| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| keeperofthehome |
Posted - Dec 11 2008 : 05:30:48 AM
I am a beginning sewer. I can sew quite well by hand, but am scared to death of my sewing machine! I've had it for 2 years and have yet to take it out because it is so daunting. I'd like to do more projects that would require the use of a machine. Last year I took a sewing class at JoAnn's fabrics, but still do not feel like I can learn to use the thing. Do y'all have any tips on learning how to sew? How many of y'all use a sewing machine and is it easy to learn?
Blessings!
~Farrah
http://oldfashionedhomekeeper.blogspot.com
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| 19 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Marcy |
Posted - Dec 12 2008 : 09:38:56 AM
Jami,
Thanks for the vote of confidence. I think that I AM going to try it within the next few weeks. (once my xmas shopping is done) It's amazing what you can do with that machine, hopefully I will get to it soon.
Take care,
Marcy
Farmgirl #170
Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give. |
| Jami |
Posted - Dec 12 2008 : 07:39:01 AM
Pam, good suggestion! That doesn't involve threading which seems to be the intimidating part. You could "stitch" out the name you're choosing and christen it that way. 
Jami in WA
Farmgirl Sister #266
http://woolyinwashington.wordpress.com/
http://farmhouseflair.etsy.com |
| keeperofthehome |
Posted - Dec 12 2008 : 07:36:19 AM
I really love your respons Pam! The paper is a really good idea! Thank you and everyone else so much!
Blessings!
~Farrah
http://oldfashionedhomekeeper.blogspot.com
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| Jami |
Posted - Dec 12 2008 : 07:35:23 AM
If speed is a problem and intimidates you, see if your machine has a speed control (the manual will have this). Especially since you said it was computerized, it just might. Both of my last newer machines have had this speed control, even the one I just (purchased 15 years ago) to buy my new Viking last year. I have had to adjust to not having this control on my "new" 1954 Craigslist Singer especially since the foot pedal isn't super sensitive like the newer machine so I can understand if you're new to sewing how this could be scary.
Marcy, you can follow the diagrams in your manual on that serger and girl, I am here to tell you, once you use that thing, you will never look back. I love my serger and use it as much as I use my sewing machine! Everything turns out looking so professional with serged seams.
Jami in WA
Farmgirl Sister #266
http://woolyinwashington.wordpress.com/
http://farmhouseflair.etsy.com |
| AuntPammy |
Posted - Dec 12 2008 : 07:30:23 AM
Farrah, Please take that sewing machine out of the box and give it a great big hug! Next take some plain white typing paper and plug in your machine-give her a name at this point. Next,put the paper under the pressure foot and practice your speed on the machine-don't thread her at this point- just start going, when you get to the end of your page back up and go some more.After you think you have mastered the speed then draw some curvy lines and practice this (and remember practice DOES make perfect).Now that you and your new found friend have become aquainted try and thread her.Don't worry she comes with instructions.My next suggestion is to get some pretty cotton fabric and make some simple dish towels-don't worry you just have to hem the edges.Now sit back and enjoy.Reading the owners manuel over and over gets you comfortable with sewing machine lingo and helps in case any problems arise later on.Remember most of all.....have fun!
Let's dance in the rain and play in the puddles under the rainbows.
www.auntpsalmostheaven.blogspot.com |
| Bonne |
Posted - Dec 12 2008 : 06:56:26 AM
That's a good point Amy Grace~The older machines are less confusing.
I've found that I "bond" with my old machines. The 2 newer ones I had, I gave away~they just didn't have the spirit of
vintage machines that I picked up cheap on Craigslist. The whole process of cleaning them up, oiling, and getting them running familiarizes you with the workings as well as creates a friendship with the machine. Sounds nutz, but worked for me. ;)
 http://bonne1313.blogspot.com/ BLOG
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| graciegreeneyes |
Posted - Dec 11 2008 : 4:49:23 PM
Farrah - my mom tried to teach me to sew on an old Kenmore when I was a kid - it had one speed, which was fast. That lesson ended in tears (mine) and stress (mom's). I later learned on an old Singer which can go very slow - low stress - and is practically indestructible. I now have a new Singer too. The key for me has been using machines where you can sew slowly. When the machine takes off because I have pressed my foot too hard, I really get nervous, but as long as I am going slow I'm okay. I'm obviously not a speedy seamstress, but I get things done!!
