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Across the Fence:  GRRREAT Idea!  |
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Linder
True Blue Farmgirl
592 Posts
Linda
Lake Forest
IL
USA
592 Posts |
 Posted - Feb 29 2008 : 1:48:14 PM
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Hey There,
So after trying my first sewing project in a long, long time I decided that a brush up on my skills is much needed.
Do you have any idea how hard it is to find "quality" sewing classes? I checked JoAnn's but honestly wasn't interested in making a jumper, you know? Me at 48 in a jumper? I think not.
Anyway I found this wonderful place called "Sew-L.A." which is a shop with machines of all types and cutting and layout areas etc.
The cool thing is you can take classes with a group, schedule private classes or just rent space to do your own projects.
I couldn't help thinking what a wonderful business this would make for someone who really has the gifts of a seamstress.
Question to you all...
Who taught you how to sew and do you still do it?
"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom" |
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mikesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3659 Posts
Sherri
Elma
WA
USA
3659 Posts |
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lisamarie508
True Blue Farmgirl
2648 Posts
Lisa
Idaho City
ID
USA
2648 Posts |
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Farmtopia
True Blue Farmgirl
1465 Posts
Zan
New York
New York
USA
1465 Posts |
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Linder
True Blue Farmgirl
592 Posts
Linda
Lake Forest
IL
USA
592 Posts |
Posted - Feb 29 2008 : 2:05:34 PM
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That's what I want to learn Lisa! I can sew a straight line but that's about it. I'm starting with a pajama bottom class and moving on to tougher stuff involving patterns after that! How exciting!
"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom" |
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Linder
True Blue Farmgirl
592 Posts
Linda
Lake Forest
IL
USA
592 Posts |
Posted - Feb 29 2008 : 2:06:37 PM
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You are a Goddess Zan, I'll consider the jumper...that's all I can promise! LOL! Your post made me giggle. Thank you!
"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom" |
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Marcy
True Blue Farmgirl
2701 Posts
Marcy
Tiverton
Rhode Island
USA
2701 Posts |
Posted - Feb 29 2008 : 2:11:37 PM
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| My mom always wanted to teach and me and I always flat out refused. Until a few years ago when I saw all of the adorable crafts that I could make. Hubby got me a machine for my bday about eight years ago and I taught myself, much to everyone's surprise because they all think that sewing is hard. Once I learned how I have not stopped. It's amazing what one can do. I have made and given away so many cloth dolls and such that I have lost count. I have not sewn in a while because I have no one to give the things that I have sewn to any more. But I still think it an amazing craft. |
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Linder
True Blue Farmgirl
592 Posts
Linda
Lake Forest
IL
USA
592 Posts |
Posted - Feb 29 2008 : 2:24:17 PM
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Marcelina, you should make them and sell them! I'm sure some farmgirls would be very interested.
"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom" |
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Farmtopia
True Blue Farmgirl
1465 Posts
Zan
New York
New York
USA
1465 Posts |
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JessieMae
True Blue Farmgirl
702 Posts
Jessie
Raleigh
North Carolina
USA
702 Posts |
Posted - Feb 29 2008 : 4:17:07 PM
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| I was lucky. Granny was a seamstress and taught me at an early age how to sew. I still have the very first project she and I made together - a clown doll made out of a worn-out knee sock. Some of my favorite memories are of the summer she and my (great) Aunt Jackie helped me make my first plain black dress...something they both thought that any proper lady needed. |
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Linder
True Blue Farmgirl
592 Posts
Linda
Lake Forest
IL
USA
592 Posts |
Posted - Feb 29 2008 : 5:54:56 PM
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Boy are you lucky Jessie and what a great memory to have! My Mother taught me how to embroider (she was incredible at it) but sewing was a bit beyond my capacity I think. Sure wish she was here to try it with me again.
"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom" |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Feb 29 2008 : 6:28:56 PM
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I would love to find some great sewing classes. I think it's a great idea!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
Please come visit Nora and me on our new blog:
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com |
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abbasgurl
True Blue Farmgirl
1262 Posts
Rhonda
USA
1262 Posts |
Posted - Feb 29 2008 : 10:07:21 PM
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My gram taught me to hand sew, and I learned to sew on a machine in Home Ec. classes in both Jr & Sr Highschool. My MIL taught me a number of other types of needlework. And yes, I still sew all the time.
I realize now how fortunate I was to have Home Ec. classes in school! Do they still offer it in any areas near you farmgirls?
Hope you find some great classes Linder!
Rhonda
I will sing at the top of my lungs, and I will dance even if I'm the only one...
http://www.kattywhompus.etsy.com |
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Linder
True Blue Farmgirl
592 Posts
Linda
Lake Forest
IL
USA
592 Posts |
Posted - Feb 29 2008 : 11:10:13 PM
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Thanks Rhonda! I did find a cool place and we're going to start by making pajama bottoms. Should be fun and quite handy since the trend down here for so many of the kids is to go to school wearing your pajama bottoms. Can you fathom that one? Thankfully my daughter doesn't do this anymore but if she did, I could keep her happily for quite some time! LOL!
