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Stitching & Crafting Room:  Advice needed newbie learning to sew on machine  |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
 Posted - Jul 09 2009 : 08:43:18 AM
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I bought a sewing machine, an Elna, 3 years ago and it's still in the box. I've not even opened it to see what it looks like!
I sew most things by hand, but with the birth of our daughter, I'd really like to start making some cute dresses and things that I see on Etsy, because, well, I need a challenge, and I'd like to be able to pick my own fabric  ...
What's your advice to an absolute machine beginner? Should I take it somewhere and get a lesson (hard to find)...or should I just get some scraps, sit down at the table and see what the little thing can do?
Both mil's sew, and can help me with basic knowledge...and have offered. It's just getting together, you know? There is a class offered locally, but it's $125.00 for 2 weeks and they make a cover thingee that goes over the back of your dining room chair (I don't need that...not for $125.00 anyway).
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
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Sitnalta
True Blue Farmgirl
4208 Posts
Jessica
NJ
USA
4208 Posts |
Posted - Jul 09 2009 : 08:51:56 AM
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Jonni,
Everyone sews differently. I would just sit down with what you think is an easy looking pattern and give it a go. It will take practice for you to learn how fast you are comfortable with your machine running, and the best way to get the hang of sewing evenly and is to sew and if need be rip out. I did a lot of ripping in the beginning.
I think that 125 is a lot, but then I find that I prefer utilizing my resources (My mom and Grandma) when I have questions.
Most of all, just have FUN! Sewing shouldnt be stressful or you wont learn to like it.
Good luck and have fun
Jessie
Jessie
Farmgirl Sister #235
"You are my strength when I am weak. You are the treasure that I seek. You are my all in all. Seeking You as a precious jewel; Lord, to give up I'd be a fool. You are my all in all."
Stop by my blog for a visit www.messiejessie2.blogspot.com |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Jul 09 2009 : 08:55:03 AM
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Thanks, Jessie..I know I can do it if I just put my mind to it. I sure wish my daddy was living--he was the "seamstress" in our house and made all my clothes when I was a baby, and all my costumes when I got older. He could do anything.
I think I will do what you say, Jessie, and get a simple pattern and get started--do you suggest pillowcase dresses, or a-line dresses? What's your version of simple?? :). If I taught myself to knit, surely I can teach myself to sew, with guidance here and there from the mil's. There's a WORLD of wonderful fabrics and things out there that I can get into!
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
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yarnmamma
True Blue Farmgirl
4247 Posts
Linda
Clarks Summit
PA
USA
4247 Posts |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Jul 09 2009 : 09:03:40 AM
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OMG!!! That's freakin' hysterical!!!! This looks like something my husband and his rocket scientist (truly, he is) friend would do back in college--what a hoot!
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
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Sitnalta
True Blue Farmgirl
4208 Posts
Jessica
NJ
USA
4208 Posts |
Posted - Jul 09 2009 : 09:46:45 AM
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Pillow case dresses are pretty easy. :) You might even try just plain pillow cases. It is all straight seams and it would give you a feel for your machine .
hugs
Jessie
Farmgirl Sister #235
"You are my strength when I am weak. You are the treasure that I seek. You are my all in all. Seeking You as a precious jewel; Lord, to give up I'd be a fool. You are my all in all."
Stop by my blog for a visit www.messiejessie2.blogspot.com |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Jul 09 2009 : 09:48:24 AM
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Thanks! I will do that. Pillowcases would definitely give me a feel for the machine, how slow, how fast to go. It's something I've been meaning to do for some time, and I am done just "thinking" about things. Time to DO :)
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
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farmmom22
True Blue Farmgirl
616 Posts
Tammy
Scottsville
KY
USA
616 Posts |
Posted - Jul 09 2009 : 10:48:45 AM
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Jonni, I can't sew a lick either! Maybe we need to get Miss Wilma to give us some lessons!
http://afarmgirljourney.blogspot.com/
Farmgirl Sister #492
Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending. -Carl Bard |
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laurzgot
True Blue Farmgirl
1628 Posts
Laurie
Alvin
Texas
USA
1628 Posts |
Posted - Jul 09 2009 : 11:58:46 AM
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Jonni, I've been sewing for 50 years and if you wantr to pratice on straight lines wirh rhe pillowcases, you can also make napkins. 333333333333333333333303
Jonni, I've been sewing for 50 years now. Pillowcase would be great because they are done with straight lines. You could also make napkins which involves straight lines. Just alot of practice and sometimes ripping out. Just be sure to cut evenly and straight. I know that you can do this. Any questions just ask.
Laurie
suburban countrygirl at heart |
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laurzgot
True Blue Farmgirl
1628 Posts
Laurie
Alvin
Texas
USA
1628 Posts |
Posted - Jul 09 2009 : 12:01:34 PM
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Jonni, Excuse my granddaughters handiwork. Thought that Monroe erased it. Monroe just loves computers.
suburban countrygirl at heart |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Jul 09 2009 : 12:06:39 PM
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That's adorable, Laurie! I thought a robot got ya!
