The brand new to sewing tribe! - Page 2

[IntuitiveJamie]

Originally Posted by 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!

I get initimadated by my machine too. Sometimes I just having it sitting out staring at me, taunting me! And then finally I get up the nerve and just start sewing and it's great. I've been porcrastinating as of late b/c I couldn't figure out what I wanted to do next. I have so many projects in my head that it's overwhelming. But I've finally decided. I'm going with babylegs and flannel cozy pants for my two sons (2 years and 3 months) Both small enough projects to finish and get some instant gratification. If the pants turn out well I have enough flannel to make some for myself!

I really want to start a quilt, but am super intimidated by that, so I will prob. keep procrasinating that one for awhile until one day I just get up the nerve to start.

[IntuitiveJamie]

Petersmama-Great job on the pillow!
Finished projects are so rewarding.

I was curious about those that are writing on this thread..what projects have you already done? Since starting I've done Advent calendars, cloth diapers and wipes, mama pads, breast milk leakage pads, cloth chux pads for the birth of my last son, a fleece shawl to cover me and my babe when he's in the moby wrap and some mending. Nothing really too difficult.

And I would also like to know what projects you are just dying to do?
I am really wanting to sew a grocery cart cover, babylegs, flannel pants and start quilting. I also really want to get into a couple of things for donations like blankets for injured soldiers in Iraq and teddy bears that are given to small children involved in accidents like car accidents. I have heard that you can make teddy bears and donate them to police stations and they carry them in their cars for such occasions.

[IntuitiveJamie]

Oh yeah, and I want to make soft soled shoes!

[flapjack]

Can I lurk? I used to be competent, but that was over a decade ago with my mother close at hand to help fix any booboos. : I'm on my own now.
At the moment I'm immersed in knitting, but I really want to sew some tops for the new baby to go with his longies, and some other bits beside- summer dresses for DD, skirts for me, that kind of stuff. I'm having a lot of difficulty finding stuff that I want to wear, and I keep finding myself looking at etsy... that's nuts. I don't need to pay someone else to sew for me, I just need a 36 hour day.

[LiLStar]

I've done a simple baby blanket, microwave corn bags for christmas gifts, and 3 pairs of jammies for dd: first one was "practice" made from old receiving blankets, neither of which were big enough so the pants, each leg is from a different blanket, and the shirt.. the front and one sleeve is one print, the back and the other sleeve another print.

The next I used a cute flannel print that I bought for this, and.. well, I tried to alter the pattern a bit to make it fit better, and i sorta made it too small in the butt I can barely squeeze them over her big cd butt!

The next jammies, I decided to stick to the pattern and deal with it being too big, she'll grow (oh, does she grow and she totally swims in em!! lol. But they turned out right!!! They're pink fleece with duckies. The only alteration I made was a higher rise, to make room for her big CD booty! Especially at night, when I triple stuff a pocket.

Oh, and another reason the 3rd jammies were finally...successful. When you cut out a pant leg, you then fold it in half face to face to stitch up the inseam, before attaching it to the other leg. Well after I'd fold it in half, I'd notice that the top didn't match up. I figured I was just really sloppy in tracing/cutting the pattern, and I snipped off the excess!! LOL!!! I finally figured out that its supposed to be like that, to allow more room in the back than the front. Doh!! Oh and also the fleece was nicer to work with than the flannel, because the seams don't fray.

Anyway, I'm EAGER to start making CDs. I ordered my supplies on Monday. I'm hoping they arrive tomorrow if they shipped fast. I have a bad habit of ordering things right before a holiday so that shipping is slowed down. I've been studying every tutorial I can find like crazy to be sure I understand, so I think I'm ready to jump in!

[Petersmamma]

So y'all know, I adore multiquoting!

Originally Posted by 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?

I have to look at my manual, too. I figure as long as it all gets done correctly, who cares, right?

Love the ponchos! Adorable!!

I've heard the Reader's Digest books are good. I have a couple books on reserve at the library. As I start to go through them, I'll let you guys know how I like them.

Originally Posted by 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!

Thank you! And ds just loves it! He actually took his other pillows off his bed and is like, "THIS is my pillow!"

He's starting a new school on Monday, and he's going to take that pillow so he always has a piece of mommy with him.

Originally Posted by mamamirranda

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.

I did! Check above for the link to my pillow! Those classes (through about.com....type sewing in the search bar then go to sewing 101 and you can sign up for lessons.) are 100% free.

I think sewing can cost as much or as little as you want. I saw here at MDC that some super crafty mama made her dd a couple of dresses sans pattern with a sheet and they are CUTE!!!!!

I was able to get my pillow form for 50% off (it actually wasn't supposed to be on sale, apparently, but there was a sign, so...) and the fabric was $1 off per yard. For the pillow, you only need 1/2 yard. The total cost (I got expensive thread) was $11. Cheaper than you can buy a pillow at a dept store (not on sale, anyway! )

Also, I'm planning on making a quilt out of old t-shirts (you know, the ones you adore but are no longer wearable). So that should be relatively inexpensive. I will need batting and a backing fabric, but at least I already have the front part. And I'm just going to do squares, to keep it simple.

