| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Patsy |
Posted - Dec 13 2006 : 06:50:45 AM
When I was small, my sister and I wanted to learn how to sew. My mother was a very critical, perfectionist woman with no patience. She tried to teach us how to sew but the experience was so painful that neither my sis or I ever wanted to sew again. To this day, my sister won't even sew on a button. I never did learn how to sew but I do embroidery and now I would like to learn how to sew on a machine.
Is it difficult to learn how to use a sewing machine? I am even a little embarrassed to even ask all of you wonderful stitchers. I would like to learn how to make aprons and maybe simple curtains or tablecloths.
Am I dreaming or is it possible for an old woman (age 55) to start learning how to sew on a machine. I don't have much money and would probably have to buy secondhand but you all have inspired me to wonder if I could do this.
Just dreaming of what could have been. Lol.
Blessed are those who love the soil,
Patsy
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| 18 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Terre |
Posted - Dec 21 2006 : 5:54:56 PM
Hi Patsy! Don't know what your budget is for a machine, but Target has one on sale this week in their Sunday ad, a new Singer machine for $75.00---it looked like it had about 10 basic stitches (I didn't count them). That type of machine would be good for a very long time for a beginning sewer. Good luck!
Be true in heart. |
| faithymom |
Posted - Dec 21 2006 : 10:09:46 AM
Check out your local 'sewing and vacuum' store for a good used machine (assuming you're picking out your own)
They should have used ones that are a good price and they are a great resource and repair shop if something goes wrong. The one in my hometown held classes, too.
I bought my machine (a Janome/New Home) for less than $200 and it lasted for over 10 years...with some serious sewing. (I think it is 20+ years old and just quit on me)
How exciting to be learning something new!
Merry Christmas!
Faith |
| Patsy |
Posted - Dec 18 2006 : 07:36:07 AM
Thanks everyone!!! You have inspired me to begin after the first of the year. I have mentioned to a couple of folks that I am looking for a used machine and they told me to just hold off until after Christmas. Could there be a special present coming my way? I don't want to get my hopes up but sometimes I get money for Christmas that is to be used towards a present. So if I get some $$, I can use that towards a used machine. I just want a basic machine that works.
Again thanks everyone. You have made my holidays. I may not be a nonsewer for long!! Lol.
Blessed are those who love the soil,
Patsy
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| ByHzGrace |
Posted - Dec 18 2006 : 05:16:18 AM
I'm looking at this title thinking why are we talking about septic tanks in the stitching and crafting room hahaha ya got me! hahaha  this will keep me chuckling today Patsy, and if I can sew curtains Patsy ya can sew too... and it does save some $$$$ and then ya have sooo many more options in decor like I had these pull drape rods and no one like no one sells pull drapes ...well not to have to replace the rod and this curtain spans 3 sliding glass doors so think huge opening looooooooooooooong rod major $$ by making them myself I paid for a new machine with the money I saved having them custom made or a new rod and curtains purchased.
And now on growing up with the perfection my mom was the home ec teacher. I was her embarrassment when I hit the home ec class age because I wasn't put in her class but the other teachers. lol
so they could see all the skills NOT that I possessed.
we had to make a skirt with a zipper... i put the zipper in backwards, told the teacher, who wanted me to rip it out and do over, I have no intention of wearing this red cotton skirt....and anywho I could easily slide my hand down inside the waist and pull the zipper up ... should have seen her face on that demo lol she would have none of that and was not going to let me out of her class for my mom to see she had let me put the zipper in backwards... o to be the pawn  lol i was in that class after school for a couple afternoons haha but the zipper got turned around... i did wear my red skirt my mom laughed when I wanted to tackle a jumper.
I was gifted the Kenmore sewing machine as my graduation gift from college Kathy that was at least 30 years ago lol but letting little boys make down sleeping bags and down jackets for boyscouts got my needle arm all bent so finally after the oodles of needles broke and bent I talked myself into a new one to do the drapes and ya know todays machines they thread themselves, which I think is a dream come true....since I am of the bifocal age  lol
You have so many grand seamstress here and with so much knowledge
JPbluesky,Aunt Jenny, and Eileen have helped me...thank you gals the quilt looks good. |
| ktknits |
Posted - Dec 18 2006 : 04:04:04 AM
Hi Patsy
I, too am primarily a non-sewer. I can do a straight seam, but that's about it. My grandparents bought me a Sears Kenmore sewing machine when I got married. That's still my machine--30 years later! I always have trouble with the bobbin thread knotting. I don't know if it's the tension or the thread (I'm a packrat, so the thread could also be 30 years old!) I'm in NW Indiana, near Rhonda. If you're in NE Illinois, maybe we could learn together from her!
