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Stitching & Crafting Room:  1st Sewing Machine....need help.  |
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LizDarnell
True Blue Farmgirl
102 Posts
Liz
Gulfport
MS
USA
102 Posts |
 Posted - Jan 05 2007 : 06:09:12 AM
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| Hello Ladies! I got a sewing machine from my mother at Christmas, I have been wanting one for about 5 years. I have no idea how to use it but I learn quick and it came with a great book. I was wondering if you all could give me some advice on 1st projects, best patterns, and any other tips that can help me out. I have several of DH's uniforms he no longer wears, or has replaced to use as material for a while, he is a Navy Seabee. So I have some great camoflague and dark navy and some white material to use that is good quality and good shape. I want to make some bags/purses/totes eventually. But for now I need a little help on what to try first to get the hang of the sewing machine and what patterns you prefer reccommend for a first timer. Like I said any and all advice is wecomed and greatly appreciated. Thanks!!! |
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nitere
True Blue Farmgirl
482 Posts
Amy
Hickory
NC
USA
482 Posts |
Posted - Jan 05 2007 : 07:12:26 AM
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congratulations on getting a sewing machine. you will love it. when my grandmother taught me how to sew, we made a pillow. it is great to start with, because it is a basic shape and striaght lines. it can also give you some good practice on blindstiching (which is an invaluable thing to learn) when you have to close it up after stuffing it. i don't know if you have any children, but children's jumper patterns are pretty simple and good practice with some simple curves. as for patterns, i find that mccall's are usually pretty easy to understand. but, most pattern companies come with a line of "easy to sew" patterns and those can be good to start out with. if you have a hancock's or joann's near you, most weeks they have sales on patterns for $.99 and $1.99. it can be a great time to look for a pattern to try. i hope this helps and happy sewing!
http://www.buraellen.blogspot.com |
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LizDarnell
True Blue Farmgirl
102 Posts
Liz
Gulfport
MS
USA
102 Posts |
Posted - Jan 05 2007 : 08:06:40 AM
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| Thank you for the heads up on patterns, and sales-which are a must! Yes I have 2 girls- 4 1/2 and 2 1/2. I have a jumper pattern somewhere that I picked up on sale somwhere a few years ago when I first decided I wanted a sewing machine. Thanks! |
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therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
Posted - Jan 05 2007 : 09:42:29 AM
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Liz -- how fun to have a new sewing machine. I love to sew -- it is therapy for me. I think a pillow is a great place to start too. Just cut two squares of fabric whatever size you want the pillow to be, allow for seams (I do 1/2"), be sure to leave an opening to turn right side out. You can buy premade forms or I make my own out of old sheets. Those are a square just a smidge bigger than you pillow if you like them fluffy, sew the same way, stuff, and stitch closed. Then put inside your pillow and stitch the pillow closed. I have found this great filling at Wal-Mart called Cluster Fill. It's like shredded fiber fill and when the pillows are stuffed it feels almost like down.
I have made purses and totes for 5 years now so if you need help in that area I'll be glad to give you some pointers. Those are basically a square too with handles attached.
Have fun sewing!
The Rustic Cottage Etsy Shop http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
http://nwfarmerette.blogspot.com http://rcpicaday.blogspot.com
She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands -Proverbs 31:13
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tziporra
True Blue Farmgirl
234 Posts
Robin
Seattle
WA
USA
234 Posts |
Posted - Jan 05 2007 : 10:38:51 AM
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I'd definitely check if the sewing machine stores in your area offer classes. They usually have great beginner's projects that focus on learning important techniques you will use on every project. Barring that, get a beginner sewing book (this will give you project ideas, step-by-step instructions, etc.) that will give you a range of ideas of places to start. Patterns marked "Very Easy" also usually have good beginner instructions. Read carefully and follow the steps in the order given, at least to start.
Best,
Robin |
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bramble
True Blue Farmgirl
2044 Posts
2044 Posts |
Posted - Jan 05 2007 : 10:54:20 AM
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Pick something you will enjoy having when you finish it! Easy projects: pillows, totes, curtains (really!) and skirts with elastic waists. Some of the stores have this pregathered fabric that makes really cute skirts with a seam or two. I remember beginning to sew in 4-H and plowing through aprons, headscarves and drawstring totebags to get to the "good stuff". Have fun with it and if you make a mistake, that's what they invented seam rippers for! And we have ALL used them! And what no one ever remembers to say is that pressing while sewing makes for a much more professional looking garment when you are done! Good luck and we are here if you have any questions!
with a happy heart |
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pinkroses
True Blue Farmgirl
2350 Posts
Sheila
Virginia
USA
2350 Posts |
Posted - Jan 05 2007 : 3:51:08 PM
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I found aprons. skirts, curtains to be easy. place mats. too
Small things go fast.
