Starting from Scratch

[eyeful]

Hi all, hope you can help me, I've just ordered a new sewing machine as I went to use my old one and gave up on it, couldn't remember what to do with the bobbin, couldn't see to thread the needle etc etc., so I decided to treat myself to a new one, the old one doesn't owe me anything it's ancient, the new one is nothing special but at least it threads its own needle (thank god). Now I have to mend OHs trousers which is easy I know but I thought as I was going to be the proud owner of a new machine I ought to get some real use out of it. I've made easy things before but I would love to get my teeth into an interesting project, preferably something I could sell at the local craft fair. Has anybody got any interesting websites they could refer me to or patterns they could recommend for making something easy to start with. Hope you can help xx

[angela]

Hi eyeful glad you like your new machine, can I recomend a book by Cath Kidston, I got it this year from amazon, you get ready cut pieces to make a nice bag, it's easy I did it lol, then there are loads of patterns in the book for bags, glasses cases apron etc, I'll go and find the link for you. BRB
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sew-Cath-Kidston/dp/1844007561/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1312826747&sr=8-1

[Granny Penny]

Think of something you would like to make Eyeful and Google "x free sewing pattern". If you can't think of anything in particular just google "free sewing pattern" although you will have a lot to choose from!

[Muffintop]

I would second Granny Penny on the Googling. There are lots of sites with free patterns, almost too many to choose from. Mind you, I like the sound of the Cath Kidston book as well so I'm off to have a look at that myself! Happy sewing.

[Granny Penny]

Just thinking about what I did when I got back to sewing and the first thing I made was a cushion cover. I got the Sew What Next DVD by Debbie Shaw - it gives you small items to update your techniques on. You can see a few of them on my blog.

[eyeful]

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOhhh thanks Angela, GP and Muffintop, it all sounds great, can't wait, will go googling and amazoning tomorrow, you're all brill xxx

[eyeful]

Couldn't wait Angela already ordered the Cath Kidson book x Will be googling early tomorrow x

[angela]

If I can sew the bag you'll do it easy, it's quite a bargain is the book cos the material is quite expensive, ENJOY

[LadyKatkin]

While you are waiting for your package from Amazon, have a look at an American site called Sewmamasew.com (http://www.sewmamasew.com/tutorials.php). There are lots of tutorials on there, mostly for small and simple things. They often have a whole month of postings on the same subject (the best ones are the ones leading up to Christmas, of course), so it's really useful. They've changed the site recently, so I've done my linky thing to the tutorials section, which is super. Lots of helpful tips and some projects too.
Don't forget Martha Stewart (http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/sewing-projects) and whipup (http://whipup.net/category/whipup-tutorials/). And there's lots of ideas here on Oneprettything (http://www.oneprettything.com/).
And have fun. There's lots of sewers on here, so ask anything anytime and I'm sure you'll get an answer.
Kate x

[craftycat]

I've got the Cath Kidston book, not made the bag yet, and it is lovely. Also agree about googling.

I used to do lots of sewing, including my wedding dress, but don't do a lot of garment making these days. Still enjoy using my machine though for stuff like bags and cushions.

[eyeful]

Hi all, thanks so much for your help, I'm really looking forward to starting now, will look up all the websites and hints you've all given me, just checked online and it's on the van so coming today - yippee, how sad am I? Anyway I was never any good at making garments but I could manage a repair or two, the biggest thing I ever did was make a complete bedroom set for my stepdaughter's bedroom i.e. duver cover, frilled fitted sheet, lampshade, pillow case etc., but that was a long time ago. I'm going to start right back to the beginning again and make sure the first things are easy to do and understand. Thanks you again, xxx