The memory is so clear I can almost feel being poked accidentally by a pin that my mum was using to make final edits to my Christmas dress. She made a lot of my clothes when I was young and sewed a lot of home things from table clothes to curtains to bedding.
I thought I’d follow in her footsteps until I took a sewing class and brought my work home. My mum was horrified at my stitchery. So horrified she called the teacher to ask her what her credentials were because not sewing teacher in her right mind would allow me to walk out with my sewn up mess.
This was one of the last times I sewed.
However, the desire to learn and sew well has never left. It came back especially strong when, at twenty-one, I met a very well to do girl who was my age. And when I asked where she got her couture skirts and dresses I was very shocked to learn that she made them herself. A woman who could buy anything chose to only buy needles, thread and fabric.
And then it seems like there are so many blogs dedicated to sewing and gorgeous new books coming out. That on top of a gig coming up that’ll have me sewing amongst other things and you’ve got a girl ready to learn to sew.
My first step was to purchase a Brother ES2000 77 Stitch Function Computerized Free Arm Sewing Machine as after much research I thought this might be a good inexpensive intro model.
The only sewing book I have is the beautiful Simple Sewing with a French Twist: An Illustrated Guide to Sewing Clothes and Home Accessories with Style but I’m afraid it’s not that beginner friendly.
What do you recommend for books, fabrics and everything else?
Update: Thanks everyone for all the comments – seems like I’m not the only one to sew. Since I’m a visual girl I’m going to list some of the books people have been mentioning:
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By the way, I'm alex (
at 5:06 pm
Amy Karol (angry chicken blog) has a new book full of cute/ simple projects.
http://www.amazon.com/Bend-Rules-Sewing-Essential-Guide/dp/0307347214/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197392649&sr=8-1
Amy Butler also has a book i really like.
http://www.amazon.com/Amy-Butlers-Stitches-Stylish-Projects/dp/0811851591/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197392730&sr=1-1
I believe both of these authors have really tried to explain things well for beginners. Both of the books have an instructional section.
Good Luck!
at 5:13 pm
I just started sewing with the Simple Sewing with a French Twist and I love it. I usually am a bit over ambitious with anything I start, but I had a high school coach once say that you only get better by playing those that are better than you. I guess I still use that approach and just dive right in, no matter if it looks hard or not.
Amy Butler has some really nice fabric, and I think Ikea carries some nicely designed fabric, although there isn’t one near me, so what do I know!
Good luck!
at 6:06 pm
If you want to learn garmet sewing, I thought Wendy Mullen’s “Sew U” was a nice book introducing novices to sewing. I’d also recommend just taking a class at a city college. It’s nice to get feedback from a person who can help you figure out if you’re doing something wrong with your fabric or thread or machine or what-have-you.
at 6:46 pm
I’m afraid I’m not much help in the advice department, because I’m also brand new at this whole sewing thing.
I borrowed the Simple Sewing with a French Twist book from the library, and you’re right…it isn’t beginner friendly. The photography is great, but you have to have a lot of “other things” in most of the projects. I think it’s more of an inspirational book than anything else.
I look forward to seeing everyone’s suggestions!
at 8:41 pm
Hi Alex…I am on a quest to learn to sew as well. Today I saw this book in Barnes and Noble and to me, it seemed to be the most through and EASY to understand, which I really need.
It’s a must see.
http://www.amazon.com/Sew-Everything-Workshop-Diana-Rupp/dp/0761139737/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197405541&sr=1-1
at 8:04 am
Great to hear about your sewing aspirations.
I don’t have any suggestions for sewing books since I am mostly familiar with Swedish books.
But I have a few ideas on good beginner fabrics.
For dresses and blouses look for lightweight cotton lawn such as Liberty lawn (can be a bit costly, but you can find great deals on ebay).
For interior decorations, reprodepot.com is a great first stop. Also Amy Butler’s fabrics have gotten great reviews (have not tried them myself).
For inspiration check this blog out: http://printpattern.blogspot.com/.
If your are very unsure of your sewing skills I suggest doing your first projects with cheap (but cool!) flea market fabrics before putting your scissors into an expensive fabric.
Also, sewing is an acquired skill that will take some practice, so don’t give up if your first attempt(s) end up looking like mess.
Good luck with your sewing!
at 8:45 am
Hi Alex,
I highly recommend the Reader’s Digest Complete Guide to Sewing.
http://www.amazon.com/Readers-Digest-Complete-Guide-Sewing/dp/0895770261/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197535317&sr=1-1
It is an excellent reference and explains all sewing techniques (eg zips, buttons, collars, facings etc) with clear diagrams. It also explains sewing terminology which is helpful when using commercial patterns.
I pretty much taught myself to sew from this book.
Good luck.