Does anyone here sew??

[Aurora63]

I think I'd like to try. I've never made anything but pillows, but I'd like to try making clothing. What would be something simple to start with for someone who is just learning? I was looking at some Butterick patterns (of dresses) and it all seemed pretty confusing.

Also, I will not have access to a sewing machine, will that make it impossible??

Thanks for any advice.

 

[ElizK]

I find Butterick patterns to be very difficult. McCalls has some Easy patterns. That would be a great place to start! A skirt would probably be a good first project. May I recommend something with an elastic waist--NOT a zipper! (I've sewn for years. I'll still skip patterns that have zippers!) I'm not an expert sewer by any stretch of the imagination, but I did make most of my girls' special outfits. Good luck! I'd love to see your project when you are finished!

 

[My2Cinderellas]

if you want to make clothing, etc, you will need a sewing machine. You can get decent ones for $150-200 that are great for beginners. I learned to sew 30 years ago (Girl Scout badges and jr high home ec) but hated it. A year and a half ago, I decided to brave it again and ahve mostly made things for the girls. I have done a few zippers, but they scare me and haven't braved buttonholes yet, although they are supposed to be easy now. Mostly I make easy sundresses, fleece nightgowns, and such. here's a picture of dresses I made for our trip this spring.

 

[musicmama]

You definitely need a sewing machine, there really aren't places to just "go and sew".

Joann's Fabrics & Crafts (national chains) sell sewing machines - high and low end - and some of them also have a "Viking store" inside (high end). They also offer craft/sewing classes. Usually when you buy a machine from them you get a free beginner's class. I know because I bought a machine and then took the class (which was actually 2 sessions). It was a lot of help since the last time I tried to sew anything other than patches on a Girl Scout vest or hem repairs was a loong time ago. Sometimes the stores sell used machines too, from their classes (this is how I got mine).

I know that you can also buy machines on ebay, but I wouldn't recommend that.

Good luck.

 

[jipsy]

First, I had to laugh at your post that you want to sew but don't have a sewing machine; no offense to you, it just struck me as funny.

Does anyone in your family sew? Perhaps before you buy a machine, you could borrow someone's to see if you like it or not. Start with a simple project, such as a simple skirt or a pillow. If you decide you want to continue, find a sewing machine repair center in your area. They always carry used sewing machines, and are very knowledgeable about them. They can point you to the right beginning machine. You can get a good beginning Singer machine, new, at Wal Mart for about $150. I am on my 3rd one (first was a hand-me down which wasn't worth repairing, second one I lost in a divorce, don't ask third one I bought about 7 years ago and still own.) It works like a charm; I don't do all the fancy crap that alot of machines come with - just simple seams and zig-zagging and button holes and zippers. You might want to try one of the beginning classes at JoAnns or a similar place to get a feel for a sewing machine and see if you like it.

My mother made a living for several years as a seamstress for other people. She loves to sew. I do to, but unfortunately don't take the time to do it like I should. It is a good feeling to wear something that you made.

 

[dustysky]

I sew, and you do need a machine.
For at least two years I was sewing clothes and selling them on ebay, I also made/sold hand bags....
I would recomend trying one of those, they are pretty simple and the end result is something you can use when your done
You can go to this link and see a picture of one of my favorit tote bags I made as well as a few outfit I made for Disney trips.

http://www.mammathon.com/

I am not GREAT but if you have any questions feel free to PM me, I would be happy to help if I can.

 

[miranda1979]

see post below, my computer was logged in as my daughter.


denise

 

[wdw4us]

I sew but I mostly quilt now. I would recommend going to a quilt shop in your area that sells machines. They have all kinds of machines in different price ranges and some offer beginner sewing classes.

Also, I learned to sew at an art institute (when I was in grade school) but the local technical school does have some quilt classes. Those would get you familar with the machine aspect of sewing and then you could decide if you want to continue before investing in a machine.

Check with taylors or seamstresses in your area they may know of someone who gives classes. I did go to a french seamstress for some lessons and she taught me a lot. Again we used her machines so it wasn't necessary to lug ours to and from class.

Good luck. And if your heart is in it you can sew it all by hand, it may take you a bit longer but a lot of quilters still piece all their block and applique by hand. A garment isn't that much different if you love the process.

Good luck. PM me if you have any questions.

denise

 

[luvdzne]

Nope, no sewing for me, just look at my tag!

 

[Papa Deuce]

I bought a machine thinking I could teach myself.... dumb idea.

Nope.. I don't sew.

 

[Nancy]

I sew on and off,it seems to run in streaks. I won't atempt buttonholes util I get a better machine (mine is really old). I was one of the sewing Mom's at my daughters dance studio, worked on costumes adding trim and all kinds of stuff. The the girls got in to Anime conventions and made costumes from scratch, now my oldest does all her own costumes and even makes up her own patterns.

If you are doing any type of clothing you really need a machine.