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Have Fun Learning the Wonderful Skill of Sewing
Sewing is an enjoyable
and useful skill you can use for the rest of your life,
not to mention the countless hours of entertainment
and relaxation it will bring you. Just think of all
the things you can make once you learn how to sew...
clothing, accessories, home decor, costumes, baby items
and the list goes on. There is no limit to your creativity
once you know how to sew.
For a beginner, the first thing you
need is a sewing machine. Quite often you will be able
to find a family member or friend who will let you use
his or her sewing machine. Borrowing a sewing machine
is highly recommended for anyone just learning to sew
because purchasing one, even an inexpensive model, is
costly. Until you know whether or not you like to sew,
this is your best option. However, if you are sure you're
ready to make the purchase, here are a few tips.
1. Decide how much money you want to
spend. Sewing machine prices range from less than $100
to thousands of dollars. Once you know your budget,
you will be able to narrow your choices.
2. Research brands and features on the
internet. A quick search for 'sewing machines' will
bring up hundreds of places to purchase with pricing,
features, brands, etc. This should give you an idea
of what's available.
3. Make a list of the types of sewing
you will be doing and from that decide which features
your sewing machine will need. Also make a list of the
features you would like to have if you can afford them
in your budget.
4. Now go out to your local dealers
and actually sew. This will show you how the machine
feels and will help you decide how you want 'your' machine
to feel.
5. Ask the dealer a lot of questions.
For example, are there a lot of repair orders for this
model, can it be repaired locally, are parts available
locally?
After you have a sewing machine to use,
you will need to purchase basic tools for your first
project. This part is really fun. Go to your local fabric
store and look through the pattern books. There you
will find and be able to purchase a pattern that will
give you instructions. The pattern not only shows you
how to sew the item, but will also tell you how much
fabric to buy, what notions (accessories) you will need
and how to lay out the pattern so you can cut out your
fabric. Using a pattern for your first project, and
maybe even for every project you'll ever make, is highly
recommended.
You'll also need some basic tools. For
your first project it's easiest to purchase a Beginner's
Sewing Kit. It will include items such as pins, hand
sewing needles, scissors, a pincushion, marking chalk
and a seam ripper. A kit should range in price anywhere
from $7.00 to $15.00 depending on what's included.
Lastly, you'll need to learn the basics
of sewing. This can be self-taught, but if you take
a class you will learn much quicker. Often the seamstresses
who teach these classes will show you shortcuts for
certain techniques that you won't learn in a book. Most
cities and towns have a place where you can take classes.
If you don't know where to look, check the internet
or ask your local fabric store.
If you decide to teach yourself, be
patient. There is a lot to learn and there will be much
trial and error. Look for teaching aids like books,
DVDs, internet websites, etc. One good place to start
is www.sewing.org. This website is very comprehensive
and offers a plethora of free tutorials.
Okay, now you're set...have fun learning
the wonderful skill of sewing and go create some beautiful
items that only you will own.
1howto.com
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