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Best (and quickest) way to learn? (Moderated by EleanorSews)
Posted on: 3/25/09 10:23 AM ET
I've been sewing again for about a month, and think I've been doing pretty good for being self-taught via books and trial-by-error. However, I'm wondering what the BEST way to learn is? I just want to learn as much as I can as fast as I can!!! 
I have to opportunity to take semi-private classes for $15 an hour, or just keep plugging along til I'm completely stuck. Any suggestions? How did all of you learn?

I have to opportunity to take semi-private classes for $15 an hour, or just keep plugging along til I'm completely stuck. Any suggestions? How did all of you learn?
Posted on: 3/25/09 10:27 AM ET
I had sewing in home ec way back when, so that's how I learned the basics. How to lay out the pattern, cut, pin, sew, press; insert elastic and zippers, some hand stitches, that kind of thing. Other than that, it's been learning by doing.
Posted on: 3/25/09 10:39 AM ET
In reply to CharmedDiamonds
I'm mostly self-taught myself. I did take one class a few years ago. But the teacher really didn't teach! She wasn't interested anymore in teaching. So that was disappointing.
Anyway, I did buy a book from Diana Rupp called SEW Workshop. That's where my sewing started to really pick up. She breaks down sewing and assumes that the reader doesn't know anything. There are also patterns in the book and she teaches you how to sew them. I love this book. It's my favorite.
And let's not forget PR! This where I get a lot of help too. Big time. I'm always asking questions - and getting great answers.
I'm hoping one day to take one of the online classes here at PR.
Anyway, I did buy a book from Diana Rupp called SEW Workshop. That's where my sewing started to really pick up. She breaks down sewing and assumes that the reader doesn't know anything. There are also patterns in the book and she teaches you how to sew them. I love this book. It's my favorite.
And let's not forget PR! This where I get a lot of help too. Big time. I'm always asking questions - and getting great answers.
I'm hoping one day to take one of the online classes here at PR.
Posted on: 3/25/09 10:40 AM ET
Check out Shannon Gifford's online classes here. I have not taken these specific classes, but have taken others she offers and can say, she is great to work with.
The semi-private classes would be good also - you will probably learn faster and not develop bad habits.
The semi-private classes would be good also - you will probably learn faster and not develop bad habits.
Posted on: 3/25/09 10:42 AM ET
In reply to CharmedDiamonds
I think the best answer for you depends on what your learning style is and how comfortable you are with how far you have come.
You might want to do is understand what the semi-private lessons will cover. That would help in determining if it is worth your time & $. Find out something about the sewing teacher's background, i.e., how long has she been sewing, what type of sewing does she usually do, does she assist in fitting, etc. I would be concerned if she has a set project that is either too simple for your skill set or truly intimidating. You want some challenge if you are to move forward.
One thing I will say about lessons is that you often pick up one or two tricks that are true "light bulb" moments that really help you along the way and become a part of your typical routine.
My learning: my mom and the influence of my maternal grandmother & great aunts; home ec in jr & sr high where half a year was spent sewing; and, from there my mom would toss out these little gems she picked up in a class here or there and away I would go trying to figure out how to perfect whatever. Among my cherished sewing memories are the times my mom would introduce me to some couture technique which she could never quite master assuring me that I would get it and lo and behold, I did. It is nice to have someone to reassure you along the way.
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You might want to do is understand what the semi-private lessons will cover. That would help in determining if it is worth your time & $. Find out something about the sewing teacher's background, i.e., how long has she been sewing, what type of sewing does she usually do, does she assist in fitting, etc. I would be concerned if she has a set project that is either too simple for your skill set or truly intimidating. You want some challenge if you are to move forward.
One thing I will say about lessons is that you often pick up one or two tricks that are true "light bulb" moments that really help you along the way and become a part of your typical routine.
My learning: my mom and the influence of my maternal grandmother & great aunts; home ec in jr & sr high where half a year was spent sewing; and, from there my mom would toss out these little gems she picked up in a class here or there and away I would go trying to figure out how to perfect whatever. Among my cherished sewing memories are the times my mom would introduce me to some couture technique which she could never quite master assuring me that I would get it and lo and behold, I did. It is nice to have someone to reassure you along the way.
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"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." Dalai Lama
"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are." Anais Nin
"Attitude is the difference between an adventure and an ordeal." unknown
“Be curious, not judgmental.” Ted Lasso
"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are." Anais Nin
"Attitude is the difference between an adventure and an ordeal." unknown
“Be curious, not judgmental.” Ted Lasso
Posted on: 3/25/09 10:58 AM ET
I think the "best" way to learn depends on your interests, learning style, time, and budget. I've been sewing for about a year. I took a pajama pants class at the place where I bought my machine, it was great because the teacher was very patient and helped me figure out how to work the thing LOL. Also some of the basics.
I did some reading, worked on simple knit clothes to get comfortable, then took a private class on a fitted shirt with a women who has been sewing for years and is palmer plesch certified. it was expensive but she really helped fill in the gaps and showed me the easier/proper way to do certain things. Since then, I have done more reading and worked on techniques. Now I'd like to start having more fitted clothes so I am taking the online bodice muslin class here on PR. It's AWESOME.
the biggest learning for me so far has been that sewing is a journey, not a list of "learn how to do"s. Enjoy the process. Everyone has a little bit different way of doing things.
