| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| LouisvilleMom |
Posted - Sep 26 2008 : 12:38:30 PM
Anyone know a good way to learn? I have a machine--it is only a few years old and no I have no idea what kind it is. Should I just buy a pattern and start trying? Anyone live in the Louisville area that wants to show me????
SAHM mom to four great boys.
http://ksfarnsworth.blogspot.com/ |
| 16 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Faransgirl |
Posted - Apr 19 2009 : 7:33:32 PM
Simplicity does a sewing book. It gives alot of information on how to do different things. Learning your machine is important but knowing the sewing terms is important too. A simple How to Sew book is awfully handy to have around and they usually have good diagrams of how to do things. When I was six my Mom handed me a pattern for doll clothes and set up her machine and I have bee sewing ever since. Just don't let it scare you and you will be fine. I am sure there are lots of farmgirls here that can help out. All the above suggestions are great and even you local quilt shop should be able to tell you where you can find a class or just someone to help you. Also, if you have one most local Community Colleges have some sort of classes.
May the force of the Horse be with you. |
| SuzieQ |
Posted - Apr 19 2009 : 1:52:26 PM
If you do not have a manual look at the machine and see what brand it is and model. You can then google the company and email them what model you have and they will send you a manual free. I have taken alot of the continue education classes. Also find an older woman who sews and ask if she says yes way to go and if she says no you may have a new friend. Check at the churches lots of times they have sewing groups and they will help. Good luck |
| electricdunce |
Posted - Apr 19 2009 : 1:44:12 PM
Sometimes you can find nice old sewing books at the thrift stores. I am always seeing them, don't need 'em but they look great for a beginner. Good luck! You'll love using your machine, it doesn't take long to get used to it...
Karin
Farmgirl Sister #153
"Give me shelter from the storm" - Bob Dylan
http://moodranch.blogspot.com
http://domesticnonsense.etsy.com |
| Duchess |
Posted - Apr 19 2009 : 04:37:12 AM
Ok, my suggestion would be to first read your manuel. The above suggestions are great, but you need to know the different parts of your machine. Keep your fingers away from the needle when it is in motion,lol. Now, at the fabric store they have some patterns that are "easy", try one of those. Buy some inexpensive fabric so that you feel ok about messing it up. Having put a sleeve in 3 different times on one blouse I can assure you that you will mess up. To me the next important thing is to completly read the pattern. figure out which parts refer to what you have chosen to sew and circle them.
Watch out when you are laying it out, double layer, single layer also which way does the pattern go on the fabric. They are pretty good about explaining things in the pattern. You might also look online, google how to sew and I bet lots of information will show up.
Best of luck to you
http://theclarkhomestead.blogspot.com/
http://Duchess56051.etsy.com
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| windypines |
Posted - Apr 19 2009 : 04:00:25 AM
Also some of the pattern company's have so easy patterns. Start with simple patterns like that.
Michele |
| homesteaderbelle |
Posted - Apr 18 2009 : 8:28:03 PM
Yes, just start trying. If you don't now how to use a sewing machine, just use a thread and needle.
Belle
http://www.homesteaderbelle.blogspot.com/
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| GaiasRose |
Posted - Mar 31 2009 : 10:57:59 AM
I'd look into a local community education course if your area school district does that. There is always one in our bulletin every quarter. If you don't have a manual, I'd check into that.
~*~Brightest Blessings~*~
Tasha-Rose
Farmgirl Sister #88
Blogs:
http://gaiarose.wordpress.com
Etsy:
http://ForestFaeries.etsy.com
"Joyful chaos, working in tune with the seasons, telling itme by the sun, variety, change and self-direction; all this wwas replaced with a brutal, standardized work culture, the effects of which we are still suffering from today." - Tom Hodgkinson in 'How To Be Idle' |
| gentlewoman farmer |
Posted - Mar 31 2009 : 09:06:38 AM
You might start just heming a length of fabric to make tablecloths. I get a kick out of making tablecloths and you can always use them as capes for the boys, tents over the coffee table or side chairs, lightweight blankets, boys can always find uses for talblecloths. Also, when you start to sew from patterns, as your read the step by step instructions on how to put the pieces together, just put it together like it says, doing one step at a time. Sometimes you think they made a mistake, or it doesnt make sense, but it will work out. I had a hard time with following instructions because I was reading ahead. I have made drapes, curtins, formals, suits, yell-leader outfits for highschools, etc. It all started with tablecloths, napkins to match, and following the pattern one step at a time. Go for it.
