Last year, I bought a sewing machine. It was initially meant to be for card making, but I started thinking that I might like to try sewing. I haven’t done anything with the machine since then. The main reason is that I am scared of sewing machines. There, I’ve said it.
My mum was a crafting tour de force as I was growing up. She knits and crochets. She used to sew clothes and home furnishings. I wish I’d paid more attention when she was sewing, but her machine (an ancient, secondhand Singer) was noisy and it scared me. This fear was not helped by seeing one of my classmates sew through her finger with a sewing machine in Textiles. Since then, I’ve given sewing a wide berth.
Despite all that, I’ve signed up for a five week beginners sewing class which starts in late February. Am I a masochist? Probably. The class is run by the local adult education centre. It promises to teach me how to do basic stitches and seams, problem solving (?) and how to insert a range of fasteners, including zips.
What prompted this decision? I was looking around the shops for new clothes over the Christmas holidays and I couldn’t find anything I liked. I came to the sad conclusion that the sorts of clothes I want to buy are just not fashionable at the moment. So, being a crafter, the obvious solution seemed to be that I need to make my own. My ambition is to make (at least) one wearable skirt by the end of the year.
However, I cannot overstate how much of a beginner I am. I’m willing to give most crafty things a go, but I’m starting to worry that I’ve bitten off more than I can chew (or sew) this time. I have literally no idea what I am doing, but hey I can drive a car so how hard can it be to operate a sewing machine?
The course stipulates that some previous experience of sewing machines is useful, so I have until 21 February to get some practice. I’ve been reading the excellent ‘Learn to Sew’ series by blogger Tilly and the Buttons on the basics of how a sewing machine works. Once I’ve cleared out my crafting space, I’m going to practice sewing straight lines using some scrap fabric my mum gave me. Wish me luck…
11 comments
Comments feed for this article
January 11, 2012 at 12:57 pm
Stephanie (foggyknitter)
You are not alone. I also find sewing machines scary. My school textiles lessons were purgatory for me and the teacher, but like you this year I want to get to grips with sewing.
Hope the classes go well! Do you know about Clothkits? They have some very inspiring sewing stuff
January 11, 2012 at 1:24 pm
sophie
congratulations! don’t be afraid of your sewing machine, it will soon be your best friend
I must say I absolutely adore my vintage – noisy – sewing machine! so don’t be scared and just try
I’ve heard on a sewing podcast someone recommending starting with just lined paper (no thread), just to get the feel of the machine, the pedal and the rhythm and then ‘upgrade’ to fabric and thread.
January 11, 2012 at 2:09 pm
Siga
Oh, I’d love to learn how to make a skirt as well.
January 11, 2012 at 2:22 pm
abby
I was the same way, but am giving it a go. Thanks for putting up that link. I will be using that website for sure.
Can’t wait to see what you make!
January 11, 2012 at 2:35 pm
Bonnie
I’ve sewn together the pieces for a wall hanging quilt… like 8 years ago… it was the hand quilting I didn’t like so it’s still not done. I tried and gave up on pajama pants, but I forgot about that and decided to sew my own halloween costume one year, it was a long dress and actually turned out pretty good, other than I used the wrong size in one part so didn’t fit the greatest.
I’d love to try sewing again but my mom let my Grandma use my sewing machine (an old one I got when I was young and still wanted dolls, I was very disappointed and found it very frustrating). Grandma has since bought a new one and the only way the 90 year old lady would spend the money was when she thought about how it could be mine afterwards. I’ve been thinking of going over and using either her machine or my mom’s though and sewing some baby stuff.
January 11, 2012 at 2:59 pm
The Girl
Totally afraid too! You’ll have to let me know how you get on – just not any stories about you sewing yourself to something ok?
January 11, 2012 at 4:07 pm
Ginny
So I am not alone – also got a new sewing machine last year, not used!
I have felt so guilty. Used to love sewing at school, years ago! And have had a pattern for a summer skirt along with the fabric, since last summer. Looking forward to seeing how it goes for you.
January 11, 2012 at 5:48 pm
Stitched Together
Yay I’m really pleased for you. It’s the right thing to do if you don’t know where to start with your sewing machine. If you don’t use it, it becomes a very expensive ornament. The class will help so much. Do you have anyone nearby who can help you with the first few tries? Once you’ve given it a go, you will be more sure of what you are doing. Can’t wait to see what you make first!
January 11, 2012 at 6:11 pm
noknittedknickers
This is an excellent idea. I was scared of sewing machines and signed up for a class last year and ended up loving it. I’m still only at the straight line stage, but have big plans. Go for it. This is a good thing. C.x
January 12, 2012 at 1:26 am
rachel
I know exactly what you mean – I bought a simple, unused Singer sewer from a thrift shop two years ago… and still haven’t used it! I’m thinking I just need to bite the bullet soon and try things out. I can’t wait to visit Tilly’s blog and read her series. Maybe it’ll help me to get a little confidence.
January 13, 2012 at 11:03 am
Jenny
Going on a course seems like a great way to get cracking and work through your fears! I too am a bit wary of sewing but I think it’s because knitting I find easier having had more practice