Saturday, August 02, 2008
My first sewing class.
Remember how I told you that I got a new Singer Confidence sewing machine for my birthday? Well, up until today, I haven't had the time to even open it up and turn it on. And to be honest, I was feeling a bit intimidated by it. I've never used a sewing machine before. All the sewing I do is by hand. I purchased my sewing machine at JoAnn's and one of the selling points that persuaded me to buy it there instead of finding it somewhere cheaper is that JoAnn's offers two 2-hour sewing classes FREE if you purchase your machine through them. These sewing classes specifically teach you how to use all of the features of your machine.
I was a bit dismayed, after purchasing my sewing machine, to learn that the Saturday classes were full through November! The sales person who sold me my machine offered to put me on a waiting list and the first chance I had to get into a class, if there were cancelations, was this Saturday. As I watched her pencil in my name on the August calendar, I noticed that there were about 5 other people on the list ahead of me.
I dutifully called a couple of days ago to see if there had been any cancelations. There hadn't so I decided to take the matter into my own hands. This afternoon I packed up my sewing machine and showed up at JoAnn's 15 minutes before the class started. I was the first one there.
There were supposed to be four women in this class. Three showed up, one did not. Since no one else on the waiting list was as bold as I was, I got in the class! I was so excited!
Today I learned how to thread my needle, fill my bobbin and load it. I learned how to use several stitches. I even learned how to make button holes! With this machine it's quite easy, one step button holes, can you believe it? I learned several other things as well.
I didn't make anything, we practiced on squares of different kinds of fabric, but I certainly did have fun!
I exchanged names and phone numbers with two of the ladies in my class. They already know how to sew but needed to learn how to use the $500 Brother sewing machines that they had purchased. We're going to try to get together for a stitching night in the near future, after we complete our second class next Saturday afternoon.
I stopped after class and browsed through the patterns that JoAnn's offers. There are so many neat things out there to sew! I don't even know where to begin.
Any suggestions for a very simple sewing project for someone that's new to using a sewing machine?
I think I'm going to try out Barb's burp cloth tutorial. It looks like something I might be able to handle.
I also hope to find a simple 2-piece pajama pattern. I'd love to make myself some flannel pajamas for winter.
Oh the possibilities! Why didn't I buy a sewing machine sooner?
Labels: sewing
11 Comments:
When I first started sewing, I started out with simple projects--- curtains, cloth napkins, a tablecloth. I'm still pretty much a beginner, but I'm working on a quiet book for my toddler now. Good luck!
If you can make buttonholes, you're one step ahead of me. LOL
I haven't had a reason to make buttonholes yet so I haven't even tried but my machine makes one step buttonholes too. I can tell you, my machine manual is never more than six inches away from my machine!
My burp cloths are a great project for you. They're not difficult at all and only involve accurate measuring and sewing straight seams. If they were difficult, I probably wouldn't make them. :-)
Good for you, for getting into that class.
My sewing machine doesn't get much use in this season of my life, but I've got a bunch of "someday" projects bookmarked anyway. Maybe you can get some use out of them - and trust me, for me to consider them, they have to be easy. (And my mom, who is an excellent seamstress, is still jealous of my machine's ability to do buttonholes. Sometimes I think she visits me because of it.
kids' art smock: http://www.ohdeedoh.com/ohdeedoh/look/look-homemade-childrens-smock-022719
kids' dishtowel apron:
http://ihavetosay.typepad.com/randi/2007/02/dishtowel_apron.html
mommy's apron:
http://www.jcarolinecreative.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Store_Code=JC&Screen=APRONINST
hand puppets:
http://www.butterick.com/item/B4209.htm?search=puppet&page=1
fabric buckets:
http://vintagericrac.blogspot.com/2007/09/back-with-buckets.html
coloring bags/purses:
http://www.clotheslinequilts.com/coloring.php
What a smart idea taking the initiative to show up and see! Good for you!
I was going to suggest napkins too. Or pillow cases. You can practice some of the stitches your machine does to do cool edges on the pillow cases. Pillows - little blankets. :)
Have fun!
When looking for patterns try ones that are by simplicity, see and sew. Ones like that. Does the outfit look simple and straight forward than it will probably be a simple pattern. It it has more bells and whistles it will be more complicated. Little jumper dresses are fairly easy and straight forward. Also if you go here http://sewingtheseamsoflove.com/ she sells a dress kit. You buy the material already cut out and all you do is follow her simple directions to sew it. I have bought one and several of her dresses when she was selling them.
Hello,
I'm so glad you had a great time in your first sewing class! It is a lot of fun and so rewarding to look at something and think "Hey, I made that!"
For a beginner project, you might consider making a pretty fall table runner. You can use pretty fall themed fabrics and once you get the hang of it, you could make some in a Christmas theme for gifts.
Take Care,
Trixie
That sounds like so much fun. I might just have to go out and buy myself a sewing maching.
Good for you! I used to sew so much more than I do now. Now I'm pretty much making curtains or mending things, but I still do enjoy sewing. I hope you love it, too.
you'll do great. At least you are taking the classes. I have a machine too. I've made a few purses and some purse inserts. My goal is to set aside at least one day a week for sewing once school starts back up. I plan to sell stuff on esty!
I love that you showed up there - and got in! What initiative! I wish I sewed - but sadly I can't even hem pants!
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