Oh, and I will wait to do my second pillow (the second project through about.com) till you do your first, if you want! I've got a BUNCH of stuff in the works, so I don't mind waiting a bit. But don't take too long!

Originally Posted by takebirthback

Petersmama-Great job on the pillow!
Finished projects are so rewarding.

I was curious about those that are writing on this thread..what projects have you already done? Since starting I've done Advent calendars, cloth diapers and wipes, mama pads, breast milk leakage pads, cloth chux pads for the birth of my last son, a fleece shawl to cover me and my babe when he's in the moby wrap and some mending. Nothing really too difficult.

And I would also like to know what projects you are just dying to do?
I am really wanting to sew a grocery cart cover, babylegs, flannel pants and start quilting. I also really want to get into a couple of things for donations like blankets for injured soldiers in Iraq and teddy bears that are given to small children involved in accidents like car accidents. I have heard that you can make teddy bears and donate them to police stations and they carry them in their cars for such occasions.

Thanks!

I'm a total newbie. That pillow was my very first thing. Oh, wait! I mended a hole in the pocket of my robe. Not too tough.

You sound like you are doing pretty well! You have made a lot of stuff. Love the idea of the advent calendar. We bought one this year (I really wanted one), but once we have a second child, I should make one ('cause I just can't see the kiddos sharing the chocolates/goodies from one!).

Projects I want to do: my t-shirt quilt. Matching pj's for the whole fam (or at least dh and ds.). How cute would THAT be?? Let's see. Cute things for me A baby blanket for my friend. Gifts for friends and family.

Originally Posted by flapjack

Can I lurk? I used to be competent, but that was over a decade ago with my mother close at hand to help fix any booboos. : I'm on my own now.
At the moment I'm immersed in knitting, but I really want to sew some tops for the new baby to go with his longies, and some other bits beside- summer dresses for DD, skirts for me, that kind of stuff. I'm having a lot of difficulty finding stuff that I want to wear, and I keep finding myself looking at etsy... that's nuts. I don't need to pay someone else to sew for me, I just need a 36 hour day.

Welcome! You can lurk!

[earthgirl]

Originally Posted by takebirthback

Petersmama-Great job on the pillow!
Finished projects are so rewarding.

I was curious about those that are writing on this thread..what projects have you already done? Since starting I've done Advent calendars, cloth diapers and wipes, mama pads, breast milk leakage pads, cloth chux pads for the birth of my last son, a fleece shawl to cover me and my babe when he's in the moby wrap and some mending. Nothing really too difficult.

And I would also like to know what projects you are just dying to do?
I am really wanting to sew a grocery cart cover, babylegs, flannel pants and start quilting. I also really want to get into a couple of things for donations like blankets for injured soldiers in Iraq and teddy bears that are given to small children involved in accidents like car accidents. I have heard that you can make teddy bears and donate them to police stations and they carry them in their cars for such occasions.

Well, this weekend I am going to make a cushion for this antique child's rocking chair. (It was my grandpa's when he was a boy. I remember sitting in it to watch Sesame Street. DD fits in it now. ) I hope it turns out OK. My list of what I'd like to make is long! Mostly, I want to make clothes and PJs for DD. I'm tempted to give diapers a try, but I figure by the time I learn to make a decent one, she'll be out of them. Realistically speaking, I'll probably just stick to things like napkins, baby wipes, etc. until I feel like I've really got the hang of it. I'm really intimidated by the idea of following a pattern. It's kind of dumb, I know.

[earthgirl]

Books

Just wanted to let y'all know I just got the Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing book from the library. It's not the most recent edition, but it looks like it's going to be quite helpful. There are lots and lots of pictures, which is great for me. I also checked out 101 Ways to Use Your First Sewing Machine. It looks less helpful, but there seems to be at least some useful stuff in there.

[LiLStar]

Just finished my first CD!! newborn sized fitted. Now I just need to find a newborn to test it on.
pics:
http://www.comwired.com/rach/diaper/

[wowbaby42]

I would love to join your tribe... I am a complete beginner to machine sewing. I can hand stitch and quilt like a wild woman, but the machine has always kicked my booty! I admit I even failed the sewing part of Home Ec in high school, I made a 100 in child care and cooking though . Anywho, I inherited a machine from a friend of my Mom's (awesome seamstress), and I have actually learned to sew a straight line!!! I have started my first project, breast pads. My DH works at the Women's hospital in the linen dept and they throw away unused flannel receiving blankets, so that is my starter material.

[mamamirranda]

Originally Posted by Petersmamma

Also, I'm planning on making a quilt out of old t-shirts (you know, the ones you adore but are no longer wearable). So that should be relatively inexpensive. I will need batting and a backing fabric, but at least I already have the front part. And I'm just going to do squares, to keep it simple.

