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For the past few months, I've been really wanting to get into sewing but I've never tried before- with the exception of the time that Renee and Shauna and I tried to sew skirts one summer in college. I think we ended up with a zipper that was longer than the skirt itself and we had no idea how to sew it in... so we gave up pretty quickly.
I want to learn how to use a sewing machine but I think I'll have to teach myself. I know that Michaels and Joanns offer sewing classes but I doubt I'll be able to attend any since I don't really have anybody to watch the boys. So I'm thinking about buying a sewing machine and just practicing and teaching myself how to do it. But I need help, so if you've ever sewed so much as a button onto a shirt, please leave a comment with some advice!
First of all, I don't know what kind of sewing machine to buy. Any suggestions of a good, basic machine for beginners? Preferably it would be super easy to use and teach yourself on.
Also, what's a good way to start. Did you all just jump right in and start making curtains or something? Or should I just get some scrap fabrics and practice sewing in a straight line first? How hard is it?
What kinds of supplies should I get? Do I just need the machine and some thread? Or are there other things to buy?
Once I get the hang of it, what is a good easy project for a beginner to sew? What kinds of projects did you all start with?
Thanks for any advice and suggestions, I really appreciate it!
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7 comments:
Kim, I would love to teach you what I know ~ it's best one-on-one so... how about we plan a "sewing bee" when I come back in January or February! If you wanted, I would be glad to help you pick out a machine and pick up the necessary notions. I'd LOVE to help:-)
If you ever need help ask Jennie...she went to church with us and now has a business with it!
cloverandviolet.com
hope you have fun!
Kim, I think Sari has the best idea for you. It is so much easier to learn from someone one-on-one. My mom taught me when I very young. I haven't sewn much lately other than mending but I used to make a lot of my clothes. Patterns have ratings from Easy to Expert. Start with the Easy ones:) Good luck!
Kim,
It's easier than you think! I'd love to give you a few pointers (if you are anxious to get started before your MIL gets to your house - that way you could start on the basics and she could even help you make a bigger project). Just send me an e-mail at jennie@cloverandviolet.com and I'll pass on some suggestions. Have fun! (Oh, and there are so many tutorials online, you should be able to learn without investing in classes!)
A site I like with fun patterns (and picture tutorials) is sewmamasew.com. I agree with Sari that it's best to learn the basics from someone so that you know more of what to expect and don't give up to soon.
I always have difficulties no matter what I sew because my machine (which was my mom's but it drove her nuts so she went back to her old machine) is a bit wacky. But I don't actually know the different between it and a good machine so I just pretend like everyone has the same problems. :)
Another thing that has helped me is to look really closely at other people's home-sewn items. If you look closely, everyone ends up with a few crooked stitches and such, but you never notice unless you're looking for it.
For the record, those skirts made awesome pillows. ;-)
I can sew a button on a shirt...kind of. :)
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