You know, I made the ones I did by hand. I know that sounds crazy, but, I take them to work with me and sew them when I am not busy. I just mark a straight line with a pen and ruler , so that my seams are straight. I could have sewed them at home, but, then I would have been done in one day. This way, it keeps me busy for a week! LOL If you want to sew with a machine I am sure there are some great books out there. I have been sewing for so long it just comes natural, I wouldn't know how to begin to explain it.

GREAT QUESTION!

I'm pushing 50 yrs. old. When I was in Jr. High Home Ec. was REQUIRED (no boys allowed). I begged and begged to be allowed to take Woodshop... but NO! "boys take Woodshop, girls take Home Ec.". REALLY.

Mum always sewed. Braided rugs (dyed her own wool, too), stripped furniture, PAINTED furniture. So, I grew up in home where learning HOW to do things was part and parcel of daily life.

I've been sewing professionally for over 30 yrs. now (shocks me, too). I've taught countless people to sew over the years. My advice? start with a BASIC, "beginner" class; see if there are Adult. Ed. classes in your area. This is the cheapest way to get your feet wet WITHOUT having to buy a sewing machine from a high pressure shop (and they're all "high pressure"!).

I am not mechanic (don't play one on TV), but frankly, I know considerably more about how sewing machines work than fully 1/2 the donkeys in sew 'n' vac shops. What you should buy for a stalwart, "first" machine is one of the oldies. I'd do my shopping at a yardsale, personally. Look for the machine that is "complete". YOu'll know it when you see it... it will be old, maybe from the late '50s-early '60s and there will be a box with all sorts of attachments inside, and there will be an OWNER'S MANUAL. It will probably be about $25-50. And it will be well worth the money.

If you have the owner's manual you will be able to learn the proper names for the parts of the machine. You will know where to put the oil. You will be able to figure out the dreaded TENSION adjusments (IF you make the time and refuse to be frustrated).

Sewing is a total blast. But nowadays newbies expect to crank out designer quality work without suffering the "learning curve". NOT gonna happen. It's taken me all of my 30 yrs. in the trenches to get where I am today. Like any "trade" you learn by doing and MAKING mistakes.

Take a basic class... build from there. You have to learn to walk before you can run, and soar.

Check at your local sewing machine and/or fabric stores. Many offer beginner classes and will have loaner machines you can use. I also see classes at Hancocks, Hobby Lobby and our local community college.

I took my first class 20 years ago and love to sew! I still hunt for classes because I love to learn new techniques. It is such a great hobby.

Make sure there is no "clause" that requires you purchase the machine they "loan" you.

Sheeshareem

Also, there may still be some fabric shops around were you live that may offer classes.

Chelone you just reminded me about sewing in school. I'm in my 50's also and remember it well along with cooking classes. Loved the gingham apron we had to make for our first project with rick rack. Used to make my own clothes in HS since we did not have money.

I still can jump on a sewing machine and have made roman shades.

I'm self taught. I never had home-ec in school which I think was a blessing because I saw what my friends went through. Instead I have read tons of books on the subject from simple sewing to couture techniques. I also started to sew on an antique foot pedal sewing machine that had been electrified with very basic stitches - I had to sew, I had no money and needed professional clothes to wear when I was pregnant. I then sewed my children's clothes and now evening dresses and maybe one day bridal gowns for my 2 girls?!?!? If I can do it on that antique, anyone can sew some basic home decor items.

I did take a class once after I'd been sewing for awhile and I think I got more out of it because I was able to ask questions to polish my sewing. The class I took was an adult evening course at a high school and the teacher was wonderful and patient. People in the class ranged from complete beginners to slightly more advanced. I hope you can find this type of class because it runs for a couple of weeks, it's reasonably priced, no one is selling you anything and you learn from both the teacher and the other students.

And I agree with Chelone's advice - find a good used machine to start. Maybe someone in your family has one they can loan you? I would also recommend buying one good basic sewing book to have as a reference. I had one by Vogue pattern company and I remember McCall's had one too. You can probably buy one cheap second hand. Maybe other's can suggest currently available books that are handy.

