suitable patterns to learn to sew

[Visitor7]

My MIL has recently leant me her brand new sewing machine so I can learn to sew. So I'm wondering where to begin. I have all the little necessities (ie: scissors, thread, needles etc etc) and want to get a pattern and some fabric to start with. What is a pattern I should start with? I haven't done any sewing since high school (12+ years ago) but I think I'll pick it up fairly quickly.
TIA

[Michelle71]

Look for one of the easy patterns in the books. A tunic for the girls is an easy (and small) item to make that is ok for a beginner. They have them sized from baby to size 3 too so it can grow with the little ones.

If you haven't done anything (or never used a pattern before) start making some drawstring bags for toys / books / storage etc. You can get calico cheaply and practice straight sewing and making a hem before branching out into patterns. Sheets for a baby cot or curtains are another option. Muslin wraps for the new baby can be good too. There are patterns for baby sets and sleeping bags but it will require a zipper and some are more complicated than others.

I have just re-discovered my love of sewing and I am frustrated ATM because I am just not getting the time to play

[Laranna]

Jodi, I've just started learning to sew too! My first project was a baby's blanket. I got 2 panels and some wadding from Spotlight and just sewed it all together. There's a pic on my FB. I'm going to put a border on it - I think it's called bias tape?!

I also picked up some fat quarters, which are fairly cheap, to try out all the various stitches and tension and settings on my machine and basically just to practice sewing!

With patterns, I have started looking at the free ones online for various things like baby's blankets, oven mitts, aprons. etc and am browsing ebay for some cheap toddler sized patterns that I can practice with. So, if you google free sewing patterns, there'll be heaps. Some of them are daggy, but there are also some good ones.

[HotI]

Jodi, I've just started learning to sew too! My first project was a baby's blanket. I got 2 panels and some wadding from Spotlight and just sewed it all together. There's a pic on my FB. I'm going to put a border on it - I think it's called bias tape?!

Blanket ribbon is also good to use as a border. It is ribbon already folded in half lengthwise that you slide over edge of blanket and sew through both sides of ribbon with blanket in middle like a sandwich. The silky feeling is often appealing to kids.