| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| JRZFarmgrl |
Posted - Nov 21 2006 : 04:14:45 AM
Just bought a used Brother CS 6000. It looks so nice sitting on the table--but where to begin? I took sewing class back when I was in 8th grade (over 26 years ago), I sewed one quilt 7 years ago...and haven't done a thing on a machine since!!! I really want to make curtains and pillow covers and eventually some clothing. I don't even have a spool of thread yet (I have a 6 and a 3 year old and haven't had a chance to run to the store). Any suggestions for beginning the whole process of learning to sew? Any books that would be helpful? I am not afraid to jump in--but a little guidance would be welcome
So plant your own garden and decorate your own soul instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers |
| 20 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Terre |
Posted - Nov 27 2006 : 5:24:24 PM
Hi Denise! Congratulations on your new machine! When you go to the library, look for the Singer book on sewing. Has good basic instructions and pictures. Someone else suggested starting to sew things for your children--as they are small and will enjoy what mommy makes for them. Other good things that are simple and good to learn with are pillowcases and placemats. A good simple clothing item to start with is a simple a-line skirt with elastic in the waist. Also a simple nightgown is a good learning piece. When buying thread, don't buy polyester-coated thread. You'll probably also want to buy basic white, black, and navy to get started. Good luck!
Be true in heart. |
| JRZFarmgrl |
Posted - Nov 27 2006 : 03:48:02 AM
Wow, I am overwhelmed by all the great advice. I can't wait to get started- a visit to the library and fabric store are in order.
Denise
So plant your own garden and decorate your own soul instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers |
| Lizabeth |
Posted - Nov 23 2006 : 12:02:32 PM
Thanks for the input on the industrial machines. I'll keep watching ebay and craigslist for a sailrite, as we would be sewing canvas for covers. |
| bramble |
Posted - Nov 22 2006 : 8:24:01 PM
Sewing sails is a horse of another color. Dacron is like sewing through teflon and you do use multiple types of stitches depending on the curve , flex and cut of the sail. Sail Rite machines are made for sailmakers and their whole set up is specialized for that. Even the space under the presser foot varies from a regular industrial due to the thicknes and toughness of the average sail. The days of canvas sails is long gone unless you are sailing a historically correct vessel, but even our little wooden boat came with dacron sails and they are a trial to repair on the right machine, let alone the wrong one. I say try to find a good used Sail Rite and good luck with the repairs! We have set up in the church basement to stretch out the lengths we have needed. It made me appreciate the sailmaker we knew a whole lot more after I was done! Good luck!
with a happy heart |
| suzyhomemaker |
Posted - Nov 22 2006 : 6:43:55 PM
My brother hates his industrial Bernina. It weighs a ton and is hard to see as he is stitching. He prefers his Pfaff. I have two Pfaffs, and they sew anything. I just helped my daughter sew her lining into her altered jeans bag. There was a really thick spot (think, 2 layers plus seam allowances at the waistband and then the extra layer from the strap of denim and then the lining of cotton). I used a jeans needle and it sewed it as thought there was nothing heavy there.
My daughter says the Singers in school are such a pain to use versus my first/older Pfaff. I would suggest trying one of these for sewing canvas sails. You can always buy a table to set it in to have even leverage when working with large lengths of fabric. I ahve sewed heavy canvas into dog beds on my older Pfaff. You can get a good model around $800 that has integrated dual feed (IDS) and a variety of stitches, but is not computerized.
Country girl in NE PA |
| tziporra |
Posted - Nov 22 2006 : 6:43:46 PM
There is a ton of great advice here!
Regarding ALL those stitches -- watch out! Pretty soon you'll be thinking you need a machine with just a few MORE stitches ;)
Many of the stitches have specific uses that are detailed in your user guide -- many sewing machines have a overcast stitch, a blind hem, a stretch stitch (looks like a funny zig-zag), buttonhole, and other functional stitches. The remainder are he decorative stitches. These are what you use until you give up and buy an embroidery machine (just kidding!). These include many beautiful hemstitches, border stitches, scallops, etc.
A great book that will get you going on all your machine is capable of is "Fine Machine Sewing" by Carol Laflin Ahles. This book will be especially useful if you are starting with home-dec type projects.
As far as garment construction goes: My advice is start out with projects for your children (like mine, they are little enough they will wear whatever you give them!) because you simply don't have the fit issues you will run into when you start making your own things. Plus, you really can save a LOT of money making children's clothing, since it takes so little fabric. You'll get good practice on all the things you need to know to make adult clothing (setting in sleeves, easing, etc. -- I even line my daughters garments just to practice my dressmaking skills), but the stakes aren't very high.
