Take a class at Joann or other local fabric store and buy a "For Dummies" type book, but do not listen to the Joann people on sewing machines. Start small -- one pillow rather than floor length draperies and bedspread. You can get a decent sewing machine for under $200 at Sears, Costco, and the like -- it must have zigzag and preferably will do buttonholes & zippers (technique for inserting cording is similar to inserting a zipper). However, many specialty stitches are rarely used. When you feel a need to upgrade, you can easily buy a small car for the price of the upscale quilter specialty machines. Good luck and enjoy!

I started out by buying patterns at Joanns. Like you I was only interested in Home Dec. I think my first projects were dinner napkins and place mats and then I started making garment bags and covers for things. Everything came from a pattern book so I would have detailed instructions on how to make it.

One of the biggest mistakes I made in the beginning was not understanding what Bias meant. Lay out your pattern on the fabric exactly as the diagram shows you even if it appears to you to be wasting fabric. Avoid any pattern that calls for zippers and welting until you're more comfortable sewing.

Buy some How-To books, Singer has some good ones. Look for books with lots of pictures in them because it's easier to see how something is done than to read it. Sign up for Joann's mailing list, they'll send you 40% off coupons. The more you use them the more frequently they'll mail them. If you can find classes being taught at any store by all means take them. Some quilt shops even teach non-quilting classes.

Yes, be sure your new machine does automatic buttonholes and that you get a zipper foot. Try it out and be sure the one you choose sews smoothly and isn't too noisy. If you get a feeling of solid smooth sewing, it will be more fun for you. For your first machine, forget all the fancy computerized features because they will only confuse you, just get a nice basic machine.

You can buy a simple pattern for throw pillows, for example, and learn the basics by following the instructions in the pattern. Make sure it's an "Easy" pattern. Just look through the pattern books at the fabric store.

Later on, you can get more advanced books such as the Vogue Sewing Book or take more advanced sewing classes.

My grandmother showed me how to sew straight seams on her old Singer machine, but my very first real sewing project was my junior high graduation dress. I picked out a simple "Easy" sleeveless dress pattern, borrowed my mother's sewing machine, and then just followed the directions exactly. It came out cute! I've been sewing off and on ever since. It can be very rewarding and you sure save a lot of money.

Oh, how fun!! Take a class at Joann's with the Husqvarna-Viking ladies and have them let you use one of their machines before buying anything. You'll get a good basis for comparing other machines against it.

I taught myself to sew with how-to books about 6-7 years ago and can do some intermediate stuff with more difficult fabrics now. But last summer I took the basic, beginner class (sewing an apron) with the Viking ladies and learned a lot that I didn't get out of a book---stuff I wish I had known years before. Like how to stretch fabrics back into shape and prepping it properly before cutting into it. They have all kinds of tricks up their sleeves and know which products are out there that make sewing life a little easier. They even take you around the store and show you how to read bolts of fabrics.

I think taking a class with hands-on help will spare you a lot of frustration, especially in the beginning.

As far as sewing machines go... I would recommend purchasing from a place that you can get hands-on support from. That way if you don't know if your tension is right or you want to try out a new foot before buying it on your machine--you can take it in and they'll show you. That's something I didn't have with my Kenmore.

Something to consider: if you think this is something that you really want to pursue, and you think you might upgrade your machine down the road, be picky about the manufacturer. If you stay within the same line, you might be able to use the extra feet that you bought for your "old" machine on your future machine.

Enjoy! Sewers are fun to be around and are "salt of the earth" kind of people! ;)

Books are great - check your library to see which teaching styles appeal to you first. But there is something about learning from a real live person. I think there is a bond between sewers, maybe going back over hundreds of generations to using bone needles and sinew to patch together skins at the campfire.

Also look into deals on used sewing machines or craigslist etc., lots of people inherit them, and have no idea what to do with them. I found my favorite Singer on the curb! Plus the older machines (pre 1969?) are solid work horses. As a beginner you don't need the fancy stuff, simpler is better, but a zig-zag stitch would be nice to have.

-Lena

YEA~~ I am so glad to see people doing sewing again.....it seems to be almost a "lost art". Go to a fabric store and take some classes, start SIMPLE with just some straight seams. ENJOY YOURSELF......but remember that doing the pressing is half of the success of sewing.

