Crafty Threads 'n' Yarns

CJ · Posted: Fri Apr 20, 2007 7:27 pm Post subject: Any ideas for beginner's?

My mum has just bought a new sewing machine and given me her rather old one. Very Happy

But I have no idea what patterns to start on. Rolling Eyes

Any ideas?

I found a nice sewing/knitting shop in Bangor today which has some nice materials in, but DH wouldn't let me linger, saying it wasn't his kind of shop. Laughing

So, I have somewhere to go for fabric, but not sure what to get. Confused

Help needed, as I've not sewn since I was at school rather a long while ago.

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melody yarns · Site Admin Joined: 03 Nov 2006 Posts: 8688 Location: UK

I think Granny Smith is going to give us some ideas on easy stuff to start on CJ. Have a squizz at the Results of Rootling thread in the sewing section, for more info.
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CJ · Posted: Fri Apr 20, 2007 7:34 pm Post subject:

ooo, thanks. *heads off to have a look* Very Happy

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Ravelry ID ~ ChristinaJL

Seahorse · Joined: 06 Nov 2006 Posts: 1430

This site has some really sweet sewn toy patterns:

http://weewonderfuls.typepad.com/wee_wonderfuls/store/downloads.html

None of them are too complex and they're really quick to whizz up on a machine.

Claire

melody yarns · Site Admin Joined: 03 Nov 2006 Posts: 8688 Location: UK

I can't remember the first thing I stitched for myself that I didn't do in school, but it was probably a skirt. I went for the fitted with zip option, probably not the most sensible thing for a beginner, but I did have my mum on hand at the time to help me out on the tricky stuff!

If you're going for a skirt with a zip, look for a pattern that has a back zip rather than a side zip, as they are easier to sew in due to the curvature of the side seam and any adjustments that you might want to make for fit.

I would suggest that a skirt with an elasticated waist is the absolute easiest option for a skirt, but I don't like elastic waists, so that suggestion would be a big turn off for me as a beginner.

What about making yourself a very simple drawstring bag to keep your knitting projects in? It wouldn't cost much in cheerful light furnishing fabric, and you could practise your straight seams that way. And it doesn't need to 'fit' either Wink

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Ravelry name ~ melodyyarns
22 out of 24 completed in 2009 - only 3 to go!

gilraen · Posted: Sat Apr 21, 2007 10:56 am Post subject:

I agree a sock bag/project bag would be a great starter sewing venture. Smile

It takes a bit of getting used to setting up the machine and using the pedal and stitches etc. Smile

Good Luck. Smile

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Ravelry ID ~ gilraen

malteser · Joined: 05 Nov 2006 Posts: 1337 Location: Derbyshire

A wrap skirt is very easy to make or perhaps an elasticated skirt for your dd.
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Anne

CJ · Posted: Sat Apr 21, 2007 6:51 pm Post subject:

a sock bag sounds good. and maybe a skirt for DD, not too large a project, although her stomach is growing daily!!!!

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Ravelry ID ~ ChristinaJL