I really just want to be good enough to work from patterns and make some simple sun dresses, aprons and use some of my vintage clothing patterns.
"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom" |
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abbasgurl
True Blue Farmgirl
1262 Posts
Rhonda
USA
1262 Posts |
Posted - Feb 29 2008 : 11:35:35 PM
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Linder,
You'll get the hang of pattern reading really quick! Just having someone teach you the "language" spoken on the back of the envelope will take you far! Your lucky to have old patterns...some of the newer ones assume a lot.
PJ bottoms are a great place to start. Besides being in vouge  they can lead to other things...just add lace, tucks, gathers-you've got BLOOMERS! The kids here wear PJ's everywhere. I first saw it in the doctors waiting room & thought "Poor dear must REALLY be ill". Turns out she wasn't even the patient!
So glad you found a place to get some help. Happy sewing!
Rhonda
I will sing at the top of my lungs, and I will dance even if I'm the only one...
http://www.kattywhompus.etsy.com |
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lisamarie508
True Blue Farmgirl
2648 Posts
Lisa
Idaho City
ID
USA
2648 Posts |
Posted - Mar 01 2008 : 12:52:56 AM
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Yes, Linda, I'm really looking forward to learning how to use patterns, too. I'm hoping that once I learn that, there'll be no stopping me. And Rose has so many patters, I think they fill 3 or 4 drawers of a filing cabinet. I know she'd let me borrow them. She has been talking about holding sewing classes here. Her skills are top-notch and I want to be able to sew like her. She has such cool patterns: all kinds of aprons, 19th century dresses, 17th and 18th century costume dresses, sun dresses, cute little jackets, 50's patterns and a lot more than I can remember.
Farmgirl Sister #35
"If you can not do great things, do small things in a great way." Napoleon Hill (1883-1970)
my blog: http://lisamariesbasketry.blogspot.com/
My Website:
http://www.freewebs.com/lisamariesbasketry/index.htm |
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pinkroses
True Blue Farmgirl
2350 Posts
Sheila
Virginia
USA
2350 Posts |
Posted - Mar 01 2008 : 4:12:53 PM
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My Mom's mom and My Mom taught me.
I was really inspired with my Grandmother's hand piecing and machine piecing and hand quilting
She and Mom taught me to hand embroidery when I was around 7
Gran also taught me to crochet.
I really miss her.
She , did only those simple needlework things; which inspired me to learn more,
I do lots of different needlework and love them
If you can't get it the first go round try again.
Don't give up, Start on something really easy pinkroses
www.ohkayteagirl2.blogspot.com |
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Linder
True Blue Farmgirl
592 Posts
Linda
Lake Forest
IL
USA
592 Posts |
Posted - Mar 01 2008 : 8:39:57 PM
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Thanks Rhonda! I haven't even been brave enough to look at the back of a pattern. I am really looking forward to the adventure! Can you imagine being a good enough seamstress to create something like the dress you picked up? Wow! Think of the detail. I'm sure there are heaps of farmgirls who are amazingly gifted in this area. It's why I enjoy this site so much. I learn from you all every day.
And Lisa I'm green with envy! Can't imagine what I'd do with 3-4 drawers full of patterns!
I can hardly wait until my tax return next week!
Sewing classes will happen as soon as the money is in hand!
"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom" |
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electricdunce
True Blue Farmgirl
2544 Posts
Karin
Belmont
ME
USA
2544 Posts |
Posted - Mar 01 2008 : 8:50:51 PM
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My mother taught me to sew when I was little, and I have always enjoyed it. My grandfather was a tailor, I remember the summer we visited him when I was ten and i was fascinated by all the silk threads he had. He showed me how to make a buttonhole and then made a perfect buttonhole stitch edge on it with a heavy silk thread. It looked like magic to me. I still can't make buttonholes as perfectly as he did. I still sew some of my clothes, I make quilts and some household items, curtains, pillows, etc. I find it a very soothing activity, especially sewing by hand. Karin
Farmgirl Sister #153 |
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kydeere40744
True Blue Farmgirl
1132 Posts
Jessica
Kentucky
USA
1132 Posts |
Posted - Mar 01 2008 : 10:16:28 PM
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My dear Aunt Wilma was the one who taught me how to sew back when I was about 4-5 years old. I still have the first dollquilt that I made and I've made quite a few things over the years. Quilting and sewing has been passed on from generation to generation for many years in my family. It is one of those "life skills" that I'm thankful to have learned.
~Jessica in Kentucky & Farmgirl Sisterhood #137~
Be sure to visit my blog & Crafty Clipart for some of my photographs:
http://bluegrassprincess.blogspot.com/
http://www.craftyclipart.com |
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Across the Fence: GRRREAT Idea! |
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GRRREAT Idea!
By the way Linda, say "yes to jumpers"...have no fear of the jumper, OWN the jumper and make it yours! At least that's my motto 
