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any of you ladies know how to sew? Serious question
4/4/2012 8:56:55 PM
My wife has shown a bit of interest in this as being a hobby for her.
She's timid about it because she doesn't understand it. Our 6 year
anniversary is coming up and I want to get her one at wal mart or
somesuch. I don't want to dump a bunch of money on something she may not
even take to. Besides that, are there some "how to" books kind of like
the ABC's Of Reloading that I could get for her. She's a bookhound as well?
Thanks
Thanks
4/4/2012 9:10:21 PM
I got a $77 machine from Wal-Mart over 10 years ago, still works fine. It's a Singer. It's nothing fancy but does what I need it to do. I have made quilts, pants, dresses, curtains, etc. I have found that YouTube videos are the best way for instruction. I would suggest using patterns that are simple when starting out, and they will list it as such on the package. You can also get some fabric off the clearance rack for $1 a yard, that way you can try out a pattern and see if it works before investing in fabric that is $5+ a yard.
With some practice she'll get it!
With some practice she'll get it!
4/4/2012 9:12:44 PM
Originally Posted By -RJ-:
I got a $77 machine from Wal-Mart over 10 years ago, still works fine. It's a Singer. It's nothing fancy but does what I need it to do. I have made quilts, pants, dresses, curtains, etc. I have found that YouTube videos are the best way for instruction. I would suggest using patterns that are simple when starting out, and they will list it as such on the package. You can also get some fabric off the clearance rack for $1 a yard, that way you can try out a pattern and see if it works before investing in fabric that is $5+ a yard.
With some practice she'll get it!
She's pregnant with #2 and is due in September. We're moving to KY where it's a whole lot colder than GA. I think it would be cool to make a "blanky" for the new lil guy! I got a $77 machine from Wal-Mart over 10 years ago, still works fine. It's a Singer. It's nothing fancy but does what I need it to do. I have made quilts, pants, dresses, curtains, etc. I have found that YouTube videos are the best way for instruction. I would suggest using patterns that are simple when starting out, and they will list it as such on the package. You can also get some fabric off the clearance rack for $1 a yard, that way you can try out a pattern and see if it works before investing in fabric that is $5+ a yard.
With some practice she'll get it!
4/7/2012 1:30:15 PM
For my first machine, I bought something really expensive which promptly broke. I then bought a $99 Singer at Wal-Mart which has been my best friend for 6 years. Unless your wife wants to do really fancy stuff, she won't need a fancy machine. And she won't be able to do the fancy stuff for a while, so just go for the cheap one. Singer and White are two brands I've had good luck with.
As for starting out... I taught myself from a DVD that came with my first machine, so it is possible. If that makes her nervous, JoAnns (a craft supply store) has beginner sewing classes. Just call and ask about them. Or maybe a relative knows how and can help out. You can make an amazing amount of things with just basic sewing knowledge and a good pattern.
And a final note. Unless she's okay with everyone and their brother asking her to make things for them, DON'T advertise her newfound sewing skills. I get so tired of "Hey, can you make me a ____?"
Good luck to her! Sewing is a wonderful skill to have.
As for starting out... I taught myself from a DVD that came with my first machine, so it is possible. If that makes her nervous, JoAnns (a craft supply store) has beginner sewing classes. Just call and ask about them. Or maybe a relative knows how and can help out. You can make an amazing amount of things with just basic sewing knowledge and a good pattern.
And a final note. Unless she's okay with everyone and their brother asking her to make things for them, DON'T advertise her newfound sewing skills. I get so tired of "Hey, can you make me a ____?"
Good luck to her! Sewing is a wonderful skill to have.
4/23/2012 8:10:53 PM
Wife says stay away from Singers due to declining quality
She says buy this as a beginner
http://www.amazon.com/Brother-XL2600I-Affordable-25-Stitch-Free-Arm/dp/B000F7DPEQ?SubscriptionId=0K76CZ6RCX2Y05HSNPR2&tag=spp-middle-sdc-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B000F7DPEQ&ascsubtag=sewing-machines
She says it wont sew heavy fabrics but is OK for learning
She says buy this as a beginner
http://www.amazon.com/Brother-XL2600I-Affordable-25-Stitch-Free-Arm/dp/B000F7DPEQ?SubscriptionId=0K76CZ6RCX2Y05HSNPR2&tag=spp-middle-sdc-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B000F7DPEQ&ascsubtag=sewing-machines
She says it wont sew heavy fabrics but is OK for learning
4/23/2012 8:20:40 PM
Buy her a decent machine like a Bernina or Brother (NOT a Singer) and let her start playing with it. I taught myself to sew simply by being amazed at what you can do.
If she gets into it, she can sign up for classes and go from there.
It's a hit-or-miss thing...either you like to sew or you don't.
If she gets into it, she can sign up for classes and go from there.
It's a hit-or-miss thing...either you like to sew or you don't.
4/23/2012 9:57:07 PM
well she completely shot the idea down for now as we're about to move. I'm actually pretty interested in it so I just might pick it up myself when we get to where we're going next month. Thank you for the replies.
