Classes or self-taught?

[soccermama]

Did you take a sewing class (and home economics doesn't count ) or did you teach yourself to sew on a machine? I've got the bug to learn. I can sew with a needle and thread just fine, but what I have in mind to do is going to require an actual machine. Local fabric stores are offering classes and one of them is this weekend. It's a two hour class. If you've ever taken one, were they helpful?

I want to start making burp cloths, bibs, cloth wipes, blankets, etc., There are just SOOOO many cute fabrics out now and it's driving me crazy with all of the ideas going through my head!! :

[sewchris2642]

The only sewing class I ever took was after I had been sewing professionally for almost 30 years. It was a flat pattern making class. Most of what I have learned as been by mentors. My grandmother taught me how to hand sew; my mom taught me how to use patterns and her sewing machine. I took 3 one semester classes in school (7th, 8th, and 10th grades). Then I learned on the job through the alteration shop, 2 custom drapery places, RTW square dance dress business, and the bridal shop where I currently work pt. Take the 2 hour class. You won't learn to be an expert but you should be able to learn the basics and go from there. Also get some good sewing books. I recommend the Simplicity Simply the Best Sewing Book and the Singer Reference Library of books. And practice.

Chris

[wbd221]

I learned how to hand sew (a little) and use a sewing machine from my mom and dad (my dad can sew like nobody's business!!). However, I took a continuing ed. class at a local tech. college (Sewing for Beginners) to learn how to make clothing from a pattern.

Following that, I 've expanded from that foundation on my own, via books, tv shows, talking with other people, and just trying new things. Teaching myself how to quilt has probably been the most satisfying.

So...all of the above methods for me! BTW - your sewing machine's owner 's manual can be an overlooked resource for figuring out some of the more obscure points of sewing.

[Dahlea]

Self-taught. I prefer teaching myself to do things rather than learning from others.

[cristeen]

Self-taught, although mentors are really good. The only thing I would go to a class for is A- to learn something that is rather complex (since I learn better by being shown than reading), or B- go to a class that is more like a social affair, like a once a week for 3 months big project type of thing. We have a local fabric store that offers classes in designing/altering patterns to fit your own body, copying pre-made clothing, that type of thing. Those are the types of classes I would take, where you can learn a lot more from an experienced person teaching you step-by-step than from a quick tutorial.

I learned the basics of sewing from my mother at a very young age, but I learned how to make clothes, sew a zipper, and all sorts of more complex things on my own over the years, just by reading and being good with spatial relations.

[KristyDi]

I took a class to learn how to use my machine. It covered basics like threading, winding a bobbin, making button holes etc.

I think that stuff is different than the actual sewing. You need those basic skills in order to learn to sew. I've taught myself most everything else with occasional input from a mentor or two.

If you're unfamiliar with using a machine I'd go ahead and take the class. Then you can be self taught from there.

[mama_daba]

my grandmother showed me a few things when i was a teenager and then a friend showed me a few things when i was pregnant but i am mostly self taught so far. i really wish i had someone near me who could show me more.

[sabrinat]

Combo. I took a class in the summer when I was 13 or 14, then sewed off and on for years. Then decided to take a class again as an adult after I had my first child. The main things I learned was about reading a pattern and getting a better fit. Otherwise I've just learned by doing and with the aid of some good sewing references. I have several. I like the Reader's Digest one and the Simplicity one...oh and my mom gave me one years ago called Sewing Made Easy that's been great too. I have a Singer Reference Library one too...Basically they all say the same thing. Look for an older one that has lots of illustrations and good explanations for techniques.

[Porcelain Interior]

I couldn't pay someone to teach me without trying it myself first. Fortunately I learn well from books and have never needed a class to figure anything out sewing related.

I did take a "class" once for comraderie, but had most of the project done before I even stepped in the class.

I do think classes are fun, but $$$$ makes it not worth it to me since I can figure things out myself.

My BF does not learn well from books and needs to be shown live by a human, so it really depends on how you learn best.

[Ifluffedthree]

sewing class 1977 &1978 in jr high

from there self taught

[2M's Mom]

I'm a pretty new sewer, but so far all self taught, with a few questions thrown at MIL. I'm going to try to keep doing this until I find I need further instruction.