Home-Economics class regarding sewing. I can sew (by hand) a patch on my daughter's Awana vest and a button on my hero's shirts, but sadly, that's about the extent of my knowledge in this area. But, I'm eager to learn!
For those of you who do sew, could you tell me the easiest, most simple way to get started? A book? A program? A study? A website? What kind of project should I try first?
Labels: Works for me Wednesday
19 Comments:
Hi Sheri :)
On my blog I have a list of really simple craft/sewing projects, plenty involving fleece (easy to work with and doesn't fray) and felt. And this isn't even a plug for my blog, LOL, but you might find it helpful. Many of those links are from Hancock Fabrics and the like so browsing the host sites will give you some extra ideas and patterns as well. I'm not a particularly wonderful sewer (they really should have thought about how that word translates on paper, shouldn't they? LOL)
Specific books - um, not so sure. Read the instruction manual of the sewing machine for threading instructions (if you didn't get one, try online). Keep an eye out for beginner sewing projects. But keep the fleece in mind. Try some toys or simple projects first before you lean toward clothing. Personally I have lots and lots of trouble with clothing but can usually manage to sew up a simple bunny toy :P
Also, happy 8th anniversary for the 20th :)
Cheers,
Lizzie
Oh duh, it would help if I included the URL, LOL.
http://lizzieshome.blogspot.com/
Cheers,
Lizzie
Two books I recommend are Simple Sewing and Bend the Rules Sewing. Lots of easy to do projects and www.flickr.com groups where you can post questions and see everyones show and tell. It's adictive!
I actually have several pdf files that I gathered together for my daughter who is inheriting my old sewing machine to learn on.
She just got married and the reality of having to pay rent instead of buying clothes has hit her square in the backside. LOL
I'd be happy to email them to you. I didn't want to just send them without your "ok".
Chrissy
This site is GREAT!
http://www.sewing.org/enthusiast/html/e_learntosew.html
Start with something EASY. Trim on dishtowels. A potholder. A baby blanket.
Something with straight lines and that you are not planning to give away.
Then work your way through Its Sew Easy or 1 Hour Sew patterns.
It's just like driving a car, BTW, you push the pedal down and go in a straight line. It's the fabric selection and pattern cutting and actually sewing the correct two pieces together that trips me up!
Yah! I am so thankful for all your great tips and advice so far. Thank you ladies!
I will be visiting your blogs for sure and Chrissy, please email those pdfs when you get time. That is so sweet of you.
My email sheri@sheriprescott.com
I'd try something simple to start like a book bag/grocery bag.
I'm not sure what supplies you have at your disposal, but if you have the book to your sewing machine, that would be best. Other than that, take a sewing class at Joanne's, Hancock's, Hobby Lobby, or another similiar store. I took one for beginners and the instructor even walked me through how to thread my machine.
A good beginner project is a tote bag. I bought clearance fabric because I couldn't stand the thought of buying fabric I loved and not being able to use it because I messed up my project.
I also have the booking "Sewing for Dummies" and it is quite helpful.
Hope this helps!
Lisa Kay
There should be a local craft store in your area that offers sewing classes for beginners. I would recommend attending some of those to help you learn.
I can't sew. Even when trying to learn way back in school it was a disaster! I hope you have better luck!! :)
You have email :-)
For me the easiest way is choose a simple project, and find someone in your area (church, work, neighbor) who sews and have them show you. you can also take a sewing class at a local fabric shop. books are nice but they don't give you very good feedback. One lesson on how to use your machine correctly is a great start.
I have just finished my 2nd dress and still cannot figure out how to put pieces together. I just can't see how things end up. Enter my stepmom. We were looking for something we could bond over, so now once a week I go over to my dad's (it's my me time), have dinner, and she helps me learn to sew. I would try to find a friend that sews (maybe bring dinner in exchange for her expertise) or chat up someone in the fabric department of a craft store to see if they offer classes.
I learned how to sew as a teenager, and when I bought my own machine a couple years ago I couldn't remember anything! I called local fabric and craft shops and found a little old lady who came to my house once a week and gave me lessons.
I recommend starting with something very simple, like a pillow or wrap skirt. Good luck!
Hey Sheri. I'm currently learning to sew too. My first project is an apron, it's really very simple even for beginners.
I'm in the same boat. I've been picking sewing up again after years, and I've learned one thing.
I need a class. Or a tutor.
The patterns are lousy. They give goofy or incorrect directions. So far, I've found McCalls to be the worst, but maybe that's because I bought a bunch of them for $1 each on sale. I would have given anything to have flown my mom out to help me!
The first time I sewed on my own from a pattern, I clipped the notches backward (you are supposed to make triangles sticking out, to match up; I cut notches INTO the fabric) and I had holes in all my seams!
Sheri,
I am so grateful that you posted on this because I keep having a terrible time with my sewing machine. I had to put it away during pregnancy and post partum, it was that frustrating! Everyone tells me to just take a class to learn, but I did! (I only made it to 4 out of 6 classes. The class was huge and I really needed more one on one time.) I really like the idea of learning from a Titus 2 woman. Blessings!
I am still in the process of learning how to sew and I'd say you should just dive right in and make something. But do stick with something simple like a blanket, apron, curtains, or other thing that mostly involves straight lines. As you get more comfortable, you can try more things that are harder. Making bags and purses is also pretty easy, even without a pattern. Then just slowly try a few things that are harder. If you know someone who sews, they can be a good resource for showing you little tips like putting in a zipper or using binding or whatever you run into (direction-wise) that you don't know how to do. There are also plenty of free and easy patterns for things on the internet if you look around.
aww! I'd have you come over and we could have some fun sewing together ;). I LOVE to sew, and I know you will absolutely adore what that little machine of yours will create for you. While I can't specifically think of a good book or website right off hand (I learned from my mom and sister, and honestly don't do good following patterns anyway... :)) I will give you one piece of advice. DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED BY THE USE OF THE SEAM RIPPER. Honestly, that little gadget can become your best friend--providing your perspective allows him to be ;). EVERYONE makes mistakes, and you learn from each one.
WalMart (or other craft retailers) offers tons of patterns that are cheap and very easy. Lots of adorable girlie things too... your girls would LOVE any creation you come up with for them ;). I would recommend that. The directions are pretty detailed, and actually quite easy.
So get brave... drop in at some fabric store, find something on sale or low-priced so you won't be afraid of making mistakes, buy a good sized wad so you can afford to make mistakes and get your scissors out :).
The best part of sewing is it's VERY FUN as long as you ENJOY YOURSELF.
(((HUGS))) and best of luck to you!
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