Kathy |
| Jana |
Posted - Dec 17 2006 : 10:08:50 PM
Patsy,
I totally understand! My mother was a seamstress and never had time to teach me to sew but I had to take a home ec. class when I was 12. I wanted to learn to sew, but mother never wanted me to use her machine. Finally my dad got me a used machine for Christmas when I was 14 and from that point on I sewed virtually everything! I had a simple Simplicity text book from that class I took, and I learned to do everything from books or magazine articles. So, you CAN do it, and you're going to have so much fun!!! The only one you need to please is yourself!
Jana |
| CabinCreek-Kentucky |
Posted - Dec 17 2006 : 2:23:27 PM
easy! easy! easy! as long as you don't let your 'critical' voice talk to you!
and DO NOT let past experiences keep you from doing something so fun .. and that you want to do! that is carrying olde childhood baggage into adulthood .. think of all the fun things you can make starting right NOW!
True Friends, Frannie
CABIN CREEK FARM
KENTUCKY
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| vintagechica |
Posted - Dec 17 2006 : 05:33:50 AM
Patsy, go for it! I am rediscovering how to sew too. Im sure you can find a sewing machine at a thrift store or goodwill. I find them all the time there. I guess people just dont sew as much as they used to. And JoAnns has some great books and classes for beginners. Where in IL are you again? Im in Kenosha, WI just N of Chicago. Would be great if we could learn together and then meet for coffee to share wouldnt it!!!
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A sure way to avoid housework...live outdoors.
www.vintagechica.typepad.com |
| ponyexpress |
Posted - Dec 15 2006 : 2:18:04 PM
Patsy - you're never too old to learn! It's what keeps our brains and bodies young! Put your previous experience with sewing out of your mind, and start from scratch. You could perhaps find a quality machine through a dealer. They sometimes take machines in on trade, refurbish and resell them. One word of advice I would have is to take the time to get to know your sewing machine - it can be terribly frustrating to have tension problems, or thread issues and not understand how to make the corrections. Sewing can be a wonderful, creative pasttime...and it feels so good to be able to say, "I made this!"
Sandy in Missouri |
| suzyhomemaker |
Posted - Dec 15 2006 : 06:22:39 AM
Hello, Patsy. I love your name. It reminds me of my mom although she is much older than you (75). My grandma called her Patty Ann.
Anyway, I think you will LOVE to sew. I would ask around-church, library, groups, put an ad out there in a free paper shop paper. Ask for anyone giving away a sewing machine. You will be surprised how many have one tucked away just waiting to give to a new sewer. I gave one away to a friend a few years back and I still have three of my own.
Second, ask around if anyone sews. I would LOVE to be closer to teach you. Just having someone to visit with while you sew brings such cheer to a home. I have taught several moms and a few young girls to sew. I love it and can't wait to share it with someone else. There is a lady close to you who would love to sew with you. Just ask around, put up a post at the library.
Third, there are plenty of basic sewing books out there. Grab one from the library. Simplicity has a couple nice ones for all the basics. Also, many new books are coming out to help the new sewer feel motivated, do a wonderful, quick and easy project and then move on along. They are written in very plain english, adding terms and explaining them throughout the directions. Some good choices for checking out are "In Stitches" by Amy Butler, "Denyse Schmidt Quilts" by Denise Schmidt (not just quilts, but lots of recycled projects and beginner fun stuff) and "Sew Hip" (I can't locate my copy right now for the author. Must be my daughter has it.) and "The Apron Book" by EllyneAnn Geisel. Of course, MaryJane's book is a wonderful resource full of tips and some easy first projects. I love her aprons in there. I have been collecting newer books for my daughter. She is 14 and taking sewing in high school although I have taughter her since a young girl. Now she is feeling very motivated to create her own projects.
Once you can do a basic staight stitch (and all it is is guiding the fabric edge along the seam guideline on the machine plate) you are on your way to curtains, aprons, pillows and even quilts. Once you feel comfortable with that, you are on your way to pants and then loose tops and then gifts for everyone on your list.
Have fun and put the word out. You are never too old to learn sewing.
Country girl in NE PA |
| abbasgurl |
Posted - Dec 13 2006 : 5:53:30 PM
Patsy, I SO encourage you to start sewing! You will have "sew" much fun and learn to make such neat things for your home & friends! It really isn't hard to learn to use the machine. I agree, a guild or friend who will show you things makes it go so much easier. If you are close by I'd be happy to help you out. I'm in NW Indiana near Kankakee IL. Send me a PM if I can help.
And yes, the women here are so good to answer questions & give advice on stitching of all kinds! You have a whole bunch of great teachers right here!
