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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: Big&Tall Philly
Date: 01-08-2006, 05:36 AM (1 of 8)
Hello to all.Great site i have been here every day as a visitor for the past week tyring to gather info.I'm a stay at home dad after working for the last 8 years as a airport supervisor my wife finally (and i mean finally) finished medical school.with her new long 12-15 hour work days and family income increase we decided me staying home would be the best thing..Which brings me here.im 6'4 320lbs which has always made finding clothes to wear a hard task .at least the type of clothing i like wearing. So being i have this extra stay at home time i want to learn to sew and make my own clothing.and eventually open a High End Big&Tall men's butique or tailoring shop.Now here is where it gets real fancy! i dont know how to sew..I've never touched a sewing machine....i know i have a long road..lol..But i do have a love for clothing..and the space to set up a working area at home..and a very sincere desire to learn an make folks look good!..Guys HELP...where ,how ,and what do i start with..I want to eventually construct garments from leather to linen..yep I"m starting from scratch 
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User: Big&Tall Philly
Member since: 01-08-2006 Total posts: 1 |
From: sandrasumner
Date: 01-08-2006, 05:59 AM (2 of 8)
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hi, i've been coming here for a while, never posted but have used some of the best ideas from these ladies and gentlemen i have ever read. its a wonderful site.now to your problem. the first thing to do is get a machine, nothing fancy, that comes in due time. start out with just a machine that sews a straight stitch and has the zigzag stitch. read the manuel and make it your friend. go to a fabric store and ask the clerk for help. tell her you are interested in learning to sew and that you are serious about it and if she has any experience at all she should be able to explain what you need to get started.i have raised six sons, and they can all sew well enough to do basic mending. with the price the laundry charges for repair to garments, or just to sew buttons on, that has been a good thing for them to know. good luck learning and happy sewing. sandra |
User: sandrasumner
Member since: 12-22-2005 Total posts: 8 |
From: bren
Date: 01-08-2006, 06:50 AM (3 of 8)
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Welcome Big&Tall Philly and sandrasumner...you came to the right spot...there is so much knowledge here...if they can't answer your question here... someone will usually fined you the answer...or send you to the right stop. I think sandrasumner gave you a good answer...and ask a ton of question's... there no question you can't ask on this site...everyone is so helpful here... Wish you the best in your new adventure. My DGS alway's ask me to show him how to sew ...he is only 4...but we made a bag one day or his cars...I'm learning Patience...LOL. Bren:
Don't let anyone ...Live Rent Free In Your Head |
User: bren
Member since: 11-30-2002 Total posts: 489 
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From: MrsKeds
Date: 01-08-2006, 07:23 AM (4 of 8)
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Big&Tall Philly, First, let me say that I am no great seamstress, but I do sew and I love to wear what I make. The actual hardest part about learning to sew is the actually getting started when you first begin. I am going to make an assumption that you have a machine, which you may or may not have. Get a very basic pattern, say for shorts with an elastic waist and your fabric. Read the directions, especially the cutting layout of the pattern pieces on the fabric. Some people I know, this is the hardest part, but cut the pattern out. A friend of mine was so scared about cutting out her very first pattern that she wanted me to do it for her. I wouldn't, because she needed to do that step, as she would never learn that it didn't hurt the fabric if she didn't do the deed. In the beginning, I would use cheap fabrics if you think it is something that you either a) won't wear, or b) just in case the finish product isn't right. Learn the basics first. Remember baby steps. Don't have grand illusions that you'll be able to make a tailored suit for yourself as your very first item ever sewn, as you'll become dishearted with the whole process. Additionally, there are some wonderful books out there that will give you wonderful illustrations for almost everything that you will ever want to learn. The Idiots Guide to Sewing is good. For items like button holes, take a scrap of fabric and make tons of button holes until you learn how to make them and can make them consistently. Buy some cheap zippers and practice putting them in on scrap. You can take a zipper out and put it in many times in the learning process. Remember, a seam ripper is your friend. Ask me how I know.  Just remember that you will learn, but it does take time and patience. Good luck to you, and I'll look forward to seeing the Big&Tall Philly line. 
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User: MrsKeds
Member since: 01-08-2006 Total posts: 1 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 01-08-2006, 08:30 AM (5 of 8)
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I agree with Mrskeds. Start with something very simple -- an easy pattern with nothing fancy. Then just work your way up. Try to make sure each project offers some sort of challenge. Expect to screw a few things up along the way. And READ READ READ every book and magazine you can get your hands on. Your library should include Sandra Betzina, the pattern companies how to books as any others you find. Then sew, sew, sew and collect fabrics (that is necessary because you will find you have more ideas than time to make them all) Have fun. Maybe there is a class near you. That would help. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: plrlegal
Date: 01-08-2006, 08:41 PM (6 of 8)
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Big & Tall I relate to your problem in finding clothes to fit that you will wear. My husband is about your size (6'5" - 280 lbs) and when we find clothes that will fit him, they cost an arm and a leg. A lot of people have told me that Wal-mart carries big sizes and we've looked there and tried a couple of things from there but, they really are not cut for big and tall men. If they're big, they're really big so we gave up on even looking at the low end stores for clothes for him. In fact, I've just ordered a book from Clotilde's by David Coffman - "Shirt Making". I'm going to try my hand at shirts for him to see if I can accomplish it. A well made, nice fitting dress shirt in your size is in the neighborhood of $45 and up. Anyway, here's my suggestion - first of all, check out the dealers in your area to see what a medium priced machine will cost you. Then, check out where they offer actual sewing classes (I don't mean just how to use the machine you purchase but actual, start from the beginning sewing classes). That would be my first step. Then, here is a web site that offers some really good advice for beginner sewists: www.sewing.org Good luck and let us know how you are progressing and post any questions you have here and you'll get some really good answers from the ladies and gents on this board. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: mozeyrn
Date: 01-08-2006, 09:33 PM (7 of 8)
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I never knew what to do with the medicine bottles full of extra buttons (there's lots - I inherited one bottle from my mom's sewing box). But now I know - practice! I, too, don't throw anything out. Thanks for the tip! - Maureen.
Learning something new with every stitch!! Kenmore 16231000 |
User: mozeyrn
Member since: 11-29-2005 Total posts: 349 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 01-08-2006, 11:21 PM (8 of 8)
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You got some great advice, so all I have to say is Welcome to you Big&TallPhilly, SandraSummer and MrsKeds!! Great to have some new 'faces'!
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
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