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About Sharon Vogel
Expertise
I can answer general sewing questions as well as tailoring, heirloom, menswear, children's wear, craft sewing, quilting and just about any fabric or notion. I can also help with some sewing machine repair and maintenance.

Experience
I started sewing at the age of 3...thanks to my mom and grandmother, and I am now in my fifties. Home economics classes in junior high and high school helped me to finesse my skills.

Education/Credentials
Palmer and Plesch tailoring class Basically, self-taught...give me the instructions and I will figure it out and then make it better!

Awards and Honors
A few blue ribbons at fairs along the way

You are here: Experts > Home/Garden > Arts and Crafts > Sewing > beginner sewer..maybe??

Sewing - beginner sewer..maybe??

Expert: Sharon Vogel - 10/21/2009

Question
Hi Sharon,

I want to learn to so desperately, but unlike yours, my family members were more into knitting, crochet, and embroidery...and my mother didn't do any of those as I was growing up, because she worked.

I don't know anyone who loves shopping for hours in fabric stores more than I do and I can't do a thing with it! I have 2 vintage sewing machines in cabinets...one being an old dial-n-sew (which was recently serviced) and a Kenmore (non-working). I thought it might be best to buy a new portable, but my husband thinks I should learn on these first, just to make sure I can do it and like it. The problem I see with this, is trying to take classes and either not having a machine to bring, or using new machines there and my ancient one at home..lol.

Is there a way to teach myself, without a sole to guide me? I am just interested in making things for the home, not clothes...I am sure that would be a disaster!

Any advice would be grateful!

Thanks!
Lee

Answer
Dear Lee,
I agree with you that buying an inexpensive portable machine would be beneficial. You can find a good one in the $300 range. The older machine, even though it has been fixed, may give you problems that would definitely hinder your learning experience. And you may find that some things are better sewn on the older machine and others on a newer one. You also have a good point about having a machine you can take with you to classes. What you learn in class will be much easier to duplicate at home if you are using the same machine. Check with fabric stores for classes in beginning sewing and sewing for the home. Most home decorating projects involve a lot of straight line seaming which is quite easy to learn.

Having a love of fabric is just the beginning of learning to sew and being proficient enough to create beautiful things for your home. I am excited that someone else wants to learn this very productive craft! Good luck and let me know if I can help you in any way.

Sharon

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