12 replies to this topic

[PrettyPoppy]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this forum and new to this area of craft as well. I've been wanting to make costumes and such for a while and one of the things holding me back is that I can't find somewhere to learn to sew.

Does anyone have any places that they know of??

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Atory]

There was a workshop not that long ago only for the guys to learn how to sew, but I think it was said that if there was enough interest another workshop would be held for the girls or both genders. I think it's a good idea to have a learn to sew workshop every now and then to increase membership.

[Metanoia]

Hi Poppy, Aside from keeping an eye out for workshops (and I'm sure your interest in a beginners sewing for the girls will be noted down), you could try your local TAFE or WEA courses too. Also spotlight run a few short workshops every now and then.

Do you have a sewing machine? If you do, why not give it a go with something nice and easy. You could even make some dark ages medieval clothes for the up coming medieval fair. They are all straight lines to sew, natural materials (so its a nice easy place to start) and there are a few of us here that can help you with period patterns. Even sewing them by hand if you don't have a sewing machine wouldn't take you too long

What are you interested in sewing??

[PrettyPoppy]

Hi Poppy, Aside from keeping an eye out for workshops (and I'm sure your interest in a beginners sewing for the girls will be noted down), you could try your local TAFE or WEA courses too. Also spotlight run a few short workshops every now and then.

Do you have a sewing machine? If you do, why not give it a go with something nice and easy. You could even make some dark ages medieval clothes for the up coming medieval fair. They are all straight lines to sew, natural materials (so its a nice easy place to start) and there are a few of us here that can help you with period patterns. Even sewing them by hand if you don't have a sewing machine wouldn't take you too long

What are you interested in sewing??

Hi Metanoia,

I don't have a sewing machine. I haven't worked with fabrics before so I wanted to try before I buy so to speak. Ultimately I want to make corsets, vintage lingerie, bustles and dresses of a wide range of era's. Obviously to start off with I will need to do somethin simpler. Maybe a pessant top or something like that?

[PrettyPoppy]

There was a workshop not that long ago only for the guys to learn how to sew, but I think it was said that if there was enough interest another workshop would be held for the girls or both genders. I think it's a good idea to have a learn to sew workshop every now and then to increase membership.

Thanks I'll keep my eye open to see if there is one for girls any time soon.

[LadySilverSpider]

If El Presidente get's around to reading this she should be able to help you out too. The biggest thing to do is just have a go no matter how scary it looks and find something you want to make - we all had to start somewhere. Seven or so years ago I had never sewn anything at all and now I am getting enthused about designing things and making patterns on my own.

None of us here are about to laugh at you, if anything I reckon most of us would encourage your efforts, we love seeing people have a go and bloom into costume creating monsters!

Oh yeah did I mention - you don't have to have a sewing machine to sew things - for hundreds of years before the invention of the sewing machine people were..handsewing and I still like it (as long as I have a good book on tape to listen to) so don't think you have to wait for a sewing machine either. I've hand sewn two corsets, a victorian outfit and I am handsewing some victorian underwear as well.

Metanoia is right about starting with easy medieval tunics from the 12th century - that's where I started however what would you like to start with?

[believe]

Hi,
I think you can rent sewing machines, and I know spotlight has basic learning to sew classes which you need to bring your own machine to. Hope that helps and goodluck.

p.s many people who are the best sewers, never had a lesson in there life, its all trial and error. Practise practise practise, and a good sewing technique book can also help.

[morgan-aleghieri]

Believe has a good point - I don't claim to be a great seamstress in any sense of the word, but I'm a doll maker who's always had a busted sewing machine, and I've just been working my way along handsewing since I was nary but a anklebiter. Never had any sort of formal sewing lessons.

Only recently did I realise that my handsewing actually was very much improved from the great long stitches I used to make constructing sock dolls when someone made remark on it.

So I'd say, for handsewing - maybe find a book (reader's digest sewing guide is pretty great - thanks Cat!) that can show you a number of different stitches that you can try and just practice your little heart out. The reader's digest guide thingy has different stitches, an A-Z of fabrics, different seamstressing terminologies etc...

Edited by morgan-aleghieri, 20 March 2007 - 03:03 PM.

[Metanoia]

Actually I have one of those readers digest books too. And I am always flicking through my sewing machine manual. I would be lost without that. I've never had any formal lessons either. I just got stuck in and learn as I go. I only started really sewing 3 years ago

[Last_Chael]

I wish I had my sewing machine manual! It was originally my mum's machine and it probably older than I, so mum has no idea where it is I was wanting to do blind hems, but have no idea how to use the foot!

[El Presidente]

Yes I hear you Pretty Poppy I'll look into doing a 'Basic Sewing' class for girls too. But probably not until after the Medieval Fair....

Sewing your first garment is always the most intimidating, but it doesn't take long to get the hang of it and like all skills, the more you do it, the better you get

LC: if you're looking for an old sewing machine manual, check out this website http://www.sewingmanuals.com/ (but if you'd asked when I was up there I could have shown you )

[Last_Chael]

Thanks Lynne I shall check it out! See now that would have been clever, of coruse, I didn't know Iwould need to do it until now!

[El Presidente]

I was wanting to do blind hems, but have no idea how to use the foot!

Does this help? http://sewmuch4retirement.com/tips/blindhem.html