Posted by Racer on February 3, 2005, at 16:14:02
In reply to How hard is sewing, really?, posted by Dinah on February 3, 2005, at 10:52:26
> Probably the last thing I need right now is a new hobby, but I just can't find the clothes I'm looking for, and my current clothes are ancient and starting to show that. (I still have the clothes I had when I was pregnant and before.)
Well, not being able to find clothes I like and that fit me is why I sew -- well, that and to make my hubby's 'jammies -- and I have sewn since before I could thread a needle without help.
Is sewing hard? No. If you can make doggie diapers, you can sew.
Is sewing well hard? Yeah, but not so hard you can't do it.
What's the most important part? As someone already said, press every seam! I've got that voice, too: "Never sew over an unpressed seam!" It's absolutely true.
Sew slowly, and as accurately as you can. Don't get into a hurry.
And if you are good at maths, think of it as 3D geometry, which is what it is. You're trying to make a 3D shape out of a 2D fabric -- geometry in action. That will help you with fitting issues, if you keep it in mind.
So, make sure your iron lives up to your sewing machine, get out some old sheets, and practice. Threads magazine is great for good information about how to sew, and they have a large archive section on their website. Always make a test garment before cutting into expensive fabric, too. I buy up the 50 cent a yard sale junk, as long as it's plain woven cotton, for testing patterns. And I use the cheap fusible interfacing for protecting patterns I like, so that they don't get ripped apart.
Good luck, and remember -- it should be fun, too!
poster:Racer
thread:452412
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20050202/msgs/452536.html