Is it impossible? Should I take a class?
Never liked sewing in my life, but recently it’s started seeming interesting to me, at least to make Indian clothes (which are VERY expensive in the States). I thought I’d ask you guys if anybody out there taught themselves or learned how to sew as an adult.
You mean manually, or with a machine?
As a kid (in hindsight a very strange kid) I would play with my step-mother’s machine. I made quite a few little pillowcases and incorporated zips into them.
As for manual sewing I’ve done it many times before, but I do it badly. If I made a suit it would look worse than Edward Scissorhand’s.
This is just sewing. I’ve never done any tailoring.
It’s very easy to teach yourself or to learn to sew, if you start with patterns. You should graduate to making clothes without patterns later on. Simplicity and McCall’s both make very easy patterns for beginners.
Not too hard. Look for the patterns that say “easy” or “2-hour” on them; they’re the simplest. The pattern will be a little coded, and the key to the code is at the top (like what color means the right side of the fabric, etc.). If you know anyone who can sew, it might be good to ask them for an hour or so of tutoring–offer cookies in exchange! 
Once you get the hang of the basics, you can learn the rest as you go. And there are books available–look at the fabric store or your library.
I have a question about this - do you mean Indian clothes like saris? Just curious because I have a friend who recently went to India and brought back about 50 of these large “wrap” things, which I think are supposed to be part of a traditional Indian outfit (but I’m really not sure) - very, very beautiful patterns and fabrics. All woven with gilt or silver threads, some with beading, etc. He paid less than $2.00 each in Indian money and I told him he could sell them here for $75 or $100 each, to be used as wraps for evening dresses. He just gave them away to people instead (nice friend!)
So, I guess my question is, are saris and other traditional outfits that expensive here? But so cheap in India?
As for sewing, if you know nothing, it might be good to take a class or get an experienced sewer to show you a few things. Sounds silly but I sew pretty well myself and I know people who can’t figure out how to start or stop a seam, or how to sew anything except a straight line. (If that.) It might be good to have someone show you a few things, and depending on your natural skill, you can pick up a lot on your own. A book would help too.
I’d say to take a beginning sewing class. A lot of adult education places have them, they are cheap, and you will learn a lot. I will also say that “tailoring” is a precise craft, much more complicated than just “sewing.” It can take years to become a real tailor. They are true artists.
YES. A cheap cotton sari here in Albany will go for over $150.00. Silk, even more. Buy them from NYC, and they’re a little cheaper, but you certainly can’t get them in bulk.
In India…they’re several hundred rupees but the exchange rate is so drastic that it works out to be a great deal. But first you have to spend $1400 on airfare, plus take time off from work, etc.
I think I will take a class to start with! And learn how to sew that way. Thanks…I have had some training and can do some basic stitches, sew straight lines, buttons, stuff like that. So I’m not completely clueless.
Try your nearest fabric store. They usually have sewing classes. At least they do where I live.
I learned to sew in middle school Home. Ec class and it has been an invaluable skill to have (along with a serviceable sewing machine). I can alter clothing, make my own clothing, sew slip covers and stuff like that.
Have fun.
I taught myself to sew…and even ended up making costumes professionally for awhile (which involves some pretty advanced techniques and working with some horrifically expensive materials…not a lot of room to goof up!).
This book, and the others in the Singer Reference Library helped to up my learning curve substantially. You can usually find the series at fabric stores (like Jo-Ann Fabric, etc.). I have seven or 8 of them, and really like them. Easy to follow, lots of pictures, etc.
Good luck, and have fun! And if you happen to run across a good source for imported Indian fabrics, please share!