I learned to Sew!

[Deleted]

I borrowed my MIL's sewing machine for 2 weeks (she's a very organized type-it's like getting something from the library)

I finally sat down and taught myself how to use the machine. I threaded it, I used the bobbin filler thing (I can do it, can't talk it). I sewed jagged and straight, backwards and forwards.

I'm so proud! At Wal-Mart I found a similar machine for $75, guess what I want for Christmas?!

Barbie now has a new sleeping bag, pillow, pillow case, and night gown. And Junior (a doll) has a new pillow. (my daughter made me stop at the pillow since I have pink and purple material and she didn't think Junior would like it!!)

Now I just need a pattern made out of that unbreakable comb plastic! The package should say 'Warning: Ultra thin wanna be paper inside. If you're clutzy buy two'

[Kathy]

Congratulations! I have one of those Brother brand Walmart sewing machines and it does just fine for the kinds of things I sew.

As far as patterns; if you have a newspaper office in your area, you can usually buy roll ends of the clean, never used newspaper. I just laid the patterns on the newspaper and cut out a second one that was sturdier than those fragile pieces in that little envelope. ;D Freezer paper works but only for stuff narrow enough to fit on the 36" wide paper.
I store mine along with the original pattern in a gallon zippered plastic freezer bag.

I have a bunch of patterns for aprons; some the 50's style aprons that I want to work on this winter. I'm not a fast sewwer so I should have maybe 2 aprons done by spring!

When you get a chance, we love pictures here. Post pics of some of your projects. ;D

[Deleted]

Awesome, that's not a bad idea. We live right around the corner from the big newspaper distribution place. I'm too chicken to go and ask about the coupons. Keep telling myself I will... maybe buying paper can be a foot in the door.

My next project is going to be a microwave heating pad. That should be interesting.

[nan]

You can do it!!! I am proud of you for taming the machine!!! ;D If you have any sewing questions...give me a holler....I have been sewing forever! Been making nearly all of my own clothes and most of my daughters and some of my hubby's and boys for 20 plus years now! It is a GREAT thing to be able to do when you check out the price of curtains and simple pillow cases and things!!!!

[Deleted]

Thanks! I have a feeling that it will take me some time to do all the things I want. I'm horrible with rules. Just look at my recipes! Are there others out there that sew by 'look'? The only thing I do by the book is play music (I was taught young enough that it stuck!). Maybe learning to sew is one step closer to having the patience to follow directions.. One can only hope!

My daughter wants me to make her a 'Princess Dress' complete with all the tulle, ribbon, lace and bows you can shake a stick at.. Maybe for next Halloween!

[nan]

Find the easiest dress pattern that you can find! Make a couple of dresses for your daughter out of that pattern....then when the time comes.....just make the same dress but add a layer of tulle over the skirt and all the bows and goo gaws you can to the rest of the dress! Much easier than following the directions for a costume pattern that you will only use once! Most little girl patterns have several views for several different "looks" out of the one pattern anyway! Choose one that has short or long sleeves....and collar or no collar...etc....

[Deleted]

This is a really good idea. Instead of making a Halloween Costume that will fall apart, I can put together another dress and just tac on the do-dads. A couple of well made (around here that means do it yourself) dresses could serve her well. I like the idea of mastering 1 pattern and learning the in's and outs of it.

Thanks for the heads-up! I would have paid $12.97 for a Halloween pattern (probably bought another when I tore the first on LOL). Now I can just buy a good pattern and work from there!

[Kathy]

I'm going to start soon on a doggie costume for Lucky. I found out the local no-kill Animal Shelter has a festival the Saturday before Halloween and one of the contests is best costumed dog!

So what should a 32# Corgi with 4" legs go as?? ;D

[Deleted]

A Skunk? ;D

[angiem2]

Hi manicmommy - good to see another sewer. I sew a bit also, and may be of some help from time to time.

I also think making a dress through-out the year, then next Halloween just add the net and "stuff" to dress it up and instant princess (don't forget a tiara).

Angie