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12 
Member since 5/10/05
Posts: 11
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Posted on: 6/2/05 12:28 PM ET
Okay....so not only do I need basic sewing classes....but I also don't know what to do with this wonderful new machine of mine,,and the manual reads like greek to me.

I have experience of sewing with my grandmother through my teen years. So I'm not completely new. But let's just say that I dont think I could make sense of much right now from a pattern...and then in addition to that......this new machine has my head spinning......

Although I am also top of the mountain happy to have it and ready to learn!!!! LOL

My Machine is an MC 4800 QC (Janome)....

Where do I start, what are some online classes I could find? I don't have good classes I can take in my area. Any leads, or links, or tips or helps would be appreciated.

Thank You!!
-- Edited on 6/2/05 1:29 PM --
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Mommy to three with me and one in heaven, and wife to an excellant guy.

  
Member since 5/23/04
Posts: 525
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Posted on: 6/2/05 2:36 PM ET
In reply to Daisey Mama
Congradulations on your new machine! I have a 4800QC also. I really love mine. I had a manual Kenmore for years and am in heaven sewing on this one. I have been sewing for lots of years on and off, but I have learned so many shortcuts since I have this new machine. I could bore you to death with all of them. My dealer gave 5 free "machine mastery" classes with the new machine. They were wonderful. We went through all kinds of demos of different feet. I am a foot-a-holic now. We practiced putting in zippers with the zipper feet, topstitching with the ditch-quilting foot, piping, heirloom stitches, buttonholes, darning, applique, sewing on buttons, twin-needle-pintucks... and the list goes on. We did lots of small demos. If you bought from a dealer, I would ask them if there were any classes that came with your machine. Sometimes they forget to mention this and you won't know if you don't ask. They did not mention classes to me until I asked.

A lot of beginning sewers in my area seem to take classes teaching how to make certain garments. There is a really popular one where they teach you to make those button-on-the-shoulder a-line little girl's dresses from a Martha Pullen pattern. The problem I see with these classes is the folks I see taking them seem to come out being able to whip those dresses out, but not learning to read a commercial pattern. I really have not seen that many classes for true beginning sewing. I guess I would start with calling small dealers and see what classes they offer. Our local university has some sewing classes as continuing education as well as our city has some continuing ed classes offered at the local high schools at night. Some dealers also have sit-and-sews where you bring your machine, project and just sit and sew with others. They are there to answer questions. They usually charge some small fee for this, but not as much as a class. That way you can learn from others as well.

Feel free to ask me any 4800 questions. I am no expert, but I am working hard to learn the machine.
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Becky
  
Member since 6/8/05
Posts: 5
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Posted on: 6/12/05 9:17 PM ET
Hello everyone! I'm new to this website and sewing as well. I think it's time to buy a sewing machine since I've been using my friends because I'm too afraid to buy a sewing machine...Any advice? I've been looking at Singer V. Brother. I'm more confused than ever! Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks
  
Member since 2/1/05
Posts: 56
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Posted on: 6/13/05 2:24 AM ET
Sometimes sewing classes are offered to adults through the schools and are in the evening for six or eight weeks. I have never taken any of these, but if they are offered in your area it may be just what you are looking for.
  
Member since 3/2/04
Posts: 2073
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Posted on: 6/13/05 6:57 AM ET
In reply to Daisey Mama
Just in case you don't know about this site...

Janome Site

There may be some help for you :)

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Ardis

the lefthanded daughter of a lefthanded mother
  
Member since 3/2/04
Posts: 2073
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Posted on: 6/13/05 7:01 AM ET
In reply to cortini08
Check the left column on this site. There are some cool tools for you to use under "Compare Sewing Machines". Also check the "Sewing Machine & Serger Reviews" link.
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Ardis

the lefthanded daughter of a lefthanded mother
  
Member since 6/8/05
Posts: 5
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Posted on: 6/16/05 8:29 AM ET
In reply to SewVeryTall
Hey thanks for you input and the website. BTW - I'm finishing up some classes @ Joann's fabrics. It's pretty cool. The teacher has been sewing for over 40 years...has alot of knowledge..very helpful...I've watched my mother sew for years so I have an idea. I've done simple stuff like skirts and shorts...nothing too advanced...but I'm looking to expland my knowledge in sewing...I find it exciting and fun. If I may ask, what type of sewing machine do you guys use? Do you like it?
  
Member since 8/2/02
Posts: 2006
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Posted on: 6/16/05 8:58 AM ET
In reply to Daisey Mama
It may not be you...I've seen sewing machine manuals that are beautifully written, and others that are virtually useless.

There are lots of different learning styles, perhaps you may learn best by wathcing someone performing a task or process as opposed to trying to decipher it from text.

Phyllis


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Sewing = Fashion
http://coudremode.com/

Luck happens when preparation meets opportunity.
  
Member since 8/2/02
Posts: 2006
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Posted on: 6/16/05 9:02 AM ET
In reply to cortini08
Quote: cortini08
If I may ask, what type of sewing machine do you guys use? Do you like it?

I have 2 mahcines - a Kemore that's about 11 years old and still going strong, and a Bernina 180E that's about 3 years old.

The Bernina is a high end machine, but the Kenmore is a simple (non-computer) machine that I still really like.

You can't really go wrong with a Kenmore.

Phyllis
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Sewing = Fashion
http://coudremode.com/

Luck happens when preparation meets opportunity.
  
Member since 6/8/05
Posts: 5
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Posted on: 6/16/05 8:33 PM ET
In reply to PhyllisC
Hello! I have a question for you. I've made a couple of pillows today and I noticed that the thread that comes from the bobbin sometimes comes out double...Let me try to explain a little better. The top stitch and the bottom are perfect but every once in a while I have to cut two pieces of thread that come from the bobbin...I know it's not normal because I'm only supposed to have 1 piece of thread from the top and one from the bottom...but sometimes I get multiple pieces of thread from the bottom...Did I explain my self right? Do you understand my question? This is new terminology to me so i'm sorry if I sound a little naive. Can you give me your input on this? Am I doing something wrong?
  
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