It's true. I'm not even out of my twenties and I've been bitten by the sewing bug. I guess it's not that crazy, since, after all, we all love fabric. I suppose I could get by with DIYing no-sew pillows and no-sew curtains for the rest of my life, but it'd be prettttty sweet to stitch those puppies up next time. Oh and don't even gt me started about how cute it would be to sew baby stuff. Fah-get-about-it. That's gotta happen. I- I- I wanna sew-sew-sew all the way-ay-ay... yeah, I just sang about sewing to the tune of a Britney Spears song. That happened. I'm way too excited about sewing!
I blame it all on Dana. I mean, seriously. I found her blog a few weeks ago and fell head over heels with her work. Look at the ridiculous (read: ridiculous = amazeballs) stuff she sews.
Her projects are incredible! Oh and she dyes fabric. Too adorable.
So let's see, I could make adorable baby stuff like the above, handmade pillow cases, my own curtains and anything else my little heart so desires? Sign me up.
Oh, except for that one minor side note known as: I don't know how to sew. And I don't have a working sewing machine. Hm. Speed bumps. I do have my great-grandmother's sewing machine, but it's more like an antique than it is a functioning piece.
So here's my question. Do YOU guys know anything about sewing? If so, what are the best, "I've-never-touched-a-sewing-machine-before," beginner sewing machines that you would recommend? And it won't hurt if you let me know the less expensive machines out there... I can quickly see this becoming an expensive hobby : ) Thanks, peeps!
I have a $79 Singer special from Target. It lets me make pillows, small quilts, etc. I taught myself how to sew. Most of the time the cutting is actually way harder than the sewing. Seriously. You can totally do this!
ReplyDeleteI decided a few years ago that I wanted to learn to sew, too! My mom got me a Singer machine (from Tarjay...less than $150) and it has served me well. My husband got me sewing classes from a local fabric shop and the teacher said the machine was just fine. I don't sew nearly as much as I would like to...I don't have a dedicated sewing space, so I have to drag everything out when I want to work. I have big plans for skirts for my girl this summer...hoping to get started on that soon! :)
ReplyDeleteWhen I first was married, I started out on a $125 dollar machine in the late 80s. It was a decent machine and I sewed my heart out on it. I would do your research and buy the best machine you can afford. Some of the inexpensive ones from the box stores don't hold up well. My Mom bought a Bernina back in the 70s and it's still worth over $1,000. A good machine is an investment if you really want to sew. The frustration factor in sewing can be high (at least it is for me) so having a good machine can save you some of the frustration. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteWhen I was pg with my first a couple of years ago, I decided I wanted a sewing and embroidery machine to do easy projects. I got a Brother and bought it at a sewing store (there aren't many around!) in Sandy Springs and they were extremely helpful and picked one out based upon my needs, and it came with free lessons at Joanns. Honestly I made a bunch of john johns and burp cloths before my son was born but since then (2 years ago), I haven't done a thing. It takes me too much time to get out the machine, get it set up, start the project, etc. and with a baby the free time just isn't there. And I don't recommend getting a machine that can do embroidery unless it's a professional machine because they quality just isn't there...it's much easier to bring your item to a monogrammed and pay them $8-10 to do it! Definitely call that place though, they are great (sorry I can't remember the name!).
ReplyDeleteRachael at "Finding My Feet" is having a "Sewing 101" course on her blog right now. It just started last week. I hope that helps! http://raechelmyers.com/
ReplyDeleteI love this post! I just want to put that out there...like ridiculously love this post! I'm usually just a lurker of your blog but had to come out of the woodwork for this one! I'm going through the same thing...a 28 year old with a must-learn-to-sew obsession. I'm currently revamping an old office and turning it into craft/sewing space. I was lucky enough to inherit my mom's old machine when she upgraded but I've heard good things about the entry level Singer machines and also the Brother machines. I can't wait to see what you make! Those skirts are adorable! And sorry...my name is Angie...and I'm addicted to exclamation marks!!
ReplyDeleteI have a "Brother" sewing machine that has been sitting in my attic for years, unopened. I cannot wait to learn from you so I will be inspired to use mine!
ReplyDeleteI have been thinking a lot lately about taking a sewing class myself! I would love to learn how. Can't wait to see what sewing machine you choose!
ReplyDeleteI've been sewing for 60 years (yes, that's right!), and it has been a real joy in my life. A Bernina is a great machine, and usually comes with sewing lessons at a reputable dealer. Go for it! Sally
ReplyDeleteYou can do it! My mom taught be how to sew in my early teens, and although I was totally uninterested at the time, I really appreciate knowing the basics now that I'm in my twenties. I recently got a Brother CS6000i from Target for about $160 and I am so happy I did. I read a lot of reviews before purchasing, because I wanted something user-friendly to start out with, but also something that would still be useful if I decide to take on any more complex projects in years to come (big emphasis on the if there!). Happy sewing!
ReplyDeleteI have been feeling that same itch! The fact that I can't sew puts a quick halt to a lot of projects I would love to undertake. Even simple things like pillows! I would love to know what resources people use to get started and some of the good machines for beginners. Go for it!
ReplyDeleteI want to sew and knit!!! Good luck.
ReplyDeleteI have a Brother CS6000i that works great (I'm a total beginner too). There are better machines out there, definitely, but this one's good for a beginner who doesn't want to make too big of a commitment financially while still getting something that works really well. The reviews are really good too. I got mine from Amazon; Costco has something that's nearly identical but with a different name because that's how they work.
