How do I learn?!

[Overproducktion]

All I want to do is make some quilts for my babies and some diapers for my daughter--I have never sewn before---I even failed Home Ec. in school!

I bought a seweing machine last week---after I got it tangled 10 times, broke 4 needles--lost 3 bobbins and sewed my finger nail twice--I gave up.

I bought some patterns to make a "simple" outfit--but the directions might as well be in a foreign language!!

I can't garden and I can't sew!! What kind of mother am I?!

I am not going to give up! I have no family members that know how.....does any one have an idea? Good books? Any on-line classes...like sewing for dummies?

[LuvMy2Kidz]

Did you buy the machine at a sewing store? If you did they will usually offer a short class for you to get to know your machine. If not then check into sewing classes at a local community college or sewing machine store

[Overproducktion]

Nope....I hope I don't get flamed..but I bought it at Walmart :LOL

I have called them, they are not much help. They told me to read the book that it came with...I can't exactly comprehend that book.

[LuvMy2Kidz]

:LOL Find a local sewing store, they usually do classes for less $$ than a college course

[Overproducktion]

Thank you...I will! I think there is a store a few cities over! Now I have to go post about learning how to garden:LOL

[Katie Bugs Mama]

I pretty much taught myself to sew using an old version of the New Complete Guide to Sewing by Reader's Digest. It starts with the absolute basics like how to choose and read a pattern to the parts of a sewing machine and includes good pictures explaining everything. I really recommend it.

[jyanla]

Hi, I'm learning to sew. I bought a sewing machine last Christmas at Target and I've been reading books and checking online for sewing lessons.

http://www.sew-whats-new.com/

There is free sewing lessons on this site.

[Overproducktion]

YIPPEE!!

Thanks every one! Tomorrow will be busy for me. Off to join a class, go the library and I already bookmarked that website!! Alright!

[lovingit]

Originally posted by Katie Bugs Mama
I pretty much taught myself to sew using an old version of the New Complete Guide to Sewing by Reader's Digest. It starts with the absolute basics like how to choose and read a pattern to the parts of a sewing machine and includes good pictures explaining everything. I really recommend it.

Same here! I love this book! I refer to it all the time even though I sew quite a lot now!!!

You can do it!!! You have the determination and that's at least half the battle!

[Ok]

As for gardening...I haven't figured plants out. LOL I really get nervous when people give me plants. I've managed to plant some hardy roses that I dead-head and then cut back in winter. But other than that, they're on their own.

Sewing is really fun though. I'm not very good at art, but sewing allows me to play with colors and textures!

Good luck learning. Its totally worth the effort!

[luvinmama]

Thanks for the website Jyanla! I've never sewn anything more than a button or patch and now I'd like to do some diapers for ds #2 and clothes and puppets for ds #1. I've got all the supplies now and just waiting for a to magically place the knowledge in my head. This site seems to be the closest I'll come to that, so THANK YOU!! I wish you all lucky needles!

[Izzybee]

I don't have an answer to any of your questions, just wanted to let you know that you have a great attitude. You've really challenged yourself, and are not going to give up. WAY TO GO!!!

[smarmie]

I wanted to add that your local fabric stores might have classes. I went to a doll making class at a specialty fabric shop and got a ton of help!

[Overproducktion]

I went to the library today and got some books...kind of helping. The next sewing class starts in 2 two weeks YIPEE! The website is helping too, thank goodness!!

I TRIED to make a diaper last night..dh said it looks like a parachute:LOL Oh well, back to the drawing board!

Oh and the reader' s digest book is on back order from the library.