I really want to learn. I've played around, but I need something more formal. There are classes only a mile away, but they are 3 hours long and I just can't leave my kids that long (or don't want to!).

I do well with reading manuals, but I'm wondering if there is a particular one that is better than others? The Idiot's Guide books would probably be appropriate for me ;)--are they any good? Anything else out there? I have this really nice sturdy Kenmore just waiting to be used!

Thanks for your help!

The one book that I followed religiously when I started was a Kwik Sew for toddlers book. I also read some articles on the net - they had some really good beginner ones, and if my bookmarks hadn't all been erased :rolleyes: I'd let you know where to find them. Sorry! But try a search, that might help. And experiment. :) HTH.

I don't know about a book Holly, but there are a ton of good sewing sites out there! Check out www.sew-whats-new.com (Do NOT leave out the dashes...trust me.)

Also www.sewing.com I believe, and there are lots more. I'll go poke around my favorites folder and get back to you!

Oh wait! I have Simplicity's Simply The Best Sewing Book, And one put out by Singer w/ lots of basics. Check your library out. Sewing really isn't hard! You shouldn't need a real in depth book or class.

Originally posted by Lydiasmomma
I have Simplicity's Simply The Best Sewing Book,

It's still a good reference manual. I bought it years ago when I thought I was going to learn how to sew. :rolleyes: Now that I've had 4 more kids and learned PATIENCE, lol, I can actually sew.

Hrmm... you might want to check ebay or half.com for a book called "the reader's digest complete guide to sewing" . It's a big book with all kinds of info. You can find anything from the very basics of term definitions (like, the differences between needles, fabric etc) to how to sew zippers, buttonholes etc. It doesn't really give any patterns, just gives you the basics, so that you can understand what the terms and info means in patterns and directions from other sewers. The zipper guide saved my life! LOL








Kristy,

Mama to ashtyn, alliyah, anna, amanda and ozzy pup

Wife to ty

I know nothing whatsoever about sewing books...
BUT, I definitely would NOT recommend those patterns--I think from Simplicity--that are called something like "Sewing for Dummies". A true "dummy" writes those patterns, I swear! ;) They're much more confusing than regular "easy" patterns, imnsho!
Good luck! :D

Thank you ALL so much for responding! I checked out those sites, Renee, and I took a closer look at a pattern I bought last night and stayed up late making shorts. I DID IT! Ok--no laughing, I'm sure you sewers can make shorts in 10 minutes. I admit it took me awhile, I'm slow...but I did it!!!!!!!!

My poor dh couldn't stop hearing about it last night and I couldn't sleep. I'm just excited b/c I really have always wanted to sew. I kind of feel like a failure that I can't. I'm going to make PJ bottoms for my little girls since all the PJs out there are for skinny-minny disposable bottoms!

Thanks mamas

YEAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!! Congrats on the shorts!!!!!! I, too, am a beginner sewer and making my 1st pair of pants from a pattern and a BIG confidence booster!!!

The best way to learn sewing!? SEW, SEW, SEW!!!!! It's really with trial, error and a little help from these great sewing mamas that we become better sewers! (((((

Congrats on the shorts! Where's a picture? :)

Ummm....well....er....I'd really be too embarassed to show a pic of these shorts! I used old curtain material as practice material b/c I didn't want to totally mess up on the nicer material I bought yesterday! But today, I'm going to make shorts with the nicer material since at least I have some clue and they are only going to be PJ bottoms. So I'll post a pic of those no matter how dreadful they look!

It's nice to have other people be excited for me. I feel like a kid in a candy store!

yippee Holly, can't wait to see you shorts :)

Originally posted by Holly
Thank you ALL so much for responding! I checked out those sites, Renee, and I took a closer look at a pattern I bought last night and stayed up late making shorts. I DID IT! Ok--no laughing, I'm sure you sewers can make shorts in 10 minutes. I admit it took me awhile, I'm slow...but I did it!!!!!!!!

My poor dh couldn't stop hearing about it last night and I couldn't sleep. I'm just excited b/c I really have always wanted to sew. I kind of feel like a failure that I can't. I'm going to make PJ bottoms for my little girls since all the PJs out there are for skinny-minny disposable bottoms!

Thanks mamas

Cool! And I can't make ANYTHING in 10 minutes, lol!
Isn't it a great feeling of accomplishment?:D :thumbsup:

And I realize Isabel looks a little strange--but the look is "Oh...you have the camera out...here I come to grab it!"

http://www.boomspeed.com/hrborn/isashorts.jpghttp://www.boomspeed.com/hrborn/shorts.jpg

very cute shorts!!! oh and Isabel sure seems to enjoy her new shorts! :)

Those are so cute! Did you use a pattern?

Oh yes, Heather! I wouldn't have a clue what to do without one! I'm hoping that with time I'll build up my confidence to go without a pattern or at least to revise the patterns that I'll use while practicing, but I'm going to be a pattern girl for now!

Those are sweet! :) Thanks for sharing!