Who sews?

[julecav]

My mom gave me a sewing machine for Christmas and even though she is an expert seamstress (she made my wedding dress) she isn't a good teacher.  She tried to show me a few times and it didn't go well.  So I'm wondering if there are any tips or books or anything anybody can recommend.  I can cut out patterns and do basics with needle and thread, I can even hem in a pinch though it wouldn't be perfect.  Is there a sewing 101 anybody knows of?  Thanks

[Kelly]

Once upon a time there was a series of books called the Singer Sewing Reference Library ... I'm not sure which ones are still in print.  A few of good titles ~

• 101 Sewing Secrets
• Quick and Easy Sewing Projects
• Sewing Projects for the Home
• Creative Sewing Ideas

I still see them at some of the fabric stores ... try your local library, too.  They are very heavily illustrated and walk you through projects step-by-step.  I've used them a lot and really like them.  

Happy Sewing.
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[mike4947]

Back  in my youth my mother made sure I could cook, clean, do laundry, and sew, mostly just so when I left home I wouldn't have an excuse to move back.

Well 25 years later after my diviorce I had forgotten how to use a sewing machine.:confused: A quick look in the yellow pages under the brand machine I had, got me a number to call and ask about lessons. While they really wanted me to buy a new $2000 machine they settled for $50 for a series of beginer lessons.

[Danusmom]

I took a "Stretch & Sew" class quite awhile ago.  I found it very helpful.  My mom took many of their classes & turned into an incredible seamtress.  These classes are available through some of the retail stores that sell high end sewing machines & some fabric.  You could check with the establishment where your mom bought the sewing machine to see if they offer the classes.  Or, at least, maybe they could refer you to an establishment that offers classes.

Good luck!  I wish I had more patience, time, & the room to make more items using my sewing machine.

[griffsmom]

I don't know what bee I got in my bonnet, but for Christmas 2001, I asked my husband for a sewing/embroidery machine, which bless his heart he bought me, even though I had never sewn before! The store where Dh bought the machine offered free classes to learn about the machine and the things that it could do, as well as tips and techniques when sewing. I then decided that I wanted to make quilts and bought a couple of books on how to do it. I also took a couple of 3-hour classes at the local fabric shops, and I am proud to now call myself a self-taught "quilter" with 9 quilts under my belt!
 
I would encourage you to check with the store where your mom bought the machine--they may offer free classes to customers. Also, go to your local fabric or crafts store (like JoAnn's here in CA) and look at their instruction books. Also check out the sewing machine stores in your area--they will often offer sewing classes. But most of all, don't stress--just have fun with it!

[NightOwl]

jule, go to the nearest singer dealer or a fabric shop like JoAnn's or Hancocks, or  a big bookstore like Borders or B&N.  At one or two of those places you are sure to find some good basic books to get you started.  After that, it is a matter of just going on and DOING IT until you feel comfortable and ready to move on to  other, more complicated pproijects.

My Mom taught me the basics and then just turned me loose to play with the machine.  That is the key, because in the "doing" you actually become your own teacher.  So I approached this with my own daughters the same way my mother did for me and it worked very well. They both make beautiful things for their homes as well as  themselves  (using Vogue patterns) and the oldest frequently sews at least one of her Christmas gifts to us each year.

For many years, my annual Valentine's gift for Billy was a homemade long sleeved shirt using fabric in a special color or design.  His favorite was one printed with  TROUT and fishing lures.  I also made my own maternity clothes, things for the babies, suit (was I NUTS?)  and pj's for Billy.  Additionally, when we were on a "young married budget" I made drapes, tablecloths, napkins, slipcovered a chair, and re-upholstered a sofa.  My favorite was covering the bassinet my mother gave me (along with my first sewing machine)  when I was pregnant with our first daughter.  Alas, sewing is no longer as cheap as it was, but you can come closer to getting exactly what you want, and at a reasonable price.  

Also, I bet that once you get started, your mother WILL be able to help you through the parts where you have specific questions. There are some very nice, creative,  and simple patterns to get you going.  start with inexpensive fabric and just go at it.  If you screw up, all you'll risk is some time and fabric.   DONT BE AFRAID TO TRY IT!!!!

