Sew ...

[AudraChanell]

does anyone on the group sew?

[teenie]

I do....I'm just a beginner though.

[naughteegirl]

I really want to learn, Id love some tips.

[teenie]

Here are some of the things I did to learn:
checked out sewing instructional videos and books from the library
gotten sewing magazines such as Threads
watch the sewing show that comes on m-f
I've also joined a couple of sewing forums
With sewing practice makes you better so practice, practice, practice:wave:

[AudraChanell]

Thanks for the replies ladies. I think I may try my hand again for the summer and can use all the tips I can get :)

[Avaya]

Here are some of the things I did to learn:
checked out sewing instructional videos and books from the library
gotten sewing magazines such as Threads
watch the sewing show that comes on m-f
I've also joined a couple of sewing forums
With sewing practice makes you better so practice, practice, practice:wave:

What are some of the sewing forums out there (as if I need to spend any more time on the internet!)?

[LookieLoo]

I do, but I'm still a beginner. My ultimate goal/dream is to sew an entire wardrobe for myself (from my own patterns). I want to be able to specify the exact color I want, exact style I want, and the exact fit I want.

[AudraChanell]

I really like the style and fabric of this dress. I want to attempt to make a few halter-y, flouncy type dresses.

[AnnDriena_]

Your best bet is to start with a community college or community center sewing class that teaches the basics. I started at a community college. Look up some places in your city that sell sewing machines and repair them sometimes they are run by nice ladies who offer classes there's one about 15 miles from my home that I'm trying to make it to to learn how to knit.

Ha, I sew and now I'm learning how to knit. I'm such an old lady.

[bluwatersoul]

I have sewed for years. I started because when im in college I wanted designer clothes but couldn't afford them. I branched out to sewing for other people for a few years - I actually made a friend's wedding dress, and did several bridal parties. I branched off for a hot second into making my own "line" of wearables that were my designs, in fabric that I designed as well.

Whenever I have an occasion - a wedding, a big dinner or ceremony - I make my clothes. It is important for me to feel confident, look the best that I can, and KNOW that noone else will have on what I do. Now that I have a family my time is seriously limited, but I will say that the better , eye catching items in my wardrobe are those that I made. I focus on simpler styles, but high quality fabrics. To me, it makes no sense sewing if you cannot access good fabric.

My mother sewed for me growing up, making coats, dresses, suits - you name it. She focused more on tailoring and details, while I have done a few things over the years that would scandalize her for sure, in the name of cutting corners.

I am also an artist, so I am always looking at things diferently. For fabric, I will buy scarves, use ethnic textiles to make skirts, use uphostery fabrics and curtain brocade for jackets and vests, etc.

Sewing can be fun and it isnt difficult once you know a few basics. I still use patterns from time to time. I took a class in pattern drafting years ago, and it helped immensely. There are also some great magazines available to help inspire and instruct you...Threads is my favorite.

Good Luck!

Blu

[msportugal]

i learned to sew a while ago but since i have been broke lately i have been thinking of going back to it.
i need skirts for church and walmart always has fabric for $1/yrd

[teenie]

What are some of the sewing forums out there (as if I need to spend any more time on the internet!)?


Some are
patternreview.com (I like this one the most)
forums.taunton.com/tp-gatherings
sewingworld.com

[ShortyDooWhop]

I have sewed for years. I started because when im in college I wanted designer clothes but couldn't afford them. I branched out to sewing for other people for a few years - I actually made a friend's wedding dress, and did several bridal parties. I branched off for a hot second into making my own "line" of wearables that were my designs, in fabric that I designed as well.

Whenever I have an occasion - a wedding, a big dinner or ceremony - I make my clothes. It is important for me to feel confident, look the best that I can, and KNOW that noone else will have on what I do. Now that I have a family my time is seriously limited, but I will say that the better , eye catching items in my wardrobe are those that I made. I focus on simpler styles, but high quality fabrics. To me, it makes no sense sewing if you cannot access good fabric.

My mother sewed for me growing up, making coats, dresses, suits - you name it. She focused more on tailoring and details, while I have done a few things over the years that would scandalize her for sure, in the name of cutting corners.

