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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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From: Sewwhat?
Date: 10-02-2005, 11:08 PM (1 of 13)
Hello everyone. I have been watching for some time on this site and I have no clue what 99.9 percent of what you are saying means !!! But, I just got a Brother 270d (yesterday) and The Amazing Box2. So far, I have no plain wash clothes left and my sheets have a whole new look to them !!! Not bad for me since I can't sew !!!! AT ALL. I tried to make a strait line sewing a pillow in high school many years ago but, well thats another story !!!! I was mostly interested in the embroidery end of this machine. So far so good (I think) !!!The machine tells me what to do. My question is, how do I learn to sew? I live in a small town in the middle of no where and there arent any available classes for my machine within 80 miles. Any advice will help !!!! Be easy though, I dont even know the part names of this thing.  Any ideas????? Thanks. Julie
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User: Sewwhat?
Member since: 10-02-2005 Total posts: 3 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 10-03-2005, 12:34 AM (2 of 13)
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Welcome Julie! Honestly, if you can master an embroidery machine I'm sure you'll have no problem sewing!!! I don't really have any tips for you, just wanted to welcome you and I know that some of the gals/guys here will have absolutely perfect answers for you. It's a great place to be!
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: carman
Date: 10-03-2005, 01:03 AM (3 of 13)
welcome aboard, there are lots of ladies on here that will be able to help you and give you idea, have fun 
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User: carman
Member since: 04-17-2000 Total posts: 692 
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From: SandyGirl
Date: 10-03-2005, 06:43 AM (4 of 13)
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Hi Julie, even if you feel that you are in the middle of nowhere, someone close to you sews! Start talking to the ladies at church, work, schools, etc. where you live and ask them to teach you or refer someone who can. Maybe contact the local schools to inquire about someone to tutor you. (for a fee). Good luck! Welcome! Sandy |
User: SandyGirl
Member since: 09-16-2005 Total posts: 97 |
From: Sewwhat?
Date: 10-03-2005, 10:12 AM (5 of 13)
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Thanks for the ideas. I will have to check into that. Thanks for all the welcomes !!!! I certainly wouldn't say I have Mastered embroidery yet. I still have alot to learn.
Julie
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User: Sewwhat?
Member since: 10-02-2005 Total posts: 3 |
From: patti2
Date: 10-03-2005, 11:27 AM (6 of 13)
| Julie, I am a self taught sewer. Practice and more practice is my advice. Also, don't be too hard on yourself. Even lifelong sewers learn new things and techniques. I love the "sewing With Nancy" and the Kwik Sew series, but I am someone who learns by reading and doing. Try aaaaaaaaaaaathe patterns marked EASY to start. They have easy to understand directions. If you get stuck, just ask the message board. Gook Luck! |
User: patti2
Member since: 05-28-2005 Total posts: 78 |
From: debsews
Date: 10-03-2005, 01:37 PM (7 of 13)
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Hi Julie, I have learned a lot from looking at the posts and asking questions. I am self taught also and have ripped out many a garment! Practice is the only thing that will help you. Start with something you like. I did placemats and napkins for a start. Then I started sewing for my grandchildren. Pj's are easy and they will wear things to bed they wouldn't be seen in otherwise! Then from there I went to simple shorts and tops and sundresses and then purses and well you get the idea. Some patterns you'll never figure out and you'll come up with a way around what you don't understand. So just jump right in and start with Sew Easy patterns or something like that. Also you can ask the women on here anything and they never think you're crazy for asking. Even if it turns out to be something very easy to them. We all start at the same place and how much you learn is how much you ask for help along the way! Good luck, you're going to love it! |
User: debsews
Member since: 09-16-2005 Total posts: 254 |
From: Magot
Date: 10-03-2005, 02:12 PM (8 of 13)
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Julie, check out the garment sewing lessons on the home page - Julie gives great advice on choosing a pattern, cutting it out and making sure it fits! I followed her advice on a skirt and the instructions were simple and clear. It's like having a sewing lady in a box! The first few garments you make are your teething ground - you probably don't remember HOW you learnt to walk but now you know you are fine. It's the same with sewing, never be ashamed of making the dumb mistake. There is hardly a lady or gent here who hasn'r sewn a sleeve in backwards or cut out 2 left legs..(see me waving) Don't start with a prom dress...go for a simple outfit, trousers, an unlined jacket a skirt and a t or 2 and you will have an array of clothes. The age old addage, measure twice, cut once is a goodie. I would add, pin everything out and STOP! Go away, come back another day and check that you have it right before cutting. Many is the time I have been so desperate to get on with the sewing that I have made stupid mistakes when cutting out. Some pieces upside down for example. Ask questions, and have fun. love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626 
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From: Chrysantha
Date: 10-03-2005, 11:35 PM (9 of 13)
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Julie...where in SW FL ??? I live in the panhandle and might be able to tell you where to get help.... Kath Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: esrun3
Date: 10-04-2005, 09:49 AM (10 of 13)
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Julie, welcome to the boards! You are a step ahead of me, I'd love to have an embroidery machine but havent' gotten there yet. As for learning to sew, ask around, someone near you sews, I'm sure! Start small and work your way up, use the "easy" patterns first and practice, practice, practice. If you have any questions, just ask us, we'll be glad to help!
Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: Sewwhat?
Date: 10-05-2005, 03:57 PM (11 of 13)
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I am in a town about 40 miles in (east) from Fort Myers. The other towns I am near are Immokalee and Labell. Not many people speak english where I am. From asking around, I have found another sewer !!!! She is new too so we are going to try to figure things out together !!!! You will probly have to answer alot of questions !!!!! Hope thats ok ?
Julie
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User: Sewwhat?
Member since: 10-02-2005 Total posts: 3 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 10-05-2005, 11:28 PM (12 of 13)
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www.google.com put in fabric, sewing, quilting shops....there are at least 3 quilt shops in Ft Myers. They have lessons. Usually a quilt shop has lessons in MORE than quilting. Try the dealers too. (ie. Bernina, Janome, etc...)they may charge you for the lessons, unless you bought the machine from them, but they usually don't charge much. Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414
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From: mamadus
Date: 10-10-2005, 01:29 AM (13 of 13)
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another suggestion... check with the home ec teacher at your local high school... perhaps she offers adult ed classes, or perhaps she'd be willing to give you private lessons... especially if you've found another newbie sewer.... the two of you could take classes from her together.... good all the way around.. MO life is too short, not to explore
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User: mamadus
Member since: 12-31-2004 Total posts: 492 
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