Learn to sew?

[matei]

Hiya,

Does anyone know of any good resources for the autodidactically inclined, who would like to find out more about sewing/tailoring?

Having seen the work that goes into the creation of the garments we wear, I have a new appreciation for the skill involved. So much so (sew) that I'm tempted to learn a bit more about it, however I can barely attach a button.

Thanks!

 

[Lady Day]

Hi,
First off, take a look around the Powder Room. We have tons of sewing threads going on.

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=11070

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=10188

Taking a class is going to be your best bet at learning the basics. Check in your area as to where you can find one. From there you can learn what type of machine you would want (as in what type will suit your needs as to what features you want) and what type of projects you want to take on.

You also may want to see if there is a tailor/ seamstress in your area that may give classes or is looking for an apprentice. Worth a shot.

If just interested in the mechanics of sewing, there are a number of forums and sewing sites on that big wide internet.

Good luck and happy sewing!

LD

 

[Tomasso]

My local library has a plethora of sewing related material, including video instruction. I borrowed this tape to give me some insight into shirt making.

 

[matei]

Thanks for the links.

My wife actually suggested that I look into this, as I am forever giving out about the lack of shirts, jackets, trousers, etc made to my liking.

My wife's grandfather was a tailor. When his shop was nationalised in the '50s, he stashed away a few bits for himself in case he needed it. We still have his shears and an old Singer machine. I think the sewing machine is pre war, but it still works. No one uses it nowadays though!

 

[Elaina]

There are a number of resources. Sewing for Dummies by Simplicity is a good resource, I taught myself several techniques I otherwise would have struggled with, not books but patterns. The instructions can be used for other things. Vogue Sewing from the 70's (and fairly cheap too) is a good resource for some of the finer points of sewing. There's a school book that you can often find in used bookstores that is an old home ec sewing book, in orange called "Sewing" that is good for basic techniques. None of them, however, teach sewing machine upkeep or what really to do with the machine (so if you have one, read the manual.)

If you are sewing, and something doesn't look right, or isn't making sense, see if you have a pattern that has a similar look. I was making a coat from Simplicity's Civil war line (the white and gold coat) and for some reason had a heck of a time after I modified it slightly. The directions quit making sense, and I used a coat instruction from McCall's. Went together fine.

Classes are always good, but I suggest you look for ones that aren't geared to quilting (unless you want to quilt). 99% of the classes I know of here are for quilting.

But the best advice is: sew, sew, sew!

 

[Lady Day]

Thanks for the links.

My wife actually suggested that I look into this, as I am forever giving out about the lack of shirts, jackets, trousers, etc made to my liking.

My wife's grandfather was a tailor. When his shop was nationalised in the '50s, he stashed away a few bits for himself in case he needed it. We still have his shears and an old Singer machine. I think the sewing machine is pre war, but it still works. No one uses it nowadays though!

Thats why I started sewing (minus the wife). Older machines can be great, but can cost a lot to repair at first, if its needed. Once working, they can last past a lifetime

LD