My mother taught me when I was little making doll clothes and I have done a lot of it in my day. Since patterns, fabric have gotten so expensive and time is precious, I don't sew clothes much anymore....but I do enjoy making things for the house.....in fact, I am getting fabric tomorrow to make a California King bedskirt.

I'll concur with the poster that recommended that you try a class first, and also that you buy from a place that will offer support. There are stories all the time on sewing forums (including THS/GW's Sewing Forum) about purchasing a sewing machine at Wal-Mart and then regretting it. Personally, a long time ago I purchased a serger at what-was-then Price Club - and lived to regret it since I had no support. You're better off trying to find a good used machine than buying cheapies at Wal-Mart or Costco.

Patterns have gotten expensive, but if you take advantage of two things, you can sew clothing a lot less expensively: Watch for Joann's 99c and 1.99 sales, or buy at Wal-Mart where they are always a certain price. Then re-use! I have some classic-look patterns that I have used many times.

Come check out the Sewing Forum, too -

DonnaR/CA

How does this one measure up (pun intended ;-)?

Here is a link that might be useful: Kenmore 150

Thanks everyone for all the great information and advise!

Sadly, there isn't a Jo-Ann's in Mississippi. I found a sewing center that is called Bernina's. It seems that the only classes they are offering are quilting classes right now. I'm wondering if I could learn basics there? I plan on going by to talk to the lady in the next few days.

The man that answered told me about the latest and greatest machines available that sounded much more like a computer than a sewing machine. I will definitely keep in mind what all you guys have said regarding keeping it simple in the beginning.

How much should I expect to pay for a machine? I noticed Bernina won't tell you until you come in.

Thanks again!

dprisock, do you know anyone with an older simple sewing machine they aren't using? Before buying one, I would take a class or 3, and use a simple machine before buying one. They can be pricey & until you have a couple of projects under your belt, you really don't know what you want in a machine. You might find you want one complex enough to do some embroidery, or you might just want one simple enough to just sew straight seams.

Also, you might look into sergers which finish the seam for you.

I definitely agree with buying it at a shop where you can get training & support. With a shop like Bernina, a machine probably comes with a training class on how to use the machine. And they will be able to walk you through some of your first problems (and there will be some).

You DEFINITELY need to take classes...there are so many little things you learn to make sewing easier. I would advise against getting an expensive machine until you: 1) know how to sew at least a little bit, and 2)decide whether or not you like to sew.

Berninas are the machines that cost as much as a car. The one I'm eyeing, which is very basic by Bernina standards, costs $700 - $1000. My $200 Sears machine does almost everything the Berninas can except machine quilt, hence my desire to upgrade. Quilting is a specialized, more difficult branch of sewing -- if you can quilt, you by definition already know how to sew, but if you can sew it doesn't mean you can quilt, and talking to quilters (yes, I'm one) about basic machines is a little like posting to the appliance forum with $500 to spend on a range :)

Fwiw, I learned to quilt by buying The Complete Idiot's Guide to Quilting (I am not making that up!), but I already knew how to sew.

Is there perhaps a home economics class at the local high school or adult education school, or have those been cut from budgets in your state too? You could always try getting lessons at either the Bernina store or a local fabric/quilt store. HTH.

Also, start with straight seams, lightweight woven not stretchy cotton (old sheets, not old T-shirts, towels, or jeans), and have an iron handy (any basic iron is fine).

Bernina's are top of the line, highly expensive sewing machines made in Switzerland. I have one, inherited from my mother who sewed professionally and purchased her machine in the early 70's. It still works like a charm and is in constant use for all the decorative sewing that I now do.
When I was younger I used to make my own clothes, but now do just decorative projects like drapes, tablecloths, chair covers, (upholstery), pillows and the like.

That said, my folks gave me a Kenmore as a high school graduation present in 1969, and that machine worked beautifully until I sold it when I inherited the Bernina. A good older Kenmore is affordable, and should be an excellent machine for a beginning sewer.

I would be careful about classes at the Bernina shop, since they will probably try to sell you one of their machines, which is a whole lot more than what you need at this stage of the game, even IF you can afford it!

If you can't find any local classes, you might consider putting an ad in the paper asking for lessons. There may be a lot of older people, (like me), who have sewn all their lives and know most of the tricks, that are willing to teach. I taught my DIL and my niece, and both are actively using their sewing skills regularly now.

