[Oriental lily]

I am really struggling to find clothes I really love for myself and my 9 year old daughter.

I have toyed with the idea of learning to sew for many years but have never found the initiative.

Mainly because I am afraid I will invest in a machine and it will gather dust.
Ad DH will say I told you so . ( like the home gym, like the keyboard,like the expensive easel, like the aviary and other hobbies I have started that I lose interest in....)


But this seems much more practical....

But is it hard for a total novice to learn?

I know there is some community sewing classes that occasionally pops up now and then and spotlight has classes.

I have also noticed some you tube tutorials.

But how long would it take for a total novice to say... Learn to make a pretty plain skirt.?

What's harder, learning how to work the machine or following a pattern?

Also what's a very basic, fairly cheap novice machine?

Thanks for any feedback.

[Guest_3Keiki_*]

I think Spotlight has a machine on sale at moment for 179, it is a brother (I think) and looks good for price.
Learning to sew.... well honestly with some instruction from say Spotlight on how to use your machine and some of the online tutes I think most people could be having a pretty skirt made up in their first weekend.
It is honestly not hard, I have to head offline now but will pop back with a list of my favourite beginner patterns and tutes.

[aratiaw]

You'd probably get the hang of using the machine within a lesson or two. Following patterns can be harder - it depends on the pattern, how good the instructions are, etc..
Start with really simple patterns and a second hand machine and go from there. Lots of people have sewing machines that they don't use - perhaps you could borrow one until you have a better idea whether you want to keep sewing or not.
You would probably gain a lot of confidence from a few classes.

[FiveAus]

it's not hard, you'd probably be best off with a few lessons to get you started....it's easier when you have someone to show you rather than trying to follow an online tutorial or book.
Once you've mastered the basics, start with some simple patterns that have not much detail and no fiddly bits or shaping, then work up from there.

My best advice would be to go slow, unpick mistakes as soon as they happen, pay attention to detail, finish everything properly and press all your seams as soon as you sew them.

[belindarama]

If you stick with a pattern that is labelled easy you would probably be ok. Any terms you don't understand are usually explained in the tips part of the pattern.

You can also google a process and watch a you tube video.

I have just started sewing after years. I don't think I had made anything since high school. It's going really well. I'm really enjoying it.

I bought a new machine, a Singer Simple, for $130. It is basic and as simple as name suggests but does everything you need it to do. It is knobs and dials only, less to break and easier to use. It came with a great DVD to show you how to use it.

[howdo]

No, I don't think it is. I have been sewing since I was 10. A simple gathered skirt is very easy and once you master the basics it's very simple to gradually add skills

[Bam1]

It's not hard if you keep it simple and build up. Avoid commercial patterns they have very confusing instructions. Use a tutorial from the web which not only gives you the pattern but detailed sewing instructions. A circle skirt is great to start with especially if you use a length of wide elastic as the waistband

[Tyrone Finkelmey...]

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This post has been edited by Tyrone Finkelmeyer: 26/03/2013, 08:27 PM

[rachel*t*p]

I sew a bit for my kids. But I am a total beginner I just follow free tutes and patterns on the web. Dd is 2 so she mainly gets peasant dresses, pillowcase dresses and simple skirts with elastic waists. These are all easy to sew as there is no shaping and quite loose so errors are not noticeable. DS gets basic shorts and appliqué shirts. I have also made dolls, bears and Barbie clothes.

I would love to sew for myself, but I am afraid of the shaping needed in clothing for myself and also needing to make adjustments to patterns so they fit better.

I enjoy it and I love seeing the kids in something I made. I make other crafty things too, so I already have the craft interest.

I use my Mum's 10 year old super cheap machine she bought to take up hems. I find it is not hard to sew, but it takes practice to do neatly and in a looking good way. Plus it must take me at least double the suggested time to make things. But practice makes perfect!

[Oriental lily]

Thanks everyone.

That machine sounds perfect belindarama.

Any machine with 'simple' in its name is going to be a winner lol.

I suppose I could get a machine, muck around with it and then decide if I need lessons?

If I have urges to throw it out the window or am left sobbing in despair at my failures it would be a big hint to get external help.

Now I might go and have a little daydream of discovering my amazing hidden talent and becoming a famous fashion designer.


Aaahh that would be nice. Collette Dinnigan watch out!