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lapazfarm
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| Posted: Sept 02 2007 at 8:48am | IP Logged
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Since I have decided to teach myself sewing I am coming to you ladies for advice on what to purchase for a sewing start-up kit.
I have nothing but a machine.
My goal is to have supplies on hand for making simple crafts (like crayon pouches, etc) and for making simple things like skirts and aprons, totes, etc.
So, other than fabric...
1. What supplies do I need to get started? (scissors, pins? what types?)
2. What books would you recommend for SIMPLE sewing instruction and ideas?
(I've heard some good things about "Bend the Rules Sewing" and there is one about skirts, I can't recall the name.)
I'm making my list...
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Theresa
us-schooling in beautiful Fairbanks, Alaska.
LaPaz Home Learning
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momwise
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| Posted: Sept 02 2007 at 9:03am | IP Logged
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No answers Theresa but I just may stick along side you as you embark on this adventure for although my dd has a machine and learned to sew from an accomplished seamstress, and although I have pouted mightely, she doesn't enjoy sewing nor have the time for it and I just might have to break down and make something myself. Hoping you'll chronicle every step on your blog.....
ETA: O.K. I see the new sewing blog...jeez I'm so slow 
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lapazfarm
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| Posted: Sept 02 2007 at 9:25am | IP Logged
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Please do, Gwen. Misery loves company, after all! LOL!
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Theresa
us-schooling in beautiful Fairbanks, Alaska.
LaPaz Home Learning
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Elizabeth
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| Posted: Sept 02 2007 at 9:46am | IP Logged
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Theresa, I really like Simple Sewing. The directions are clear and the patterns are on nice weight paper.I am a complete novice and this is where I found the pattern and directions for my apron. The apron was a little short (even for me), but other than that, it was an easy project that actually fit. I added the lace to give it some length. There are bags and hats and home kinds of things to sew in the book, too.
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Elizabeth Foss is no longer a member of this forum. Discussions now reflect the current management & are not necessarily expressions of her book, *Real Learning*, her current work, or her philosophy. (posted by E. Foss, Jan 2011)
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Tami
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| Posted: Sept 02 2007 at 12:48pm | IP Logged
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Theresa, this is great. You'll have so much fun! 
Here's a quick rundown:
* good scissors (Fiskars and Gingher are good names)- and only use them for fabric!
* straight pins - I like the ones with larger, colored heads - easier to see and grasp
* water soluble marker
* seam ripper (~my~ best friend  )
* hemming ruler seen in the bottom of this pic
* a cutting board for your table (cardboard, folds up and stands on end. It will protect your table and extend your working surface)
* thread in basic colors (white, black, navy) - I buy these in large spools, and do all my construction sewing with them. I only buy matching thread in small spools for any visible top stitching. This way I'm not constantly loading up bobbins in various shades that will only match occasional projects. I keep a white and black and blue bobbin full all the time, though I primarily sew with white. Which brings us to:
* extra bobbins
* needles, various sizes (they match your fabric weight)
This is what occurs to me off the top of my head. I'm sure some of the more experienced sewers here (aka Michele Quigley, for one  ) for sure will have more ideas.
Have fun!
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God bless,
Tami
When we are crushed like grapes, we cannot think of the wine we will become. (Nouwen)
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CAgirl4God
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| Posted: Sept 02 2007 at 12:57pm | IP Logged
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I haven't sewn in a while, but at first all I had was a machine too, lol.
I recommend a variety of needles to sew on differnt types/weights of fabric. they do come in a variety pack, makes it simple. I believe they are machine specific.
also some basic thread colors.
a pack of pins, what ever kind you like. and a cushine or box to store them in...
a meassuring tape
a ridge ruler for messuring seam allownaces (they have neat little ones in the sewing section)
chalk, for marking fabric
Iron....can't express this enough. next to a machine an iron is a HUGE help if not ness.
scissors, good fabric scissors. I also have a tiny thread pair for snipping threads.
did your machine come with a small kit for maintainance? (small screwdrive for loosening/tightening, small brush for dusting needle area...etc) these have come in very handy
your machine manual.... will let you know about troubleshooting, types of stitches etc...
fabric!!! when I was first starting out, I went and bought stuff on sale. and made beanbags, small pillows, dolls blankets etc... easy straight stitches...
then made aprons etc..
I too like the Sew Simple patterns....
also don't be afraid to call your local craft/sewing store for help. once I could not figure out the collar of a jacket for ds, no matter how many times I read those directions, lol. I called the local Jo-Anne's and I took my stuff down there and they helped me pin it and what not.
have fun!!!
LOL see it has been along time!
Bobbins!!! I always liked to have about ten... but that was when I was sewing alot, lol.
also that seam ripper!!! oh yes.... much needed for all my mistakes! lol
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JC, Nugget, Christina & Judy
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lapazfarm
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| Posted: Sept 02 2007 at 1:09pm | IP Logged
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Thanks, ladies! My list is growing!
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Theresa
us-schooling in beautiful Fairbanks, Alaska.
LaPaz Home Learning
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Topic: start-up kit
