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10:56 pm
March 10, 2010
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I know this may sound silly, but try Craigslist in your area. Look in the community section under groups. There may be a sewing or quilting group where you could get some hands on instruction and hints, plus meet some new people with similar hobbies. I did this recently when I was researching a cricut machine, and I sure am glad I did! Turned out that the "expert" I found, I already knew, she was my car mechanic's wife! 
3:45 pm
June 9, 2011
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Try looking your machine up on Youtube. You'll probably find tutorials on how to operate it. You can also look for beginning sewing lessons. From there, you'll find a slew of info/tutorials. Good luck. Sewing is such a rewarding craft.
10:39 am
November 9, 2010
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Miki!!
I didnt know it would do that!!!!!
I still have not gotten the other half to show me the basics but I will soon…now to figure out which button that is…haha!
8:12 am
May 6, 2010
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One of my goals this year is to learn how to sew. I have a Brother, too. I've had it for over 10 years now and every time I use it, we wind up in a huge argument. I know it is all due to operator error! I never thought about Craigslist. I was thinking about going to one of our local craft stores that offer classes. There is a fee for the class, but once a month they offer the class for 50% off.
9:41 am
May 7, 2011
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Maybe it has already been mentioned but another place that you might try is the local Extension Office. If they don't offer classes they might be able to put you in touch with someone.
10:08 am
February 15, 2011
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Mamaleigh, I guess if I were you, I would just open it up and start, using the manual as a guide, on a day when no interruptions are expected. The basics for that particular machine are laid out in the manual. You can conquer that.
You have some wonderful tips and comments here, so just go with them. If he wanted to teach you, his actions would have been different. Don't hold it against him, just don't expect any assistance getting started. I hope you don't take this the wrong way, it is meant in all kindness. He might just hate to sew or hate to teach. Or, like my dh, hate to get involved in my own projects, unless it involves food. 
10:41 am
September 12, 2011
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Congratulations on the new machine!! You will have so much fun with it!
i had to teach myself how to sew and this is how I did it. I always bought "simple" patterns, look for the number of pieces that the pattern includes. Try to get one with less than 6 or 7 pieces…after all, you're not making a wedding dress here! Surprisingly, a good source of fabric is your own closet. Take something that you would probably donate anyway and use the fabric from that. Simplicity patterns are what got me started, they state the instructions so simply and easily that you learn as you go. (I have always thought that threading the machine was the hardest thing to learn! once you have that down, you can take off running…)
another source is your local church. Check and see if they have sewing classes there. Many older women would love to share their expertise with someone who REALLY wants to learn! During the depression they used to trace a dress pattern on newspaper and everyone used the same pattern, just adding some ribbon or lace to change it up a little. The LDS or Mennonite churches are known for crafts and teaching basics. you might start there. As you work at it you will gain more experience. You are already talented in so many areas just by being a wife and mom, this is just another little step in being prepared.
Good luck to you!
Mama Carpenter
7:28 am
September 1, 2008
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Ross said:
My brothers and I learned how to sew when we needed small bags for collecting our boy treasures . We lived near a golf course and were very skillful at finding lost balls. We wanted draw string bags to keep them. Mother showed us how and then we were on our own. When a pair of trousers gets worn through at the knees the lower legs make fine small tote bags. People are constantly throwing perfectly good fabric away. Sometimes it is on a sofa or an easy chair. A worn out dish towel folded into a square and stitched around will make a servicable pot holder. If it is too thick then it will make two pot holders. Practice on things that don't matter but will be useful no matter how they turn out.
I used upholstry swatches to recover the seat cushions on four kitchen chairs. That is a more advanced project but the fabric was free for the asking at a local furniture store.
yes and denim makes for great projects too- like the bag idea for the lower pants, aprons, wall pockets, pockets for kids toys and crayons- use the pockets on the back for projects too- never toss our any denim!
7:36 am
September 1, 2008
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Is there a sewing store near you- ask them. The ones where i live offer sewing classes. You could call the local schools to and talk to the home economics teacher(if they still exist) and get an idea. If you attend a church- ask around there too. Good luck. I have been sewing since I was in jr. high- have made wedding dressings, ball gowns, men's suits, women's suits, curtains and a ton of crafts- you will love it once you begin. Patterns use to cost like 1.75 or the high Vogue patterns were around 2.25 or 3.00 unless on sale but NOW- wow- even half price- and material too-
I recently bought a shawl pattern that would be easy for you. you make it out of fleece – I got it at Hancocks- it is a KWIK SEW pattern. I made 3 shawls in an afternoon. since the fleece does not unravel- it is easyl. I did however cut the pattern in half where it says to lengthen or shorten. I lengthened it 2 inches. you cut the pattern in half where it says and then place a piece 2 inches above that place and pin and cut. our craft group is making these to sell for next year. we got the fleece on sale for 2.33 a yrd reg. 7.99- will cost us around 3 to make them. they are nice and it is a good beginner project.
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