The Sew Weekly Sewing Circle

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I guess I forgot something folks should keep in mind about me:

I have more adventure than I do knowledge or skill!  LOL  But the flip side to this is "I don't make mistakes ... I create *learning opportunities* for myself."

 

Yes, that is actually my personal motto, paraphrased from my only sewing lesson.  My sewing mentor took a look at my first (unwearable) attempt, then at my second attempt I was actually wearing ... and told me I didn't need lessons.  I just needed to go make mistakes since it appeared I learned more from my mistakes than she would be able to think of to tell me.

 

Getting explicit permission to "Go make mistakes now!" was unbelievably liberating.  The other half of her sewing "lesson" was to instruct me to buy fabric cheap enough that I wouldn't be afraid to make mistakes on it.  So, guess who has a sizable stash of cheap fabrics?  LOL

Well, that would be you and me both with the sizable stash of cheap fabrics. Liberating definitely to have a red hot go at something and not be stressed if it doesn't go to plan. Best advice you could have received.

The final piece of advice to go with this would be what my Mum said about my first garments 'Just keep moving and nobody will notice!'  :))

My Gran would have said 'A blind man on a galloping horse would be pleased to see it.'

(I still say this about my garment sewing, but DH gets cross with me saying I am better than that now.)

 

PS When you start on your coats or want to try some technical tailoring give me a shout, I've worked in tailors shops and made a couple of men's jackets and will be able to give you some pointers & advice.

Hi, I'm Amy.  I've been teaching myself to sew for about 2 years now and love it when I have the time.  I'm a stay-at-home mom to 3 kids, 2 cats and a puppy.
The same amount of time I have been sewing also.  Fun, sometimes frustrating (pattern alterations for fit, anyone? LOL) and definitely a challenge.
Hi!  My name is Elizabeth and I discovered Sew Weekly just recently.  I love seeing all of the creations!  I live in the suburbs of Houston, and I'm a stay at home mom with two young children, a freshly turned six-year-old and an almost four-year-old. I bought my first sewing machine for my first mother's day, which I guess was five years ago now, but I first began sewing as a child when I would hand sew clothes for my Barbies.  I used to do a lot of sewing for my little girl, but as she's gotten older she's gotten very particular about what she wears so I've started doing more sewing for myself.  I think I'm finally starting to figure out how to fit myself, which makes it all the more rewarding!
Hi Elizabeth - Welcome. It is always exciting when you see how your skills are progressing and you get a better fit. I'm willing to bet that in a couple of years or so, your daughter will be starting to ask Mum to make her clothes again (and then you'll never have any time to make something for yourself). Cheers.

Hi! My name is Claire and I started sewing when I became sick and tired of hunting for vintage dresses that actually fit me and that were less than $300! I had no background in sewing when I started my sewing journey! I have pretty much taught myself how to sew using other people's sewing blogs and youtube. This is my blog Kitten's Closet I always need advice and love snip-its of wisdom.

 

Happy Sewing!

Howdy - I started to learn to sew when I couldn't afford the price of Ren Faire garb ... almost 2 years ago.  Since you are already blogging - don't forget to blog about your mistakes.  Not only will you get advice in the comments, but you'll also have a record of what NOT to do. LOL  (Ask how I know.)

Hello! (This is such a wonderful website and I love all the posts and tips!)

My name is Mary and I am an Illustrator. My grandmother was a gifted seamstress and none of her amazing sewing talent translated over to me. (Regrettably). I decided that this year I will do whatever I can to finally be able to sew my own garments- and have fun with it. I bought a dress form from the 60's, have my grams sewing kit, some fabric, vintage (and not vintage) patterns, and a hand me down machine and LOTS of books and magazines on how to sew. I am slightly overwhelmed, honestly. I made one dress (with assistance) and I think I was over ambitious since it was so hard. I want to practice with some easier projects to get my feet wet. Any and all suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks!

My suggestion: Treat it as a fun hobby.  They aren't "mistakes" they are learning opportunities!  The advice I received when I started out 2 years ago was to buy some fabric cheap enough I wouldn't be afraid to make mistakes on it.  Pick patterns you *want* to make (regardless of difficulty) so you will be determined to finish at least a mockup/test garment in said cheap fabric.  Learning to sew and learning to FIT are two separate things (although closely related), so practicing techniques on nonfitted things might be a good idea to get your feet wet.

 

Oh yeah, big one: Your pattern size is NOT the same as the size you buy at the store.  I'm still trading patterns I bought at the first couple 99c sales that are my store-size (and way too small for me).  LOL

 

It's a skill more than a talent, so it can be learned.  ;)  Welcome to the fun and challenging mental illness known as sewing ... my M.O. is to jump in with both feet, go googling when stuck, and if that doesn't solve it I come crying to the various sewing boards (and my blog).

Hi!  I bet your grandma had lots and lots of experience!  I saw recently that like any other craft, sewing takes lots and lots of regular practice. I know my grandma sewed all of her own clothes, and all of my mother's clothes - even up until my mother was a young adult. It was just a different time.  I would definitely recommend starting off with easy projects, learning what your size is, and learning one technique at a time. Following a pattern is really helpful once you jump into it.  Good luck!

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