learning to sew necessary???

colcon2010
Tue, 27 Sep 2011 10:20:16 +0000

Wow, Bears, what a generous offer of the sewing machine. How nice of you! Are you really not happy with your sewing skills? I feel the same way as you do, but I don’t sew for a business! I bet you are really skilled. I have basic skills; my mother is very talented at just about everything and she taught us kids how to sew when we were young. First, hand sewing those scrubbies made out of tulle (anyone remember those?!) and then little toys, and eventually clothing. I did make some of my own clothes in HS and college, back in the day when it was cheaper to sew than buy; not sure that is true anymore), but since then I have used most of my mad sewing skills (def. kidding there) to make my kids American Girl doll clothes when they were young, and cosplay costumes for my art kiddo as she got older. This summer she began sewing her own stuff on the machine, although she did make stuffed toys based on characters she drew when she was younger. Anyway, like bears I suggest she get her hands on a machine (not a real cheap one; too frustrating if mechanics aren’t good) and learn the basics. Don’t jump right into some awesome project! If you sew, show her all the boring stuff that you have to do to make a finished piece look polished (learn about fabrics, thread, tension, pre-washing, clipping, pressing, adjusting patterns, etc. etc.). Even if she never has to sew a garment I think it would be impossible to design without understanding the inherent qualities of each type of fabric. If she learns all this and decides not to do fashion, she will still put the knowledge to good use!

fammom, I love the look of stitching on canvas! Also, I bet you could do a zipper. One of my D’s favorite hoodies needed a zipper replacement this summer. I thought about taking it to the tailor but knew it would cost a fortune. We were in the fabric store and I decided for the cost of the $3 zipper I’d give it a try. It worked! I know it’s not perfect but my D was thrilled (the hoodie can’t be replaced). Whew!