Question:
After thinking about it for the past couple of years, I just bought this sewing machine!
Now, what am I gonna do with it? I used to sew quite a bit when I was a teenager (about a hundred years ago). My machine back then was a Kenmore--very basic and not at all like today's machines. So, it will take me a while to get used to all the newfangled stuff. I don't want to make clothes or anything really complicated--just easy projects like pillows, runners, etc.
Are there any really good sites out there where I can find some easy stuff to get going with?
Thanks for any help!
Answer:
I have your first project, and you can even get PAID for it!
Make me some big couch throw cushion covers.
I'll provide or pay for fabric and seamstressing, and
will stuff them myself.
Big honking couch pillows, like 3' x 3' or something.
About 4 or 6 of them...
Couple of Pooh patterns, couple of Labrador retrievers
and I have wife brownie points galore!
Seriously, I am interested in having some made if anyone is
interested.
And I have just the book for you:
the 1940 Simplicity Sewing book. For beginners and experts. 600 pictures. 600 details (drawings) on sewing and dressmaking.
Answer:
Larry, if you don't get a better offer, maybe we can work out a trade.
Answer:
Originally Posted by maison rustique Are there any really good sites out there where I can find some easy stuff to get going with? There are really lots of sites.
A good place to begin is about.com's sewing and quilting sites. (If you can stand the popups and ads) The projects are generally well written and photographed.
Threads magazine and Sew News magazine both have projects on their sites. Also Nancy's Notions has free projects.
That's the first ones I can think of. I know there are many more....
Elaine
Answer:
I had to smile when I read your post thinking back when I got my new (and first) sewing machine. I sat for days and made decorative pillow after decorative pillow, who cared whether they matched my decor? I have never used any of them, so I am entertaining the idea of putting them up on eBay.
Of course now I have no time to sew these days, but I did recently pick up patterns for making dog crate covers. So I just may be breaking out the sewing machine once again. At least this time I will actually use the covers lol.
Have fun!
Answer:
Originally Posted by maison rustique Now, what am I gonna do with it? I used to sew quite a bit when I was a teenager (about a hundred years ago). My machine back then was a Kenmore--very basic and not at all like today's machines. So, it will take me a while to get used to all the newfangled stuff. I don't want to make clothes or anything really complicated--just easy projects like pillows, runners, etc.
Are there any really good sites out there where I can find some easy stuff to get going with?
Thanks for any help! MR,
Did you find what you wanted?
Does the machine have a good manual?
One of the most helpful things (in the long run) that I did when I got my first Bernina was go through the manual and try out everything and make samples that I put in a notebook, marked with the machine settings (stitch width, length, etc.) That way I don't have to reinvent the wheel every time I'm ready to make a buttonhole or decorative stitch, etc.
Have you been to www.patternreview.com? It's one of my favorite sites, as there are reviews of all sorts of sewing equipment, sites, patterns, etc., often with photos of completed (real life) projects.
The main thing to do with your machine at first is to just give yourself time to PLAY with it.
Elaine
Answer:
Elaine, I've bookmarked all the sites you've mentioned. The first night, I spent a little time with the manual (not the greatest manual I've ever seen) and figured out how to thread it and wind a bobbin. Did a straight stich just to make sure it worked. Since then I haven't had any play time at all!
I've promised myself that if I get my chores done early enough today, I can go to the fabric store and buy some "practice" fabric and will spend some "quality time" with my new toy this evening and tomorrow.
Thanks so much for your help in finding those sites!!
P.S. I can't remember if I emailed/PM'd you after Christmas. My sister absolutely LOVED the dress.
Answer:
Originally Posted by maison rustique I've promised myself that if I get my chores done early enough today, I can go to the fabric store and buy some "practice" fabric and will spend some "quality time" with my new toy this evening and tomorrow. Surely you have some old sheets or old clothing or something around there that you could cut up and sew on? Maybe turn the sheets into pillowcases or something?
P.S. I can't remember if I emailed/PM'd you after Christmas. My sister absolutely LOVED the dress. Whoooo hoooo! Glad to hear it!
Answer:
All this chat about sewing is giving me the itch to sew.
I haven't sewn in years, since my work injury.
Oh well maybe mended a few pieces of clothing, but not
any true crafting or sewing.
I would have to move a ton of ebay "goodies"
to even find my machine! And I even have a nice corner
group cabinet that I picked up when I worked at
House of Fabrics that has a place for your serger and
sewing machine. All under a pile of potential ebay items.
I did manage to get to my serger. Funny thing, all the oil
must have drained out from sitting. My instruction booklet
that I had stored inside the pocket of the carrier looks all
"oily and waxy". I can see through the page to the back page.
Same thing happened to my friend. She ended up ordering a
new booklet. (she was disappointed because it was a copy)
Funny note: I had an older Singer serger. Loved it. But it didn't
have all the bell and whistles. So I gave it to my mom and bought
another one (of course now it's considered old too ) and I just don't
like it as well. Isn't that the way it usually is?