The quilting shop that Gillian frequents is offering a basic sewing course for $40.00 .  She said that I should take it as I sometimes bug her to take-in clothes that are a little large for me.  She also added that if I am a woman then I should know how to sew (What a sexist thing to say)   The project being taught is a simple skirt.  Maybe I'll take her advice and sign up for it.

What do you think Kendra?

Steph

Steph,  Even though you addressed Kendra specifically, here's my take: 

I've been sewing on and off for many years, even inherited a nice machine when my mom downsized.  I find it's enjoyable even though I haven't ventured into making complete items of clothing for myself or others.  I usually use it to make modifications to clothes (some of which that have "shrunk", LOL)

For only 40 bucks, the experience could be a disaster and you'd still be ahead, even though I don't think it will be.  And it could well become a new creative outlet for you.  Just don't spend so much time sewing that you neglect us here, however!

Go for it!
helen

Ha, Ha, I addressed Kendra as she is our sewing maven it seems   I was thinking the same thing myself, for $40.00 what's to loose.  It's an all day class from 8 to 4, and as you said it may open up a new interest.  Just what I need - another interest

Steph

I think that you would like it and get a lot out of the course. With your background in photography and woodworking, you already have good experience using tools and machines, and the eye for looking out for things. You also probably can visualize products, before you buy the materials, cut it out, and make it.

The doors that could open by taking it is..
1) Sew up ripped clothes by yourself.
2) Take in clothes to fit your size.
3) Modify clothes to your liking.
4) Make some neat projects. Another artistic outlet.
5) Make some Useful clothes Inexpensively, and Custom.
6) Let your Creativity take over and Make Visionary Clothes.

Should every woman learn how to sew? Maybe every artistic and frugal person. Everyone in the high school and junior high school I went to took at least 1 course in school of home economics, so everyone should at least know the basics.

Warning:
I warn you though. You will add to your list of things to do: browsing the patterns and fabrics. And your closet may start to fill up with various clothes. And your house might become an occasional fashion show runway.

You can also help me fill up the fashion area with pictures of projects =)

Hello Kendra,

Quote
I warn you though. You will add to your list of things to do: browsing the patterns and fabrics. And your closet may start to fill up with various clothes. And your house might become an occasional fashion show runway.

You mean to say that it will get worse than it already is

Steph

Watch it Steph it may end up cuttinginto your shopping time.

Shelley

It could also EXTEND your shopping time - looking for patterns, materials, ornaments .  .   .    .     !

Or have you analyzing everything to wonder if you can make it...

OMG I wonder if Gillian realizes what she has created...

Steph

Yes, I say take the ball all the way and have fun with it...

...after all , girls should know how to sew...


Posted at: January 22, 2006, 07:19:26 PM

---

So did you ever decide to take the course, or not.

Hey there Kendra,

Yep I decided to take the course, I have nothing to loose and everything to gain   If nothing else I'll be able to thread a needle

Steph

I learned how to do basic mechanical/engineering sewing when I took a course in aircraft maintenance.  That section of the course was called 'dope and fabric' 

(My off-kilter two cents  )

You go, girl!  You'll be able to make stuff that fits YOU!

Haz

Hi I have been thinking about this and how good it would be to make your own cloths.

Caroline

Tailoring is something I definitely want to do at some point, as there are designs I like which just aren't in fashion, and haven't been for numerous years. Or a particular design with subtle modifications (extra durability!), et cetera ad nauseam. ... But this is something else that must wait until I've some place to put it. I have a tendency to wonder if my life will still be on hold when I drop dead.

With the patterns you can buy and the great sewing machines, it isn't all that hard to make some things.  The sewing machine I use was bought eons ago, back when I was pretending to be male, I think I bought it for my SO back in the early 70's.

I was lucky enough to be taught how to sew and knit from my grandmother when I was young.

Sarah L.

Sewing is something I started when I was in my early teens and made a lot of my own clothes (except lined jackets!) until a few years after transition when life got busy. I loved sewing because I could get a perfect fit and tweak the pattern to suit my taste.

Simplicity used to have a GREAT book "Basic Sewing" or "Learn to Sew" or somthing like that. It covers everything up to fairly advanced techniques. I particularly liked the section on how to customize patterns to match you body shape.

Doesn't seem to be any time for sewing these days . . .

Quote from: Northern Jane on February 22, 2006, 01:19:43 PM
Simplicity used to have a GREAT book "Basic Sewing" or "Learn to Sew" or somthing like that. It covers everything up to fairly advanced techniques. I particularly liked the section on how to customize patterns to match you body shape.

Seems like a good book.  I'll see if i can find a copy.

Steph