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Dawn
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| Posted: Nov 28 2006 at 12:39pm | IP Logged
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I would really love to learn how to sew, but I need some self-help direction. I don't have time to take a class, and though I could ask my mum to show me how, most likely I will be working on this new hobby at night or early in the mornings. I was wondering if someone could suggest a good basic how-to-sew book or even a website perhaps? I would also appreciate advice on what a beginner's sewing kit should contain.
Mostly I would like to be able to do basic things like hem pants and make some little crafts like the ones Jennifer made recently. I love reading Michele's blog, and this one has charming crafts and today I found this lovely place. And then of course there's the Martha Stewart Handmade Holiday magazine that has me completely obsessed! 
Now I know these blogs are way out of my league, but since I am so drawn to them I figure I must really want to learn to sew! I won't be even attempting any of this till after the holidays but I thought I would start gathering my thoughts - and yours  - now.
Thanks for any and all advice! 
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Dawn, mum to 3 boys 
By Sun and Candlelight
The Nature Corner
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kingvozzo
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| Posted: Nov 28 2006 at 12:56pm | IP Logged
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Dawn, I'm a total newbie at sewing, but I have found the following books helpful.
Simplicity's Simply the Best Sewing Book
Complete Idiot's Guide to Sewing
and
Singer Sewing Essentials
None of these books were too techinical for me, and believe me, I didn't know anything!
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Noreen
Wife to Ed
Mom to 4 great kids and 10 sweet ones in Our Lady's arms
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Mary G
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| Posted: Nov 28 2006 at 1:01pm | IP Logged
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Dawn,
CHC has a great one -- Sewing with St. Anne. It has great info for beginning hand- or machine-sewing, has great projects that are easy to do and useful. The author (a Catholic hs'ing mom) scatters lots of historical and trivia tidbits throughout. Definitely worth the money.
Also, try your library for Vogue/Butterick "beginning sewing" books. Also check the juvenile section for kids' sewing books -- they often have really clear illustrations and descriptions.
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MaryG
3 boys (22, 12, 8)2 girls (20, 11)
my website that combines my schooling, hand-knits work, writing and everything else in one spot!
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MicheleQ
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Dawn,
Have you joined the Catholic Mother's Sewing Room yet? Really it's for ANYONE. Even those who don't sew. Trust me you will learn a lot just from reading about what other people are doing and we would LOVE to help you learn more. I had basic home-ec sewing in school but I taught myself to really sew after I became a mom.
Even so, for years my sewing was passable but not great (not that it's "great" now but I am happy with it) but it improved tremendously when I got online and started learning from others - not even neccessarily making the effort to learn but just reading the e-mail from the nursing mother's sewing list and having the courage to try more things. When you are first learning it can be frustratiing but having support makes it so much better and sewing is really enjoyable to me now. I'd love to see more moms learn to sew because it is very satifying and very ecomnomical.
God bless,
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Michele Quigley
wife to my prince charming and mom of 10 in Lancaster County, PA USA
http://michelequigley.com
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~Rachel~
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Dawn: Have you joined Michele's Group ? There are a bunch of members who will probably have the answers to all your questions 
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~Rachel~
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Lighting a Fire
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~Rachel~
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I see Michele was before me
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~Rachel~
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Dawn
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| Posted: Nov 29 2006 at 5:36am | IP Logged
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Noreen, Mary, Michele and Rachel - thank you so much for your answers! I will be checking out the resources you all mentioned. I actually *do* belong to Michele's group - I signed up right away I was so excited to begin sewing - and I should really pay better attention to the list! In fact just yesterday I read a member's description of some pincushions she made and went to her site and then from there found a few others. I may not understand all the lingo but I am soooo inspired by what you all can do.
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Dawn, mum to 3 boys
By Sun and Candlelight
The Nature Corner
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Mary G
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Thanks for the link Michele and Rachel -- I had dropped off the group (I guess in all the craziness this summer) and now I can be on again -- YEAH!
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MaryG
3 boys (22, 12, 8)2 girls (20, 11)
my website that combines my schooling, hand-knits work, writing and everything else in one spot!
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tracym
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I am so glad someone else posted this topic. I also have been wanting to start to sew and didn't know where to start. I joined Michelle's group quite awhile ago but then dropped it since I wasn't ready to do anything. Over the past few months my house is getting under control so I feel more ready to make this a new goal of mine to learn to sew. I love all the resources and support of these boards.
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Tracy M- mom to Allen 12, Laura 9, Joeseph 7, and Anthony 4
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~Rachel~
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Be sure to check the files for the knitting, tatting and beading conversations, Mary!
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~Rachel~
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~Rachel~
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Tracy and Dawn... ASK questions in the group... they can actually all point you in the right direction for starters and answer any 'how-to's' you have!
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~Rachel~
Wife to William
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Lighting a Fire
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4Real Forums : Tea and Conversation
Topic: Sewing 101?