Dprisock, Bernina is a high-end brand and makes an excellent machine. Sounds like that local store would be an excellent resource for you to take classes from! (Of course they will try to push you into their upper, expensive models, but I wouldn't recommend it for a beginner.) Before purchasing a machine, ask them to let you take a class with one of their lower-end, basic models. That way you can get a "feel" for how the machine works and have a basis in which to compare other machines to.

(Your Bernina store may have used machines they are willing to sell that previous customers "traded up" for. Ask!)

The "basic" classes your Bernina store is offering is a quilting class. I'm guessing it will demonstrate how to piece together fabrics, as well as how to prep them, etc. I would think this would be a great starting point; my first projects were making quilts.

Bluekit, I think you are referring to the actual "quilting" that goes on top of the blanket. I don't think her "basic" class would start her out on that.

Dpri, I don't want to make this sound so complicated because it really isn't! It's a lot of fun, especially when you have the basics down. :)

Dee,
If there isn't a Joann's in your area for classes, could you check the local junior high and high school for classes? Teachers WELCOME parent volunteers in a class and you could be doing good along with learning! :) Seriously, I learned to sew in junior high and if that teacher could have taught me, she could have taught anyone. If schools won't work for you, you can always try a seniors center. Lots of them around here give classes.

I am learning how to sew from a friend who is super talented!! She makes all sorts of things from clothing, to little dollies - I am going to be making pillows, curtains, etc. So far so good! It is really fun!! Good luck to you!!

What I would do to have any one of you close enough to teach me the basics! I have learned so much today from reading all of your post!

I'm not going to give up on finding a class. I will go by Bernina and see if I feel they are over my head. I'm determined to learn so if I have to advertise for a teacher, I will. I can't imagine anything more satisfying than to learn this skill.

My dad was my inspiration for following up on my dream. He had always admired his grandfather for whittling pipes and toys out of wood scraps. He was 60 years old before he picked up the skill but now sells his carvings for $8-$10k and has a couple in local museums. By no means do I think I will do anything so great, I just want to make 100" drapes and not pay an arm & leg for them! :)

Thanks for all your input!!!

dp, I'd love to learn, also. I had an excellent seamstress in the last area that we lived. When I asked her about making long window treatments for me she said she was skilled enough but didn't have a table big enough and suggested I try a dry cleaner's sewing services.

So what's up with the table and how long would it have to be to make drapes?

Parma and dp, you don't HAVE to have a big table. I do all of my quilting, including putting the bindings on bed size quilts, at a little round breakfast nook table. It's a little annoying to have fabric flopping here and there, but it CAN be done. Just make sure all surfaces are spotless clean before starting, as you don't want to have drapes dragging on a dusty floor.

This is odd advice for people in our wired age, but remember our ancestors' tools and learn on them. Sewing and quilting have been around for hundreds if not thousands of years. Pioneer women created heirlooms with nothing more than needles, thread, scraps, their laps (no big tables for them!), and inadequate candlelight. Every seamstress/quilter has her own shortcuts, but first learn the basics and then you can learn where to shortcut and which tools are needed vs which ones are optional. (IMO a sewing machine is an essential, but that Complete Idiot's guide recommended learning to hand piece first.)

Texas, I've been using "quilting" in my posts to describe the whole quilt making process, including the piecing together of a quilt top. I have been hand quilting (meaning sewing together the pieced top, batting, and backing) all of my quilts, pioneer woman style. "Machine quilting" means to sew the layers together using a machine.

Just a suggestion, but if the Bernina store doesn't offer a class that you're interested in, ask them to start one!

We have a Husqvarna shop in my small town and, after looking high and low for a sewing class, I went in and asked them about it (I'm interested in sewing clothing). Unfortunately, she didn't offer one, but thought it would be a good idea, so took my name and number. I got a call a few weeks later that 2 other ladies were interested in the same thing, so she created a 5-week class. Three sessions later and the class is up to 6 people.

I wish you the best of luck. I sewed without taking classes for several years, but wanted to get some personal instruction to improve my skills. I've learned so much in the past few months! I'm enjoying sewing so much more. The downside is that I now have my eye on a $600 Husqvarna, even though my Kenmore has served me well :)

Bluekit, I know the differences in machine quilting and hand-quilting, as I've stated that I'm a quilter myself. :)

The point that I'm making is that a basic quilt class is usually just the piecing. I know lots of sewers who enjoy that part of it but send their creation out to have it quilted by someone else with one of those long-arm quilt machines---so classes will cater to this profile. And I say this because I didn't want the OP to get dissuaded by the "specialized, more difficult branch of sewing" comment---because it doesn't have to be. I think learning to piece a quilt is an excellent and easy way to start. :)

Take a look at the sewing forum. Buy an older machine--the new ones are plastic junk compared to the glories of the past.