Good luck - machine sewing can be really fun
Amy Grace
Farmgirl #224
"use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without" |
| Marcy |
Posted - Dec 11 2008 : 1:09:20 PM
Farrah,
I can so relate! I have a White 3-4 thread over lock machine that has been sitting in its box for almost two years. I took it out, looked at it and put it back, lol. I think just trying to thread the thing is going to have me in tears so I haven't even tried it yet.
You are not alone out there.
Take care and let us know how your sewing goes,
Marcy
Farmgirl #170
Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give. |
| keeperofthehome |
Posted - Dec 11 2008 : 12:47:07 PM
Thank you again ladies for all of your suggestions. Maybe after Christmas I will pull it out and figure it out. It's just so nice to know that I'm not alone :0)
It was purchased at Costco by the way so there is not anyone there to help me. My Mother can do some sewing and she has the same machine my Father purchased for her 40 years ago and I don't know if she could figure out this new fangle dangle computerized thing. Plus, she lives over 400 miles away. I wish I knew of someone nearer to me that could help. But, I'm a farmgirl and I can persevere. Again, just happy to have some suggestions!
Blessings!
~Farrah
http://oldfashionedhomekeeper.blogspot.com
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| Jami |
Posted - Dec 11 2008 : 12:28:15 PM
I truly think if you just get familiar with your machines, you'll do okay. The manual is your best friend getting started. Once you learn how to thread the machine and wind a bobbin, it's pretty smooth sailing because then the fun part begins! You could work on little 6" squares and make sachets for your dresser drawers - no one will see them but yet you'll have something to inspire you every time you open a drawer!
How about taking this opportunity for a farmgirl mini-gathering - have a sewing friend over to be your mentor and help you get started.
Jami in WA
Farmgirl Sister #266
http://woolyinwashington.wordpress.com/
http://farmhouseflair.etsy.com |
| Caron |
Posted - Dec 11 2008 : 12:01:16 PM
Farrah, thank you for posting this!I too am terrified of my sewing machine. I feel like it is in control, not me!LOL! I guess I'm afraid I'll make a big mistake while sewing or do something that tears up the machine.So I just let it sit there.
I use all kinds of appliances in my kitchen but there is just something about a sewing machine. I even bought a nice new one (a Viking)with plans to do all kinds of sewing, but...no.
I'm going to try some of the suggestions here till I overcome this feeling about my machine. Nice to know I'm not alone! :)
Caron
"Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation".
Farmgirl Sister #254
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| MuslinBunnies |
Posted - Dec 11 2008 : 11:45:50 AM
I'm with you about being intimidated by a serger! I have one sitting in my back room. It has been there for two years! My problem is that no one has shown me how to thread the darn thing and I have no clue where to go with it even if I did get it properly threaded. Poor thing must be so lonely out there all by itself. LOL
Tina A.
My Website: http://muslinbunnies.tripod.com/
My Button Quail Site: http://groups.google.com/group/button-quail-planet |
| acairnsmom |
Posted - Dec 11 2008 : 11:26:27 AM
Farrah, everyone has great suggestions here. The only one I would add is if you bought your machine from a local dealer, find out if they have a "get to know your machine" class. Where I buy my machines they have what they call Sewing Machine Obedience classes. It basically goes over what your owners manual covers but it's someone showing you and you get to have hands on time with YOUR machine and someone right there to ask questions to.
If you bought your machine at a big box store, do what these farmgirls said and drag it out and play with it. If you find you have questions most of the employees at sewing stores will be more than happy to answer any questions you might have. They all want you to be using your machine so you can come in and buy fabric, notions or take classes.
I wish I had a sister like Bonne that would send me a serger for Christmas! Like she was, I am a bit intimidated by them so don't have one yet. Lot's of horror stories that I think were all from the old sergers (hard to get threaded). I've decided to overcome my fear and I PREDICT I will be getting one sometime in 2009.