[NightOwl]

jule, YOU CAN DO IT!  Just go to the nearest Singer dealer or a fabric shop like JoAnn's or Hancocks, or  a big bookstore like Borders or B&N.  At one or two of those places you are sure to find some good basic books to get you started.  After that, it is a matter of just going on and DOING IT until you feel comfortable and ready to move on to  other, more complicated proijects.

When I was about 15, my Mom taught me the basics and then just turned me loose to play with the machine.  That is the key, because in the "doing" you actually become your own teacher.  So I approached this with my own daughters the same way my mother did for me and it worked very well. They both make beautiful things for their homes as well as  themselves  (using Vogue patterns) and the oldest frequently sews at least one of her Christmas gifts to us each year.

For many years, my annual Valentine's gift for Billy was a homemade long sleeved shirt using fabric in a special color or design.  His favorite was one printed with  TROUT and fishing lures.  I also made my own maternity clothes, things for the babies, suit (was I NUTS?)  and pj's for Billy.  Additionally, when we were on a "young married budget" I made drapes, tablecloths, napkins, slipcovered a chair, and re-upholstered a sofa.  My favorite was covering the bassinet my mother gave me (along with my first sewing machine)  when I was pregnant with our first daughter.  Alas, sewing is no longer as cheap as it was, but you can come closer to getting exactly what you want, and at a reasonable price.  

Also, I bet that once you get started, your mother WILL be able to help you through the parts where you have specific questions. There are some very nice, creative,  and simple patterns to get you going.  Start with inexpensive fabric and just go at it.  If you screw up, all you'll risk is some time and fabric.   DONT BE AFRAID TO TRY IT!!!!

[Calstate361]

I agree with the others, you can do it.  Just check with your local fabric store for classes.  We have JoAnns, Michales, and Hancock Fabrics here in CA, but just about any fabric store usually offers classes and Sears is a good one.   You might even check with the local schools or colleges for classes.   I used to sew all my own clothes (even suits) but as my time got less and the patterns and materials got more expensive, I don't do it much any more, usually just doing some hemming and reapirs.  Once you become good at it you will really enjoy the self satisfaction of having made it yourself.

A good starter is to purchase a square of baby blanket quilting and all you have to do is purchase a package of blanket binding that matches it and sew it around the edges.  It is straight sewing or zig-zag.   The hardest part is folding the corners.
 
Don't worry and have fun.
 
Joan

[2manytoyz]

When my dad was stationed at an AFB in England, I attended school on base.  In 8th grade, home ec was a requirement for EVERYONE.  I learned how to cook, sew, embroider, and latch hook, just like everyone else.  The funny part was the teacher's name was Mrs. Potts.  

I still remember the basics of sewing.  Furthermore, we recently bought an industrial machine for work.  The type often used for making sails.  I plan on making some covers for my boat, and the propane tank on the camper.  I plan on using only Sunbrella material.  That's the material of choice in the marine industry here.  Waterproof, but breathes, and holds up to the intense UV rays.

Our new machine comes with a basic instuction video on a CD-ROM.  If all else fails, the lady in the lab next to our has already offered to do a little OJT.  Oh yea, I may actually use this for work too.  I will be making covers and nylon webstraps.   :rolleyes:

[DiW]

Between lessons from my mom and home ec classes, I was making simple clothes in middle school. Through the years, I have made my kids baby quilts and clothes, esp. dance costumes. I mostly use my machine for projects like simple curtains, clothing repair, easy quilts. I have shown all my kids how to use the machine, even my son. When he was in 2nd grade and home recovering from surgery, I taught him how to sew and he made patchwork pillows for all his teachers as Christmas gifts. They couldn't believe he had actually done the work himself.

My kids also know how to do cross stitch, hookrug and other crafts. One year my oldest DD had a birthday sleepover party where all the girls brought their American Girl dolls. I taught all the girls how to sew, having them make simple pillows for their dolls. I had sewn doll size sleeping bags for each doll, as a party favor. Not one girl had ever used a sewing machine before and they did a great job and felt real proud of themselves.

