| Author | |
benedicta
Forum Pro
Joined: Dec 15 2006
Location: North Carolina
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 107
|
| Posted: Jan 10 2007 at 3:15pm | IP Logged
|
 |
|
Dear Friends,
I am hopeless at learning handcrafts (well, I can embroider, but that's about it!). It is very difficult for me to learn to, say, sew or knit or crochet by reading a book or pattern (and I've tried several times  ).
However, I'd very much like to learn to sew....just simple things for starters, like skirts or pajamas. We live in the South, so sewing would be a much more practical skill for me than knitting or crocheting.
How would I go about selecting a good, basic, yet affordable sewing machine? Also, what are some good ways to learn (classes?) for a craft-impaired woman such as myself? 
Thanks for your advice!!
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
jdostalik
Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 15 2005
Location: Texas
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2935
|
| Posted: Jan 10 2007 at 4:42pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Hi Benedicta,
I was feeling just like you were last year--I took a local sewing class at my JoAnn Fabrics. It was a basic sewing class (they even furnished the machine if you don't own one) and the teacher was excellent at teaching the basics of sewing (and I knew really nothing!).
Michele Q. has a sewing list for Catholic mothers here.
I am still a major rookie at sewing; I bought a little Huskystar mechanical sewing machine that was recommended to me by my sewing instructor. It is simple and easy to use--BUT you have to get it out and practice (something I find hard to do!  ).
From one craft-impaired woman to another, best wishes--I am sure you can do it!!!  
__________________
God Bless,
Jennifer in TX
wife to Bill, mom to six here on earth and eight in heaven.
Let the Little Ones Come
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
alicegunther
Forum All-Star
Joined: Jan 28 2005
Location: N/A
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1992
|
| Posted: Jan 10 2007 at 6:58pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
We love Sewing with St. Anne by Alice Cantrell as a beginner course.
Also, I taught myself how to sew 11 years ago using a Vogue Sewing Dictionary/Encyclopedia and an advanced Baptismal Gown pattern. [When a mother is desperate to create a Baptismal Gown during a pregnancy, she can sometimes do unexpected things.] I learned so much doing such an advanced project on my own, that other things seemed easy by comparison, and an enjoyable hobby was born.
I would also highly recommend a subscription to Sew Beautiful Magazine--pure inspiration, and Martha Pullen, the creator/editor, is a beautiful, dear person. I had the honor of meeting her a few years ago, and she was every bit as sweet and gracious as she appears in her magazine.
__________________
Love, Alice
mother of seven!
   
Cottage Blessings
Brew yourself a cup of tea, and come for a visit!
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
J.Anne
Forum Pro
Joined: Oct 24 2006
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 303
|
| Posted: Jan 11 2007 at 4:39am | IP Logged
|
|
|
Hi! This has been my project for the last month or so. I've sewn since I was a little girl, but was never able to do anything without my mother. I purchased a new machine for Christmas. It is a Singer 2639 (Protege). It was less than $200 at Target. So far, it is much easier to use than both machines I used growing up. It does everything I need to to do.
I am picking out one or two projects a week - Sewing for Dummies patterns aren't bad at all. I am trying to just work through it step by step. Patterns confuse me to no end, but I find myself understanding so much more after one step is completed. I am also trying to focus on the learning process and not so much on how things look for right now. I cannot tell you how much fun I am having! And it's not as scary as I thought it would be. I woke up before 4:00 AM this morning because I couldn't wait to start a new shirt for my daughter. Have fun!
Jennifer
As Cozy as Spring
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Mary G
Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 07 2005
Location: Virginia
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 5790
|
| Posted: Jan 11 2007 at 8:52am | IP Logged
|
|
|
I'd like to second Alice's suggestion -- Sewing with St. Anne is a great first-sewing book. You could use it for yourself or your kids.....
I also got a book on the used book shelf at the library that has some great illustrations and details ... Fun and Fabulous Tops to Sew. The tops are just ok, but the details on how to sew and terms, etc is definitely worth it.
Benedicta, for sewing books, go browse your library shelves and pull everything that talks about sewing -- really look through them (either at the library or at home) and find one that seems to "speak" to you -- there are so many different learning/teaching styles (as we all know who homeschool  ) that you might just want to find what works for you.
On the sewing machine front, do you live in a big city or a small town? Usually big cities have great fabric stores where you can go and talk to the folks -- Joanne's and some of the other chains hire really knowledgeable folks who love to share. Once you know what you want, look around (online and in stores) to get the best deal -- Walmart often has good sewing machines for $100, but their staff may not be able to really help you understand the differences between them.....
And welcome to the 4Real group -- we're glad you've joined us!
__________________
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!
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
|
|
4Real Forums : Our Lady's Loom, Larder, and Laundry
Topic: learning to sew
