Learn how to sew with a sewing machine.

I am in the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism)and need to sew my own garb (period clothing). Not only does this entail a knowledge of how to sew, but what fabrics and styles were used in the time and place that I have chosen for my persona. Another obstacle is that I can’t find any patterns for women of my size (6’1” and 300 lbs), so I have to try to learn to sew by learning from scratch how to make my own patterns.

At this point, I’ll be happy if I can get a chemise and wool cloak put together before my first big event in this Kingdom, the second weekend of February.

Wish me luck.

The hardest part is getting a handle on the sewing machine, threading the bobbin, and the needle with the right thread. once you have it all set up, the actual sewing is a piece of cake!

it’s like driving, just take it slow, watch out for the pins and keep it in a straight line :)

I sewed my entire first pregnancy wardrobe because maternity clothes at the time were u-g-l-y. I hadn’t sewn much before that, but my Mom sewed quite a bit and that kind of takes the mystery out of it a little.

I don’t sew a lot, but right now I’m up to my eyeballs in it. A wool cape for my 6-year-old daughter from a pattern given to me at the fabric shop where I used to work. When that’s done, a dress for the same person from the same source, and a complimentary dress for me from two patterns I bought in order to be able to make mother-daughter dresses. If I get that far, the boys would love some more pj pants. Think I can get it all done by Christmas? We shall see, but I’m putting my money on NO! lol…

Hui-chen and I were in the local Sogo department store, looking at machines for making soymilk (and other blender type drinks). We bought a Kolin brand and the free gift was a battery powered, 2-speed mini sewing machine. it looks pretty cool and i am going to give it a try and see what i can do with it.

This goal will of course require that I get a sewing machine. I’ll need to do some research about which ones are good for beginners.

Using a sewing machine is far better, and less time consuming than sewing by hand.
It’s always a plus to know someone who has used your type of sewing machine, so that you can have someone to call if you get stuck.

I have bought some material, enough to put together a quilt, and my parents bought me a sewing machine a few years back, and I have yet to sew with it.