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Member since 5/5/10
Posts: 37
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Posted on: 6/30/10 8:49 PM ET
I was just wondering, now that I have my great singer 403a sewing machine and another singer touch and sew 750 on it's way, I thought I need to start sewing something ( ya think) Anyways, I would like to start sewing things for around the house, a quilt for my son, curtains, slip covers, etc. Where is the best place to start? I'd like to find a class close by that doesn't cost much like at an Adult School. Or should I go to the library and find some books. I've taken a sewing class in middle school years back and loved it but that's about it.

Thanks
  
Member since 7/27/05
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Re: Im kinda new at sewing and wanted to get started (posted on 6/30/10 10:22 PM ET)
In your shoes, I'd start with a basic quilt for your son. It doesn't have to be fancy or complicated b/c you want him to be able to use it as kids will without cringing. You can find lots of simple patterns and good quilting instructions both online and from library books.

JEF
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"The trouble with quotes on the Internet is that you can never know if they are genuine." --Abraham Lincoln
  
Member since 4/23/07
Posts: 4223
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Re: Im kinda new at sewing and wanted to get started (posted on 6/30/10 11:24 PM ET)
curtains are fun and easy to make. little clothes are easy to make. They never fuss about clothes. kwik sew good to start with they are very easy to sew.
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Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to god. And
The peace of god, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
  
Member since 7/28/03
Posts: 1405
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Posted on: 7/1/10 12:50 PM ET
In reply to misssuzziehomemaker
I'd go to the library and see if they have any of the Sunset magazine books on sewing for the home, like the one on curtains. I believe they also have one on quilting and probably slipcovers/upholstery. They are easy to follow and well illustrated.
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Suo ergo maledicto

Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary. - Steve Jobs
  
Member since 5/5/10
Posts: 37
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Posted on: 7/1/10 7:47 PM ET
Thank you for all of the suggestions. Are any of you self taught or did you take sewing classes. Just wondering if these classes are needed or learning through books can work fine.
I think I'll go to the library this wknd and pick up some sewing books and start with that.

Thanks.
  
Member since 4/23/07
Posts: 4223
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Re: Im kinda new at sewing and wanted to get started (posted on 7/1/10 8:30 PM ET)
I,m self taught. I sewed because my mother sewed and i was in 4-h for 9 years. I learned on sewing projects. Mostly I liked to tinker when i was younger.
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Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to god. And
The peace of god, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
  
Member since 9/21/07
Posts: 91
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Posted on: 7/2/10 0:57 AM ET
In reply to misssuzziehomemaker
I taught myself how to quilt by reading Start to Quilt with Alex Anderson. Here is a link to the book...Start to Quilt.

She explains all the terminology, all the tools and sewing machine feet you need, and provides really simple quilt patterns.

Good luck and let us know when you have finished your first project...whatever it is.
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Annie
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Member since 7/19/03
Posts: 3916
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Posted on: 7/2/10 9:32 AM ET
In reply to misssuzziehomemaker
Quote: misssuzziehomemaker
Are any of you self taught or did you take sewing classes. Just wondering if these classes are needed or learning through books can work fine.

Either one can work, in my opinion.

Which one will be easiest for you will really depend on your preferred learning style.
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blog: goodworks1.wordpress.com
  
Member since 8/24/02
Posts: 5885
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Re: Im kinda new at sewing and wanted to get started (posted on 7/2/10 9:43 AM ET)
I taught myself to make curtains, many years ago. Start with a cute valance, it will be fun and rewarding. Check the library for books. My favorite books are the Singer sewing library. They have several home dec books, and the quick and easy sewing has some fun home dec projects. You can sometimes find these at the Goodwill, for just a few $.
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My grandmother taught me to sew when I was 10, and I've been sewing ever since.
  
Member since 12/28/07
Posts: 20238
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Posted on: 7/2/10 9:51 AM ET
In reply to misssuzziehomemaker
I love books, plain and simple. I get comfort knowing they are nearby for referencing.. and motivated by the projects contained therein. If you have a half price bookstore or such around.. those sunset books I also recommend.. And you can't beat the price of a visit to your local library.. Of course so much is up on the net now..don't forget to search and take a look.

Many fabric stores have quilting classes.. I know our Hancocks does.. as well as many sewing machine dealers.. Call around and see what is being offered in your area.

You can also reference PR archives..
  
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