Got a present last night! - Now what?
amynicole21 wrote: My bday is next week, and my Mom and Sis got me a sewing machine! I've always wanted one, and this one is AWESOME!  Thing is, I have no idea how to sew  I don't even know where to get started. Guess I'll make a trip to the craft store and see if I can find some ideas? I don't know what to try first!
Anybody else sew?
Kirstenmumof3 replied:  I bought myself a sewing machine years ago and the only thing I find useful about it is that everyone seems to want to borrow it! I don't know how to sew either! Some colleges and community centres offer classes that teach you how to use your machine! Good Luck!
Heather replied: OOHHHH sewing machines!!! I have 2 LOL! You can find very easy patterns that will walk you through it! I taught myself. I bought a book made by Simplicity that explains sewing terms and stuff like that! Have fun...I went crazy this summer and made a whole wardrobe for Alison. I am even making her Halloween costume. ANd I am making a bunting for my cousins baby due in October. THe biggest trick, is finding the time. It is hard with a little one...Ali hates when I sew and is constantly clinging to me when I do...so I do it mostly at night.
Let me know if you have any questions, I am not a professional but I have some experience!!
Heather replied: Oh yeh! Like CJ's MOM said...there are many places that offer classes as well. I believe JoAnns fabrics and AC Moore. You might want to check out their website..they might have course offerings. I am not sure if The Rag Shop does.
mckayleesmom replied: Some craft stores will teach you and sometimes have little classes. I wish I had a sewing machine. Also I would love to learn how to knit.
Kaitlin'smom replied: Thats what I am hoping for for christmas! I have sewed before and would love to get back into it. I dont knwo a lot but I can do basics. I also love to knitt and croshay (sp?). DO counted crossstich...just dont have time anymore!  A cople years ago I made everone in my families scarfs for christmas, some like them and some were unsure until I told them I made them they they were ok with them. I have seen someof them wear them in the winter, that always makes me smile 
Have fun with it!
5littleladies replied: I love sewing!! I just got done making a duvet for my comforter and it looks great. Just look for patterns marked easy to start with and take your time-You'll be zipping away in no time!! 
Hillbilly Housewife replied: Me? Sewing? HA!
That's a joke......
Naw, I can sew (simple very simple stuff, like a straight line simple....) but I don't own a sewing machine. I can borrow one from my g-ma, if th emood hits...but so far, I've been pretty lucky with it avoiding me......
Schnoogly replied: I love sewing! I just got a new machine a couple of weeks ago. I just made my bridesmaids dress, lots of clothes for Iain, all in one diapers, and I'm going to make a baby sling for a friend who is expecting.
Classes are good---but I suggest going to the fabric store, buying material on clearance so you don't mind if you mess it up, and many fabric stores have sales on patterns (99 cents as opposed to 8.95!) and just go for it!
The easy quik sew or simplicity patterns are good. I'd also just get some remnants and practice making straight seams with different stitches, testing out your machine so you're familiar with it.
I got a tigger costume pattern for Halloween--so cute!
Just practice and it will get easier. Making things with straight seams, like a quilt or a comforter cover, is a good way to start too. Or an a-line skirt with elastic waist--that's pretty easy.
Easy fabrics are corduroy, woven cotton, etc. Try to avoid anything slippery like rayon or silk when you're starting out. Also knits tend to stretch so take a little practice too. Little baby pants with elastic waist are soooo easy too! I just made 2 pairs of navy corduroy pants for Iain for fall.
Also, get some quality scissors like fiskars (a MUST for cutting out fabric--never use them for anything else!) a bunch of pins, a cardboard cutting board that folds out (all these are sold at fabric stores) and of course some black and white thread to start. You will want to get thread to match whatever fabric you get too. There aren't any other notions you need right away. Elastic for waistbands is good.
Good luck & have fun!!
DansMom replied:
I don't sew, but my birthday is next week. August 21---I just checked the calendar, and we have the same day!
I was born at 8:56 am. How about you? 
amynicole21 replied:
Hey! Imagine that I was born at 11:30pm, and I'll be 28
supermom replied: Yep, the simpler the better to start with - those Easy Sew (or is it Sew Easy?) patterns that they have are easiest to start with. Steer clear of buttonholes and zippers until you get the hang of sewing with your machine. And like Steph said, get the cheap material and just go for it.......
I used to sew all the time, and I still sew some, but not near as much as I'd like to.....have fun....
Practice by making some pillows, etc,
HTH
MomToJade&Jordan replied: That is a great present. I have been thinking about getting a sewing machine myself. I don't know how to sew, but like the others suggested there are places that offer classes. I would love to be able to make clothes for Jade and myself. That would be really cool. 
Guest replied:
Ahh, to be 28 again.... I'll be 39. 
DansMom replied:
oops! I hate it when I forget to log in. That old lady was me, obviously.
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