Things a beginner should know?
03-29-2018, 04:06 AM
#43
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Horse Country, FL
Posts: 7,341
Absolutely agree with Madame Kelly about Eleanor Burns' methods. Our library has some of her books. Her method will get you started and then you can branch out into other ways.
Also, If you get distracted while sewing, be sure your finger isn't in the way of the sewing machine needle. The machine wins that every time!
Enjoy your new talents and you've had a lot of good advice here. Welcome!
Edited to add: A lot has been said about that 1/4' or scant 1/4" seam. The easiest way I've found is to sew on an index card. The lines are 1/4" apart! You'll figure out how much to adjust from that. No wasted fabric, either!
Also, If you get distracted while sewing, be sure your finger isn't in the way of the sewing machine needle. The machine wins that every time!
Enjoy your new talents and you've had a lot of good advice here. Welcome!
Edited to add: A lot has been said about that 1/4' or scant 1/4" seam. The easiest way I've found is to sew on an index card. The lines are 1/4" apart! You'll figure out how much to adjust from that. No wasted fabric, either!
Last edited by coopah; 03-29-2018 at 04:19 AM.
03-29-2018, 04:34 AM
#44
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: South Dakota
Posts: 8,145
I'd say be flexible, and get a good machine. I think you have done the second so that is great.
I sew a lot - and have done a wide variety of sewing types (from tent repair to custom lingerie) and now mostly quilting. After reading through what people have wrote, I disagree with about half of it.
And that is why I say be flexible, if you are trying a method and struggling - go find another method that works better for you.
I sew a lot - and have done a wide variety of sewing types (from tent repair to custom lingerie) and now mostly quilting. After reading through what people have wrote, I disagree with about half of it.
And that is why I say be flexible, if you are trying a method and struggling - go find another method that works better for you.
03-29-2018, 06:24 AM
#46
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,348
Don't buy the cheapest machine on the market. It will give you hours of frustration instead of pleasure.
My mother hated to sew, back in the days when women were expected to sew housedresses and children's playclothes, so she *did* buy the cheapest machine she could find. It wouldn't keep the right tension, no matter what you did. She had it serviced, got the timing adjusted, but if you sewed more than 6 inches, it was back to making loops on either the top or bottom.
My mother hated to sew, back in the days when women were expected to sew housedresses and children's playclothes, so she *did* buy the cheapest machine she could find. It wouldn't keep the right tension, no matter what you did. She had it serviced, got the timing adjusted, but if you sewed more than 6 inches, it was back to making loops on either the top or bottom.
03-29-2018, 07:34 AM
#48
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Belen, NM
Posts: 1,353
Whatever you do don't fuss too much when you make a mistake. Patiently rip out those that you can change and embrace the others knowing that NEXT time you will not make the same mistake. I have dealt with perfectionism my entire life and am determined to give myself room and time to develop my quilting skills. Consequently, I have found JOY in my quilting. I wish the same for you.
03-29-2018, 09:35 AM
#49
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: West Bend, WI
Posts: 2,229
These are great ideas! My only addition is to Stay AWAY from Pinterest. It's the Devil. It will suck you in with pretty quilts and before you know it....((Poof!)) Several hours have disappeared and your "Must Do" list is as long as your arm 
Have FUN with your new hobby. It "can" be expensive, but for me, it is cheaper than a therapist
Have FUN with your new hobby. It "can" be expensive, but for me, it is cheaper than a therapist
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