I've run out of excuses! What do I do now?

[Bathsheba]

There is a thread somewhere in which a member asked where to start and how to learn to sew... if I find it I'll link.

I have taught myself how to sew since I was about 14. My first projects were pencil cases. That was good for teaching you how to put in a zip. Then I made cushion covers with both zips and button holes. Button holes can be tricky to master.

If I was you I would tackle things like mending and lots of straight sewing. I can't recall whether you wear aprons but if you have a favourite you can use that (if it's a flat one) as a template and make another one. Making a flat apron can teach you how to sew curves... a nice curve is snipped in the same way as you snip baking paper to fit inside a round tin... you know those little 1cm notch snips? This is a vital skill to learn.

I would build up a repertoire of basic skills before signing up for a course... just so you can keep up.

If I was you i would focus on learning how to use your machines. Mastering tension alone can be tricky. I assume you know how to thread them properly? Do you know where and how to oil them? Do you know the difference between different types of needle eg a 'denim strength' needle and a satin needle? Knowing all these little things add up to having a good foundation and trouble-shooter skill set. I find that i am always trouble shooting. If you know what causes what then it takes a lot of the confusion out of sewing.

ETA: I'm not a brilliant sewer though mind you LOL I would struggle to follow a pattern to make a men's shirt. I would muddle through... and it would be wearable... but I'm by no means an expert.