Sky

Sharee, sewing is fun, rewarding and can save a lot of money. I have been sewing since I was a kid and many years ago sewed a whole lot more than I used to. I even sewed suits for my husband. I took one of those adult-ed classes at a local high school. My machine is now 35 years old and still goes! It doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the new ones, but like Chelone said - you just need the basics, so do be careful you don't get sucked into a mega-bucks machine. It just needs to go forward, reverse and zig-zag to begin with.
Another thought - look for people in your area who may teach in their homes. I take knitting classes from a gal who does them in her home once a week. Because it is during the day and I work FT, I do not go consistently, but it's just a pay when you go. She is not out to sell me anything, I buy the yarns wherever, bring them in and she helps me. On any given day, there are from two to six people there. It works so well for me. This gal is older and I think she does it mainly for the fun of it. She also teaches at Michael's but then I would be stuck into the schedule. I am starting to make roman shades for my bedroom and a bathroom and drapes for the bedroom. I can probably do the whole project for about $150. I am sure it would be way over $1,500 or more to have it done.
You can make a valence with a half a yard of fabric - probably for less than $5. Good luck!!!

Sky., I'm constantly on the prowl for sewing books, vintage patterns, sewing machines... . I'm shamelessly greedy when it comes to my passion... sewing!

Two of my favorites:
"Vogue Sewing" (c. 1982, Butteric, Fasion Marketing co.)
"Sewing Made Easy", Dorothy Sara (c. 1969 Nelson Doubleday, Inc.)

I find the BEST resources prowling yardsales, flea-markets. I don't waste my time with E-bay. Cash is king, you guys!

Chelone, the best books I've read have been about couture sewing - all those hand sewing details that makes a true couture outfit. I borrowed them from my local library so I don't remember the titles or authors - I was amazed by the techniques - truly very different from home or commercial sewing. Made me appreciate why couture clothes are so expensive - mostly hand sewn details - not machine sewn and the perfection required in the stitching.

Sky

My local quilt shop offers classes in sewing for beginnings, and not just making quilts. So that's another source to consider. They can help you quickly and correctly learn how to sew with zippers and welting. I didn't know about that when I started sewing. I went to Joanns fabric store and bought a couple patterns to make napkins, placemats, small appliance covers, simple pillows etc. But you can also buy home dec sewing books that show you how to make a plethera of different things for your home. I like The Ultimate Sewing Book by Maggi McCormick Gordon. Lot of pictures! Another book I have is Home Decor Sewing 101.
You'll also want to pick up some supplies like an Olfa rotary cutter, large self-healing mat, and 24" quilter's ruler. I rarely use scissors to cut fabric, the rotary cutters are much faster. Another good way to learn to sew is to take a beginning quilting class!

Sky., I worked with an Algerian tailor (a Muslin! yikes!! :)) and he was so generous with his knowledge. He showed me how to hem quickly and efficiently by hand. He showed me how to do things quickly, efficiently, and ACCURATELY. I have thought of him in all the years hence (25+) whenever Ramadan occurs. I wonder if he remembers the skinny white girl who used her French to bridge the language gap?

I know those techiques, and many more and you're right... the details required in "couture" construction allow "light" into the most basic techniques.

Ooooh I so remember sitting in Home Ec and learning to sew. I remember the first thing I made, this little short *romper* (jumpsuit type thing) that I made too big. LOL Took it home and my mom (sews great!) helped me to make it over to fit just perfect. My mom and my grandmother sewed beautifully. In fact, one year my mom sewed Gunne Sax dresses for both my sister and I. Detailed with ribbons, lace and tiny buttons. I still have that dress put away in my blanket chest.

Sorry, I got carried away! LOL My point is that my mom and grandmother taught me a good bit about sewing. I love the sewing books too and you are so right about couture sewing. I wish more of the beautiful techniques were used today. Even things like tatting and embroidery. I find the old linens so beautiful with all the hand work. I know in today's world, most women don't have time for that. It's a lost art. You don't know how many of my friends cannot hem and barely sew on a button!

Chelone - my first sewing machine of my own was an old Singer of my grandmother's. ALL METAL PARTS. I loved and used that machine for years until it just would not work any longer. I didn't want any of the *new fangled* machines with the dozens of buttons and electronic this and that. I still have a very plain model Singer, that sadly has more plastic parts that I'd like, but it has (so far!) been a good machine.

