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Member since 8/22/08
Posts: 410
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Posted on: 4/20/12 1:36 AM ET
For example, I have my skill level as an "advanced beginner". I do not know when I will consider myself above that or if I am already there!

I can modify patterns and can likely begin to draw some of my own craft patterns(ie I am in the process of designing kindle covers for my kids kindles) but when it comes to clothing, I cannot draw my own pattern with out modifying and existing pattern I have. For example, I have a Kwik Sew skating dress pattern that I have modified 6-7 different times(if not more). I have made a one piece leotard, a stand alone skating skirt, and several other skating dresses from one pattern. Most people do not know I used the same pattern unless I tell them.

I have sewn purses(cloth) and plan to sew some home dec projects as well. Anyway, I'm just curious how people determine their skill level. I consider myself an advanced beginner because I still have so much to learn!
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I'm fairly new to sewing but I am finding it to be fun and rewarding!
  
Member since 12/13/08
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Posted on: 4/20/12 2:15 AM ET
If you scroll down the main page on the Beginners Forum about five or six posts, you'll see a seven-page ongoing thread on this topic.

(Which, considering how often it comes up, should perhaps be pinned?)
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~Elizabeth in the prairie
More Plans than Sense
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Member since 12/3/06
Posts: 10072
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Posted on: 4/20/12 12:55 PM ET
In reply to isakswings
I think it is when you do not have to ask, how to........
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OLD CHINESE PROVERB: I HEAR & I FORGET; I SEE & I REMEMBER; I DO & I UNDERSTAND.
  
Member since 2/11/12
Posts: 340
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Posted on: 4/20/12 9:32 PM ET
I don't think anyone ever reaches the "I know it all" stage. I rated myself as advanced because until recently, could sew anything I wished well, and have sewn home dec, clothes (all kinds), costumes, bras, purses, drapes, upholstery, crafts, you name it, and can solve my fitting problems, sometimes others, drape to create pattersn, draft or alter patterns. However, since I bought my last machine, I am now starting art quilting and embroidery; been thinking maybe I should re-eval me as beginner, since I hadn't done those before. New learning curve. And, here at PR, I meet people who know things I don't. I have been sewing now for 40 years, but I still get surprised. But, overall, I still consider myself advanced. My latest surprise: aunt has asked me to figure out how to hide her "dowager hump" (her words). I was able to make her a pattern that fit the hump, but I have no idea how to hide it. Maybe I will start a new thread.
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Sewing keeps me sane!!!
  
Member since 8/22/08
Posts: 410
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Posted on: 4/20/12 9:47 PM ET
In reply to Twizard
I think I consider myself somewhere between an advanced beginner to an intermediate sewer. Nothing more then that! It depends on the project.
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I'm fairly new to sewing but I am finding it to be fun and rewarding!
  
Member since 11/14/11
Posts: 1223
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Posted on: 4/20/12 10:32 PM ET
In reply to Twizard
I think you're AT LEAST an Intermediate with that level of skill!
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Brother 1250D/Janome HD9/Babylock Triumph/Techsew 2750Pro
  
Member since 8/22/08
Posts: 410
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Posted on: 4/21/12 0:14 AM ET
In reply to heathergwo
I don't know... I am working on a purse pattern right now(McCalls) and I am a little confused. It could be that I am very tired since I have been awake since 3 20 am. I'll figure it out but in the meantime, I am a week bit lost! So... tonight I am an advanced beginner! HA
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I'm fairly new to sewing but I am finding it to be fun and rewarding!
  
Member since 8/22/08
Posts: 410
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Posted on: 4/21/12 0:17 AM ET
In reply to isakswings
wait... that was not to me. lol. like I said, I am very much asleep right now. :)
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I'm fairly new to sewing but I am finding it to be fun and rewarding!
  
Member since 2/11/12
Posts: 340
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Posted on: 5/1/12 8:10 PM ET
In reply to heathergwo
Thanks. I downgraded myself to advanced beginner because I started embroidery/free motion quilting, and POW, learned I need to learn. Plus trying to hide her hump took my confidence and threw it out the window.
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Sewing keeps me sane!!!
  
Member since 8/16/10
Posts: 245
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Posted on: 5/1/12 8:40 PM ET
I am also humpy! lol

I find there's no real patterns that "hide" it. (however, more people do a back adjustment I have found here on PR I probably need to figure that out). But, a LOT of it for me, has to do with the fabric. Avoid clingy thin knits, the knits with more thickness that don't cling but rather glide over seem to hide more.

I don't know how old or robust your aunt is. But, I would highly suggest going to a upper scale store, Dillard's, Coldwater Creek, etc. And having her pick out all the clothes that call her name, and then go and try them on. It will take some time and energy, but make note of what shows her hump more (fabric, design, etc) and what lessens it's appearance (there is no real hiding it) there is for sure designs and fabrics though that lessen it's appearance and ones that accentuate it more!
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Visit my blog http://www.heathersprairie.blogspot.com
  
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