Thanks so much for the encouragement, Laurie, and for the offer to answer questions...I think I can do it, too, I just need to be patient with myself. I've got a lot of scraps to work with, and I'll make some napkins, and maybe fool around with the multiple stitches and see how I do. My goal is to have my kitchen organized this weekend so I can start playing next weekend (my husband says that his mother sewed on the kitchen table, and I guess that means I should, too :)
By fall, I should have a pretty good feel to this thing, and MAYBE make my girl something cute!
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
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laurzgot
True Blue Farmgirl
1628 Posts
Laurie
Alvin
Texas
USA
1628 Posts |
Posted - Jul 09 2009 : 12:25:58 PM
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Jonni, you go girl, you'll have fun. When my three children went to school. I made there school clothes, and costumes and p.j's.
Laurie
suburban countrygirl at heart |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Jul 09 2009 : 12:50:11 PM
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Thanks, Laurie! I will! I was always proud of the clothes my daddy made me (well, except for the colors--he was fond of the browns--it WAS the 70's!!), but I felt so unique...I'd like for Violet to feel the same way. I knit, and it's always nice to hear someone compliment the hat my husband wears and hear him say, "my wife made it!"...
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
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laurzgot
True Blue Farmgirl
1628 Posts
Laurie
Alvin
Texas
USA
1628 Posts |
Posted - Jul 09 2009 : 9:57:11 PM
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Jonni, It's always makes one feel good when one says "my wife made it.. or one of your children. Many, many years ago I had made my son an outfit for school (he picked out pattern and material) I made it and when he wore it the first day of school(5th grade) all of his friends said"Jimmy were did you get that neat outfit"? "My son said from my moms sewing machine." It really can make you feel good. I also made both my girls wedding gowns compliments galore. I just know that one day when Violet will be sayuing the same things.
Laurie
suburban countrygirl at heart |
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
Posted - Jul 10 2009 : 04:44:11 AM
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Hi Jonni!
When you take your machine out of the box, there will be an owners manual with it. It teaches you how to set up your machine, thread it and even teaches you each setting for everything it does.
So you won't feel intimidated with it, grab some fabric from the rag bag and once you have the sewing machine all set up. . start stitching straight lines. Once you feel you have mastered that, follow the instructions in the manual to try a zigzag stitch. Feeling more confident, now is the time to make a few pillow cases and some napkins.
By now you are on your way to start making a few new items like the "Pillow case dress"
Most important thing to remember. . . Have Fun!!!!!!!
Joanna #566
JojoNH
http://www.CountryCents.com
http://CountryCents.Blogspot.com
http://Twitter.com/Eastwooddesigns |
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AuntPammy
True Blue Farmgirl
488 Posts
Pamila
williamstown
wv
USA
488 Posts |
Posted - Jul 10 2009 : 05:30:00 AM
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Whenever I teach someone to sew I always start with the real basics like just sewing on paper with your machine. Just take some blank paper and draw some lines on it, straight and curved then just practice sewing these with your machine. This will give you the feel of the foot pedal and teach you how to fast you should go in order to sew good seams.You don't even have to thread the machine to do this and it will get you accquainted with your new baby. Good luck with her and I know soon you will be making your daughter treasures from your own hands. If you get stuck with something just ask I know someone around here will be able to help.
Oooops, also for a first project you can always get a "sew simple" or "very easy" pattern...these patterns are often listed with their own section in the pattern catalogs.They usually have very explicit instructions that get you up to snuff with sewing terminology. Good luck and many happy years of sewing.
"Keep your face to the sunshine and you will never see the shadow." Helen Keller
www.auntpsalmostheaven.blogspot.com |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Jul 10 2009 : 05:39:01 AM
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Thanks girls!!! I'm even more determined this morning as I drove into work in rush hour traffic...I can't wait to get my kitchen organized for this very purpose!!!
Great idea, Pam, about sewing on paper. I can totally "see" that and also Joanna, about taking "baby" steps with the machine and the stitches, one at a time. The owners manual appears to be missing--a friend did borrow my machine when her $1500 broke down, but she wasn't kind enough to return it with all its' accoutrements. I wonder if I can get a replacement from the company? I'll have to see online.
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Jul 10 2009 : 06:18:06 AM
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Thanks, Joanna...went to their website and voila! There it was! Easy as pie (hope sewing for me, is the same!!!)
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
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JojoNH
True Blue Farmgirl
1984 Posts
Joanna
Dunbarton
New Hampshire
USA
1984 Posts |
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Stitching & Crafting Room: Advice needed newbie learning to sew on machine |
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Advice needed newbie learning to sew on machine
