Where to learn how to sew?

I am not sure where to post this but I need to learn how to sew.

I would love to know how to do hems, replace zips and whip up some simple dresses/skirts for my girls.

Anyone know where I could start?

I have 20 year old Elna sewing machine that my mum gave me, but have never used it:redface:

spotlight, or small sewing shops.
Or local community groups/centres

I agree - spotlight is great. As are the local community colleges.... I did a dressmaking course earlier this year and it was a great refresher for me.(i did do sewing at school though, so knew the basics).ive made dresses for the girls, pjs, tops for myself...but hun...arent you about to have a baby ?????



ETA: If you lived closer to me i would show you....;)

Hun I can show you the basics if you fancy a trip north?

I need to learn too!
Can you believe I can do some gorgeous cross stitch but don't even know how to sew a button on a shirt!! How embarrassing!

Just have a bash at it!

Buy a pattern and make sure it's one rated for beginners and some fabric. Something simple like a t shirt or trackpants (without pockets). They come with instructions that are easy to follow!

For lessons try a sewing shop. My local patchwork shop does general sewing lessons as well :)

i've often seen at Spotlight, they ave classes for different types of things like sewing, scrapbooking etc

ive been thinking about this myself lately... i wish i had paid more attention in textiles class at high school!

Sewing World at Mt Gravatt or Springwood do really good classes, really low numbers, lots of one-on-one time, and go at your own pace. They also let you choose your own projects and they just help you through them, and are really flexible with class times. I've never done one, but I've watched them in action, up the back of the shop.

I also found them to be really personal - they always ask me to go back and show off what I've made recently (after I bought a machine from them) and I feel like I can go in any time to get advice.

I don't know if that's too far for you, but it's really really good. Otherwise, lots of small sewing shops run them.
And, like Linda, I can give you some ideas :D

Thanks everyone for your replies and recommendations.

Especially thanks for the offers to teach me and give me tips. I am totally clueless and I would be quite embarressed at my lack of sewing knoweledge:redface:

MBear - LOL I will be busy for the next few months with our new bub but I would like to keep an eye out for classes over summer.

Snugglybean - Springwood is close to me. I'll give them a call.

Wish me luck ladies..I'll be asking heaps of questions!! First question..how do you turn the sewing maching on!!! lol