Learn To Sew Notes From Class

These are NOTES from sewing class.
Section One
Learning to sew is a slow process and we are always learning. Here are some suggestions for you1. Ask us in the group and we will be happy to tell you what we do about it. 2. If you have access to a library, see how many books they have that you can check out.3. Also the half price book store usually has quite a few on quilting and sewing. 4. The first time you make any pattern is the hardest. Because if you have to "work it out". Reading patterns can seem like a task. Take your time and read the instructions from beginning to end and sorta imagine in your head how to do what they are describing. If you get stuck, type the instruction here and we will tell you what we think. Then read each instruction one step at a time and geplete it. Once you have made something from beginning to end, you will have an understanding of how you put that together. My advice, if you like it at all, make it 5 times. If you do not like it at all, find one that you do like and make it 5 times. For instance, I made 120 Rockabilly Rebel parade suits for little girls size 2T to 6X. The first one I made, I was working out the pattern, by the third one I was beginning to find a couple of short cuts, by the 5th one I was putting my own spin on it and by the 120th one, I could do it blindfolded. LOL well not really, almost. But my point is, if you want to learn how to do things doing the same thing over and over again gives you a chance to gepletely understand what you are doing and begin to adopt your own style.5. Be fearless, do not be afraid for something to not work out. I tell everyone I have three piles. A. Success B. The Ugly Pile C. Trash. If it kinda works but I do not like it, it goes in the ugly pile and I save it for later. Sometimes my kids go through the ugly pile and tell me something is good and I should finish it. 6. Realize that NOTHING is perfect. I think that was the hardest for me. I thought everything had to be exactly as they said in the pattern. Well some things might and some things might not. Once you have gepleted the 5th one of something you know which parts have to be perfect and which ones do not.7. They have classes at quilt shops. In my humble opinion those are some of the best teachers in the world. And the classes are not expensive. Take a beginners class. I can tell you that I was sewing for 30 years before I learned to quilt. Quilting taught me a whole new dimension to my sewing. 8. There are study guides on the internet and on okay. You can do searches for them.9. I find that many people who work in your sewing centers know how to sew and are helpful. And they know how to operate the machines too. It is important to have a machine that behaves. I sew by hand and by machine. But I had a Sears Kenmore one time that I had to fight all the time, it drove me nuts. Then I got a Singer made for Home Ec teachers $156 special and it had zig zag. It was fabulous. So make sure you know how to operate your machine and if it is fighting you, in my opinion, the frustation is not worth it. 10. There are tools you will need in sewing. Like a seam ripper. Get two. And make sure they are convenient, you do not want to have to walk across the room because if you are like me, you will use this tool a lot.11. Good thread is important too. And a properly wound bobbin. So if you have troubles with the machine, ask us and we will help you the best we can. 12. Fabric plays an important role in what you are sewing. My advice is to stay with cotton until you are gefortable sewing and feel confident to move to another fabric. No chiffons or slick or heavy ravelie fabrics for a while. No checks, stripes or one way patterns in the beginning. Cottons are easy to handle, there may be other fabrics by cotton and cotton blends including denim are my favs. This is advanced and if it confuses you, please save it for later and forgive me for saying it now ~~