I have some good childhood memories revolving around sewing.

tina

And WHY, Tina did it, "just not work any longer"?! LOL. Were you missing the owner's manual? did you fail to read it and follow the oiling recommendations?! I'll stop now.

BUT!those are the very machines you newbies should be using! For a beginner sewer, you don't need reverse! you don't need zig-zag. What you NEED is to learn how to stitch a seam accurately, within the stated alowance, "backtrack", and PRESS correctly. All the rest is "bells and whistles". REALLY. (Jerk water sew 'n' vac shops will try to tell you this isn't so!).

I learned to sew on a White Rotary, c. 1900. No reverse, no zig-zag. But a full assortment of attachments! and A COMPLETE, COMPREHENSIVE OWNER'S MANUAL!!! and, yes! I did read it, I did follow the directions and I DID use all the attachments over the years. NO kidding. (I LOL at the price of the attachments for the new machines... yard sale price? at least 1/4!)

I can render a handworked button hole with my eyes closed. So, the whole "buttonhole" thing" is of no consequence to me. You learn the BASICS and you build your skill level from there. The machinery is the least portion of the requirement. Your understanding of interfacing, interlining and how to marry both to the finished product is what defines skill.

If you can't find a machine at a garage sale, etc., E Bay has a large number available usually. I have known a number of people who purchase antique and older machines from there.

And the hand-worked buttonholes look so much nicer. I can't do them but my aunt makes gorgeous ones. I don't enjoy sewing clothing, just the occasional items for the house.

The sewing machine just finally gave up Chelone. Very old, had been used and used and then some by my grandmother before I got it. And yes, I had the manual and I knew how and when to oil it, clean it, etc. Even took it occasionally for the complete cleaning - we had a long-trusted sewing machine mechanic who really knew what he was doing. Hard to find anymore!

The machine had to have a couple of pricey repairs and needed another one (I can't remember what, had to do with the gears I think, it's been several years). But, again, with the amount of sewing I do (not much), my newer machine is fine. I'm not a yard-seller, but I should look for one of those machines, I could probably find one with less wear and tear. Mine had been well used and well loved for too long LOL.

tina

Sewing machines are amazingly well engineered. In my own experience the only thing that renders them inoperable is lack of oil and attention to administering it regularly. (sorry, Tina).

I've "greased up" several "junkers", let them "set" and had them respond reliably to the turn of the fly-wheel. Any time a machine "seizes" I KNOW it's for lack of maintenance. You have actually READ the manual and follow the directions.I

I know and understand sewing machines. I regularly "time" and adjust my machinery. I have a great working relationship with my local mechanic. I'm usually able to "fix" my machinery with some over the 'phone guidance. You will have to "trust me on this" .

Sheesharee good for you for wanting to sew. I think it's so much fun that I took over a walk in closet with a window just to have a sewing room. I also took classes in home ec decades ago, and most of it came back to me when I started sewing again. My current machine came with a video that really walked you through the everything, along with a good book. I know that at Jo-ann's they have a sewing machine department where they will show you how to use the machine if you buy one there.

Start with simple projects and work your way up.

My 12 year old son is in home ec for the second year along with his buddies. These kids today are not stupid - It's an easy A, the teacher is wonderful, and they are surrounded by beautiful little 12 year old girls. They are about to start up a new sewing project next month - pajama pants and a pillow.

The best part about it is that the sky's the limit for fabric choices for any project you want to tackle.

Have fun!

Hi, great thread! I'm back to sewing & back as a beginner since it's been so many years. I've used easy patterns to sew home decorating items -- bed skirts, pillow shams, etc.

I bought a used Pfaff 7570 on ebay, it's a great machine, I like the "walking foot" & there's room to grown with the embroidery module (hope to get to use that soon!). I've also purchased many wonderful home decorating fabrics on ebay, way more then I can keep up with LOL.

I made my first pair of rod pocket drapery panels and now am about to attempt custom top treatment. I got a couple of books from the library on how to make cornices. My dad milled the boards, now I need to mount them and measure and create the top treatment. Am a bit nervous because this is the first time I've made something without a pattern!