Sewing is enjoying a renaissance, thanks to the Etsy and DIY craze, and there are some good books on Amazon that show the shortcuts.

You might find a retired home-ec teacher who'd be glad to give lessons. Our local schools dumped this class years ago.

Here is a link that might be useful: Bend the Rules Sewing

My community has had a "sewing cafe" business where the machines and advice are waiting for a very nominal fee (also structured classes). If classes aren't available, you might try Craigslist to find a "coach." When my daughter needed help learning to knit we asked around and found a woman who lived nearby who used to own a knitting shop who was delighted to help at no fee.

I would be hard pressed to describe my sewing machine (new and plastic) as a piece of junk. It can out sew anything grandma used...and I know my granny...she'd have one of these puppies too if she were still around and sewing.

We'll I'll give you my "took up sewing at 40" perspective (I'm 45 now). I would suggest you spend at least $500 on a new machine (or gently used one even better) either a Bernina, Viking/Husquvarna, Babylock. I started taking a basic piecing (quilting) class with my stupid $199 brother and put it and the fabric away, swearing never to sew again. It totally sucks to learn to sew on a crappy machine. Rent one, or take lessons on someone elses machine (ie at the bernina shop) and learn how fun it is to sew on a real machine!!! Honestly, I wouldnt be the proud owner of a rediclous machine now :oP If I hadn't been convinced by a friend to take some private lessons through a local quilt shop connection. I HATED sewing on that cheap thing I had, but one hour with a middle of the road Bernina...and I was hooked. Its amazing what a great machine can do, and for housewares, it's a wonder to have a quality machine that can handle the stitches and tension involved in sewing a duvet or tapestry drapes.

I purchased a Babylock deal ($999) sewing and embroidery as my second and long lasting machine. I recently sold that lovely thing(a year ago) for about $450, which was a good deal and about what they go for...but such a great machine. I upgraded to a better embroidery machine (esante I think....it's out in the car I have to take it out of the box LOL) because I now love sewing so much and enjoy using the many features of this machine.

I also suggest you not try to learn with cheap fabric from Joanne's. Buy some lovely silk dupioni or good quality quilt shop cottons and be sure to invest in quality thread and accessories (bobbins and needles).

Its kind of like learning to carve with a butter knife or an artists carving tool set. Perhaps you're not much of a carver...but you'll produce a better lump of funky wood with the artists set, and have more fun doing it, than you will with the butter knife..which will just leave you cursing and wanting to give up on the hobby alltogether.

One thing to keep in mind though...I started with my first "real" machine as a baby lock. Even though I only make "big square things" (pillows, curtains, silk quilts) I have purchased some of the wonderful accessories (feet that work magic for you) that go with my machine. While I love Husquvarna and Bernina, I alreay had an investment in Babylock feet, and so I went with a Babylock that used the same style accessories.

My sewing machine can be plugged into the lap top and I can upload/download...whatever....great embroidery patterns. My last project I added a 1700's lace embroidery reproduction to the edge of a pillow I was making with antique silk ribbons and a piece of tapestry I had found at an antique store. My grandma would have KILLED to be able to do that!!

Always,for any project, buy the best tools you can afford. Buying a high quality machine will make this more fun, and if that's a new one, or a used one (us freak upgrade all the time) it's worth it, verses buying a horrible old metal thing that only goes forward and backward and gives tension...to you that you never wanted!

Oh and don't drink red wine and use scissors at the same time....just a little hint...

Igloochic - do you have any pictures of some of your embroidery work? Btw, I appreciate your helpful hint on the scissors and wine. I may have to borrow my son's blunt tipped scissors on the nights I have wine.

Does anyone have any pics of drapes, duvets or pillows that they have done?

Any recommendations on where to purchase silk dupioni or good quality cotton online? I don't think there is much to offer in my area.

My hobbies have always been whatever my husband or son's hobbies have been so I think I can splurge a little bit to have good quality.

Thanks everyone!

I have most of my work in storage now while we remodel. I didn't expect it to sit in boxes for two years LOL so I haven't taken pictures. Hopefully in Sept when we move back "home" I'll be able to share my drapes, pillows and quilts online when I get them back out again.

