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Member since 4/9/07
Posts: 22
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Posted on: 4/11/07 2:03 AM ET
Hi-

I'm new to these boards, as well as sewing, and I was wondering if anyone had a suggestion for a good first project?

I was thinking of something like a vest, but am wondering if there are any particular materials that are much more difficult to work with than others (such as silk). any thoughts are welcome. :)


SAS
  
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Member since 7/30/02
Posts: 8991
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Posted on: 4/11/07 5:44 AM ET
If you are feeling adventurous, look through old posts in this forum for some additional idea.

Project: elastic waist skirts are about the easiest garment to sew. Pajama bottoms are good also, particularly since they don't get worn out of the house anyway! Some homedec projects, if that is where your interest lies, are also great to start with (placemats, simple bags, etc).

That being said - if you are patient and don't the project not working out, you can start with anything.


Fabric: Stable cotton is a dream to work with. Make certain you wash your fabric (a couple of times for many types) before starting your project, because you don't want it to shrink after you have made it! Polyester blends are relatively easy to work with also; the polyester adds stability and the other fabric adds drape and pressability.


Instructions: I like to recommend Kwik-Sew Learn to Sew patterns and Simplicity Sewing for Dummies patterns as a good place to start, since they have better instructions than most other patterns. (The Kwik-Sew is harder to find locally, but has more selection. They are easily available on-line.)

Not all your projects will turn out, but they will be learning experiences. So even the "wadders" are useful!


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With a great wardrobe that's still in the flat-fabric stage.
  
Member since 3/19/06
Posts: 3847
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Posted on: 4/11/07 7:50 AM ET
I would spend some time sewing with no thread on pieces of paper just to get a feel for the machine. Do straight lines, inside corners, outside corners, curves, etc...

Then do the same with some scraps of woven cotton scraps- two layers.

http://www.taunton.com/store/pdf/Threads_DriversEd.pdf- this gives some great tips on how to hold and handle and guide the fabric.

All of the above suggested projects would be great.
Here is a review of a pattern that I you with some of the teens that I teach to sew. It is one of those Simplicity Sewing for Dummies patterns.

Above all- have fun!
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http://blog.sew-classic.com/
www.Sew-Classic.com
  
Member since 9/27/06
Posts: 54
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Posted on: 4/11/07 9:28 PM ET
A pillowcase is a good first project I think. . . It can be made to pretty universal measurements and teaches several basic skills (pressing, turning corners, etc.). It takes a lot of the complexity out of the process that can be saved for the next project which would introduce patterns and basic fitting.
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The greatest diet experiment in the history of anything ever:
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Member since 11/29/04
Posts: 767
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Posted on: 4/11/07 10:21 PM ET
I agree with all the above. Cotton is easiest to sew, IMHO. I started with curtains. Pillowcases sound like a good bet too. If you have your heart set on sewing garments, a tiered skirt with an elastic waist is pretty easy because all the pieces are rectangular and any wonky stitching can hide in the gathers.
Good luck!

-Terry H.
  
Member since 4/9/07
Posts: 22
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Posted on: 4/12/07 8:18 AM ET
In reply to pterion
Thank you for the suggestions Ladies, a pillowcase it will be then. I also bought some small swatches just to work with my machine on (cotton fabric) to get used to it before starting my project.
  
Member since 10/26/06
Posts: 1043
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Posted on: 4/27/07 0:46 AM ET
When you're ready, try Kwik Sew patterns...some of them are marked "Learn to Sew" and are very simple and straightforward.
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"To love another person is to see the face of God!" ~Les Miserables

www.lillianbettyandsibyl.blogspot.com
  
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