Would like to start sewing, where do i start?

[Beautitude]

Id like to start sewing but have no idea where to start. The sewing i have done was way back in the days of home ec at school so haven't done anything in awhile. Id like to be able to make some simple clothes for ds and maybe blankets etc, really simple stuff. Id also like to do some embroidery on blankets etc to make for gifts.

First thing i need is a machine and id like an embroidery machine but im worried that it might be a bit too advanced for me. Has anyone used an embroidery machine and can suggest a good machine for a novice?

Also what should i start sewing that is simple that i cant stuff up too easily lol.

Any other tips for a new sewer would also be appreciated.

TIA

[Nelle]

You'll need a machine.
Then go to Spotlight and get a whole lot of material you like. You don't have to have a craft in mind, just get material. Maybe while you're there get a heap of pretty ribbon, maybe some cute buttons, maybe some new scissors, a few tools that you don't know what they do but seem important, a cutting mat, one of those rotary cutters, pins, some wool and knitting needles.
Trawl the op-shops for more cool material. Also see if you can pick up any retro, complicated patterns.
Follow blogs about craft and sewing, and think to yourself 'oh that's good, I'll do that next weekend'. Make sure these sites are bookmarked.
After about 2 years, learn to blanket stitch. Take 1 month to stitch one baby blanket.
A month after that, sew a calico bag, and handmake a pincushion.
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[Astrid]

I would just get a good work horse machine first off. Not the base model, but somewhere a bit higher than that. An overlocker is handy as well. I have Janome for both of mine and have been very happy

If you buy from a sewing machine store they should be able to help you with your choice. Also they will often have a free lesson with the machine purchase. Some are quite good for dropping in and just asking a few machine related questions after the purchase. They are especially good for buying the needles from, as you can just point to the machine you have and describe what you will be trying to sew.

There are few threads around for beginners to do with what to sew etc. Not sure if there is one for tools, I know there was one ages ago on recommendations for a sewing kit.

[Jaycee]

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