Oh, and I will wait to do my second pillow (the second project through about.com) till you do your first, if you want! I've got a BUNCH of stuff in the works, so I don't mind waiting a bit. But don't take too long!

Oh your pillow is Great! good job. I want to make one. Right now I am working on leg warmers for my son kinda fun. How long do I have. It would be great to say I am gonna take the class with you, but I don't want you to wait on me. I will keep you posted on when I am able to do the first project and feel free to pm me if it is taking me too long.

I talked to my dh a while back about making a quilt with my favorites of my son's newborn clothes. Thats a ways off though. let me know how you get on with that project

[IntuitiveJamie]

Originally Posted by LiLStar

Just finished my first CD!! newborn sized fitted. Now I just need to find a newborn to test it on.
pics:
http://www.comwired.com/rach/diaper/

Great diaper!!
I love all the materials you used. Even the touchtape is fun. How cute!

[LiLStar]

Thanks!! Confession, though.. its not touch tape (I do have some ordered, but I was too impatient to wait for it) I bought some velcro and its weird. its not normal hook/loop. One side is rough, one side is soft, and it just sticks. Kinda hard to describe! I guess one way to describe it is imagine some TT or aplix that got a *very* close shave. Its just to tide me over and let me practice until I get my REAL stuff though!

Ooh and I made another, this time big enough for my dd! I was so excited, it fit her perfectly! Seriously, there's not a diaper or cover in our stash that fits as well as this. Its a MIRACLE!! lol. Anyway, I got a pic of her modeling it:

http://www.t-mobilepictures.com/phot...47zs05f7c6ks6p

[earthgirl]

LiLStar, I am totally impressed. Did you use a pattern or just make your own? What materials did you use? I am not brave enough to try diapers yet. I did cut up an old burp cloth and stitched the edges to make a dish rag.

[Petersmamma]

Originally Posted by mamamirranda

Oh your pillow is Great! good job. I want to make one. Right now I am working on leg warmers for my son kinda fun. How long do I have. It would be great to say I am gonna take the class with you, but I don't want you to wait on me. I will keep you posted on when I am able to do the first project and feel free to pm me if it is taking me too long.

I talked to my dh a while back about making a quilt with my favorites of my son's newborn clothes. Thats a ways off though. let me know how you get on with that project

Yeah, let's just keep in touch! Classes start tomorrow (groan and weird since it's my absolute LAST semester! Crazy. I have been a student for TWENTY THREE years) so I'm about to get busy.

I think that my next step is to start on the t-shirt quilt. I guess I need to wash and press each shirt BEFORE I start cutting, so I'll probably just stitch one or two together at a time. I think I might just use white thread to make it easy on myself. I mean, it IS a quilt, and do i really care if the thread matches the t-shirts? No, I don't.

You should TOTALLY get on doing that newborn clothing quilt! You can do it slow, like me. I'll pm you when I get started on my t-shirt quilt, to give you a kick in the butt.

Anyone else want to make some sort of sentimental quilt with us?

[Mama Poot]

I'll join! My biggest challenge is not having a working sewing machine!!!! ::: Go see my threads about that LOL.... I did run across some ideas for making play food in the toys and dolls section of the forum, and those only require hand sewing with embroidery floss. It looks fun, I think I might take a leeeeeetle trip to JoAnn's today....

[dillonandmarasmom]

Hi!!
I am new to this sewing thing, too. I think the last time I really sewed from a pattern was in the 8th grade.

I got a new machine for Christmas and I cannot wait to get started. I have been knitting for years, and I learned fomr some great web sites. Are there similar sites for sewing??

Point me in the right direction, please!

[earthgirl]

Originally Posted by dillonandmarasmom

Hi!!
I am new to this sewing thing, too. I think the last time I really sewed from a pattern was in the 8th grade.

I got a new machine for Christmas and I cannot wait to get started. I have been knitting for years, and I learned fomr some great web sites. Are there similar sites for sewing??

Point me in the right direction, please!

Like everything else sewing related, I get completely overwhelmed by how many websites there are. Here are a few that I visit, but it's too soon for me to tell which are the most helpful.

Sewing Mamas
Home Sewing
Beginner Sewing
All Crafts

[mama2mygirl]

I'm in! I got a sewing machine for Christmas and I'm completely new to the whole thing. I found a really easy pattern for pants and I asked my friend who sews for tips and, guess what? I have achieved pants!!!!
I've made dd five pair of pants and my friend's baby a pair of cow pants. They are not perfect but it is really cool to see dd wearing clothes I've made her!
I will definitely check out the web sites and the books. My dd has requested that I move on to tops and I'm not ready to take that step yet.

[sabrinat]

I'm not new to sewing, but I've decided for 2008 I was going to make a point to try new techniques and styles. So...I guess that makes me a newbie in a way.