Hope this helps!
Robin
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| sunshine |
Posted - Nov 22 2006 : 06:50:46 AM
the name on our machine is "Reliable" this is a hugh machine and takes about 2 or 3 large men to move. It is an old machine not new.It has a knee clutch and winds bobbin as you sew. The only stitch it does is a very super fast straight stitch. If you are wanting to do a sail cloth you will need a bar tack stitch ( zig zag or you will have to make boxes of strength meaning you sew a box then you cross the middle with an x to strengthen it. But there would still be places you need to bar tack.
Machines like that can be expensive over a thousand dolalrs ours was used so it was only 200.00 look around at your local taylors they may know of one being sold.
have a lovely day and may God bless you and keep you safe my blog http://sunshinescreations.blogspot.com
my web stores www.sunshines.etsy.com and http://vintagethreads.etsy.com
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| berries |
Posted - Nov 22 2006 : 06:35:28 AM
Yes Cindi, I think we are from the same school - sew to speak! Good thread will last, better on your machine, less lint and dust. Remember to clean and oil if your doing a lot of sewing!
farmgirl hugs, gloria g. Richards, TX
strawberry fields forever and ever!
www.strawberryhousequilting.com |
| cindi |
Posted - Nov 22 2006 : 04:32:43 AM
I second NOT using cheap thread !! If yu are makeng something that will not fall a part use the BEST thread that you can get. I only match thread if i'm sewing cloths. Other wise i use what ever color. |
| Lizabeth |
Posted - Nov 21 2006 : 10:46:32 PM
Sunshine, what industrial machine did you purchase? I am researching these, as my husband's "mistress" (our 27' sailboat) needs new canvas covers. Rather than pay someone to make these, it would be more economical to buy a machine so I could have that for future projects (or items to sell).
I have read machines by sailrite are good. |
| KarenP |
Posted - Nov 21 2006 : 2:40:29 PM
Demise,
My only advise beyond what everyone else listed
is BUY GOOD THREAD, don't go for the 5 for $1.00 bargain thread.
I have had nothing but problems it it make you frustrated and wastes alot of time.
Also change your needles often.
Just my 2 cents
KarenP
"Purest Spring Water in the World" |
| sunshine |
Posted - Nov 21 2006 : 1:25:49 PM
you can my husband owns three machines. A serger he bought before we were married , one Phaff he bought after we got married and one industrial one I bought for him as a gift.
have a lovely day and may God bless you and keep you safe my blog http://sunshinescreations.blogspot.com
my web stores www.sunshines.etsy.com and http://vintagethreads.etsy.com
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| suzyhomemaker |
Posted - Nov 21 2006 : 1:20:12 PM
Hi, Demise. I am always thrilled to hear of a woman or girl (I wish I can hear this from a boy or man) that bought a new sewing machine. Yeah!! Welcome to the fun, and some times frustrating, world of sewing. It bit me hard 15 years ago when I made maternity clothes while pregnant for the first time. I have used several machines over the years and added a serger to my favorites. Soon you will be making gifts as well as home dec items and clothes for your kids and yourself. Enjoy the process and limit yourself to one or two projects at a time. If there is a quilt store or fabric store, check out classes. You will dedicate time to the class and finish a project in a short period of time, build skills and confidence and make friends as wel las find out info about local stores, sales and shows.
First, read your manual and thread the machine. Then, practice on scrap fabric. If you are completely new to sewing, pick up one of the kids books on sewing for ways to practuice and make simple projects. they are quick and very easy. Some ones to look for and browse through for info and quick projects are Sewing Machine Fun for Kids and Sewing Fun for Kids: Patchwork, Gifts and More. There is Sew Teen for more projects by taking measurements and cutting based on them: Simple praire skirts and tops purses and accessories. You can adjust them for your own taste. This is a favorite book of my daughter's.
As for the beginner adult sewer, I recommend Amy Butler's new book "In Stitches". Everything is written in common language and takes you through each step. What may seem "invisible or understood" by the more experienced sewer is still listed for the new sewer. Every thing about pressing, laying out a pattern, measuring, etc. This has projects for the home room by room, but there are personal projects (kimono robe, purse and totes) for yourself.
Another favorite book of mine is Denyse Schmidt Quilts by Denyse Schmidt. She has her own sense of style that is simple and fun. It has projects that range from Kitchen items like an apron and hot mitt to recycled wool scarves and fabric cards to tote bag, slippers (my favorite project in here) and wonderful, simple colorful quilts with a quirky twist of individuality.
