Tell me I can do this ... brand new to sewing

[crazycat]

Ok, I am 20 weeks pregnant and TOTALLY nesting. When pg with DS2 I had a burning desire to make my own CDs. Now I am getting the same desire this time around, although it actually never totally went away. I will be picking up an old sewing machine on Sunday from my sister - it's one that my grandmother was given 30 years ago or more when she and my grandfather were in the moving/trucking business. My sister recently got a new (used) Bernina (sp?) and doesn't use this one anymore - I don't know what kind it is. I also just ordered a pattern for fitted pockets that I saw recommended in other threads here.

So, the only real problem is ... I don't even sew on buttons ... But, I do think I'm a pretty fast learner and I am totally excited to try making my own dipes!!

Any tips for a complete and total newbie??

TIA!

[Stephig]

I don't really have any tips besides don't give up! I'm totally new to sewing also so we're in the same boat! lol

[ReneeC]

nak

you can totally do this!

i would recommend sewing something *really* simple as your very first project, before the dipes, just so you can get a feel for the machine and how to thread/adjust it and practice making (relatively) straight lines. good first projects are curtains, pillows, pillowcases, simple skirts (ones that are pretty much straight, not ones with curved hems to deal with!), basically anything along those lines. then, once you've gotten a feel for the machine, i'd dive right in to making dipes--they're *really* quite easy!

and, of course we're all happy to offer encouragement and answer any questions you have along the way!

[RoseRed]

I am a fairly new to sewing to. they had me help sewing costumes for a production of babaar at the Children's Theatre I used to perform at and I broke the sewing machine so many times they named it after me..

I started with wipes, sew right sides together with a hole turn and topstitch super easy. It will give you a feel for what you are doing and help to add to your stash at the same time. Most patterns are very simple. I really like the free all in One/Fitted Diapper pattern at thenappynetwork (it think it dot org dot au but not sure) The instructions are really easy to follow. I also started with fabric from around the house (clothes that were in the donation pile) that way if I messed up or they didn't work It was no big deal.

Don't worry! I have sewed alot of stuff, most of it I have messed up on, but diapers are really simple!!

[crazycat]

Thanks Mamas!! I am picking up the sewing machine today - getting sooo excited to start!:

[aiccerb]

Im happy to hear you are going for it!! It was that nesting urge with my first that got me sewing too

[crazycat]

Thanks again for the responses!! I picked up the machine - it is an old White rotary electric - the patent date says 1927. It was a gift to my grandmother when she and my grandfather were in the moving business - an elderly man whose wife had died gave it to them because his wife's maiden name was the same as their last name. My grandmother had a singer machine that was a gift from her grandmother when she was 16 years old, so she didn't use this machine much but she held on to it anyway. I am soooooo excited to get started!

Has anyone used this type of machine? Any tips or suggestions for use, maintenance, etc.? It has a whole bunch of different parts to use in place of the regular foot - the manual is with it but very hard to understand - I don't read much written like that anymore! My sister had been using it (she got a new bernina) and did show me how to load the thread and bobbin and I did sew a little rectangle on a piece of fabric before bringing it home, so I know how to plug it in, use the little knee lever to make it go, load the thread and that's about it!! I would love to take a class of some sort but if you are supposed to bring your machine that would be difficult because it is in a cabinet and not that easily portable for a pregnant mama!

Thanks!