Do you sew? I need help.

[LovesTimone]

I got a sewing machine for Christmas, which was a big surprise. I have been talking about getting one for several month since I retired at 50. I have not used a sewing mchine in years well over 20. SOooooo I plan on taking a sewing class to get me back in the groove.

I going to be using a spare bedroom for my sewing room. The room will be used sewing the only other item in the room is a bed so I have lots of room. So what do you use to set up your machine on, what type of chair do you use, any other storage options that I might want to.

Thanks

 

[Sandy321]

I sewed my first Halloween costume - at 50 (+ a bit!)

I will say I used the Kitchen table, kitchen chair -

but I wish I had the rotary cutter and that self healing mat they sell at JoAnn Fabrics (they had them 40% off... but I didnt get them!)

lots of empty bobbins (I needed more!!)

and then I would check here on the Disboards for the DIs-boutique-ers - they have posted some amazing pictures - they have links to really good sites....its on The Family Board
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2803758


Q6.-Where do most people get the patterns they use?
A6- We all LOVE http://www.youcanmakethis.com !!! It is a FABULOUS site with patterns that you purchase then download and print out right on your computer! (you tape the pieces together). The patterns come with multiple sizes and since you can reprint the pattern if it gets worn out, one pattern will last you for many years!
There are many many great designers on YCMT, but our all time favorite is CarlaC! She is also a Diser, her username is Louiesmama.

 

[CTdiznymom]

I got a sewing machine for Christmas, which was a big surprise. I have been talking about getting one for several month since I retired at 50. I have not used a sewing mchine in years well over 20. SOooooo I plan on taking a sewing class to get me back in the groove.

I going to be using a spare bedroom for my sewing room. The room will be used sewing the only other item in the room is a bed so I have lots of room. So what do you use to set up your machine on, what type of chair do you use, any other storage options that I might want to.

Thanks

My kids just moved out andI'm hoping to get my machine situated in one of their rooms so I can start sewing again.

A few things I can think of right off the bat:
-a good pair of sissors-I also have a pair of pinking shears.
-a well stocked sewing basket-threads, needles, pins, cushion, measuring tape,washable marking pencils, bobbins.
-if your eye site is like mine, the doohickey that helps you thread a needle!!!
-flat surface to lay out your material for pattern placement
-area for your ironing board & iron
-good lighting

...here's a little tip I have done-put a double sided piece of magnetic tape on your machine for a easy place to put pins as you sew.

Happy sewing!
-

 

[SarahandPaul]

You probably need a large gift card to JoAnn! I feel like I am always there picking up little things. Definitely don't buy anything full price (always on sale or use a coupon!) They charge an arm and a leg for patterns regular price, but frequently one company or another is 99 cents. Start with small projects to keep your momentum going.
Depending on your budget, a nice fold-up table is great. I personally have a Koala and love it!

 

[Sadie22]

I have a cabinet that the machine is bolted into so that it can be lowered down into the cabinet if desired. There are two positions for the machine, which are the normal sewing flat surface and a raised position for use when sewing in sleeves or cuffs and things like that.

I prefer to use a good adjustable chair on wheels.

 

[Vivianne]

Having a room dedicated to your sewing hobby is a seamstress' dream.

Once you have the room, a large table for cutting your patterns
is the way to go. You don't have to put anything away, just organize
and go to it when you have the time. You can check out Sam's club for a
nice large table for cutting your patterns.

I would organize patterns in a large bookshelf and use wicker baskets or
those cloth baskets to keep them and other supplies in the bookshelf. In addition, to making room for
project and how-to books.

Your supplies will increase as you go on. Start with small projects as you
gain experience. Initially, sewing for the home is the easiest.

 

[luvdzny]

This is on my wish list.... I think it would be a nice addition to my sewing room. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sauder-Sewing-and-Craft-Table-Multiple-Finishes/15690337

 

[2girlsmommy]

If you want some inspiration or any tips come on over to the disboutiquers thread. Friendliest bunch of sewers you will ever meet!

 

[Deb & Bill]

My sewing machine is in a cabinet that I got from my sister when she bought a new sewing machine and it didn't fit in the old cabinet. Before I had the cabinet, I just sewed on any table I had, kitchen table, card table, etc.

 

[MineMail]

I have a really old Singer with a beautiful wooden cabinet, but recently bought a portable zig-zag machine. I've been using it on top of the (closed) cabinet model, which doesn't help you in any way, but it amuses me to no end. My late in-laws kept a lovely cabineted TV in their living room. When it died and couldn't be repaired (tubes, anyone?), they bought a new TV and put it on top, keeping the doors closed to the broken one, lol.

Back on topic: my BIL turned a big closet into a small sewing room for my sister. She couldn't do fabric layouts in the 6'x8' space, but she covered one wall with shallow shelves and cabinets for supplies and bought a small student desk that had a smooth laminate surface - I think it was from Ikea.

She didn't want anything to get caught on a rough surface. The desk had a single drawer in the middle, so she put the thread snippers, etc. in there. Underneath, she used a knee-high set of plastic drawers to one side for more ready-access storage.

 

[Forevryoung]

My perfect sewing table is from Ikea (vika amon) with 4 metal legs. It was cheap and it doesn't shake while I sew (3 years old and still sturdy).

I don't have a dedicated space but it's not too small. If I remove my machine, I can put my large cutting mat on the table to rotary cut.

I use my old desk chair (no wheels, like a kitchen chair) but that's what I am used to/comfortable with. If I was shorter it probably wouldn't work as well as it does.

 

[rcraw45425]

I have used an ancient knee hole vanity and also a huge desk that my husband has had for years. My kitchen table is huge and works great for cutting patterns, I use a rotary cutter and also a great set of Fiskers shears. I have two machines, a Brother and also a Babylock Ellure, both do embroidery as well. I keep fabric in Rubbermaid bins, along with embroidery stabilizers. Before Walmart scaled back their sewing section they were a great place to pick up bobbins, all purpose thread, thread boxes, stabilizer, etc.

 

[squirrel]

Definately check out the Disboutique Thread on the Family Board.

I use shoe boxes for pattern storage-the one's I purchased. The one's I make are now in a binder (inside a plastic sleeve) as I'm having trouble finding free envelopes big enough.

I use the cereal boxes (cut front and back off) to organize my fabric on shelves.

My sewing machine came with a cabinet that it can be stored in and used for sewing.

My dad found a 3 drawer dresser that fits under the top of the sewing cabinet when open. I store my thread, elastic, ric rac, ribbon, etc in there.