My house is the one where it's ok to make messes painting or worst of all, sand art. It's so funny when new friends come over and say things like "oh my mom never lets me do this stuff at home. It's too messy". We may not have the cleanest or fanciest house, but it's always busy. Things are settling down now, though, since my youngest isn't into "crafts", preferring sports instead. But the school projects never end and it seems all the group projects get done here. This week my youngest has to make Whoopi Goldberg out of a soda bottle and styrofoam head. Can't wait to see what she comes up with for clothes, hair,etc.
Diane

[NightOwl]

Di, you are the kind of mom everyone should have.  I just have to laugh about the "mess" you  mention being willing to put up with so your kids and their friends can learn things and have a good time. It brings back wonderful memories. Llike my mom did with me,  I also turned my kids loose in the kitchen. I cant take credit for "teaching" them to cook  (and they are really excellent) only for giving them the space and opportunity to experiment with the stove and oven.   Several of ET's teenage friends learned to bake bread in our kitchen--it was the destination of choice if they all wanted to do something "messy."  
And once when I was in a  bread-naking frenzy, a friend  dropped in unexpectedly.  I had flour on me and the counters and even on the floor and apologized for the mess.  She sighed like I was not quite with it and said in a patient voice, "Elisa, your friends come to see YOU, and  NOT to see if your kitchen floor is spotless."  ( Call me hopelessly 19th century--I have tried a bread machine, but still think hand-kneaded tastes a bit  better.)  (And so does Billy--the most important judge of this.)  (Besides, hand-kneading is a good way to calm an irritated spirit.LOL)

[B-flat]

Sewing is one of my favorite hobbies.  Finding the time for sewing is an even bigger hobby because there is so little of it.  Over the years I have done all kinds of projects for myself, my children, my husband (at the time), others in the neighborhood, band uniforms for several, prom dresses, wedding dresses, tailored suits, drapes, bedspreads, quilts, kitchen curtains, shower curtains, slip covers, all kinds of things. Of course, as the years have gone by I seem to have drifted away from sewing which I first learned at home and in "Home Ec" in HS.  In addition to what has been suggested for fabric store or sewing machine store classes, if you have a community college nearby, they generally have some adult education classes in sewing at different levels from beginning to advanced.  I remember a neighbor lady who was envious of all the sewing I could do who outdid herself taking every one of the classes.  She was able to turn out some beautiful projects.  It just takes a little time and patience to learn.

[cyclone]

I really did taking Sewing 101 (ok, it was really called Textiles and Clothing 101) in college.  It was a very basic class required for all home ec majors.  This is now called family and consumer sciences--lol.  I think I still have the book from that class somewhere (it's only slightly dated, but sewing techniques really haven't changed all that much   ).  I would be happy to send it to you if I can find it.  Between my mom, countless 4-H projects, and home ec in school; I know how to sew!  The Extension Service--you should have an office in your county or area--might be another source to call for information/help.  Hmmm..maybe I should figure out where my sewing machine is buried in this house and start using it again.

[NightOwl]

Here's something my mom said that helped me whenever I wanted to tackle something more complicated

When I was 17 I decided to make a summer dress to wear to church.  When I opened the pattern, I discovered it had TWENTY THREE PATTERN PIECES and I really got intimidated by so many of them, was about to back out of the thing entirely.

My mother said, "dont be put off by the number of pieces in a pattern.  You wont be working with 23 pieces at a time--you'll just be sewing one piece to another at any one  time."  Thinking of more complicated patterns as just working with 2 pieces at a time gave me the courage to try whatever project came into my head.

Sewing  has changed a lot in the last few years because of the new machine technology available, and those here who recommend you take a sewing class  have come up with a wonderful idea.  It is probably the fastest and easiest way for you to get going.

I know your mother must be very proud and happy that you are going to follow in her footsteps and become a creative sewer.    And anyone who has kids will ALWAYS  have something that needs sewing.   My kids never had a store bought Halloween costume.  This sounds great, but in fact has its drawbacks when they want to be something  like Queen Elizabeth I like Alice did one year.  (I was SICK of that woman by the time I got the costume done, but Alice was delighted with the costume and we've got great pictures of her looking regal in it.)

[NightOwl]

HEY, ISNT IT GREAT THAT THERE ARE GUYS HERE AT PUT WHO KNOW HOW TO SEW!

Congratulations to all of them for being willing to cross the  stupid line in the sand that says "Womens' Work begins here."