Interested in learning to sew....need suggestions

[Jilian]

I am interested in learning to sew. I want to be able to sew baby slings, clothes, and house stuff (curtains, pillows...etc). Does anyone know of any good sites I can go to to learn to sew? Or any classes? I know a little about sewing, but not enough. I plan on purchasing a second-hand singer to get started. Any help would be appreciated.

[AnnR33]

I don't have any web sites but if you check your local sewing shops they often offer classes.
I'm a beginner sewer too and I finally just started "winging" it and teaching myself. I started with easy stuff like beanbags for the kids to play with then went on to simple clothing and some stuffed animals. I practiced different stitches to see what was sturdier, etc and just experimented-I still do!
I did pick up a few books from the library and browsed thru them to get some ideas and pointers.
And ask around to your friends. I have a SIL and friend that I ask lots of questions and they have taught me a lot.
Ann

[Mattia]

I second what Ann said about sewing classes, and experimentation. Also, if you know someone who sews, it wouldn't hurt to ask them to sit down and show you some of the basics. If all else fails, get an easy pattern/how-to book, and go from there.

Good luck! I have picked up machine sewing pretty quickly, and the only sewing project I had ever done until recently were the "hammer pants" I sewed in my jr. high sewing class. :LOL

[WendyLouWho]

Before you buy, check around at stores in your area that do resales. There are two sewing machine store here that sell new and used machines and no matter what you buy, you are entitled to free basic lessons. The lessons cover machine basics, stitches, zippers, button holes, simple pillows, etc. You can retake the lessons as often as you need to "get it."

I don't know if this is something offered in your area, but it's worth a shot to try it!

[intymama]

Is there a Community College in your area? I just finished my second semester of classes and I have learned a lot. You could do wahtever you wanted and got to use very good machines and sergers. My teacher was great, she has lots of years of experience and loves to teach. Good luck

Jula