How to learn to operate a sewing machine
How I did it: I started with the simplest patterns possible, then moved up. It gets really easy after doing it for a little while. Several years ago, we had to go to a cousin's wedding. They always had these really formal "do"s. I made myself and my sister formals with whalebone stays holding up the bodices...hers was gold lame (i cannot remember how to spell it) and mine was taffeta. I also made my mom a silk underdress with a lace overdress. They all came out GREAT! I was really proud of myself.
Lessons & tips: One of the biggest tips i can give people is do not go for the fancy sewing machines. They break down within a couple of years. Go with as basic a sewing machine as you can find that doesn't run on a computer. The one I have, my mom bought before I was born...it is very basic and has worked for 50 years (no I am not 50, but I refuse to say my age...LOL). She had gotten a new one as a gift that was very fancy and did all these fancy stitches...it broke down within 2 years.
The best thing about sewing...you can make the style that looks best on you - even when it is not in style and it cannot be found in stores. For example, I prefer long straight skirts...right now the only skirts you can find in the stores are at the knee...I don't like those and they don't look good on me. The rule about style is that whatever looks best on you is IN style. So now, I just make them. They are easy and it only takes an hour or so to pop out a new skirt.
Another great thing about sewing, is Halloween costumes. There are always great patterns out there for Halloween, and they are cheaper and MUCH better than any you can buy.
Resources: My sewing machine came from Sears. The patterns to start with you can get at Wal-Mart really cheap and they are simply called "EASY". They look great, and are truly easy to make. Then you go to the next step...learning to put in a zipper...or button holes. The next thing you know, you will be making formals.