As for magazines, I like the one put out by Hancock Fabrics called "Cutting Edge". They have all level projects, clothing, embellishments, small projects and articles on sewing and fabric. The current issue is a great one with basic info on pattern envelopes gone over, pressing and cutting out fabric for a pattern. There is also special issues put out by Sew News called "Sew Simple". There were three issues and they focused on skills and a project to build those. My daughter has made projects from both of those. One had purses/totes and apron and simple pj's. The other issue had a skirt and top and some smaller projects. You can go to www.sewnews.com to check out the past three issues. I got only the last two as the first one was real basic. My daughter really loves these as they are easy to read and follow She has brought some in to use for her sewing class in school as well.
You can check out free patterns from www.about.sewing.com They have items for men, women, children and the home. I would start with a pillowcase or curtains (simple ones with a casing) as a first prject as it is all straight stitching. You can go on to pj pants for yourself or kids. Then, move on to curves and thicker fabrics. Work with all cotton to start (does not slide around so much)
Happy Stitching!!
Country girl in NE PA |
| sunshine |
Posted - Nov 21 2006 : 11:42:24 AM
most places that you buy machines from have free classes that go with the machine as yours was purchased used I would go tot he local quilt/ sewing or repair store and ask how much their classes cost. Usually these type of classes not only teach you to use the machine bu thow to maintain it as well.
have a lovely day and may God bless you and keep you safe my blog http://sunshinescreations.blogspot.com
my web stores www.sunshines.etsy.com and http://vintagethreads.etsy.com
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| JRZFarmgrl |
Posted - Nov 21 2006 : 11:16:04 AM
Thank you all for your great advice and support. I have already begun the process of reading the entire manual. With all the interuptions, it could be a couple of weeks before I even buy thread!!!
BTW, I never had a computerized sewing machine and all the possible stitches amaze me (as I am used to simple straight stiches). Why in the world does one need SO MANY different stictches????
I am excited to get started and will very soon. It was a chilly afternoon (60 degrees- chilly for FLorida), so I just spent the afternoon making Meyer Lemon Jelly and Meyer Lemon & Honey Jelly. Got a bit of a head start on my holiday gift making.
Take care, Denise
So plant your own garden and decorate your own soul instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers |
| DaisyFarm |
Posted - Nov 21 2006 : 09:58:21 AM
I second Cindi's suggestion of the Simplicity sewing book. It is one of the best and covers just about everything you'd ever need to know! I've sewn both for myself and professionally for over 30 years and still look at it occasionally.
Di |
| therusticcottage |
Posted - Nov 21 2006 : 09:31:18 AM
Denise -- get out the manual and just get to know your machine. Make sure it's threaded properly and then get some inexpensive fabric and start practice sewing. When you feel comfortable with that then start on a project. Books from the library is a good suggestion. There is lots of info on the net too. The sewing forum at About.com is excellent. It has lots of great beginner projects. And you know you can always count on the Farmgirls for help too. Just ask!
Handmade delights at www.rusticcottagecreations.com
Visit my blog! http://rusticcottage.blogspot.com/
The Clark County Farmgirls have a blog! http://thefarmgirls.blogspot.com |
| berries |
Posted - Nov 21 2006 : 05:33:25 AM
It's always exciting to get a new (toy). You could take sewing lessons at a quilt shop or community college. Join a quilting guild, or start a group like a bee. Our farmgirl chapter shares all types of hand work, not just quilting, but cross stitch, rug hooking and garment sewing, weaving locker hooking etc. We can learn just about anything we want from sharing farmgirls. I have found most women will help and share what they know with others. Get a group going, and you will really be surprised at how quickly you pick things up. And it's sew very nice to get together, eat, share and do community work. Make a charity quilt with just strips, or Project Linus blankets for ill babies! Wish you lived closer, I would share with you! Actually I am from Jacksonville Florida. But Texas is our forever home! :>)
Have fun!
Happy Thanksgiving,
farmgirl hugs, gloria g. Richards, TX
strawberry fields forever and ever!
www.strawberryhousequilting.com |
| Marybeth |
Posted - Nov 21 2006 : 04:42:56 AM
Good advice,Cindi. The first thing to learn is to thread your machine properly. No more headaches. And practice, practice, practice and then have FUN.
www.strawberryhillsfarm.blogspot.com
"Life may not be the party we hoped for...but while we are here we might as well dance!" |
| cindi |
Posted - Nov 21 2006 : 04:36:32 AM
I took 4h clothing for 6 years and home ec 5 years in school. Sandra Benzno or Simplisity sewing books are good. Go to the Librery and check out to find out which one you like. Sew on lined paper to get used to the machine again.Watch for ads for Hancocks or Joanns to see when patterns are on sale. There are a lot of experins here and we will help any way that we can. |
