Sew Simply: supplies, machines, & fabrics

Hello, friends!  Here is the long-awaited sewing post series.  Our intention here is to encourage all of you to sew for yourselves!  Hopefully, we'll be able to get you started... remember-- we're always here to answer questions, so please shoot them on over!  We want to share the sewing basics, as well as our own little tips... some easy beginner projects, too!  And don't forget to sign up for our giveaway on Jasmine's blog. 

  

Alright!  First of all, do you have a place to sew?  You can use your kitchen table, your spare bedroom, or your little desk... just be sure that you are close to an electrical outlet (so we can plug that machine in), and have as much natural light as possible.  Also, you're going to need an iron.  A comfy chair is always helpful, too!  If you have a friend or relative who sews, you are blessed.  Perhaps they would be willing to show you the ropes-- just ask them!  Now, let's get started!

what every well-supplied seamstress should own...

::thimble

::good sewing scissors (designed for cutting fabric)

::pins (glass-headed pins are really nice)

::pincushion

::needles (of all lengths, thicknesses, and sharpnesses-- these can be purchased in one basic package)

::tiny scissors (for snipping threads-- use a pretty ribbon to tie them loosely around your neck, so they won't get lost!)

::tape measure (this is a must... you'll use this to take your measurements)

::seam gauge (used for hemming and other small measurement)

::seam ripper (to rip out mistakes-- 'nuff said.)

::bodkin (this handy little tool will help pull elastic through tight casings)

::safety pins

::thread in basic colors (white, black, navy, red, off-white, brown, blue, or whatever colors you wear a lot of)

::buttons (these little doo-dads add so much to little projects!)

::elastic (most commonly used widths-- 1/4", 1/2", 3/4", and 1")

::a container of some sort, to hold it all!

We will plan on posting pictures of all of these things tomorrow, so you can get an idea of what everything looks like.  If you've never had any kind of experience with fabric stores, take this advice: ask for help.  Most of these trinkets can be found on the notions wall.

sewing machines...

Sewing machines can be intimidating.  But once you master the use of one, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it!  We've had a lot of ladies ask our favorite brand of sewing machine.  The small, compact model we girls use for our everyday projects is the Janome Jem Gold... it only weighs 11 pounds!  So it's easy to tote around.  If you are just starting out, we suggest a smaller model like the Jem Gold.  Ebay is a good source for Janome sewing machines.  However, there are less expensive sewing machines at fabric stores such as JoAnn's or Hancock-- look for a machine that has at least a straight stitch and a zigzag stitch.  We also find a button hole maker, a blind hem stitch, and a serge stitch to be extremely helpful, and necessary for someone who is serious about sewing.  Don't be afraid to start out with a very inexpensive machine, unless you intend to use your sewing skills extensively.  When you do have a machine, play around with it.  Use scrap fabrics to practice sewing straight lines.  Read your instruction manual!

fabulous fabrics...

We love cotton-- for almost everything!  It is breathable, durable, and comes in an amazing array of fantastic prints.  As a matter of fact, all of the fabrics we carry are cotton.  We suggest cotton fabrics for beginners because they are easy to work with and sew up nicely.  And, you can make so many different projects using cottons!  Like skirts, tops, dresses, pillows, aprons, bags, pajamas, curtains, slippers, seat cushions, and more.  Don't forget to wash and dry your fabrics before making your project!  Cotton will shrink.  There is a difference between high-quality fabrics and the $1-a-yard kind.  Fabric is one of those things-- you get what you pay for.  If you are wanting to make something that will last, buy the more expensive fabric.  We suggest that you do have the very "cheap" fabrics on hand for practice.    

That's enough for today!  Questions?  Just ask.  Next "Sew Simply" post coming soon, Lord willing...

...stay tuned for a sewing basket giveaway!

Comments

[Heather]

Thanks, Ladies! This series of posts is very timely for myself. My dear hubby recently bought me a machine & I am re-learning how to sew. I hope to teach our dds also, as well as begin to make our clothes. Looking forward to learning!

[Miss Jocelyn]

Oh your site and items are BEAUTIFUL! :) I may contact you about a huge, special event I'm doing in the coming months. :)

Thanks for stopping by A Pondering Heart, and entering the giveaway!

Blessings!
Miss Jocelyn

[Tiff@Three Peas]

Awesome post. I have been teaching myself to sew since January. It's been a fun process and I just aquired an overlock machine. Any tips to using it?

[deidre]

I have to say, even after spending so much time sewing, I still do not own all of the things on your list. Terrible, I know. I don't even have a seam ripper or a tape measure! The things I do to improvise our ridiculous. Don't ask me why I don't have the majority of the things on your list, I can't answer that myself.