Learn To Sew?
Mamas,
I do not know how to sew and I really want to learn. The worst part is my Grandfather(deceased) who was a minister earned extra money for the family as a Tailor! He made all my mom's clothes. Anyway, I have no one to teach me, and I wondered if there is an inexspensive route to learning the basics. I believe myself in my heart to be a Quilter, and really want to learn. Can't shell out big bucks for lessons, but I could probalby afford some inexpensive ones. My MIL gave me a sewing machine, but she can't really teach me. Help! Is it really difficult to learn the basics? Can I teach myself from a book? Is there some place that has inexpensive lessons?
"But is it my manner that keeps her from hearing, or the threat of a message that her life may change?"
-Audre Lorde
As a former (kids') sewing teacher here's my opinion:
You can absolutely teach yourself to sew! Sure, you'll miss some of the benefits of learning from someone with experience, but it is totally do-able. Plus, teaching yourself something is mega rewarding.
I would reccomend getting the manual for the sewing machine so that you can thread and do minor trouble shooting with confidence (often taking out the bobbin and putting it back in can solve problems). If you seem to really be getting into sewing it would be wise to have your macine serviced (about $200), but don't do that unless you are doing a lot of sewing. Also, put a new needle in there, it's a good skill to know and a sharp needle will improve things a ton.
Practice some straight lines, curves, and corners (turn the wheel until the needle is in the fabric, lift the foot, and turn your fabric). A basic sewing book might be useful, but get a couple from the library before investing in anything.
The next step will be to find a simple pattern to try. Look for one that says "2 hour" (and don't expect to do it in two hours) or "very simple", or "for beginners", also use a pattern and fabric that you really like and will wear or use. It's easier to keep trying when you make something you like. Also don't put too much pressure on yourself for your first project to turn out perfect. When I taught kids I started them out with a sewing bag, then pyjamas; that way no matter how strange stuff looked it still got good use.
Drop me a line if you ever need some help! I'm not as much of an expert as my mom, but I am happy to do what I can. vegansimon @hotmail.com
Books are a really good way to learn, I also took a class at the Community College and have been taking it every semester since. Also fabric stores sometimes sponser beginner classes that can be very reasonable. I love to sew and make shirts, pants, skirts, fun bags and do some custom sewing for money.
Keys to remember:
Always pre-wash your fabric (pre-shrinking)
Iron, iron, and iron - Iron your pattern before cutting it out!
Take your time and enjoy the process
Remember - your seam ripper is your best friend!
First kiddo due in December!
I learned the hand sewing basics from my mom, but once I was grown the machine basics from a neighor. Ask around at your sons' school, I am sure there are mothers there who make clothes and who would be happy to show you what to do.trula mama zine * for the kiddies
Every human is an artist. The dream of your life is to make beautiful art~don Miguel Ruiz
but pretty much everything that i've learned i have taught myself. i think if you can sew a straight line, operate an iron and do basic math you can make a quilt. i took a 3 day class at a quilting store and learned how to quilt a sampler quilt. this was pretty cook because i learned how to do a bunch of different "blocks".
the first big thing to tackle is to learn to set up your sewing machine and maybe some basic trouble-shooting. once you do that, practice sewing a straight line...then...go out to the quilting store and befriend one of the older women who work there...either that or make her feel sorry for you for being so pathetic (trust me it works). and have her help you get a book with a basic quilt (start w/ a baby quilt) and pick out fabric. then just go do it...i'd be happy to answer any questions if i could and i think there are other quiltermamas here too...
have fun picking out the fabric, that's always my favorite part!
How exciting that you got a sewing machine. I bet you will love it. Did your mother in law give you the manual that goes with it? That would be a really good resource for some basics (threading the machine, and the different stitches).
Other than that, I used books with encouraging titles like "Sewing for Dummies." You can just practice doing basic stitches sewing scraps together and then you will be set to go. You could try a simple project first (a pillow, or pillow sham?).
I love to sew. My mom taught me some basics when I was little, but you can definitely learn on your own. It takes a little while to get the hang of it, but you can do it!
Boomer is so 2005.
patterns, and help! The ladies there will answer all your questions, give you lots of encouragement, and say nice things about your funky first projects if you post pics! My firts test project on Lavinia was a handbag I saw on Craftster, and making my own pattern for it, then sewing it was a really empowering thing! You can do it - you're smart and creative, so I think you'll teach yourself pretty quickly! I liked Trula's idea, too - if there's a bulletin board for your boys' school, put up a flyer asking to trade for lessons. Have you seen any of Faith Ringgold's Story Quilts? Any book about her quilts is huge inspiration! We were big fans of her shilren's books, but I only discovered her activism quilts about a year ago, and I really feel like that's what inspired my new crafting renaissance! Have SO much fun!
Film used to be my whole world, I even won awards and s**t. Now all I care about is being a Mama and jamming some girl, or punching her while I fly by on skates.
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You are now in my address book. I am very excited about this, and good to know that it is doable. We have a Library trip planned for Sunday afternoon. I think a bag sounds like a good starting project.
I will keep you posted. This is very good information.