Be good to yourself and be good to this earth.
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| RuralSuburbia |
Posted - Mar 28 2009 : 5:33:04 PM
COMPLETELY off topic, but I checked out your blog and almost fell off my seat...We have alot in common in the 'feelings' department. I felt that I could've written some of those entries myself. I also can't sew worth beans, but I'm dying to get my own machine and give it a real try!
Hi, I'm Leslie, stay at home mom of two boys, child care provider, and fellow facebook addict. :-)
*I've got stars in my eyes and exactly $1 in my pocket!* |
| Sitnalta |
Posted - Mar 28 2009 : 5:32:39 PM
My suggestion would be to turn the sewing machine on, thread it up, and fire away ;) If you can think it up in your mind, you can stitch it.;)
hugs
Jessie
Farmgirl Sister #235
"Every man's life is a fairy-tale written by God's fingers."--Hans Christian Anderson
Stop by my blog for a visit www.messiejessie2.blogspot.com |
| RubyJunes |
Posted - Mar 28 2009 : 4:21:34 PM
I am by no means an expert seamstress, but I think a great way for anyone to start might be a pillowcase!
Here is a link to a PDF tutorial to make a very basic pillowcase.
http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/publication/FL_ST_Construction_2006-102pr.pdf
Once you get the hang of the basic idea, let your imagination run wild and add all sorts of fun trims, embellishments, applique, stithery, etc! |
| Georgiann |
Posted - Sep 26 2008 : 2:37:09 PM
Give me a couple of weeks to get my life in order, and I would be glad to come down and give you a lesson. I love an excuse to go to Louisville and would love to meet you and your boys.
www.oldsweetsong.blogspot.com
Whatever you do, do it with your whole heart
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| Jami |
Posted - Sep 26 2008 : 1:48:14 PM
Oops, forgot I was posting to a mom of 4 boys...you probably never sleep! I'll restate that...."while you are out of the room."
Jami in WA
Farmgirl Sister #266
http://woolyinwashington.wordpress.com/ |
| Jami |
Posted - Sep 26 2008 : 1:46:51 PM
Get out your machine manual, a spool of thread and wind a bobbin...those instructions are in the manual. Rene's suggestion is a great one...find someone to help you get started either at a sewing machine store or fabric store that gives classes. If you take a class from them...then you're going to buy fabric from them! They will help you out I'm sure.
Pillowcases might be a great way to start. You could make themed ones for your 4 boys...just slip-on type pillowcases. You won't believe the cute fabric for kids out there...tractors, John Deere, Disney, all kinds. That's a simple, quick project that will be appreciated by your kidlets and might spur you on to try more!
Let us know how it's going....gotta get the machine out, however! Unfortunately, they don't just stay in the closet and make things while you sleep. 
Jami in WA
Farmgirl Sister #266
http://woolyinwashington.wordpress.com/ |
| Marcy |
Posted - Sep 26 2008 : 1:42:45 PM
When I was younger, my mom asked me repeatedly if I wanted to learn to sew...nope, wasn't happening. I could have cared less. About twenty years later, I sew just about everything. All I did was buy a sewing machine, a few patterns and teach myself. Once you get started it is quite easy. Best of luck with this new adventure! Take care and let us know how things are going!
Farmgirl #170
Today well lived, makes every yesterday a dream of happiness, and every tomorrow a vision of hope. |
| ruralfarmgirl |
Posted - Sep 26 2008 : 1:35:24 PM
Kathryn,
A couple ideas.. first off, YES just start. Second idea is if you have a local fabric store, they will usually offer some kind of sewing classes or know someone who does... But be adventurous and just start. Have fun and show us what your doing ok?
Rene~Prosser Farmgirl #185
http://farmchicksfarm.blogspot.com/
You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.
Mae West
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