My mom sewed on an old Singer machine but I never really learned to do much. When I was in 7th or 8th grade, girls were required to take Home Economics (dating myself here) and we sewed an A-line skirt. Then in the late 1990’s I bought myself a Sears Kenmore (made by Janome) sewing machine, but again never learned to do much with it besides minor repairs and it mostly sat in the closet. Fast forward and around 2019 I gave the machine to my D when she moved to Philly. She totally taught herself to sew using YouTube videos, etc, and sewed her wedding dress for her 2023 wedding, plus she regularly makes other items like button down shirts, skirts, pants and dresses. I can’t take credit for anything except giving her my old machine.
I gave away my sewing machines but have been thinking about getting one again. Just for simple things like hemming pants because my favorite brands make them what looks like a foot too long for me!
I do not sew but always was sort of a “wanna be” when I was a teen/young adult. My sister in law sews as a hobby and basically now sews all her clothes - it’s sort of her MO now to purchase as little clothing as possible ready made unless it’s thrifted.
I follow a few sewing accounts (including SIL) and really enjoy the talent and products.
My late grandfather was a tailor,as was his father who came from England. He made my father’s wedding suit. He was a perfectionist and my mother never really got interested in sewing, nor did I. I did take home ec since it was required.
I wonder how many of us fathers can sew. I learned as a child, and bought my Singer sewing machine in the early 1980’s. It still works fine of course. At this point my wife probably uses it a bit more than I do, but it is pretty close to 50/50.
I also darn my own socks, but obviously by hand. Throwing away a sock just because it has a small hole always seemed very wasteful to me.
My husband started using his mother’s sewing machine at age 4 (tracing designs on paper with the needle). I’d be happy to give it away as we’ve only used it a few times over the past 40 years. But he has sentimental attachment. Good to know though that there might be demand for it if he opts to give it away.
I have always sewn. I remember taking home ec in junior high and being fascinated by the workings of the sewing machine. Feed dogs! Tension discs! Balance wheel! I now own my mother’s Singer Featherweight but do most of my sewing on a Pfaff with all the bells and whistles and three lights!
I learned to sew in 8th grade - everyone, male & female, took a quarter of sewing class. I’ve sewed through the years, mainly Halloween costumes and costumes for the community theater when D was in it. I helped my kids make Christmas presents, and both S & D learned to sew basic seams. I learned to blind hem when D was in high school because it cost way too much to pay a seamstress to hem pleated uniform skirts. I haven’t had my sewing machine out in a few years, and I have been thinking about doing some sewing.
BTW, our library has so many cool things to use, like a photo scanner & a 3D printer … and a sewing machine.
This is my D’s attitude as well. She enjoys making clothes that she’s custom tailored to fit her shape and size, in the colors, patterns and fabrics she likes.
I’d enjoy sewing more but can’t find fabric anymore. I used to sew mostly home decs–curtains, bed ruffles, crib sheets, table cloths, placemats, costumes. But for clothing by the time you buy the notions it’s cheaper to buy already made–which is why the thrift shops are doing a good business.
I’ve sewed off and on my whole life. Sewed clothes when I was in HS, home decor, Halloween costumes and some clothes for my kids and now am making quilts and bags. I discovered a whole world of online fabric shops during the pandemic.
Since I’m ordering fabric for quilting and usually ordering small quantities, 1/2-1 yard, I haven’t done that much. I figure if it doesn’t turn out to be exactly what I want, it’s usually if the color is off, I will use it for something else down the line. If I’m ordering a larger amount like for a backing I will sometimes order 1/4 yard to see if I like it. At this point I have some designers of quilting cotton that I gravitate to and I know the quality of their fabric. I do have a swatch book for a particular company that I like their solids so I know what the color will be before I order it. I think you may be asking more about fabric for clothes? and I don’t sew clothes anymore so haven’t tried to get samples for that.
For anyone who’s interested, especially since Joann’s went out of business and it’s harder to get supplies locally, this is a great source for notions and tools. They have a nice variety of zippers and prices are very reasonable. Great customer service too!
I dislike sewing but can do basics like making costumes for the kids.
My daughter loves to sew and made her prom and homecoming dresses over the years. Until recently, her machine was a very basic Singer. It is 3/4 size with only 8 stitches. She got it at age 7 or 8. But my MIL was an excellent seamstress and last year my daughter ended up with her machine. It has gone to a few others in the family, but they all wanted something simpler. So she got it and loves it! Everyone is happy to hear the machine is getting used again. She is thrilled she has one for home and she took the basic one to college.
My 6 year old GD is in the sewing club at school! Her 1st grade teacher is teaching the class of 10 girls one day a week after school. They will learn on full sized sewing machine, or at least that is what my daughter’s understanding is. Of course if will be several weeks before they work with the machines.
My mother could sew, but not a seamstress; I couldn’t even complete my dirndl skirt in home ec, so zero talent. My daughter’s only sewing skills were to sew her elastic and ribbons on her point shoes!
My daughter’s MIL was a home ec teacher in the UK, so she will be the one giving pointers to GD!
I used to sew— a lot in HS (made lots of clothes, toys, etc), and then picked it up again when I made window treatments for my DS. Then my old trusty Singer touch ‘n sew machine died. I bought a new machine (a pretty basic one) but I think it is still in the box! I dont know how to thread the bobbin. A friend offered to show me but so far I haven’t taken her up on it. My GD has started to sew ( her other GM taught her) so for her upcoming birthday I bought her a kids sewing machine, Its waiting for her at her house for next week. But alas, she just broke her wrist, so it may have to wait…
The quilt shop where I work offers a class called Driver’s Ed for the Sewing Macine where you bring your machine and learn how to thread it and use it.
).