Michelle

Wow..thanks for all the input!

I think you all should come to PA and teach me how to sew! i'm more of a hands on person.

I do have a Jo-ann's near me so i think i'll check that outAlso going to root around in those books that were recommended. My grandma has a sewing machine ...i know she doesn't really use it anymore but pretty sure she knows how. Going to talk to her about it during lunch tomorrow.

Ya know i took up painting (donna dewberry style) months back. don't do it as much anymore...hopefully this is different! :)

Chiming in here, GREAT THREAD!

I too started in Home Ec class, but my mom and Stretch n Sew have worked to undo some of my worst habits picked up in those classes.

Personally, I've gotten some good new techniques from two places...Stretch 'n Sew, and Sewing with nancy.

My sewing machne is 17, almost 18, years old. But I learned on a 1950s Montgomery Wards machine that my SIL now has. It had the cams and everything for fancy sewing, but all I usually used was straight sewing and zigzag occasionally.

DonnaR/CA

Gosh this is taking me waaaay back. I learned to sew on my mother's treadle sewing machine, and I remember when she got an electric one. Mom was an excellent seamstress and she taught me well.

I had a Viking Huskvarna for decades and loved it. It finally died. Before that I had a Pfaff that was a piece of junk (not to say all of that brand are, but mine was). I bought a cheapie new one recently because Chelone is right you don't need all those bells and whistles. But... the new machine is flimsy and I've had nothing but trouble with it. I miss my old one. I wish I'd thought of going to garage sales for a replacement! I may yet do that.

I love this thread! I too learned to sew in jr. high home ec. My first project was a zipper bag, then a blouse with set in sleeves! Luckily my mom was a great seamstress (a former home ec. turned 1st grade teacher), and she helped me through my frustration. I never became as accomplished as her. She made all of my dresses when I was little. I did used to sew and smock when my children were young, and I can certainly enjoyed it. I sure wish I had that old Singer in the cabinet of my mom's. The newer plastic one I have is junk!

I wish I had my first sewing machine back (a great old Singer) to give you! I never had classes; taught myself after 7th grade. There are many classes available out there if you think you can benefit from one. Get a machine, any old reliable one, and get going! When you think you can benefit from a move-up machine, go for it. But you really only need a reliable straight stitcher and some need to "create." Don't be intimidated, most of us that sew do so because we love to sew; we love fabric/textiles and we love to create something unique. Stay in touch; we want to know how you're doing.

So i now have in my possession a sewing machine. here tis.

{{!gwi}}

my grandma gave it to me for now. she said she has two old ones in the basement but that she didn't think they worked or were probably rusty. this one seems mostly plastic. She didn't really show me much with it. Said the only time she really used it was on the occasion to hem up my Pap's pants. Sooo... I'm thankful they found the manual! i could see where one could get frustrated very quick. I guess this weekend i'll practice sewing lines and untangling thread. :)

found out my one coworker knows how to use one. she did some curtains for her baby's room. Pretty sure my DH's grandma know how and enjoys doing it. May make a trip over there at some point.

That's all for now. i'll keep everyone posted on my progress.

sheesharee - congratulations and welcome to the whole wide world of sewing.

sky

Oooh Congrats on the new machine! I hope you enjoy sewing.

No apologies needed Chelone, the machine was well maintained, but also well loved and well used. I came to the point when I did not want to put $$$ into such an old machine.

I actually have an old tredle sewing machine that belonged to my great-great aunt! It sadly sat too long and I don't know if it would work or not, I really haven't had any inclination to use it LOL, but it has a beautiful wooden case. A nice piece to display.

tina

http://www.patemeadows.com/

this is the type of stuff i'm interested in making. and yes i know i need to learn the basics first but which of these would probably be the easiest?
my favs are honestly the catherine,morrison,haley,pull up..

I'm enjoying your stories. Thought you'd be happy to know that both urban and rural boys and girls are still learning to sew in 4-H. The kids seem to enjoy it.

I'm a former home ec teacher and we're teaching sewing differently now: more of let's start a simple project vs. the slowly learn and master the basics system that was used in my youth.
Linda, a sewing 4-H leader in Madison, WI