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time4tea
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I really want to learn to machine sew and I am trying to find the best way to learn. I really cannot attend classes, so I am trying to find a way to learn at home, on my own. I have a lot of experience hand sewing things, such as quilts, etc., but I have a sewing machine that my in-laws gave me years ago now, and I would like to make the transition to using it!
My goal is to be able to make some costumes for my dd, who dances classical ballet, in order to save some money. I am also often asked to make repairs, refurbish costumes (mostly tutus) so becoming more comfortable with my machine would also help with that.
Any suggestions would be most appreciated!
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JodieLyn
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get some cheap fabric that you're not going to use for anything.. sit down with the book for your sewing machine.. keep your fingers out from under the needle and try all the different stitches out.. sew a long seam.. draw some S curves on the fabric and learn to follow the lines..
If you don't have the book on your machine.. look it up online.. a lot of tims those are free as a pdf.
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Jodie, wife to Dave
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All men who have turned out worth anything have had the chief hand in their own education.
-Sir Walter Scott
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JennGM
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in this thread I compiled past threads regarding beginning sewing and machines.
I did find these free webinars at homeschoolblogger which I followed along one to see if they were helpful. I thought it was well-done and practical, covering the basics.
And take a stroll through your library catalog and shelves and check out the books on sewing. I've found some great helps.
Some of the ladies in our local homeschool group were brainstorming on ways we could get together one night or two during a month and learn some of these womanly arts. It is helpful to have a friend who does sew to walk you through some things.
Make sure you find a manual to your in-law's machine. Depending on age, you might not be able to do buttonholes or knits on it. Caring for your machine is one of the first steps of learning to machine sew, starting with a good cleaning and oiling.
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Jennifer G. Miller
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Servant2theKing
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While trying to teach myself to knit dishcloths this winter, I found several DVD's and YouTube demonstrations on the basics of knitting. You could probably find video sewing demonstrations online or through your library. I found live demonstrations much more helpful than books.
This website has many tips on remaking dance costumes and links to several sites that might be helpful:
http://thankevann.com/homeschoolgoodies/?page_id=521
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time4tea
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Wow! Thank you Jodie, Jenn and Servant2theKing! Lots of great information in the links you have each provided!
Servant2theKing - did you find that you were able to learn to knit using the dvd's and YouTube demonstrations? I am really hoping to make this work on my own. I would love to take a class, such as at JoAnn, but I just can't do it now, $$ or time wise.
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SeaStar
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At the library you can get great books like the SInger Sewing Bible to help you get started, also. I like books like that... they start you off with simple projects so you get to make things right away. 
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Melinda, mom to ds ('02) and dd ('04)
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time4tea
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Thank you for mentioning this site to me! I actually ran across this site, quite by accident, when I was looking for a Flames of Paris costume pattern for my dd, who will be performing that variation in the next several months. Dd and I found it as such a neat coincidence that this Catholic homeschooling website would have information on the very costume we are looking to create!
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time4tea
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Melinda,
I will check our library for that book, it sounds like it would be a wonderful resource!
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Servant2theKing
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Tea, I was much better able to follow directions with videos from the library and YouTube for learning to knit than I have been by using books. Mind you, I have only been able to teach myself to knit dishlcoths so far! But I'm practicing and have great hopes of branching out into more complicated projects, someday!
I have a lot of difficulty following written directions for most crafts, including sewing, because I am left-handed and quite directionally impaired (I have a great deal of trouble with left/right or NSEW perception). For sewing I have usually made things up as I go along. I recently altered a dress to create a tunic top and had to simply wing it, knowing I could probably never find or follow anyone else's directions for doing so!
Surprisingly, close-up views provided with most of the DVDs or YouTube instructions I found for knitting have not been nearly as difficult for me to follow as in-person demonstrations from family of friends, or the various styles of books I had borrowed from the library. If you find sewing videos out there I highly suggest you give them a try!
It's uncanny how you ran across the same website while looking for costumes for your dd's costume! The wonders of the internet in one of its best uses!
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time4tea
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Servant2theKing wrote:
| I have a lot of difficulty following written directions for most crafts, including sewing, because I am left-handed and quite directionally impaired (I have a great deal of trouble with left/right or NSEW perception). For sewing I have usually made things up as I go along. I recently altered a dress to create a tunic top and had to simply wing it, knowing I could probably never find or follow anyone else's directions for doing so! |
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I completely understand where you are coming from here, as I have the same problems you are describing. I am not left-handed, but I have a very hard time with directional perception and find it incredibly difficult to follow written instructions, even when they are accompanied by photographs. This is one of the reasons I have been so intimidated by sewing machines for so long, because the thought of reading and processing the instructions intimidates me  . I know that must sound silly, but it's true!
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JennGM
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New Complete Guide to Sewing and the Singer books that Melinda mentioned are some of the best basic and solid books. I use mine regularly for reference and reminders.
Servant, that's a good tip about the DVD, which reminds me of an older PBS series "Sewing with Nancy". You can see her website. Your library might have some of her DVDs.
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Jennifer G. Miller
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KC in TX
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I'm right in the midst of sewing ballet costumes for the studio's spring performance. Usually with bodices and such, you need to practice the curves and not stretching the fabric so you have one longer than the other by the time your finish the seam. Practice sewing on the bias so you don't pull the fabric.
PM me for any other helps when you run into a snag. 
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crusermom
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There is a website You Can Make This that has patterns that really guide you through the process. You might pick an easy pattern from there and try it out. Pick something easy like a skirt - esp for a little girl - it is hard to go wrong with that.
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mommy4ever
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I second the You Can Make This site, some great beginner patterns written in English not patternese. Though eventually you do need to.
I would also recommend getting the machine serviced. I gave up on sewing because I couldn't do it. It was bunch, ball up the thread etc. When I got a new machine(for a whopping $259) I was able to sew, and learn. I progressed well. I went on to learn pattern drafting and dressmaking. I don't sew much now that we're homeschooling, it's just so busy. But i can do things easily when I do.
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time4tea
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Well, we cannot locate the manual for the sewing machine, so I ordered one today at JoAnn for about $4.50 (we couldn't find it online, either). It is a 3.5 yr. old Viking Emerald 116, never used, given to us by my in-laws after our last dc was born. Does anyone have any experience with these sewing machines? It isn't top of the line, but it isn't supposed to be bargain basement, either, but I have no experience with sewing machine brands (at least not yet!), so I don't know!
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mommy4ever
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Viking is a sweet machine usually. If it does start giving you issues, as I mentioned, service it! Even if it has sat, it's like a car, things dry out, once you get the manual look to see where you should lubricate it. DH, the mechanic, says any areas with metal on metal moving parts is usually a good place to start. But the manual will tell up.
You're in for a real treat!
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4Real Forums : Our Lady's Loom, Larder, and Laundry
Topic: I really want to learn to sew!
