| I love sewing, it is my main hobby of choice. I do enjoy | | | | 12. Be sure to read the instruction and care manual of |
| many other crafts outside of stitching, but my sewing | | | | your sewing machine carefully. If you can, take a small |
| machine is always close by and ready for whatever | | | | workshop online or at a local crafting shop instructing |
| the task. I find it rewarding to make clothing and useful | | | | you on how to use it properly. |
| things to decorate the home. | | | | 13. I strongly suggest you be the only one to use your |
| There is always something new to learn allowing your | | | | machine at first. Too many beginners on a machine will |
| imagination to grow and soar with endless ideas. | | | | keep the tension thrown off which will decrease its |
| Designing is where I find the artist in me, others may | | | | level of performance in no time. |
| find their creative sides in other areas of the craft. | | | | 14. Buy extra in supplies of needles, bobbins, and light |
| Since you have developed the interest for sewing, | | | | bulbs for your machine. This is something you will need |
| there are a lot of things you will learn along the way. I | | | | to have plenty of throughout your sewing experience. |
| would like to take this time to share some helpful tips | | | | There is no worse feeling than to break a needle or |
| I've learned during my life from others such as my | | | | blow a bulb in the middle of completing a project, and |
| mother (my first teacher), through craft classes, | | | | not have a replace of either on hand. |
| courses, workshops, trial and error. | | | | 15. Before starting a project, thread 2 bobbins of the |
| I have shared these tips with many newbies and | | | | color(s) you are using each. This saves on time and |
| received very positive results. No, I've never worked | | | | eliminates sudden frustration later. |
| for any big time designers or went to any big time | | | | 16. When doing a project, make a timed schedule for |
| schools. I initially learned at home alongside my mother | | | | your entire day that includes important tasks, household |
| and grandmother who were both very skilled in the | | | | chores and a break for yourself. For example: Clean |
| craft, and I have a natural hand for garment | | | | your home and even prep your dinner if you can |
| construction. | | | | before you begin your project. This way, if times |
| Learning to sew can be such a great benefit for | | | | escapes and you not notice it, you won't have to dash |
| yourself and family. To begin, no one has to worry | | | | around frantically at the last minute trying to ready |
| about a lack of clothing to wear. Also it is great to be | | | | things. |
| able to style and fashion your clothing and accessories | | | | 17. It is very important to prioritize your tasks. Sewing |
| to suit your needs and preferences. Being a | | | | may be fun and enjoyable, but it's not fair to make it |
| seamstress is also wonderful and fulfilling way to earn | | | | precedence over things deemed important. It will then |
| an income from home as well. Please enjoy the tips | | | | become a chore itself. |
| and advice below. | | | | 18. Never throw away scraps and salvage pieces until |
| Tips and Advice: | | | | you have completed the project entirely, you may |
| 1. To begin, take your time, be patient and absorb the | | | | need them to make alterations and where you have |
| craft. | | | | purchased the fabric may not have anymore in stock. |
| 2. Learn to have fun, it's supposed to be a fun and | | | | Save your salvages just in case you may need them. |
| rewarding experience, this way it will never feel like its | | | | You may even use them in making other things. |
| a task chore. | | | | A Little About Tools: |
| 3. Learn to appreciate your work and the work of | | | | In order to sew effectively you will need the basic |
| others even if its loaded with mistakes. | | | | tools and notions. After all, fabrics and textiles are just |
| 4. Also, expect to make mistakes even when you | | | | that, "fabrics and textiles" and they will remain in this |
| become an advanced Seamstress. After all, seam | | | | state until someone comes along using some tools to |
| rippers were designed to rip out mistakes made. | | | | transform them into something of use. I suggest initially |
| Personally, I almost always make a mistake where I | | | | purchasing an inexpensive sewing kit. Major |
| have to use a seam ripper and I've been sewing for | | | | department stores usually sell starter sewing kits for |
| over 30 years. | | | | less than $10 and they include: a pair of scissors, a pin |
| 5. Designate a pair of scissors only for cutting fabrics | | | | cushion, a flexible measuring tape, a seam ripper, a |
| and threads. Tie a string onto the thumb loop of them | | | | hem gauge, a tracing wheel, a piece of tailor's chalk, |
| so they will not get mixed up with other scissors and | | | | and some hand sewing needles/thread. All the basics. |
| tell others at home not to use them. If you use your | | | | Some even come with a couple sheets of pattern |
| scissors to cut more than just fabrics, they will dull | | | | making paper. |
| quickly and not cut your fabric with the same precision | | | | These are the basic tools I think we (the novice to |
| as they would had you followed this tip. | | | | advanced seamstress) all need in order to sew |
| 6. practice sewing often to build your ease and skills. | | | | anything. Yet, as you grow and learn there will be |
| Start out with small projects like pillow cases and | | | | patterns and projects that may require the use of |
| potholders, clothing for dolls, etc. | | | | tools more intricate and challenging than these basic |
| 7. Be as organized and neat as possible. | | | | ones mentioned here. |
| 8. Take good care of your sewing machine(s) and | | | | In addition, I suggest to purchase a large bait and tackle |
| supplies. If you take good care of them, then others will | | | | box to use for building your own sewing kit comprised |
| take your craft seriously. | | | | of all the basic, common tools and gadgets, and any |
| 9. Always plan your projects even if its a small one. | | | | odd finds they may come across in their travels. |
| Planning saves time, you'll have less headaches, and | | | | Especially those unique things that are inexpensive you |
| save money. It also increases the excitement and | | | | think you will never use, as you grow and advance |
| enthusiasm of completing what is being made. | | | | those same notions will not look so strange, and will be |
| 10. Everyone has their own unique style, do not be | | | | of some use trust me. A bait and tackle box is |
| afraid to explore and express yours as well as | | | | cheaper than those fancy sewing baskets, plus they |
| appreciate and try the styles of others. | | | | hold a lot of small things very well in place as the inside |
| 11. Volunteer your services to an advanced | | | | of it has endless large and small compartments, and a |
| seamstress to gain in skills. There is always some | | | | huge space at the bottom where you can keep your |
| seamstress/designer who can use a helping hand, but | | | | threads and a few patterns. They also store away |
| has not the budget to hire help. If your skills have | | | | nicely and keep things neat and in order. |
| matured a bit and you can volunteer, that seamstress | | | | Overall, sewing is a wonderful pastime. Remember to |
| designer can sure use your help. | | | | keep it stress-free and enjoy yourself. |