A few months ago, my boyfriend and I got cable. And soon afterwards, we both picked up a new addiction… Trading Spaces. We have watched so many rooms being redone, both well and terribly, that we’ve suddenly become aware of the fact that the room we’re watching them in is very much a “before” room. So we started thinking about redecorating the house.
(“Interior decorating? Isn’t that kinda gay?” “Well, hey, we are gay! We’re allowed!”)
Now, I’ve done some finished carpentry before, and we’ve both painted, and we understand that there’s a lot of work involved… but what we’re stuck on is the sewing. There’s some to be done… new curtains, possible couch covers, pillows, and some upholstery on the new window seat which we’re planning. But neither of us has ever gone beyond the “Damn, I popped another button off my pants” stage of sewing.
I’ve picked up the Simplicity Home Decor book, and read through it, and done some research on the web, but I still feel unprepared.
So, we need your advice, O Great Doper Oracle. How to get started? What sewing machine to buy? New or used? What are some of the Universal Beginner Mistakes? What would be a good starter project? What are some good resources?
What are we getting ourselves into?
Find a friend or relative who can sew. Ask them to help you with your first couple of projects, but make sure you’re the one sewing with them helping you, not the other way around.
If I can learn to use a sewing machine, anyone can. Sewing skills are also helpful for looking good at the RenFest. That’s what mine get used for.
Indeed- take some lessons, either at a craft place or from a friend. I’m an uber idiot when it comes to that stuff and I learned how- I did curtains last year and have done towels, etc.
Take classes for sure- Good starter project? I did an apron. I got the pre-cut pattern from Jo-Ann fabric and practiced my stitching on it, including some lace on the edges that it didn’t call for. Another good starter project might be a table runner- cut the fabric, fold and pin/iron it, and sew. Or similarly some nice fabric placemats.
My biggest mistake was probably using the wrong type of stitch for my project. My friend guided me through that, though. Also, as far as buying a machine goes, I’d say get the best one you can afford that has all the features you need. As you take class and learn, you’ll see the features that are the most important to you.
Zette
On the sewing machine front, when making a decision regarding buying a) a good quality machine with only a couple fancy stitches and b) a so-so machine with tons of them, go for a. Features are great, as long as they’re things you think you’ll use - buttonholers, for example. Somepeople love 'em; some people have never used them. DON’T spend money on features you won’t use. (Spoken from experience, here - Mr Winnie bought our machine. I’d have been happy with the $150 model that had six stitches, the buttonholer, and the bobbin winder thingie. But no, he had to get the $320 with 24 stitches and a whole host of other features we’ll never use, because we don’t sew.)
I agree with Winnowill; extra stiches are bogus. If you are at all normal, all you’ll ever use are button holes and our old friend the zig-zag, and its limiting case, the straight stitch.
When you look at starter projects, seek out straight lines and avoid knits and any fabric that’s slippery or really heavy. Begin with something small and simple that you can complete in an evening or a weekend, so you don’t get too frustrated with it–and it’s not the end of the world if you totally screw it up and decide to pitch it and start over.
I wrote a whole post extoling the virtues of the Singer 99K. A machine which ONLY offers straight stitch (forward and reverse) but has an extermely powerful motor excellent for upholstery and craft fabrics. One time I used it to stitch through 2 layers of 1000 D coated nylon, a layer of nylon braid, and a layer of knit-backed synthetic fleece. It didn’t even break a sweat.
I once bought one at a yard sale for $10.
This is not the machine for you if you will be making clothes, however, for craft project/fabrics it is an awesome tool.
I agree in general with the advice about knit fabrics HOWEVER, polarfleece is an excellent material for a first project – the cut edges don’t unravel so its one less step you have to do to finish your first project. (in most fabrics, the woven edges – called the selvedge (sp?) dont unravel but the cut edges do.)
If there is a fabric store near you, take advantage of their expertise. The sales people should be able to point you in the right direction. If not, check out public extension courses or something similar. Also, check out newspaper ads. I live near a G Street Fabrics in the Northern Virginia area and I love it.
If all you want to do is stuff like curtains and pillows, you can get buy with the most basic of machines. I’d look for a second-hand one. Don’t pay more than $100 – even that’s probably way too much! Check out yard sales or see if you have a sewing machine store in your area. If you buy your machine at a store, they might even give lessons on how to use it. I don’t think you need to take a course; go to the library and take out a “sewing for beginners” book and follow the directions.
Warning: don’t invest in expensive fabrics if you are a novice at sewing. You need to learn on very inexpensive fabrics so you don’t fee bad if you screw up. Think: Clearance Table!
Some things to remember: use very sharp scissors, needles and pins. Get a seam ripper. Measure accurately. Be sure you find the straight grain of the fabric, or your stuff won’t hang right. Be patient; you don’t have to finish your projects in two days.
I taught myself how to sew. I envisioned a little old lady in a babushka stitching away and told myself “If SHE can sew, you can sew!”
I want to SEW!!! I have a machine, just need material and a simple pattern to start with. I want to work my way up to making period costume.
annieclaus is right. In order to get a decent-quality machine new, you can’t pay a small amount. Better to get one used.
My mom is a lifelong sewer and she says this is one of her pet peeves: “beginner” machines (the cheap ones with few features) often are frustrating because they don’t sew well. Yet it’s beginners who need the reliability and ease of use!