I want to learn how to sew! (Concord, Ruth: appointed, for sale)
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I have a sewing machine and fabric, and frankly I don't even know where to begin. I LOVE fashion and I have four kids that I would love to start making outfits for. Does anyone know of a good instructor, a class, set of classes, even at a college that offers good sewing teachings? Thanks so much!
Check out some local quilt shops or sewing machine dealers. I don't know your location nor your machine brand but many dealers offer sewing classes, both garments and quilting.
She teaches at a few different places, which are listed on the site. It's a reasonable price, and she is really helpful. I took the basic class & learned a lot. I haven't had time to take the second level, but I intend to.
She's a nice person too.
I'm starting a Learning to Sew class next Tuesday at Sew Much Fun in Concord. I had signed up for courses through CPCC, but the class got cancelled. Sew Much Fun is $105 for 10.5 total hours of classes.
We are fortunate as my other half learned to sew from my mother who learned from her mom and the fact that women all took home economics class when they were in school. However if you don't have that I recommend that you check out the instructables site. They are really good at bringing back the old skills.
Hi, I've been sewing for years and love it, and I started at my mom and grandma's elbow. I've never had a class. My recommendation is this, if you already have fabric and a machine: go to the store and find a pattern that you like in the EASY to SEW category. All patterns have detailed instructions, and usually drawings. If you look for sales, you can pick patterns up pretty cheaply. Practice making easy items first to get the feel of the machine, and the flow of how to put something together. THEN, take a class if you want to improve your skills in a certain area, such as setting a zipper.
If you can follow directions and have patience, you can learn to sew without spending a lot of money. Find patterns that have 5 or fewer pieces, even start with an item that isn't clothing, like a bean bag toy or a table runner. Grab fabric in the end of bolt bins at the store (usually a yard or two, priced to sell) so that you won't get too disappointed when you have to start over on something or rip out a seam. You will make mistakes and you want it to be on something that isn't a prom dress or Halloween costume.
Also, utilize your neighborhood fabric and sewing stores. Ask them questions, take your work in if you have to, and write down their suggestions. I've never had a bad conversation that was related to sewing techniques. Most people are happy to help.
You'll need a few supplies, so watch those ads again for a good (not cheap) pair of scissors (the kind that can be resharpened and are used for fabric only, NOTE: HIDE THESE!!!), and you'll also need a decent iron (heat settings and steam in good working condition). Consider having a small pair of scissors for cutting the threads and small clean ups while sewing. This saves your fabric scissors for cutting fabric only.
Realize that sewing takes patience. I can't tell you how many times I've ripped out a seam, but it's always worth the while when the garment is finished and hanging beautifully on the recipient. Don't skip steps (I always did, and it always has failed on me. FINALLY I learned!!). It's a lot of fun, though, and well worth it.
Great post mspotts and I totally agree with everything you said. It does take patience and one day you'll be in the mood to sew and perhaps the next day you won't. I am currently taking a 3 day break from making a boys shirt! I won't tell you how many times I have removed the collar because it wasn't centered. Have fun sewing - I love it and always have although I must say the photo's of my siblings and I in homemade clothes when we were young were horrendous and my mother who made them thought they were gorgeous.
Isn't that the truth on the mood thing!!! I go in fits and starts also. I'll sew for days or weeks on end and then be done with it and the machine gathers dust for a while (sometimes up to a year, or at least until Halloween comes around!).
My grandma worked in alterations for many years. I sure wish I had those skills sometimes, but it's hard to do on your own clothing.
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