I am also an artist, so I am always looking at things diferently. For fabric, I will buy scarves, use ethnic textiles to make skirts, use uphostery fabrics and curtain brocade for jackets and vests, etc.

Sewing can be fun and it isnt difficult once you know a few basics. I still use patterns from time to time. I took a class in pattern drafting years ago, and it helped immensely. There are also some great magazines available to help inspire and instruct you...Threads is my favorite.

Good Luck!

Blu

Where did you take the pattern drafting class??

[ShortyDooWhop]

Bump....................

[monister]

I've been sewing since I could walk & talk but I hardly sew now... I used to sew with my mom before she died... haven't sewn since then - it brings back too many memories... and now I go to college in the US ..I'm Nigerian... I'm planning/thinking on making my wedding dress though...

Monister

[bluwatersoul]

Where did you take the pattern drafting class??


At the university I was working for. The class taught how to draft a sloper based on your own body measurements, and from there you can alter each pattern piece easily to make just about any style you could see or imagine.

I have found that most sewing stores will often show you how to sew from a pattern, and that it great. But if you can learn how to make your own patterns, its invaluable...and it isn't difficult.

[CurlyCrly]

I started sewing when I was a little girl...making my dolls' clothes. I started making my own clothes in 5th or 6th grade I think. I learned from my mother, who also sewed. I took home-ec in junior high and high school because we had to. I also was a teacher's asst in high school for a 7th grade sewing class (we were overseas - military - and there were 7th and 8th graders in the high school). Although I enjoy sewing, I really don't like laying out and cutting the patterns. I have altered patterns, but have never made my own. That would be interesting. I don't sew much now, but may do so in the future. I find it therapeutic. :)

It's funny....when one becomes a good sewer, you can tell when someone else is wearing something they made, no matter how good it is. Has anybody else noticed that?

[dstdiva]

i'm a beginner. i need to take a class, though. i need to learn how to do armholes and zippers.

[lonesomedove]

[QUOTE=teenie]Some are
patternreview.com (I like this one the most)
forums.taunton.com/tp-gatherings
sewingworld.com[/QUOTE

Teenie I also love patternreview! I just checked out your album, your clothes are great! I actually had a friend teach me to sew about 10 years ago, then from there I went to private lessons. I don't sew much anymore, more for my daughter on special occasions. (now I knit) When I was in TX, I found my instructor through a program called "You can make it" if you search on that, the site will tell you who near you offers lessons, they offer video tapes and private instructions etc. It was a great program, also offers tailoring etc, you sign up for which class you need.

[Avaya]

[QUOTE=teenie]Some are
patternreview.com (I like this one the most)
forums.taunton.com/tp-gatherings
sewingworld.com[/QUOTE

Teenie I also love patternreview! I just checked out your album, your clothes are great! I actually had a friend teach me to sew about 10 years ago, then from there I went to private lessons. I don't sew much anymore, more for my daughter on special occasions. (now I knit) When I was in TX, I found my instructor through a program called "You can make it" if you search on that, the site will tell you who near you offers lessons, they offer video tapes and private instructions etc. It was a great program, also offers tailoring etc, you sign up for which class you need.

I have "You can make it" lesson one. The tape cost me like 40 bucks. How much are the private lessons? Do you go to someones home or do you meet-up at like a community center or something? I'm in Chicago and all of the instructors that live in my area are in the burbs :( .

Would you suggest the whole set (I think it is 7 tapes)? A friend of mine taught me the basics (layout pattern, cut out pieces, etc.) and if the tapes are really good I could learn the rest on my own without a face-to-face instructor. What do you think? Thanks :D !

I have wanted to learn how to sew (and knit for that matter) for a long time! I'm such an "old soul."

Quote:
Originally Posted by PrincessAvaya
What are some of the sewing forums out there (as if I need to spend any more time on the internet!)?




Some are
patternreview.com (I like this one the most)
forums.taunton.com/tp-gatherings
sewingworld.com

Thanks for the list Teenie! :up: