Hey, all!

So I've recently bought myself a new sewing machine, a Brother CS6000i. It's pretty much amazing in comparison to my old Necchi I was using...the Necchi was all metal parts, sure, but it just died one day. I decided that rather than spending the money to get it fixed, I'd buy myself one of those fancy new computerized machines. One-step buttonholes? Yes, please!

I'm a bit rusty, but I managed to make a pretty cute machine cover last night, if I do say so myself. I started sewing at age 9 by attending a few sewing "camps" during the summer, and in high school I made my prom dress and winter formal dress. I've been spending a lot of time over on a crafting forum (although I still lurk here quite a bit, posting time to time) and have discovered many new techniques and tips I didn't know before. If I could re-do those formal dresses, I would! Oh well...now I know

Anyway...ramble ramble ramble! Who sews? What do you like making? Any cool tips? I'm most interested in making clothing...I'll have to post some pictures once I get going!

Spaz, sounds like we have similar sewing histories. I started sewing at age 8 and made a lot of clothes in high school including some formals. I worked at a fabric store and it was still cheaper to sew than buy clothes then. Not so much anymore.

I also mourned my 'real' sewing machine when it died but I do love the automatic button holer, lol.

I mostly make home decor, alterations and accessories now.

We just made a cute little tube shrug and matching bad for DD's prom dress but not much clothing anymore. DD is petite and gets frustrated that nothing fits her right so I'm teaching her some easy alterations.

I bought some shower curtains on clearance for a couple bucks each. Stripes to make roman shades for DS's room and some cotton waffle that will be a new bathrobe for me.

I find fabric in odd places sometimes, lol. Napkins are perfect size for sofa pillows, table clothes and shower curtains give lots of wide yardage for cheap if found on clearance.


I always have a few projects in the pipeline...

i don't sew too much anymore - no spot for my sewing machine(s) - but i'm hoping by this time next year i'll have a sewing nook.

i sometimes get an urge i can't resist, though, so i'll do a project by hand.

but yes, absolutely, i rarely buy fabric off a bolt unless i need something specific or just see something i can't resist!

but napkins, thrift-store curtains and flat sheets, dust ruffles

and back when i worked the renfaire, all my "velvet" cloaks were made from thrift store Vellux blankets, lined with some other interesting fabric so that they were reversible (and some of them had a thin nylon or plastic tablecloth layer so in case it rained, i stayed warm and dry!)

oh! if you're interested in making clothing...

if you're going to use storebought patterns, use Freezer Paper!

if you've got a big glass window (like a sliding door?) tape the flimsy uncut pattern sheet to the window, with a piece of freezer paper on top (shiny side down). trace the pattern onto the freezer paper, and cut it out, leaving the pattern intact.

when ready to cut the fabric, use an iron to heat the freezer paper and it'll stick to the fabric (no pins or weights needed!) while you cut.

i used to be able to get at least four uses out of the paper before it stopped sticking so good, sometimes more!

a regular flat surface, like a table, will work just as well, it's just a little harder sometimes to see the details through the paper.




* if you're going to make something complicated, make a "muslin" version first. use cheap fabric (in case you screw up!), like thrift store sheets. if you can find a fabric/pattern that you kinda actually like, then even your test garment can be wearable.


aaaaaaaaaaand sometimes it's worth sacrificing a garment to take it apart so that you can make your own pattern, so that you can recreate the garment in multiples.

morning glory...I wish it was still cheaper to sew than to buy clothes! I love making clothes. It's so fun and rewarding! Napkin pillows...hmm! And I never thought of shower curtains...what a great idea, they always come in fun prints and colors.

Dana...what great tips! You know, I've used freezer paper for making stencils (cut out an image, stick in onto clothing, paint the cut outs, peel off the paper) but I never thought to use it to make pattern utilization easier! Genius!!!!

I am thinking I want to learn to sew. Other than Home-EC in high school I have never been near a sewing machine in my life.

Is there somewhere that offers basic sewing classes? I would like to take one or two to see if I do enjoy it before putting out the money to buy a sewing machine and all that. I also think if I know what I'm actually kinda doing then it will make the whole experience more pleasant. I'm not interested in sewing clothes but accessories like tote bags or home goods like pillows, tableclothes, etc.

i think that would depend on where you live. i live in a smallish town and the only sewing classes i know of (off the top of my head, i mean) involve bringing your own machine.

but, in Atlanta, i know of at least six places that have a classroom setup with machines for students to use.

do you live near a large-ish city? if so, google "CityName" "sewing classes" and you'll probably find some.

i'm so happy that sewing is becoming more popular! i think the whole scrapbooking thing was like a gateway drug to sewing for some people.