Rhonda
I'm a one girl revolution. |
| Terre |
Posted - Dec 13 2006 : 5:50:32 PM
Hi Patsy! First---You are not old!! And you can learn to sew! An apron is a great project. I first learned how to make pillowslips and my first "Clothing project" was an apron. Even if you make a mistake with the apron you can usually still wear it---even if you have to make the ties longer. You'll have lots of fun planning and doing. Just don't get exasperated and want to quit. Sewing is also one of the main ways I learned patience. Just don't be too hard on yourself. Start with a couple simple projects and just go from there. Youll do great! You just have to stick with it! You'll have lots of fun also. P.S. The library has tons of books with good illustrations on how to sew. :) Take care!
Be true in heart. |
| blueroses |
Posted - Dec 13 2006 : 10:15:17 AM
Patsy,
I'm with the others on this. You can learn the basics and how a machine works and then start out with simple projects until you get the hang of it. Lessons are so helpful too. And you are never too old, even though 55 is not old at all.
"You cannot find peace...by avoiding life."
Virginia Woolfe |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Dec 13 2006 : 10:02:58 AM
Oh Patsy...you will do great! I am among the gals here who wished I lived close enough to come over and help you learn. Sewing is so relaxing and such a fun hobby..you will love it. I KNOW you can do it! Be sure to let us know how it goes!!!
Jenny in Utah
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| berries |
Posted - Dec 13 2006 : 08:35:54 AM
Patsy, find a quilting guild or church group in your area. There are many women who would love to share sewing with you! I say, you can learn anything you Want to!!! Just do it. It feels good, you learn something, and a new girlfriend will be alot of fun! Wished you lived near me, I would surely share with you! A used machine is a great place to start. Check your local sewing shops, classified adds and vacumn shops. They always have used machines. My sister found a old Singer 99K at a thrift store for a whopping $1.27 case and all. I just love it, and sews like a champ! Let us know how it is going!
farmgirl hugs, gloria g. Richards, TX
strawberry fields forever and ever!
www.strawberryhousequilting.com |
| Sweet Harvest Homestead |
Posted - Dec 13 2006 : 07:13:32 AM
Patsy,
Of course you can learn to sew on a machine and it is so easy once you get some practice!
Okay, here I go, I am going to launch into a story.............
My family has a burgular alarm business. My father was putting in a burgular alarm for an older lady. He told me that she was a neat person who had a pet squirrel. She asked him if he would like a sewing machine as she had an old one she did not need anymore It was a 1942 Singer. He brought it home and gave it to me. I was getting ready to get married abd I was very excited to have it but I had NO IDEA how to use it properly. I wanted to make some curtains for my new house but I did not know how to change the thread. It already had some black thread on it so I just sewed up those pretty curtains ( well the fabric was pretty anyway ) black thread and all
(the curtains were beige floral) Ha Ha. I cringe when I think of those color combos.
A few months later I decided that I wanted to really learn how to use it. I worked at The Apple wood Grill in Pigeon Forge, TN and it was winter time. That is a slow moth there and a lot of time we would look for something to do to pass the time. I brought the machine to work with me and some of the ladies there taught me how to thread the machine, wind the bobbin set the tension, etc........ I tell you what, that experience was so great! I can remember it now, a cold January day, An empty business, hot coffee and good fellowship with the ladies that I worked with. They taught me so much and I am still gratful for them and the time that they took for a 22 year old bride.
Well, that was 12 years ago. I have gotten a little better at sewing. I still make mistakes.
I have upgraded my 1942 Singer to a Brother Embroidery/ Sewing machine. You talk about fun!
With a basic machine, lots of fabric and thread and somebody to show you. You can easily learn it Patsy! I wish I lived near you. I'd come over and show you how.
Best of Luck.
Lindy
www.sweetharvesthomestead.typepad.com |
| bramble |
Posted - Dec 13 2006 : 07:09:35 AM
Patsy- We are never too old to learn new things! Ofcourse you can and it really is easy once you figure out how the machine works. Sometimes Continuing Ed classes (usually fall and Spring) will have a sewing course for beginners for a very small fee. I taught one a few years ago and I had a man in the class! If he was brave enough to come out, you can too! The MJF girls are always willing to help with any questions too! Remember that we all started somewhere and we have all made mistakes. That's why they invented seam rippers!
with a happy heart |
| katie-ell |
Posted - Dec 13 2006 : 06:55:11 AM
Ha! You are not an old woman!! (I just turned 55 and I'M not old!!)
I do think you can learn to sew on a machine. Why not? You may want to take some 'lessons' -- either from a fabric store or from a friend or neighbor who sews. All you would need is a good secondhand machine and someone to show you the basics.
I'm in Illinois, altho probably not close to you. Maybe there is another IL farmgirl who could help you one-on-one? |
