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I don't want to sew "beginner" projects! I want to make "real" things!
MrsCharisma   Advanced Beginner MN USA Member since 2/1/13 Posts: 288	Login to reply to this post 2 members like this. Date: 2/5/13 5:45 PM Is this so bad!?? I made a couple of smallish things...a case for my crochet hooks, a tiny heart covered pillow (because I had stuffing), A wrist rest for my laptop...I don't want to sew squares and rectangles, I want to make clothing for myself! I must say I also finished a pair of pajama shorts and yoga pants for my 14 year old. I had to rip out stitches twice and then did something funky with the waistband on the yoga pants but... :) I want to get right into my patterns that I have! I bought some easy Simplicity, Butterick and Kwik Sew patterns. And a couple of more difficult but cute Vogue patterns. Am I crazy? ------ Nakisha - A new sewist with a passion! :) www.sewcraftychemist.blogspot.com Singer Talent 3321 | Brother 1034D
TammyAnn   Intermediate NY USA Member since 10/11/12 Posts: 108	Login to reply to this post 8 members like this. Date: 2/5/13 5:51 PM You go girl!!! I never did "beginner projects" either and while you'll probably make a few mistakes there is that great ole invention called a seam ripper for that. I would recommend though to keep from getting frustrated that you don't start right off with patterns that are considered expert/advanced.
Nikki   Advanced MD USA Member since 4/8/02 Posts: 2426	Login to reply to this post 7 members like this. Date: 2/5/13 6:14 PM Sew what you want. The only exception here would be to avoid things that are high-stakes, like a wedding dress, using a precious heirloom fabric, or similar. A lot of times patterns are rated in difficulty by silly things, like the number of pattern pieces. Things that actually make a pattern difficult are fitting (more fitted patterns require more fitting skills), details that can often be omitted or changed (like welt pockets), and fabric choice (silk velvet is not a good choice for beginners). If you are happy to treat your projects as experiments and not expect perfection, going straight for the "hard stuff" can work out fine. Two of my first garment projects were a swimsuit and a pair of overalls with tons of topstitching and dozens of pattern pieces. These both turned out far better than some of the "simple" projects that I have also tackled. ------ mmmmm woooool
Vivienne   Intermediate BC CANADA Member since 6/29/04 Posts: 948	Login to reply to this post In reply to MrsCharisma << 4 members like this. Date: 2/5/13 6:19 PM Not crazy at all! Try a skirt! ------ Cheap fabrics, like cheap shoes, are a false economy.
Immelu   Intermediate KS USA Member since 5/6/06 Posts: 233	Login to reply to this post 3 members like this. Date: 2/5/13 6:44 PM I have always sewed whatever I want...even as a rank beginner. If something doesn't turn out fantastic, it's okay. File it away as a learning expereience, decide to wear it or donate it and just move on to the next. Sooner or later, you'll be impressed with what you can do. My advice is to 1. choose relatively simple designs and sew with AWESOME fabric, and/or 2. Pick a more complex design and make a practice of anything you're unsure of. Or...mix it up! It's just fabric. Have fun!
sew2006 Advanced ON CANADA Member since 6/24/06 Posts: 1704	Login to reply to this post 3 members like this. Subject: I dont want to sew beginner projects! Date: 2/5/13 7:23 PM My advise: do projects that you find interesting. To limit costly mistakes, wash fabric prior to making something, read through instructions before starting a project, even better read a couple PR reviews of said project, before cutting count all pieces to make sure you have everything. My first sewing project was a cotton skirt with elastic waist, 2nd project MC hammer pants--big in the 80's, 3rd project a lined velvet jacket for prom and dress alternations. Most of my high school sewing consisted of garment refashion projects. I than went to college to take a design course. Technique samles were a big thing in school. This is a great way to perfect a skill outside of the real project. Invest in 1/4 sticky basting tape. ------ Janome10001, Babylock ESG3, Brother ULT 2001, White 634D serger, Pfaff 1472, Singer featherweight, Singer 14T957Dc, Bernina FunLock 009DCC coverlock, Brother PQ1500S, Janome CP900.
MrsCharisma   Advanced Beginner MN USA Member since 2/1/13 Posts: 288	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/5/13 7:28 PM Yay! I cut a pattern for a skirt on Sunday. Butterick 5566, version B. I was all ready to tackle NewLook 6130 but was missing pattern pieces. I'm eager to try Butterick 5526 as finding a decent well-fitting button down is nearly impossible. If I can perfect something like this ill be ecstatic! Is there a place I can find links to good fabric stores? I have Hancock and Joann nearby and plan to check out Mill End Textiles soon! :) ------ Nakisha - A new sewist with a passion! :) www.sewcraftychemist.blogspot.com Singer Talent 3321 | Brother 1034D
Nancy K Advanced NY USA Member since 12/28/04 Posts: 7587	Login to reply to this post In reply to MrsCharisma << 2 members like this. Date: 2/5/13 8:07 PM No, not at all. Making a muslin first lets you figure out the construction, and iron out fitting issues and then you will have a much more successful project. Read through the instructions a few times so that you know what to expect and if you don't understand you can figure it out. I suggest that you get a good, general sewing book because patterns don't usually have great instructions. One thing that I would do is to use easy to sew fabrics for your first projects. Go ahead and make something you really want to wear; enjoy yourself sewing is fun. ------ www.nancyksews.blogspot.com
Re Becca   Intermediate TX USA Member since 9/12/05 Posts: 2134	Login to reply to this post In reply to MrsCharisma << 1 member likes this. Date: 2/5/13 8:48 PM Quote: MrsCharisma Is this so bad!?? I think its fabulous! If you can sew a (relatively) straight line, you have a really good start. You have enough advise and responses to tell that you have great support here. So, what do you WANT to make? What do you see that you would like to have for your very own? I believe in diving in, sew what you want to wear and ask when you get stuck. Just don't get too frustrated, you will make mistakes. Every team has to drop back and punt at some point. ------ http://beccabeckstuff.blogspot.com/ Damn the muslin, full speed ahead!
stirwatersblue Intermediate KS USA Member since 12/13/08 Posts: 2471	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Subject: I dont want to sew beginner projects! Date: 2/5/13 9:06 PM I think the single most important factor in sewing success is how motivated you are to work on a project (which will also translate to how motivated you are to working through problems or fixing things that don't turn out right the first time!). There's no joy or excitement in sewing things that don't interest you or that you have no use for. So go for it!! If it helps, I have a friend whose first sewing project EVER was her velvet Tudor-era gown to be *on cast* at the Texas Renaissance Festival! Now that's motivation! LOL ------ ~Gem in the prairie

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