Splurge on this new hobby. Worst case...you can sell the machine easily and only lose a little bit of money, or worst worst case...you end up like me, a fabric junkie with more money in her equiptment than in her car LOL (and that's just the way I like it).

I buy...e gads yards and yards from design diva fabrics (which I found after someone posted the link here). They have wonderful quality, and if you catch them during a good sale...AMAZING prices that are even better than their average low prices. They discount the normal price for the fabrics (and I've seen many of these fabrics in showrooms so I do know that the prices they say are retail are pretty accurate). I visit the website regularly just to browse :o) (And end up with even more fabric).

Textiles are enchanting :o) Best of luck!!

Here is a link that might be useful: Design diva fabrics

Of course, a new high end machine isn't a hunk of plastic junk, but the ones sold to beginners at Target and Costco could be described as such. Take a look at the advice given in the Sewing Forum before you spend your tax refund.

Here is a link that might be useful: Sewing Forum

Uh oh you asked for it now! Here come the pictures. ;-)

Quilted placemats (made from a pattern)
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Pillows and seat cushion (cut apart the old cushion and used it as a pattern). Avoid welting, flanges, zippers at first, start with a simpler overlap closure.
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This valance is double-sided with lining but you can make one quicker out of a single piece of fabric, just hem all the sides and fold down at the top & stitch to create rod pocket. Use heavier weight fabric to lessen that see-through effect. Singer's "Sewing for the Home" shows you how to make all this stuff.
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flyingflower - So pretty!!!! I can't wait! Your stuff looks professionally done. I have these visions of mine with stuffing hanging out and lop sided!

igloochic - I went to the fabric site you recommended and got goose bumps! I will refrain from buying any of the $80/yd fabric (that I spotted and fell in love with) until I have had quite a few lessons. When I make my first few orders so that I can have some material on hand, how many yards would you recommend? I know it would be dependent upon the project but I would just like to order ahead some material to inspire me.

FF, you did a great job! Love your cheery fabric choices!

I think I pretty much agree with Igloo about getting a nice machine. That's why I was saying to be careful what line you get into, because if you do upgrade, you would like to use the feet from your old machine for your new machine.

I sew with a Husqvarna-Viking that also does embroidery. I end up making more stuff for others than I do for myself! My intent was to do home dec stuff, but I find I get caught up in other projects too.

My guest room: I made the duvet cover (it needs to be ironed) and added the embroidery on both sides. I also stitched up the matelasse coverlet.

All my sheets and towels are embroidered too. My coworkers picked out a kitchen towel, design, and their name for Christmas:

A really simple quilt I made for my DH for his birthday. It is made from all his old scrubs he wore through all the hospitals he worked at in med school and residency. I tried to cut the pockets and parts of the scrub that had the hospital logos on them. I then embroidered the institutions he was at and the years. I stuck one of his old student badges on one of the pockets. He keeps this in his study:

My SIL wanted this for her dog:

I've posted this before. A gift for my NIECE (LOL! I spelled it wrong on the inside of the book). It's a cookbook:

A not-very-good pic of french-pleated drapes I made for my patio out of painter's drop cloths (hence the funny seam). I usually keep them pulled back to the sides:

Really, with sewing, you are only limited by your imagination. :)

This is exactly why I wanted to learn how to sew!

Texas - I love everything!

I'm doing a Design Diva order right now for some extra stuff for DSs room. I like to have a couple yards of stuff minimum (2 or 3) which will give you plenty for a two sided decorative pillow and some extra to use elsewhere. I quite often do a very very expensive fabric (say your $80 a yard stuff) by using it on the front of the pillow or as focal piece, framed and backed with a less expensive fabric. This also works well for antique pieces of tapestry.

To make a quick throw, I like to have ohhh say three or four yards, depending on the fabric (you have to look at the widths).

The pics here illustrate the types of things you can begin doing pretty quickly :o) It really does not take you long to be comfortable working with things, but you can easily start with some basic things...like those panels that texas did for her deck, or place mats or napkins. I started with patterns, but now I just wing it :)

Wait til you discover trims :oP

dprisock--If you are in the metro Jackson area, you might try the Continental Sewing Center for sewing lessons. I bought a Janome Memory Craft from them, and I know they do offer lessons on using the machines you buy from them.