I did some reading, worked on simple knit clothes to get comfortable, then took a private class on a fitted shirt with a women who has been sewing for years and is palmer plesch certified. it was expensive but she really helped fill in the gaps and showed me the easier/proper way to do certain things. Since then, I have done more reading and worked on techniques. Now I'd like to start having more fitted clothes so I am taking the online bodice muslin class here on PR. It's AWESOME.
the biggest learning for me so far has been that sewing is a journey, not a list of "learn how to do"s. Enjoy the process. Everyone has a little bit different way of doing things.
Posted on: 3/25/09 11:23 AM ET
In reply to CharmedDiamonds
Congratulations on how far you've come in your sewing! I agree with what everyone has said. Like you I took up garment sewing again 2 years ago. Unlike everyone else, i didn't take a home ec class (wish I had, I went to an all girls catholic college prep HS and it wasn't even offered). Like you I wanted to learn as much and as fast so I could get to the good stuff i.e. wearing beautifully sewn clothing in the latest styles and in my colors. In this pursuit, I learned, I didn't have problems as much with sewing, as I did with fitting. There is a difference.
There are many ways to learn. You can lean the hi tech way. What I found is the internet and DVDs in this day and age can accelerate your learning tremendously. I spend my learning money on sewing and fit DVDs. I look on youtube, Marcy Tilton has 2 youtube videos on how to make a t shirt. Doesn't sound like much but it was an eye opener for me in terms of fitting. You get to see a master at work and it's free. I recommend the Fit For Real People DVDs, worth every bit as much as spending money on lessons, and you can watch over and over. I don't buy books anymore, when I can watch and...it's faster.
PR is a tremendous site for support. I took 3 on line classes, and while the classes were well taught, it didn't ignite my passion for sewing the way watching actual demos did.
So I recommend you add the Internet and DVDs to accelerate your learning.
Happy Learning
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There are many ways to learn. You can lean the hi tech way. What I found is the internet and DVDs in this day and age can accelerate your learning tremendously. I spend my learning money on sewing and fit DVDs. I look on youtube, Marcy Tilton has 2 youtube videos on how to make a t shirt. Doesn't sound like much but it was an eye opener for me in terms of fitting. You get to see a master at work and it's free. I recommend the Fit For Real People DVDs, worth every bit as much as spending money on lessons, and you can watch over and over. I don't buy books anymore, when I can watch and...it's faster.
PR is a tremendous site for support. I took 3 on line classes, and while the classes were well taught, it didn't ignite my passion for sewing the way watching actual demos did.
So I recommend you add the Internet and DVDs to accelerate your learning.
Happy Learning
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We are stardust.
Posted on: 3/25/09 11:37 AM ET
In reply to CharmedDiamonds
As someone who has worked a little in this area I can tell you there are three basic ways of learning..and each student has a way that works best for them.. Although I read all I can get on a subject I learn best by doing it myself..once and I know how..which explains why I have been so slow on picking up computer stuff..my tech guy aka DS pushes buttons like the pinball wizard ...
then says thats how you do it..well I have to do it myself.. On teachers ..there are all kinds..you will click with some and learn from them ..others not so much..so pay for the lessons if they are of help..but is the instruction is not helpful to you [see above example] Then switch teachers or learn another way..On some projects I can just look at the example and pick it up..so a combination of learning methods might be best for some..
then says thats how you do it..well I have to do it myself.. On teachers ..there are all kinds..you will click with some and learn from them ..others not so much..so pay for the lessons if they are of help..but is the instruction is not helpful to you [see above example] Then switch teachers or learn another way..On some projects I can just look at the example and pick it up..so a combination of learning methods might be best for some..
Posted on: 3/25/09 12:16 PM ET
Don't know what part of IL you are in - I'm in Fairview Heights/O'Fallon/Bellville area. Here's what available within 5 miles - church quilting group (but these precious little old ladies are delighted to show you about garment sewing also), lessons at Jackman's Fabric, and two different ASG (sewing guild) groups that appear to alternate between crafty/quilty projects and garment techniques. Depending on your current skill level, you can probably learn from any of these groups. Fitting help is not so readily available, but construction instruction is fairly easy to find.
Choosing classes can be a bit of a trick. The sewing expo always offers many classes, but choose one way over your head and it is all Greek, choose one too simple and you may feel like you didn't get you money's worth.
My mother is an excellent seamstress, but I was too stubborn to learn from her. I was familiar with sewing from watching my Mom, and then learned most of my hands on skills from a home ec class. Once I was past the painfully slow first projects, I could have my Mom help me through a new technique (while still feeling I had made it myself.)
Choosing classes can be a bit of a trick. The sewing expo always offers many classes, but choose one way over your head and it is all Greek, choose one too simple and you may feel like you didn't get you money's worth.
My mother is an excellent seamstress, but I was too stubborn to learn from her. I was familiar with sewing from watching my Mom, and then learned most of my hands on skills from a home ec class. Once I was past the painfully slow first projects, I could have my Mom help me through a new technique (while still feeling I had made it myself.)
Posted on: 3/25/09 12:29 PM ET
In reply to CharmedDiamonds
Why don't you try a couple of $15 classes, and see how you like them. But just because you're taking classes doesn't mean you can't also learn on your own from books, videos and by participating on PR. For me the key to learning how to sew over the past few years has been to read, experiment and practice, practice, practice. Over time, whatever seems hard eventually becomes routine or even easy.
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No sewing project is ever a complete success nor a total failure.
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