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Easy Peasy Tips: Learn to Sew!

By tinychoices | March 22, 2008

This might not seem that easy peasy, but don’t worry, it is! Plus, this tip has a special place in Team Tiny Choices’ heart, because Team Tiny Choices has recently purchased new sewing machines.

Learn to sew! you can avoid purchasing new clothing and refashion clothes you’ve already got into items that fit well and are stylish. Even if you don’t have a sewing machine, learn to mend, so you can hem and repair small rips in your clothing. You can sew on and refasten loose buttons, and if you really get into it, you’ll be able to replace zippers. If you’ve got clothing that has a lot of wear in it but has experienced an unfortunate accident (Karina’s family says she’s got a hole in her chin) you can applique embellishments on top of stains and holes.

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Topics: Easy Peasy Tips | 13 Comments »

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13 Comments

Comment by Frank
2008-03-22 06:44:53

Purchased *NEW* sewing machines? Not “Repurposed”, “Reclaimed”, or “Re-loved” machines?

For SHAME!

Now you have to pledge to use your sewing powers for the forces of good. And maybe make up those “Team Tiny Choices” skiing uniforms in whatever color scheme we finally decided on.

In all seriousness, though, mending is WAY underappreciated today. Lots of people will occasionally Recycle, some even Re-use/Re-purpose. Maybe a few freaks out there are actually Reducing, too, but my new Favorite “R” is “Repair”. Buy things with replaceable PARTS, so you don’t have to replace the entire item later on.

Comment by Jenn
2008-03-22 07:18:35

Frank, I think I can speak for both of us when I say that we’ve both done our share of struggling and arguing and outright fighting with old/used sewing machines. Me, I’ve been trying to make my mothers old machine work for the past 10 years- but it never even worked right for her! It’s gotten to the point where I don’t sew at all anymore… so, no mending, fixing, or making anything at all. The new machines Karina and I each recently purchased should see us well into our doddering old years on the Tiny Choices Homestead, mending garments for the young neighborhood whippersnappers.

 
Comment by Karina
2008-03-22 08:13:49

what Jenn said! I bought a spendy and fancy model because I anticipate using it for the rest of my life - and I’m going to have my old one tuned up and pass it along to my brother and his gf, or to an organization I know of in California that provides services to mentally disabled adults.

But what colors did we decide on? mint green and pink for me, more of an earthy olive green for jenn?

 
 
Comment by MamaBird
2008-03-22 12:37:52

any advice for someone wanting to learn how to sew? I got a sewing machine (v basic) off freecycle but am more of a visual learner than a read the manual type. I did take a couple classes in jr high and i do know how to sew basics by hand (buttons etc). as far as i can tell, the big stores want to teach you on models they sell (definitely not possible with the relic i have altho it’s still usable). hmmm

Comment by Karina
2008-03-22 12:54:20

I would recommend getting a simple commercial pattern - like, for a skirt, and just powering through. It can get confusing but usually they have very good, step-by-step instructions, and you’ll be guided through to the finished product. that’s how I learned - other than the jr. high classes - and I found that jr. high prepared me for using my last sewing machine very well.

the most important part about learning from patterns is that you have to trust that they know what is going on, and don’t use an expensive fabric for your first try. just stick with the directions even if they don’t make any sense and at the end, examine the construction so you get a feeling for WHY they tell you to do certan things.

also I would suggest asking at a local fabric store for sewing classes. they might know a local who could give you an hour or two class, and that would be a great start.

 
Comment by Jenn
2008-03-22 14:46:38

Hey MamaBird- ditto what Karina said :) and also, I bet you could easily find a willing teacher on Craigslist- maybe they’d even barter for a few hours worth of instruction.

 
 
Comment by jkj
2008-03-22 21:43:11

i love sewing by hand, mending and upholstering by hand. it works wonders for creative urges and economics. my machine is B A S I C and i love that. it does the simple things i need, and i recycle everything into new creations for the house with it. there are great books at second hand stores that have good how-to illustrations for us diy’ers who have more desire than experience/skill. i go for effect not fine arts. very rewarding.

 
2008-03-23 16:13:22

Sewing is totally eco friendly, I buy old patterns at thrift stores and use old clothes i once loved to make new things like panties ! yay ! You can turn old funky jeans into jean skirts, it’s really endless. I have an organic clothing store nearby that sells discount scrap organic fabric too- i sew the cheapest coolest organic clothes, with the old thrift patterns ! - And having a good sewing machine really is important.

 
Comment by Frank
2008-03-24 15:09:15

Oh, I’m just Funnin’ ya’, guys! I know if ANYONE would not buy a new sewing machine without AGONIZING over the costs and benefits and “Triple Bottom Line” of the Whole thing, it would be team Tiny Choices!

I just wanted to be the first to rib you all about it!

FTW! (For The Weasels!)

Comment by Karina
2008-03-24 23:16:55

Five Taken Weasels!

 
 
2008-03-26 06:01:41

[...] Easy Peasy Tips: Learn to Sew! [...]

 
2009-04-29 06:01:10

[...] the best of intentions of sewing a new shower curtain for myself. After all, I’d just bought a new sewing machine and what better way to practice making button holes than to hem a big piece of fabric and add button [...]

 
2011-09-17 06:02:12

[...] We aren’t all experts at everything but we can generally figure something out - be it sewing, canning, electronics, or general repair and fix-it. So the next time you find yourself frustrated [...]

 

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