Audrey
Toto, we're not in Kansas any more! |
| Bonne |
Posted - Dec 11 2008 : 10:50:30 AM
I think I can relate to this, only insert "serger" rather than "sewing machine". I didn't actually HAVE one yet, but I
avoided them thinking they were too complicated. It was my sister that finally helped me overcome the fear when she sent me a serger for Xmas one year. Now I wouldn't be without one!! Kicked myself for waiting so long!! Make it your "learn at least 1 new thing every year" for this year!
http://bonne1313.blogspot.com/ BLOG
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| Keeper of the Past |
Posted - Dec 11 2008 : 08:30:29 AM
Farrah, you can do it! I agree with the others. Just get that machine out and practice. I started my daughters out on 6 inch squares of fabric. I had them use the different stitches that the machine would make, eventually even button holes. I had them learn to make the stitches long then shortened, zig zag across the squares until they could do straight lines then I had them to put the edges together of 2 blocks and make 1/2 inch seams with straight stitch, and also how to press open the seams and later to make a throw. Get relax and have fun.
Sarita in Mo.
www.coffmanspinningcfarm.blogspot.com
A Good Friend Is Like A Good Bra. Hard to Find, Supportive, Comfortable, and always Close To Your Heart! |
| Jami |
Posted - Dec 11 2008 : 07:57:34 AM
Farrah, I too sew a lot and love it. I had to giggle at your description...just watched Home Alone last night when Kevin was scared of the big mean machine (furnace) in his basement but he tamed "the beast" by yelling at it.
I think there is hope for you and your machine. For starters, please get it out of the box and set it up and maybe some of the fear will leave once you know it's not going to start sewing solo. Read through the manual, thread it, wind a bobbin all while reading through the manual and take a look at the diagrams as you go. Getting familiar with a machine is half of the battle. As suggested, get some scraps out and test the tension and how she sews. Try to remember what you learned in your class about lowering the pressure foot and all of that...basic stuff. Once you understand the reverse and forward basic straight stitch, why not make a pillow case or something really easy, but yet something you will have results from? Just for fun I will make pillowcases for my bed pillow out of western fabric. It's just a fun thing so I can enjoy a pretty print I wouldn't wear or use elsewhere. You can use a store-bought pillowcase as a pattern so you won't have much invested besides the material.
I think once you get something made and get familiar with your machine, you will either be hooked and progress from there or it will be back in the box. I can't sew just for "learning"...I always have to have some results, even if they aren't stellar...something to show for what time I've invested. Good luck.
Jami in WA
Farmgirl Sister #266
http://woolyinwashington.wordpress.com/
http://farmhouseflair.etsy.com |
| keeperofthehome |
Posted - Dec 11 2008 : 07:32:39 AM
Thank you both for your help!
Blessings!
~Farrah
http://oldfashionedhomekeeper.blogspot.com
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| oldfashioned girl |
Posted - Dec 11 2008 : 07:16:18 AM
Farrah, I have 4 sewing machines and a serger and I sew almost every day! It can seem intimidating, but you can do it! I would sit down with the book and your machine and become familiar with it and as Tina said just take some scraps and practice sewing a straight line! You will never know unless you try!!
Monica
farmgirls rule!
www.justducky48.etsy.com |
| MuslinBunnies |
Posted - Dec 11 2008 : 06:15:41 AM
When my mom taught me to sew, she said that the first thing to learn was to respect the machine. Once you learn that, everything else follows. The easiest way to do that is to play with it. Take scraps of fabric and at first simply guide it through the machine. Get a feel for it. Then take those scarps and try making straight lines. Practice using the edge of the foot as a guide, then use the guide lines on the machine (if there are none, you can use a sharpie and a ruler and draw some on the base)
As you become more familiar with the machine try some simple small projects. I started my niece with simple pillows. Start simple and gradually increase in difficulty. You will be making aprons and and whatever else you want to make in no time!
Tina A.
My Website: http://muslinbunnies.tripod.com/
My Button Quail Site: http://groups.google.com/group/button-quail-planet |