A four patch quilt is easy to make too. You might get hooked on quilting. I like to quilt. pinkroses |
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CountryGirl85
True Blue Farmgirl
225 Posts
Laura
Oswego
IL
USA
225 Posts |
Posted - Jan 09 2007 : 1:48:32 PM
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Hey Liz!
I, too, just received my first sewing machine for my birthday in October. I'm not a big fan of patterns, have had some bad experiences with them in the past and had to call in backup (grandma)! I just bought a really great book on skirts Sunday and finished my first one yesterday! I'll post a picture soon! The book is called "Sew What! Skirts" by Francesca DenHartog. It has simple instructions to draft your own straight and A-line skirt patterns based on your measurements. And the possibilities really are endless! There's instructions on tiered skirts, wrap skirts, elastic waist, fitted waist; and they can all be made as funky or traditional as you like. I am in love with fabric and if I had the money, could buy out JoAnn's in a heartbeat! Skirts and things like aprons, bags, simple tops, etc. are easy to make and things you can never have enough of! Another thing I've been making is headbands. All you have to do is cut a strip of fabric to fit around your head, hem, and you're done! I'll post a picture of one of those, too! The very first thing I made on my machine was a cloth doll and there are pictures of her on my blog! I hope that helps and have fun on your sewing adventures! Oh, and I have to agree with bramble, an iron is essential! It makes things so much easier and nicer looking!
Much love,
Laura
http://thecraftycatgirl.blogspot.com
"In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart." Anne Frank |
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faithymom
True Blue Farmgirl
360 Posts
Faith
Sandpoint
ID
USA
360 Posts |
Posted - Jan 09 2007 : 3:39:09 PM
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I saw this book at our local library. I haven't looked through it, but the title looks promising:
Know Your Sewing Machine by Laura Dodson
I also have found many copies of Singer sewing guides at Goodwill and thrift shops. These are great.
Faith
"All television is educational television. The only question is, what is it teaching?"-Fmr. FCC Commissioner Nicholas Johnson |
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cinnamongirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1682 Posts
Carrie
Canada
1682 Posts |
Posted - Jan 10 2007 : 7:36:52 PM
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| Congrads on your new machine I say just take your time practice cutting 5inch squares out of those uniforms and join pieces together to get used to machine. Then when you are ready there is sewing for dummies books (101) and look for sewing patterns rated easy also most fabric store operators love helping in any way. Good Luck |
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LizDarnell
True Blue Farmgirl
102 Posts
Liz
Gulfport
MS
USA
102 Posts |
Posted - Jan 17 2007 : 06:21:15 AM
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Thanks for the advice, I spent Sunday's naptime figuring out how to thread and get started. I sewed up a few squares-3 sided and then I made 2 Harry Potter pillows for my girls, they love them. My seams aren't arrow straight but they turned out good and you can't see the touch of crookedness of the seam. My table isn't sturdy enough and the machine bounces the table so that was the only problem I had. I am so excited now that I have started, I was a bit scared of it until I started sewing with it!! I am hoping to start a pattern project this week, either a jumper for my dd or a tote bag out of DH's old camo uniform. I have a web page so when I get something done I'll post and link the picures (I'm pretty excited about my new hobby!).
~Liz |
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bramble
True Blue Farmgirl
2044 Posts
2044 Posts |
Posted - Jan 17 2007 : 06:39:35 AM
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A rubber mat should stop the bounce and sliding. (Like you put in the sink,or a rubber backed placemat would do it.(I use a rubberized cutting mat, since I'm always cutting I've worn out a few!) Glad to hear you enjoyed the process, and that the girls loved their pillows. On to the next project! Good work!
with a happy heart |
Edited by - bramble on Jan 17 2007 06:41:32 AM |
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Stitching & Crafting Room: 1st Sewing Machine....need help. |
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1st Sewing Machine....need help.
