Sew What’s Up Presents
The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: edsdecbride
Date: 10-19-2003, 04:00 PM (1 of 12)
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I have always wanted to sew. I have watched my mother sew most of my life. I have sewn a few items, but that was over a 15 year span. My mom even bought me a new sewing machine which I have never used...yet. I have all these ideas and had begun to do drawings. I want to learn to sew and how to make the clothes I'm drawing. I moved across country, so my mom can't really help me to sew. So here's my question(s) How do I begin sewing with this machine I have never used, and how do I implement my ideas and drawings into actual garments? Jae |
User: edsdecbride
Member since: 10-16-2003 Total posts: 2 
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From: chiloGod
Date: 10-19-2003, 05:19 PM (2 of 12)
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I started out sewing by hand as a young girl, but never knew how to use a sewing machine. So when my husband bought one for me, I was totally a novice. I started out by using the manual to the sewing machine, which taught me a lot. So my suggestion is that you start with the manual. This site here has sewing lessons for beginners (which I still consider myself) and it is very helpful. I also reccommend it. Apart from that, I believe that you will find a lot of help here on this board because it is very helpful for me! Have a nice day!!! |
User: chiloGod
Member since: 08-19-2003 Total posts: 65 
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From: Aimee S
Date: 10-19-2003, 05:54 PM (3 of 12)
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Are there any classes at your local fabric stores or adult education schools. Also there are BB at our local fabric stores and people there place thier business cards for teaching. I am a self taught and I read and started playing. the stuff I made in the beginning look like an infant did it. but 9 yrs later I know sew for others. The more you disaprove, the more fun I am having!
http://photos.yahoo.com/aimeehs29 |
User: Aimee S
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 488 
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From: MaryW
Date: 10-20-2003, 08:07 AM (4 of 12)
Edsdecbride, welcome to Sew Whats New. The manual was a great help to me as well when I first began to struggle with sewing. I had absolutely no idea what I was doing, between the patterns and the manual I read everything 50 times until it made sense to me. I have now been sewing for almost 35 yrs. and I still love it! We can help you. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 10-20-2003, 07:07 PM (5 of 12)
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Edsdecbride, Welcome, we are so glad to have you here with us.. First, go to the Library, and look at all the sewing books.. find one that looks like a good reference, check it out for a test run.. Simplicity, Readers Digest, are just 2 that come to mind quickly.. Anyway, you need a good reference guide to consult forever.. I say go to Library to try out more than one if you like.. Then when you know which one is best for you, go buy it.. The people here are at all levels of skill, and are always willing to help . I did not notice where you live, but yard, garage , or attic sales are good places to find sewing books for sale, also..I am a firm believer in reading the machine manual from cover to cover before you start sewing, also.. You definitly need to know your machine and its dos and don'ts before you try a lot of things.. keep small cuts of fabric close at hand to test on..Ask me how I know to test first... Ha ! If you will start out making something quick and not too many seams so that you finish it quickly, then that makes you feel good, and you will be ready for something a little more complicated next.. With maybe one new technique involved.. And so on from there..Ask any questions here, I bet you will have an answer pretty quick..again, welcome.. 
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: Genevieve
Date: 11-02-2003, 03:07 PM (6 of 12)
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I went to my local sewing machine/ vacuum cleaner repair shop and the gentleman there gave me the name of a very sweet woman who offered me very useful beginner private lessons. Where are you located? Good luck!
-Genevieve
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User: Genevieve
Member since: 02-27-2003 Total posts: 18 |
From: edsdecbride
Date: 11-10-2003, 04:59 PM (7 of 12)
a couple of you asked where I was located...I'm from Nevada.  Still pretty new to the henderson/las vegas area and haven't found out where all the good deals are yet as far as crafts and things. I have seen quite a few Michael's and Jo-Ann Fabrics...I think even an Etc. I don't really know where any specialty shops are located yet. But I hope to keep venturing out and hopefully come across one..or two that I like. Jae |
User: edsdecbride
Member since: 10-16-2003 Total posts: 2
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From: brendalou
Date: 11-10-2003, 05:49 PM (8 of 12)
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I would say get some scrap fabric and test out every stitch available on your machine. Read the manual at least three times cover to cover (and DO NOT LOOSE IT) My brother manual explains how to set up all the stitches and I went through all of them page by page. I agree that you go to the library and test out books before you buy them... you will save alot of money that way. Go through the sewing or quilting lessons on this web page... they helped me SO MUCH!!!!!!!! Don't forget to ask alot of questions, everyone here is extremely helpful!!!! -Brenda ==Brenda Lou
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User: brendalou
Member since: 10-07-2002 Total posts: 2 |
From: gm23237
Date: 12-06-2003, 05:11 PM (9 of 12)
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Best way to start is to start with a easy project like a pillow case, a pillow or even a place mat. These all have simple straight stiches. Then you gradually build up from there. Pot holders are good because they begin to teach you to sew curves and such. Good Luck and remember, sewing is like everything else, practice, practice, practice! Happy Holidays all!!!! P.S. If you need help with straight seems you can buy a medal little thingy that has a magnet, measure 1/4 inch from the needle and place that magnet thingy there.(some machines are already marked with 1/4, 1/2 and even 1 inch markings on the foot plate for you). It will guide the material for you through the needles at a perfect 1/4 seam. I never use mine anymore but did when I first started sewing. Now, I just wish I could remember what that little magnet thingy was called! LOL |
User: gm23237
Member since: 11-03-2003 Total posts: 145 
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From: mamahoogie
Date: 12-06-2003, 05:42 PM (10 of 12)
It's called a seam guide and they work fine but don't use them on a computerized sewing machine. Bad news if you do.
I've decided to live forever - so far, so good.
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User: mamahoogie
Member since: 12-25-2002 Total posts: 461 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 12-06-2003, 07:52 PM (11 of 12)
Don't use any magnet near a computerized sewing machine.. I almost made the mistake af attaching one of those magnetized pin catchers to my machine one day, but luckily my brain finally woke up.. I think I was just gadget happy that day..Magnets will ruin most any electronic equipment.. Don't ever get near a TV set with one either..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022
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From: quiltguy154
Date: 12-06-2003, 10:53 PM (12 of 12)
| According to the Quilter's Travel Companion, there are several quilt/fabric shops in and around Las Vegas, so there's no need to run out of fabric-as if! Find yourself a sewing buddy. People who sew like to give help to those who need it. You can learn more in an afternoon from a buddy, than a month's worth of reading, or trial and error. Of course most of us make mistakes in the beginning, but you'll learn alot that way too. Keep a notebook, and write down things you realize are important. Some you can keep in your head, but there is so much to learn I feel it's better to write it down. Good luck, and enjoy. |
User: quiltguy154
Member since: 01-04-2003 Total posts: 14 |
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