STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

alb · Marc Jacobs

learning to sew/be crafty

laken1 · Hermes

Here are my thoughts, for what it's worth:

I started doing craft stuff this year & my biggest issue is not wanting to do ANYTHING wrong. I stall because I don't want to screw something up & I think I'm getting over it. You have to try stuff & who cares if you ruin some material or yarn or whatever! I have been knitting & it's really not that hard. If I screw up, I pull out the work & start over - my first scarf took me 3 weeks & I pulled it out probably 5 times! But that doesn't ruin the yarn, right?

I feel the same way about sewing - my MIL bought me a sewing machine for my birthday last may & I still haven't learned how to use it, but that is my goal for 2006. We got it for $20 at a yard sale - again with the thought that if I really love it I can buy a better one later - then you aren't wasting a ton of money. Walmart has clearance material all the time for $1 a yard, so you can practice at minimal expense - that's my thought anyway. I can't say how hard that pattern you posted would be, but it can't be that hard right? People not as smart as you can do it (that's what my husband always tells me!

) I found some old sewing books at an estate sale & if I can't figure it out from that I'm going to take a beginners sewing class.

Well, that's my crafty lecture. Several ladies here sew, though, so maybe they can help you more.

-- Edited by laken1 at 09:59, 2005-12-16

honey · Gucci

sewing is really easy to learn. i learned how to sew by hand, and honestly you just have to thread the needle and start. it's that simple. i've found that practice is the best way to master it, and the more you sew the straighter your stiches will be.

that bag looks really cute, and it would be a perfect starter project. sewing without a machine takes longer, but i don't think it's too labor intensive.

if you want to take a class i think most joanne fabrics types of stores offer classes. they'll teach you how to sew on a machine. but i'm not 100% it would be worth your time, if you're not looking into buying a machine. a lot of classes focus on how to use a machine (threading, spooling a bobbin), and specific sewing techniques. if you're just starting out, maybe make the bag first, see if you enjoy sewing and go from there.

finally i would suggest practicing making a bag on throw away material before using the material you want to make the bag out of. sewing is trial by error and if you practice one first, you're more likely to end up with a final product that you would actually want to use.

NCshopper · Hermes

Yup, it's all about trial and error. I'm not a great seamstress by any means, but I've learned just by trying things.

That bag would be a great starting project for you. If you find you like it, then I'd recommend taking a class to get used to using a machine. A pillow is another really good starting place.

Realizing that what you make won't be perfect is critical. I'm always really critical of what I make and want it to come out perfect, which isn't the case all the time. But, as Laken said, it's just fabric (or thread or whatever). You can always rip out the seams and start over.

Speaking of ripping out seams, you'll obviously need a needle and thread to start, but also getting a good pair of scissors and a seam ripper will also help out immensely.

And as your daughter grows up, I'd recommend taking crafting classes with her. My mom and I alway did needlepoint, or sewing, or we'd take a toll-painting class and it was so much fun. I also had those American Girl dolls and we'd always make new clothes for them. It's a really good way to get to bond with your daughter and spend quality time with her.

hotcocoa · Kate Spade

oooh, that bag is very cute! i think i want to make one too.

here's my advice about getting started on your crafty endeavors. take it ONE project at a time. i used to be the queen of starting all sorts of projects and leaving them unfinished. (very unsatisfying) if you want to learn to sew, focus your attention on sewing. not sewing AND knitting AND painting. take a simple beginner's class that will teach you the basics of how to use a machine, how to read a pattern etc. and see if you like it before you dive into buying a machine. if you do like it and think you want to take it up, then look into buying a machine. in my experience, there aren't that many projects (including that cute bag) that you'd be able to sew by hand.

alb · Marc Jacobs

Thanks everyone! This advice was very helpful. I think I might start by taking a beginner's sewing class and if I like it I'll get a used machine maybe and start with that cute pattern. I also need to brush up on my knitting skills though so maybe I'll do that first. I definitely want to follow Hotcocoa's advice and do things one at a time. That makes a lot of sense for me because my time is really limited already and if I take on too much I can see myself getting overwhelmed and not finishing anything. I also think that knitting and sewing are kind of hand and hand though, and that there are a lot of knitting projects I can't do unless I know how to sew right? Like making a baby cap--don't you have to know how to sew to do that? Anyway, thanks again everyone, and more thoughts are still welcome!

ETA--Hotcocoa if you make that bag let me know how it goes! It's so cute!

-- Edited by alb at 11:38, 2005-12-16

lill · Nine West

I tried sewing a few months ago and I loved the idea of it but it just didn't click with me but my friend that I started with totally got the hang of it is amazing and started her own business with it doing awesome baby stuff anyone it totally depends on the person, I personallly was not patient enough! But we took a class at JoAnns fabric and it was great

Cortney1982 · Chanel

Using a sewing machine is easy. I would suggest getting a simple one. You can get them for under $100. Hand stitching is a pain and a waste of time, plus the stitches aren't as nice. Getting cheap fabric to practice your bag on is a good idea, so second time around you'll know what your doing. Plus you need to get fabric sissors, any other sissors does not cut fabric good, and a seam ripper for mistakes. I don't have a table for my machine in my office, so I just pull it out of the closet when I need to use it.

And you can be crafty too. I get lots of cute ideas from my craft books. I get them from crafterschoice.com. It's a membership thing and you get a good deal when you first sign up.

alb · Marc Jacobs

That sounds great, thanks Cortney. I can't wait to check out that site. Also, where can I get a sweing machine for under $100? Thanks also Lill for your input.

Cortney1982 · Chanel

You can get a sewing machine under $100 at Wal-Mart and Sears.

From Wal-Mart:

Singer sewing machine $89.98

Description:

Make your fashion and craft ideas into a reality with this basic sewing machine. The Singer 1120 is an economical choice and especially good for beginners. With over 40 stitch functions and 23 built-in stitches, it also features a front-load bobbinn for extra ease.

Sears:

Kenmore Mini Ultra 3/4 Size Sewing Machine $94.98

Description:

Take advantage of the full-size capabilities in this smaller, compact machine. Includes dust cover, 2 plastic bobbins, buttonhole opener, needle set, spool pin felt, buttonhole foot, darning plate. Pearlized finish.

In pink too!

And if you really wan't to get a low price option to practice with...

Barbie Lightweight/Portable Straight-Stitch Sewing Machine with AC/DC Adapter $19.88

(not that cheap, just a good sale since it was $39.99)

Description:

Introduce your child to the joy of sewing! Pre-threaded & ready to use. Great for parents & kids to use for craft projects. Electronic speed control, free-arm sewing capability, drop-in bobbin system.

-- Edited by Cortney1982 at 13:26, 2005-12-17

alb · Marc Jacobs

TYSM Cortney! I might actually get the barbie one! I like that it's small and won't take up much space (and that it's cheap).