The brand new to sewing tribe!

[earthgirl]

I thought I would start this since it seems like there are a lot of us who are just beginning on this sewing journey. Maybe this can be a place where we can come for encouragement or talk about good beginning projects? We can also share little tips we learn along the way. Oh, and if anyone has good beginner sewing resources this could be a good place to share.

Right now I think my biggest challenge is going to be finding time to practice, but I'm sure I'm not alone in that.

[ankh]

:

[apeacefulisland]

Yeah, I am worried about the time thing too. I spent more than I wanted to on my machine (im always like this. terrible habit. Why i cannot just start with something cheap is beyond me. I need to be smacked! lol) But anyways, yeah...when i got home with it I was really trying to think how in the heck am I ever going to JUSTIFY this 350 dollar purchase with such a busy day/life.

[earthgirl]

Anyone taking sewing lessons or are you just going to try to figure it out on your own? I've requested some books from the library, so hopefully they will be helpful. There's a little arts school in my neighborhood that offers classes for $130. I think you get 8 sessions. DH wants me to take them, but I don't know if I want to spend the money yet.

[sabrinat]

Originally Posted by earthgirl

Anyone taking sewing lessons or are you just going to try to figure it out on your own? I've requested some books from the library, so hopefully they will be helpful. There's a little arts school in my neighborhood that offers classes for $130. I think you get 8 sessions. DH wants me to take them, but I don't know if I want to spend the money yet.

I think you should try a bit on your own. I've been scanning some books at the bookstore and I noticed that alot of creative types just teach themsleves. . Like the lady Wendy ? who has the book Sew U and owns Built by Wendy, she was self taught and apparently still has and uses the machine she got as a highschool grad present. I did take lessons eventually when I wanted to learn some more advanced techniques, but originally I just forged ahead and made alot of stuff.

[Petersmamma]

Grr! I just closed the tab that had my reply.

I'm in! I also am a bit nervous about finding time. Right now is my calm before the storm, as on Monday, classes start again and I am defending my PhD in May and teaching summer school this summer and have to do crazy prep for that (mandatory).

I found this on about.com

I need to get to the fabric store because I'm going to make a pillow cover as my first project! I thought we had a bunch of mending that needed to be done, which was going to be my first project after just practicing on a fabric scrap, but I guess my dh hand sewed everything (I have NO patience for that).

If anyone wants to do the about.com sewing lessons with me, let me know!

I'm also going to start working on making a quilt out of old t-shirts (I've been saving the t-shirts forever, so I have no excuses now!).

Also, my friend is pg and I would LOVE to make her a baby blanket. That seems really easy and like such an awesome gift. Any links for instructions for that (I am SO not a freehand kind of gal!)?

[LiLStar]

baby blanket was my first project The way I did it was SUPER easy and turned out really cute (if you ignore the..er..imperfections) I picked out a cute fabric, then a coordinating solid fleece. I placed them together face to face, stitched 3 sides, plus most of the 4th sides, flipped it inside out, topstitched the rest of the 4th side. Then, at this point the two layers move independently of eachother which can be annoying, so you can tie it with yarn in places on the fabricthat repeat (on mine, it was the center of every yellow flower)

[earthgirl]

Originally Posted by Petersmamma

Grr! I just closed the tab that had my reply.

I'm in! I also am a bit nervous about finding time. Right now is my calm before the storm, as on Monday, classes start again and I am defending my PhD in May and teaching summer school this summer and have to do crazy prep for that (mandatory).

I found this on about.com

I need to get to the fabric store because I'm going to make a pillow cover as my first project! I thought we had a bunch of mending that needed to be done, which was going to be my first project after just practicing on a fabric scrap, but I guess my dh hand sewed everything (I have NO patience for that).

If anyone wants to do the about.com sewing lessons with me, let me know!

I'm also going to start working on making a quilt out of old t-shirts (I've been saving the t-shirts forever, so I have no excuses now!).

Also, my friend is pg and I would LOVE to make her a baby blanket. That seems really easy and like such an awesome gift. Any links for instructions for that (I am SO not a freehand kind of gal!)?

Are those online lessons free? Sorry, I only browsed the site a bit. If you make a baby blanket, make sure to post pics!

[IntuitiveJamie]

HI! I am Jamie and am very excited to be here. I took up sewing a couple of years ago, (essentially self taught), then the first project I made burnt me out and I didn't touch my machine for another two years. Literally. I had almost given up and then I felt the urge to sew again. I learned my lesson on taking it alittle slower and really got some great things done. I've since had 4 basic lessons that mostly helped me get to know my machine. Which was really good.
Well the kiddos need me, so I have to run. But I'll try to be more active on this board as I am really enjoying sewing. I'm actually about to start quilting as my next project. I'm very intimidated by it though, so I will start small like with a baby blanket or something.

Jamie

[gabby_mom_74]

I am also hoping to learn. On another thread they recommended the reader's digest book to learn to sew. I want to learn how to make those head/neck wraps for this winter and an apron for me and my daughter. I remember one that was made by my great grandmother and I used to wear it as a small child. Isn't funny how those little things bring back so many wonderful memories.
Christi

[Live~Laugh~Love]

I seem to be picking it up really fast, but deffinately still learning.
I have an embroidery machine as well I am learning on...

So much fun

Cant wait to learn and help teach, get ideas and sew on and sew forth

[Petersmamma]

Originally Posted by LiLStar

baby blanket was my first project The way I did it was SUPER easy and turned out really cute (if you ignore the..er..imperfections) I picked out a cute fabric, then a coordinating solid fleece. I placed them together face to face, stitched 3 sides, plus most of the 4th sides, flipped it inside out, topstitched the rest of the 4th side. Then, at this point the two layers move independently of eachother which can be annoying, so you can tie it with yarn in places on the fabricthat repeat (on mine, it was the center of every yellow flower)

Ooh! That's an interesting idea. Plus, I like the idea of fleece on one side and a cotton or something on the other. She's in central CA, so it doesn't get super duper cold, and I think she's due late summer?

