a good sewing foundation

As a (practically) self-taught sewer, I learned by trial and error—mostly error.  I ruined a lot of projects, ripped a lot of seams, and sewed a lot of garments that either didn’t look good or didn’t fit.  Through all this, I learned that, without a good sewing foundation, what you end up with is a lot of time-consuming error creations.

Although making errors while sewing is a good way to help you avoid doing it again next time, hopefully, I can help you avoid the kind of frustration that will keep you from continuing your sewing.

What kind of learner are you?

If you are unfamiliar with the various types of learning styles, a quick internet search will gather a lot of information on the subject.  The basic styles are:

Auditory Learners learn best by hearing.  For instance, if someone explains a concept to you, you will be able to process the information in a way that makes the doing easier.  In sewing, listening to instructional videos may be a great option for you.  Also, attending sewing seminars, demonstrations, or taking classes may be a good way to learn some skills.  Most local public libraries have an assortment of these available for free. 

Visual Learners learn best by seeing.  For instance, watching an instructional video, or someone showing you how to do something helps you to solidify a concept, making it possible for you to do it yourself.  As with auditory learners, free demonstrations and classes may be beneficial.  Sitting side by side with someone who is working on a project would be a great option.  Quilt guilds are a great resource for experienced sewers.  These guilds offer retreats, classes and demonstrations at their meetings, as well as mentorships with people who enjoy helping others learn.

Kinesthetic Learners learn best by touching/feeling/doing.  For instance, manipulating fabric, using the tools, and basically using your hands to figure out a concept on your own, or with the help of others, is the best kind of learning for you.

Most people are combination learners.  I don’t particularly like it when someone explains something to me.  I’d prefer to look at a picture or diagram, and then go after the project myself, which makes for a visual/kinesthetic learner.  I also love to watch Sewing With Nancy and other teaching videos like I would a movie.  Then I go back, later, and try out the concept when I’m sitting at my sewing machine.

For now, try figuring out what kind of learner you are. Most people already know.  If you don’t, it is best to find out as this will give you a good place to start in your sewing  ventures.  Knowledge is power—it’s true.

Setting up Your Sewing Space

Setting Up Your Sewing Space

A sewing space is a very basic, but very necessary part of sewing.  Your perfect space does not necessarily need to be, WELL, perfect.  Perfect for you depends on YOU.  Here is a guideline to help you set up your space so that once you begin sewing, you will be able to concentrate on your projects and having fun, rather than YOU trying to make your space work.  You need to make your space work for you.  A bit of pre-planning your space will save you a lot of frustration and make you a much happier sewer!

Sewing Corner or Room

If you have a spare bedroom, nook, or office, you have won the jackpot.  Sewing can create a huge mess, and sometimes when you are in the middle of a project, you may just want to leave things like they are until next time.  However, most of us do not have that luxury of an extra room.  The following will help you determine where and how to set up your area.

Of course, if you do have this luxury, you have a whole room—so set up.

Table, Desk, or Sewing Cabinet

You need a solid, stable, desk top, table, or cabinet to park your sewing machine on—that is--if it is a portable sewing machine.  The legs need to be solid and stable to bear the weight and vibrations of the machine while sewing.  A desk with drawers is ideal to hold supplies, notions patterns and fabrics.  If you don’t have room for a sewing area/room, a dining room table is sufficient.  Remember to always unplug your machine if you walk away from your sewing area (if you have young children and/or pets).  A sewing needle can sew through little curious fingers, and a runaway  pedal from a “bad dog” can break a needle and create a problem with your sewing machine timing.

Sewing machines that are housed in a cabinet act as stand-alones and are stable enough, unless you place a heavy item on top of the fold out arm (yes, I do know about this from experience).  Keep the fold out arm free from weight. 

Lighting

Determine whether you prefer natural lighting (near a nice, big window), or whether you prefer artificial lighting (near plenty of electrical outlets).  Personally, I do a combination.  This way, I can sew on a rainy day, or at night.

Electrical Outlets

Minimally, you will need an outlet for your lighting, your iron, and your sewing machine.  This is a lot of wattage, so be safe!  A surge protector is a good choice—it gives you more plug space, and protects your valuable investments.

