Sewing...

[Tenacious_D]

When DH and I registered for gifts for the wedding, I added a sewing machine to the list of gifts and through peer pressure and ridicule from my friends I removed it from the list . Maybe it's because of Project Runway or the fact that clothes never seem to fit me just right that I am thinking about sewing.

Anyway, the point I am trying to make is that I want to learn how to sew. My mom used to sew all the time when I was younger and I can still remember all of her pattern books and pattern paper around the house.

If you sew, is it something that someone can teach themselves or would you recommend taking classes? Also, any recs on a good first sewing machine?

[spotty_dog]

I just bought my first machine (a birthday gift from my mom) after lots of research. Honestly, I was still confused after all the research and my price range was a bit higher than I would have expected for a first machine. so I don't know how much advice I can offer. But I got a Bernette 80e (discounted floor model) and I'm really happy with it so far!

In the <$200 range I started out looking at, I think that Kenmore was looking like my best bet for a sturdy and reliable machine. Downsides: only a 90 day warranty and the chance they'll discontinue the model and stop providing service and parts for it down the line. :\

Newer Singers get roundly booed as do most of the Brothers you can get at big chain stores.

Check out http://sewing.patternreview.com/ for reviews as you start to narrow the field!

[Stella]

I taught myself to sew with minimal guidance from my mom when I was a kid. It meant a LOT of failed projects in college but some real success too. I just bought a sewing machine from overstock.com. It was by far the best deal. I got a Brother that is digital with all kinds of crap. I figure I can grow into it too. Good luck!

My sister is a near expert and she took a Beginning Sewing Class for like 6-8 weeks at JoAnn Fabric when she bought her machine...I want to say it was free or a discount when she bought her machine. She can make anything now. I'm jealous.

JoAnne Fabrics, Hancock Fabrics, Continuing ed at the community college or high school all have sewing classes. Its a good idea if you plan on making anything beyond the basic straight stitch curtain panel or throw pillow.

[Tenacious_D]

Thanks for the suggestions!!! I think I am going to have to look into that. I'll let you all know how it goes.

[rainbabies]

I taught myself to sew with minimal guidance from my mom when I was a kid. It meant a LOT of failed projects in college but some real success too. I just bought a sewing machine from overstock.com. It was by far the best deal. I got a Brother that is digital with all kinds of crap. I figure I can grow into it too. Good luck!

Stella, I got mine at overstock.com too. It is the brother and has a million different stiches on it. Im a little overwhelmed with it....thats why Im taking it slow and making stuff with easy straight lines.

[Stella]

I taught myself to sew with minimal guidance from my mom when I was a kid. It meant a LOT of failed projects in college but some real success too. I just bought a sewing machine from overstock.com. It was by far the best deal. I got a Brother that is digital with all kinds of crap. I figure I can grow into it too. Good luck!

Stella, I got mine at overstock.com too. It is the brother and has a million different stiches on it. Im a little overwhelmed with it....thats why Im taking it slow and making stuff with easy straight lines.

Hey, we might have the same machine! I think mine has something like 75 built in stiches! (To be quite honest, I haven't even used it yet b/c I moved and well, yeah, that's why. I haven't even upacked my dishes, let alone the sewing machine.) Anyway, it looks pretty awesome and I'm so excited for it. It also got really good reviews on the site - and what a price!!!

Get one! I bought a pretty basic Brother for about $100, and I love it. I don't need all the fancy stitches (right now, anyway), so really, it serves its purpose beautifully. I sew all kinds of stuff with it. I taught myself, basically just read the manual and tried stuff to see what happened. I think its fun.