[sabrinat]

Don't have fear. Just jump in. Pickup some cheap fabric. Even an old sheet will do and get started. Don't have a machine. Post on freecycle or Craigslist for one. Scour garage sales. For little or no money you can get one. Overwhelmed by the lack of manual or how to thread it? Get online. There are tons of groups for machines and sewist. Yahoo is invaluable for machine related groups. They're always there to help.
Want to improve your skills. Take a class at a fabric store, the community center or a college... head to the library and check out a book...you can learn a lot from a book.
Go for it! You'll be amazed what you can make. Good luck and happy sewing.!

 

[cinnamama]

:

 

[sabrinat]

Just wanted to share my joy of sewing. I think everyone should be doing it! Don't let the little details stop you.

 

[Jenlaana]

What a great post! Thank you so much for sharing!

I get apprehensive sometimes when I think about trying something that I botched up earlier. (about to try to make a simple spaghetti strap maternity dress for myself again...running out of clothes and nothing I've found at the store looks comfy)

 

[Gremco]

Also, remember that the people you see making awe insipring things started out with wonky pillows and ill fitting clothing. Don't worry how your first several projects turn out.

 

[sabrinat]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jenlaana What a great post! Thank you so much for sharing! I get apprehensive sometimes when I think about trying something that I botched up earlier. (about to try to make a simple spaghetti strap maternity dress for myself again...running out of clothes and nothing I've found at the store looks comfy)

You're so welcome.
Do you know about www.sewingmamas.com? It's a great virtual sewing circle. Come join us, tell them Sabrinat sent yah!
And like the previous poster said. We all started at the beginning, wonky stuffed pillows and all. Sewing is like most anything, you improve and learn over time and with practice.

 

[ErikaLeigh]

any tips for improving?

I've only made wipes and family cloth (which I LOVE doing!) but I want to try curtains and other things. (patterns for one)

Tips ideas?

 

[ErikaLeigh]

I registered at SM and used your name Sabrinat

 

[sabrinat]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ErikaLeigh I registered at SM and used your name Sabrinat

AWESOME! I can't wait to see what you sew up!

 

[PancakeGoddess]

I've checked all over for an online manual for my old Dressmaker from freecycle. I just don't know how to thread it, and when I guess based on other Dressmaker manuals, it seems wrong. Or, if it's right, something else is wrong - my tension is all bad I think? My stitches are all loose and tangled. I'm discouraged.

 

[sabrinat]

Quote:

Originally Posted by PancakeGoddess I've checked all over for an online manual for my old Dressmaker from freecycle. I just don't know how to thread it, and when I guess based on other Dressmaker manuals, it seems wrong. Or, if it's right, something else is wrong - my tension is all bad I think? My stitches are all loose and tangled. I'm discouraged.

Oh no. Tell me the model # and I'll look it up and see if I can help you. If I can't explain it online, I'll be happy to have you call me or vice versa and talk you through it...You can do this, it's probably something super simple.

 

[Itlbokay]

What a timely thread!

I have been working on a bit of beginner sewing myself. I just bought Laura Jansdotter's book Simple Sewing and can't wait to try a few of her ideas. No sewing machine yet, so I'll be hand sewing for awhile.

 

[PancakeGoddess]

oh no! itlbokay, I am a total space cadet. Did we miss out on seeing you or is that in july? I'm so sorry. Baby brain.

on the sewing front, guess what! I sewed! My first time - yesterday. My mama showed me how to get the machine going.

here it is
http://scottfamily.blogs.com/

scroll down a few posts

 

[Itlbokay]

PG, Wow! What a great job on your first project! Nothing missed... I'll pm you.

I think sabrinat's original post in this thread is some of the best advice for new sewers. Very encouraging. Just what I needed to read. Thank you!

 

[sabrinat]

Just thought I'd bump this since I see quite a few of you are getting or hoping for sewing machines for Christmas.

 

[Itlbokay]

I know I won't get one for Christmas but this is what I dream of...

Oh, Bernina, the things we could make.