How much fabric? I saw this really cute idea (I'll see if I can find it and post the link) where you get 3 yds. of fabric and then you do one fabric in the middle; 4 sq. of the second fabric on the corners, and strips of the 3rd on the sides. If that makes ANY sense. You get three quilts out of this. Here's the link So, for those quilts you essentially need a yd of fabric per quilt. Do you think it would be the same for yours?

Your idea would probably be easier, huh?

Originally Posted by earthgirl

Are those online lessons free? Sorry, I only browsed the site a bit. If you make a baby blanket, make sure to post pics!

They are 100% free!!

I got fabric today for the pillow (it's blue with stars, because I'm going to put it in ds' room and he has a stars nursery theme....light blue walls with sponged stars as the border). I have washed it and need to press it. I also need to draw out the pattern. I'm scared and excited, which is so silly!

I will definitely post pics of anything I make! You betcha!!

[earthgirl]

Originally Posted by gabby_mom_74

I am also hoping to learn. On another thread they recommended the reader's digest book to learn to sew. I want to learn how to make those head/neck wraps for this winter and an apron for me and my daughter. I remember one that was made by my great grandmother and I used to wear it as a small child. Isn't funny how those little things bring back so many wonderful memories.
Christi

I know what you mean about the memories. I started wanting to sew when DD was born b/c I was getting all nostalgic over the things my mom and grandma used to make for me. How I never learned it from them is a mystery to me!

[earthgirl]

Originally Posted by Petersmamma

I'm scared and excited, which is so silly!

Me too! I think I'm a little intimidated and overwhelmed, which keeps me from wanting to just jump right in on a project.

[Petersmamma]

I did it! I did it! I did it, did it, did it! :



I made the pillow! Check it out here!

It was pretty easy (aside from the fact that I had trouble with a RECTANGLE pattern....sheesh. What's gonna happen when I try to make a shirt or something? ). It was funny though, 'cause towards the end I totally thought I had messed up since the fabric was inside out and I was sewing the seams. I finally realized that there really WAS a way to turn the darn thing right side out!

[brandnewmommy]

Ooh ooh. I want to join. I've just started sewing. I borrowed a machine from my mother in law. My first project was a poncho/hat set for my three nieces for Christmas. I'm also working on cloth diaper wipes, but without a pattern they're not all that square. Oh well - they're functional. I have so many things that I want to make. I've found that sewing actually relaxes me - once I get past the frustrating parts that is. I am such a beginner though. I don't know the basics at all. I still have to look at the manual just to thread the bobbin and basic stuff like that. I'd like to make some pajama pants and a onesie next I think. I also like the idea of quilting, but I'm intimidated by making all those squares, especially after I saw what a terrible cutting job I did with my diaper wipes. Ok - I'll quit gabbing - I was just sooo excited to see this thread.

My Christmas projects (the ponchos and hats) are posted on my blog. http://swimming-duck.blogspot.com/ It's on the "Here We Are" post in December 2007.

Anyways, I'm excited to have a group to learn with.

Oh, also, does anyone know of any good books that teach the basics or have fun projects for beginners?

[sphinxie]

Oh boy, I'm in! I haven't done anything yet, honestly I find it intimidating and am procrastinating... anyway I'm going to read through this thread later and post a bit more then!

[earthgirl]

Peter'smamma, your pillow looks great! Congratulations on completing your first project!

I just ordered the Sew Fast, Sew Easy book. It got good reviews on Amazon and it comes w/ 3 patterns. I can't wait!

[mamamirranda]

Hello

Oooh ooh! pick me! Pick me! I am soooo new to this whole sewing thing. We found a free sewing machine on the side of the road last year some time when I was pregnant. I cleaned it up. It works ok I guess? I cant really tell the difference. The last time I used it was new years eve 2006 Where I rang in 2007 sewing cloth diapers and some baby wipes (so much different than past new years, but so fun too!). I was so motivated and crafty those last few months The diapers turned out. . . well. . . okay for a first attempt The wipes on the other had turned out great to use as fancy wash cloths to thick for good cloth wipes.

I am thinking of pulling it back out of the garage and trying again. maybe during his naps.

Anyone have an Idea about how much learning to sew costs. I cant really spend much on new fun projects. I am hoping it can be done on a minimal (read as "No") budget.

Petersmamma: Have you started those classes yet? I might wanna take em with you.

[earthgirl]

Originally Posted by mamamirranda

Oooh ooh! pick me! Pick me! I am soooo new to this whole sewing thing. We found a free sewing machine on the side of the road last year some time when I was pregnant. I cleaned it up. It works ok I guess? I cant really tell the difference. The last time I used it was new years eve 2006 Where I rang in 2007 sewing cloth diapers and some baby wipes (so much different than past new years, but so fun too!). I was so motivated and crafty those last few months The diapers turned out. . . well. . . okay for a first attempt The wipes on the other had turned out great to use as fancy wash cloths to thick for good cloth wipes.

I am thinking of pulling it back out of the garage and trying again. maybe during his naps.

Anyone have an Idea about how much learning to sew costs. I cant really spend much on new fun projects. I am hoping it can be done on a minimal (read as "No") budget.

Petersmamma: Have you started those classes yet? I might wanna take em with you.

Check your library for books. My local library had a lot. I've got two on reserve that I'm picking up tomorrow!