Getting Started!?!

[Ollies_mama]

I sewed my ds a blanket for Christmas this last year and that is about all I have done since 7th grade home ec. I bought a pattern to make some lounge wear for my 16 month old ds and cut it our but now I don't know what to do! How did you guys get started sewing? I would really like to dive in and start making some fun clothes for the whole family but it is so overwhelming! Do you have any advice on easy first projects or the best way to follow a pattern?

[zaner'smama]

I haven't sewed since 7th grade home ec either, but I really want to learn! I just started taking a class at a local sewing store. Very basic -- just what I need! Maybe you could find something like that?
Good luck!

[Minoh]

I'm right there with both of you! I've just started sewing since receiving a machine for Christmas. So I've been gathering fabric (boy, that's kind of addicting!), and sewing a few things. I definitely needed some lessons and have had some one on one instruction at a sewing store after hours. I would never have figured things out on my own without the lessons because I don't remember anything from home ec (the only thing we sewed then was a stuffed dog - so useless!).

[eepster]

I started sewing by watching sewing shows on PBS, and sewing clothes for my dolls and stuffed animals (I started sewing when I was 8 yo.)

Your library may have videos you can barrow. Fabric and sewing machine stores often have classes. If your town offers a community school that would be a great place to start.

Sewing things for the house or yourself is easier than baby clothes. A pillow or simple a-line skirt is quite easy to do. A romper for a toddler is much harder, so it's not a good thing to learn on.

[ookami]

I was really inspired by the stuff I saw on craft blogs... and I basically just started digging in and making my own stuff. I was using a sewing machine I inherited from my grandmother, but I was causing me major stress so I ended up buying a new sewing machine. It's a Bernina and it's amazing! The Bernina dealership has been a great resource for me - they have group classes, drop in sessions where you can pay a small fee and they will help you with *any* project, and a really helpful staff. If you are going to be seriously sewing and need a new machine, I highly recommend going to a sewing machine dealer that you get a good vibe from and then viewing them as your partner in sewing. Also watching craft/sewing shows on tv (Simply Quilts, some shows on DIY) has inspired me and helped me with my technique. And library books are great, too. I think another thing that has been helpful is to not worry too much about the rules - maybe I'm not doing things "right" but if I'm happy with them, then they're fine :-)
Good luck!

[Dakota's Mom]

I've been sewing since I can remember. I got in trouble in 7th grade home ec because I kept trying to show people short cuts and it wasn't the way the teacher wanted it done. I sewed for all of my children and now my grandchildren and my little guy. I also sewed for myself most of my life. I'm not a size 10 so it's hard to buy clothes that fit and still look nice. Now I make lots nad lots of hippie patchwork, skirts and apron tops and stuff like that. I never thought I could sew without a pattern, but in the last couple of years I've learned a lot about it.

Threads for Heads is a great book for a beginner to learn to do patchy sewing. Buy it from Lauren at her web site. Most of the ones on ebay are fakes that people have copied and are selling without the author getting any profit. There is another good sewing book by Elise Clark called "Patchwork Expressions: Basic Designs in Clothing." She has a website as well.

Kathi

[caiesmommy]

Im right with all you ladies!!! My mom is a huge knitter and quilter!!! I'm in and out of crafting. I just made my grandmother a wall hanging with iron on transfers of all her grandchidren(and one great my beautiful son). Whats getting me really into it is ive decided to make all of this coming years xmas presents!! The biggest being a crazy quilt for my fiance!! Out of all recycled fabrics!! old clothes sheets anything thats still in good quality, found at used clothing shops through friends anywhere!!
I say go for it!! just look on the net find something you like and give it a go!!

[quietserena]

Simple things that are on my todo:
hooded towel
flat pants (scroll down) these will fit over cloth dipes
and of course there's always diapers

Hope these help!

[quietserena]

Oh this is useful too:
frugal diapering