Learn How to Sew with a Pattern, It's Easy

When I let the world know that I was going to sew all my new clothes in 2013, I didn't expect such a great response.  I think I motivated many people to do the same or at least take on sewing.

Many of you told me that you don't know how to sew and didn't even have sewing classes offered in high school.  I learned how to sew from my mother, but I also learned a lot from my Home Economics teacher in high school.  Today it's called "Home Living" in most schools.

I've been busy sewing a cape, blouse and pants in the past few weeks. I'll be showing them off in the coming days.  I use patterns to make most of my clothes.  I  know the fewer pattern pieces, the easier it is to sew the project.

Do you want to learn how to use patterns?  Here's one of the best tutorials that I found on YouTube. It was produced by Threads Magazine.

Buy a pattern of your choice and follow what this instructor has to say.





BUYING A PATTERN

Patterns can be expensive.  Some can cost up to 30 dollars.  I always buy them on sale, and I will wait for a good sale before I purchase one.  Jo-Ann Fabrics and Hancock Fabrics always have sales going on.  You can also buy some cheap ones on EBay.  You'll find plenty of patterns at thrift
stores too.

If you're afraid to tear up a good pattern, feel free to copy it on wax paper, and experiment.  But remember, patterns are made to be used over and over again. Take the plunge and start sewing.
Now let's go shopping for a pattern.

Sew, Sew Me! Making My Own Clothes in 2013

This past Christmas, I was invited to several parties. I also kept seeing all my fabric I have piled up in my craft room. Suddenly it hit me, why not make my own clothes, and start with some Christmas outfits.

I pulled out some sewing patterns, and green sequined fabric. I even put myself to a time limit. I made a top in a couple of hours.

No one told me that sewing sequined fabric was difficult with a sewing machine. So I was left to sew the top BY HAND. Yes every stitch by hand, but I got it done in a few hours.

I was channeling my mother who could whip up a dress by just looking at it, and in a couple of hours. She always told me "no one will see the inside." She was right.

Just Sew or Re-Purpose in 2013

I have a room full of boxes of sewing patterns, fabric, and a sewing machine. I've decided and will do my best in 2013, to make ALL my own clothes. This does not include under garments. I don't think bras will be easy to put together. Leave that to the professionals.

I'm either going to make something new to wear or re- purpose clothing I already have or that I find at a thrift stores. I grew up shopping at thrift stores and garage sales, and let me just say---there is a lot to be found at these places.

So I'll keep you posted with my new projects.  I hope to inspire you to sew or at least try it.  I'm also allowing myself to buy fabric when it’s on sale. Here I come Jo-Ann Fabrics, Hancock Fabrics, Hobby Lobby. I am not a professional seamstress. I'm a journalist by profession.

Now what to do with all those gift cards I got for Kohl’s and JC Penny?

There's nothing better than someone saying "I love your top." Sew, sew me!