Lots of questions - help with first ever sewing project.

[HotI]

you can do it just with sewing machine, thread, scissors, measuring tape, pins, iron

you only need straight stitch, and if you want to practise get an old teatowel or pillow case and practise sewing straight rows.

i make clothes for my kids, and sometimes for me. you can get cheaper clothes at the main shops, but i like it because i can make funkier clothes that you can't get at the shops.

if you lived closer, i would be happy to give you a hand. do you know anyone who sews who could help you cut and get ready to sew?

i did a spotlight course a few years back, and everyone was working on their own projects. You use their equipment in class, and if you can, work on your project at home and then get help with difficult bits the next class.

[Calluna]

I was hoping someone would say that Thanks HotI
I have some bits and prices I can practice on.
I'm not sure, I'll put the call out on FB and see
Great, I'll have too see how much the classes are if I can't find someone to help me out.

I wouldn't be stressing about it if it wasn't for the size. I'm not worried about the ends, just the long sides.
How do I work with that?

[LimeSlice]

It is really just a matter of measuring well, pressing well and pinning, and going slowly. As you feed the fabric through the machine, don't pull on it and have it folded fairly straight and evenly on your lap to take the weight off, so it doesn't tug, and do the same as it comes out the other side. So easy does it really. Set your machine to stitch slowly and if you have the option on your machine, keep the needle dropped, so when you stop to manage the fabric you aren't losing your position and inadvertently losing your true direction.

[Calluna]

Thanks LS, I think I can manage that!
Now I just need to find a surface to do it on. We dont even have a dining table at the moment.

[HotI]

i would wait til your son is in bed, and lay the material out on the floor.

decide on the width you want, and fold material lengthwise on this line. measure often to make sure it is the same width all along. you could iron or pin the material along fold. cut along fold. (*make sure you include the amount you need for hems as LS described)

once you have it cut, fold over hem 1cm and iron. then fold over again 1cm and iron - this way you won't see cut edge. To do this with long material, i would have it looped over ironing table kinda like this (___/--\____), pulling material towards you as you iron the hem and then have it layered near your feet. The prep will take a little time, but it will help to get the width all even when you sew.

when sewing, i would set the machine up at end of a kitchen table, and have material stretched out on the table. you want to make sure it can go through the machine without it being pulled back by anything.

The side that is not cut, you don't have to hem OR you could fold and hem just 1cm instead of 1cm twice.

Because the wrap will only by 70cm wide (or whatever you decide), you should be able to lay it flat on the table while you are hemming the edge.

just take it slow and you will be fine. and always measure twice and cut once!

[Calluna]

I cant believe how helpful you have all been. Thank you so much!!

I'll let you know how I go!