Chair

A chair with wheels is great and can be purchased at garage sales.  Once you learn to sew, you can create cute chair accessories or covers to match your sewing room attire.  I just have a dining room chair, which works great.  Your chair needs to be comfortable and sturdy.  Your feet should rest flat on the floor. 

Cutting Area

You will want your cutting area in close proximity to your sewing area.  I don’t have a lot of room, so I have a mobile cutting area.  I went to Home Depot, chose a nice, thick board, and had one of the guys there cut it to the size of my cutting mat.  When I need to cut out projects, I place the board on my bed, the cutting mat on top, and presto—I have a cutting station.  I just store it behind my dresser, out of the way.  Of course, you can use your dining room table without a board (just a cutting mat) for this purpose.

Ironing Area

Ironing board v. ironing area—you choose.  Most quilters create a quilted mat for pressing small projects while sewing—this is a great way to avoid getting up and down while sewing.  Some larger projects require an ironing board.  I suggest you start with an ironing board with a clean, well-padded cover.  After you start sewing more, you can make your own padded side table or padded desk top ironing surface.  (This might make for a great started project!)

---------------

Any questions, please email me.  I would love to see pictures of your sewing area or room!

Happy sewing!

My Little Beast

Purchasing a Sewing Machine

In the coming weeks, I will guide you on how to obtain a sewing machine, and how to set up a sewing area.  Let’s first look at obtaining a sewing machine and ways to save money in doing so.

You do not need a top-of-the-line sewing machine, nor does your machine need to be expensive.  In fact, if you’ve never owned a machine, it is best to buy something that is inexpensive and simple to use.  The least amount of bells and whistles will be less distracting and less intimidating.  Try to select a machine that uses knobs and dials to change settings rather than push buttons.  This reduces the chances that you will have issues with maintenance problems. 

The easy way to nab yourself a great little sewing machine is to go to your nearest Walmart or Target and pick up a very inexpensive sewing machine (See below for other places to get a machine). A basic sewing machine, purchased new, will usually come pre-packaged with a few extra bobbins, an instruction booklet, and a few other little nifty items like a lint brush for cleaning your machine.  I use a simple Brother LX3125E (that comes with three different fashion faces or skins).  It’s a great little machine, however, it is not as quiet as I’d like—but is sews like a beast. 

Choosing a machine is a personal choice.  There are a lot of things to consider.  They come in various sizes and colors.  Prices tend to coincide with the fancy stitches they can create.  They also vary in how solid they are.  I would advise to stay away from very light weight sewing machines as those tend to bounce around on your table top.  Also, you can choose from a portable machine (which is great is you plan to take your machine to sewing classes or retreats) or a cabinet model (which is usually

This is what you should look for:

• Dial settings (rather than electronic button settings)
• Simple stitch capabilities (straight and zig zag stitching; buttonhole stitching)
• A solid build (not too light weight)
• A size that you like

There are many places to get a great machine.  You probably can get a lot more machine for your money if you are a great bargain hunter and have some patience.  The following are just some of the possible resources for a great deal:

Bartering

Why has bartering gone out of fashion?  I love to barter for goods and services.  It is the best way to keep your cash.  You can list a service (such as gardening, yard work, cooking, etc.) in exchange for a great sewing machine.  Remember to stay safe online.  Also keep in mind that you will need to check into your state laws regarding taxes when you barter for goods and services.

Newspaper Ads

Scavenge your newspaper, especially on Sunday.  You can wheel and deal with people who place newspaper ads because they typically want to really, really get rid of stuff if they have placed an ad like this. 

Quilt Guilds

Your local quilt guild is filled with people who own lots of really nice machines!  Since most guild members are top notch quilters, they often like to have updated and high quality machines, which means a great bargain for you.  You can get information on your local quilt guild through an online search, from your public library, or local fabric shops.  Quilt guilds typically have a newsletter with ads posted with machines for sale.  Your best bet is to contact the president of the quilt guilt for information.

