What are your tips for the beginner sewer?

Question

I have a new sewing machine (singer) that I bought for myself last week as a Christmas present. I have pretty fabric in different colors and patterns. I know how to thread the bobbin and the needle. I also have two mannequins (pretty close to my size! I couldn't get them any closer to my size if I tried!).

What are your tips for me? What are some helpful sewing websites that you know about?

Answer 1

My best recommendation is to go to the fabric store, and pick up a couple of patterns that will be easy to make. Most often, Simplicity brand has the easiest instructions.

You might start by making yourself a new Christmas stocking. Or make an apron as a gift for your mother. These are both fairly easy projects that will give you a good feel for the machine, as well as learning the basics of cutting patterns and stitching things together.

From there, get a pattern for something you'd like to see on yourself. I highly recommend that you actually open the pattern envelope before you make the purchase, and read through all of the instructions, just to be sure you're clear on what the project will entail. Most of the time, the fabric store employees are sewers, so they're good resources if you don't understand part of the instructions.

After you've done a couple of projects, and have some experience and self-confidence in your back pocket, try making something with the mannequins. You'll want to start this project with muslin...it's an inexpensive fabric that you can cut to the mannequin's shape, and then use as a pattern to cut the more expensive fabric that you'll use for the final piece. Pin the muslin to the mannequin while you're still cutting and fitting, and to itself where you'd have seams. Once you have all the muslin pieces ready, transfer these to the good fabric and cut it to shape...then sew!

Best of luck...FYI, I'm hoping for a new sewing machine for Christmas as well this year. I can't wait to get started on a new project (although I'm not sure what it will be!).