Learning to Sew

[Bibliowench]

Hi all,

I'm trying to explore ways of saving money so I can stay at home with my son as long as possible. I was hoping to learn how to sew so I could do things like repair and alter our outfits and make curtains and the like - nothing too fancy. If I could, I'd like to learn how to knit and quilt as well. But I'll take things one step at a time. Thing is, I never learned how to sew (well, I had a few disasterous lessons from my mother in 3rd grade, but I was a complete butterfingers and quickly gave up in disgust), and I don't know where to find someone to teach me.

So I ask - first, is sewing difficult? I'm not the most manually dexterous person, so should I even try to learn? And second, any idea of how I go about acquiring this arcane knowledge?

Thanks,

Shanon

[KathyS]

I don't believe sewing is difficult..depending on what you are making. Sewing a simple window valance or hemming a pair of pants is quite simple really.

Do you have a machine? Machine sewing something like curtains- imo is easier then trying to hand sew it.

What you can do is check the local fabric/craft stores..they often offer classes to teach you sewing techinques. If you got started there maybe you would eventually meet someone and you can learn together.
Check at the library for some help books on sewing.

Just a few thoughts..I'm sure others will be able to offer you some great tips

Good luck

[kerc]

in my opinion ...sewing is like problem solving

-- sewing from a pattern you need to be able to follow directions and then logically look at the pieces you have and figure out what the heck the pattern is telling you to do.

-- sewing w/out a pattern can be more challenging -- only because there's no one else telling you how to do things.

[Xenogenesis]

Slightly off topic but, does anyone know a good site that explains a sewing machine - how to thread it, where to oil it, etc?? And maybe the abc's of beginners sewing *techniques*??

[kerc]

sorry don't know of any sites, but my users manual to my machine includes all that. (i have a kenmore machine). if you don't have a manual maybe you could call the company and ask them?

or else pay someone to clean it (my fabric shop has this guy come once a month) and then watch while s/he does it.