Garage Sales

Although garage sale finds are “hit or miss,” this is the most inexpensive way to go.  You really just have to keep looking.  I have seen very nice, expensive machines with its accompanying cabinet go for less than $40!  Always ask the homeowner to kindly allow you to plug the machine in to make sure it works.  Most people are happy to do that for you.  Ask for any parts and accessories, and the user manual that accompanies the machine. You can typically bargain some, using the excuse that you will need to get the machine serviced (which you should anyway).  Keep in mind that if you purchase a machine in a cabinet, you will not be able to bring it to sewing classes.  However, I find these types of machines to be more sturdy and durable.

Friends/Aunts/Grandmothers, etc.

Your first stop shopping should start at home!  Ask your relatives.  Most often than not, someone in your family has a great machine sitting somewhere in the back of a closet, probably still in the box, probably still new.  Ask, ask, ask.  It may just land you a freebie!

Sewing Machine Repair Shops

Contact your local sewing machine repair shops for discounted machines. People sometimes drop their machines off for service, have them serviced, and leave them there.  Some repair shops also sell machines as a side line.  I purchased an $800 serger for $250 because someone purchased it, didn’t have the patience to learn to thread it, and returned it.  It was brand new!

Thrifty Newspapers

If you have a “thrifty newspaper” in your area, pick one up to see if there are hot ads.  These papers are usually free, although it might be worth your wild to invest in one for the opportunity to grab a bargain machine.

Estate Sales

Estate sales are a great way to get a good, solid machine for pennies on the dollar.  You will probably pay more for a machine at an estate sale than you would at a garage sale; however, it is still a great bargain for your money.

Once you locate a machine, and especially if you purchase it used, make sure to ask for all the parts that accompany the machine, including the owner’s manual.  It should come with a straight stitch foot and zigzag stitch foot.  If there is no zigzag foot, don’t fret—these are fairly cheap to purchase separately.  If your machine does not come with an owner’s manual, do a search online for your machine type.  You can usually find a PDF version free.  If you are unable to find one, contact the maker of your machine and ask for a complimentary copy.  You can also contact your local sewing machine repair shop and they can advise you where to find one.  You might even be able to get one free in exchange for a maintenance visit for your machine.   If that doesn’t work, you can usually purchase one online.  It is well worth the cost because you will need it.  Try to exhaust all your free possibilities first.

A note about maintenance:  Unless you purchase new, always have your machine serviced by a professional.  Your service technician will oil your machine, adjust your timing, and check to see that all the parts are clean and in good working order.  Just like a great mechanic, you need a great sewing machine tech. 

Please email me with any questions.  Good luck in your sewing machine purchase quest!

Sewing Lessons

Sewing Lessons Available. Please email an inquiry to beaserbags@gmail.com.  Individual or groups of 4-6 available. It is a lot of fun to join friends in a sewing class.

Host a sewing event at your home.  Lessons range from 3-6 hours per session.

Introduction

Max

Over your lifetime, you have learned many necessary skills such as walking, spelling, writing, driving, etc.  It amazes me when adults tell me they cannot learn to sew.  Some of my  favorite excuses: no  patience; no  time; no mechanical talent; and too old.  Every child I  taught to sew never used the excuse that he or she was too young.  Kids are like that.  They are open and responsive.  They are just fine with making mistakes.  They are willing to try something to find out whether they like it or not.

If you want to learn to sew, you can.  It's just that simple.

Each week, you can learn something here.  Even if you have never threaded a sewing machine, you can learn here. There are only a few rules to follow:

1.  Have fun.
2.  Be willing to make a lot of mistakes.
3.  No quitting!

If you have never sewn a thing, this blog is for you.  I love teaching people who have NO sewing experience or knowledge. I love to inspire people to find their creative passion.  There is a sewer in everyone.

I realize that most bloggers post daily; however, because this is a learning journey, we will go slow to give each person time to learn and practice.  People work, have kids, and are busy. Sewing should be fun.  So, we will go nice and slow.

Please email me with questions, pictures of your journey, inspiring stories, helpful hints that you discovered along the way, or to suggest a post topic.