ReplyDeleteI also really recommend the book "Singer New Sewing Essentials: Updated and Revised Edition". It looks like they took the pictures in the 80s, but the information is really good & easy to follow
good luck!
I was in the same boat as you! I got a singer for less than $100 and on the second day made burn cloths, a changing pad and a baby blanket. YouTube has some great tutorials that showed me step by step on how to work the machine. And cutting fabric in a straight line is way harder than sewing!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I'm 28 and am thinking about buying my first sewing machine too! The only sewing I've done is to attach my ribbons to my ballet slippers when I was a kid. Anyone else do this? It's been great to read all of the readers recommendations for sewing machines. Let us know what you choose!
ReplyDeleteI need to get back into it to! Honestly.. I just bought a sewing machine/table combo off of CL for $35 last year. It's works great, other then having to scout around for some older-style bobbins.
ReplyDeleteAt first all you'll really be doing is straight lines (which is most sewing..) so a low-end one from Target or Amazon should do the trick. If you find yourself wanting to go more advanced then you can usually just buy different feet, which are cheap enough!
Confession: My husband wants me to sew, like really bad! We have to add a border to our curtains and I took them in to have them done. He keeps bring it up and now I'm sure that it's just inevitable. Let me know if you end up getting a sewing machine and how it goes. I may be following closely behind! :)
ReplyDeleteMy mother made sure my sisters and I learned how to sew when we were growing up. In fact, when she began to busy to work with us on our projects, she sent us each to additional sewing classes. I took sewing classes for four years and spent the rest of my childhood sitting on my mothers lap helping her guide the fabric through. I have to admit that I appreciate her patience with us a lot more now that I'm older. Singers are great machines to learn on.
ReplyDeleteHahaha! Love the Britney Spears re-write! I just got into sewing a few months ago and I love it! My advice is to start simple, like with pillows, and go from there!
ReplyDeleteTarget and Wal Mart usually have pretty good machines for less than $100. Mine is from Wal Mart and works just fine! There are plenty of great videos online. I would start with something simple: pillows or something like that. I also took a class at JoAnns that was SUPER helpful.
ReplyDeleteCant wait to see what you create!
I have the very same bee in my bonnet! Luckily I have a friend with a sewing machine. She's going to help me make some piping for a couch I'm redoing. If all goes well, I think I might need my own machine. I could sew up a storm if i felt confident enough. Although, then my fabric budget would go thru the roof! :)
ReplyDeleteSew sew funny. I literally just walked down from my sewing machine where I hacked my way through a ruffle for riley's birthday party. I don't do ruffles. Her site is amazing. Glad to be introduced.
ReplyDeleteYou should totally do it! My hubby got me a sewing machine for Christmas a couple years ago and it has been a home decor life saver:) I bought a Janome on Overstock for a little over $100. It had great reviews {especially for the price} and I haven't had any problems! I say go for it, girl.
ReplyDeleteI also love the thought of sewing. My mom cna sew basically everything - has made me countless pillows and curtains, made clothes/pj's for me when I was younger, can whip up anything in an afternoon. the only problem is getting started. My grandma gave me her sewing machine ohhhh about a year ago and I have yet to take it in for a tune up. maybe we can start sewers anonymous so I can get a kick in the pants to get started??
ReplyDeleteI have the same hopes and dreams for sewing! I just wrote about that on my blog: http://www.viewalongtheway.com/2012/03/adventures-of-a-sewing-genius/
ReplyDeleteEveryone says its SO easy and no problem, but they are all vicious liars who want to lead you astray. I'm still trying to sew a square pillow. But you're probably much more of a natural than I am! :) Good luck with it!
Learning to sew is at the top of my list, too! So I'm interested in all these responses!!
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way. My grandma swears by the Swinger machine so I bought an inexpensive one from Target. I've only sewn pillows and curtains so far. I think taking hands-on lessons somewhere would really help.
ReplyDeleteohhhhhh My goodness!! you want to sew..and I want to DYE FABRIC!!!!!! Beautiful!! Thx for sharinf! I love finding new ( to mee) bloggers!!
ReplyDeleteJust stumbled onto your blog! I was bitten by the sewing blog about 2 years ago, and even though it's still just a hobby that I don't always feel like doing it's kind of amazing to do small projects. It's so gratifying to SEE something you've made with your own hands, or even WEAR it!
ReplyDeleteI wanna learn too! I'll sing to Britney with you! ;)
ReplyDeleteI just started sewing in January myself so I totally get where you're coming from. I bought a Brother sewing machine off Amazon. I don't remember the exact one but it has close to 60 pre-programmed stitches and 3 button-holes. I took sewing lessons and my instructor said it was a GREAT machine. Hope that helps! Also - if you have a Joann's in your area they have great sewing classes and usually you can catch a deal where the classes are either half off or BOGO. GOOD LUCK! You'll be hooked in no time!
ReplyDeleteNo confession needed- it's an awesome thing to learn how to do! I got a Singer Esteem II for Christmas last year. On top of not being too expensive, it is totally precious! My best advice when learning how to sew is to start with the machine unplugged. Learn how the mechanisms actually work first and you'll save yourself a lot of heartache down the road. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteErin @ The Great Indoors