Sewing question of the day 5/4...

**Michele Annette** · 05-04-2005, 11:36 AM

When did you first learn to sew and by whom?

I first learned when I was about five from my mom. I was not allowed to use the sewing machine at that time. My mom would set me on her lap and she would show me how the machine worked. When I got a bit older I was allowed to use her machine for crafts and later for clothing.

How about you?

**frugalmel** · 05-04-2005, 11:56 AM

My mom wanted to teach me when I was about 8, but I was NOT interested. Now I am trying to "teach myself"..... sometimes it works, sometimes..... not so much!

**sunshine** · 05-04-2005, 11:56 AM

I received my grandmother's old sewing maching when she died -- I was 8 years old at the time. My mom let me putter around with it, and I would design doll clothes, pillows, etc.

When I was in 8th grade- I took a home ec class and learned to use patterns, ect. So I really got on a sewing roll then.

My dad gave me a blank check when I graduated HS and told me to get whatever I wanted. I asked him about a price limit, and he just shrugged and told me that he trusted me to be responsible (that was the best gift). I purchased a Kenmore sewing maching that had a zig zag stitch and i still use that machine 26 years later.

**homesteadmamma** · 05-04-2005, 02:35 PM

What I know I taught myself when it comes to sewing. I still have lots to learn. I would at some time like to take a sewing course.

**Sara Noel** · 05-04-2005, 02:37 PM

My mom tried to teach me, but I didn't want any part of it. I took Home Ec, but I really was bad at the sewing aspect of it. I picked too advanced of a kit and was scarred for years.

**Englishlady** · 05-05-2005, 05:02 AM

At school, they were very shortsighted about such things and only the "less Academic" kids got to have lessons!

So I had very few sewing lessons as a child and tried to make up for it by taking classes, I didn't learn a great deal, I am more enthusiastic than talented!

Can't really cut or sew a straight line, but I did make my Dog Suzy Three cute dog coats, which I am quite proud of!
(Posted them on the thread "Dressing for Success")

I would love to be able to do more, but never seem to be able to gain any ground........still every now & then I will dig out the machine and have a go!

**SewCrafty** · 05-05-2005, 07:54 AM

I took Home Ec in 7th and 8th grades too, for a total of 20 weeks. Everthing else I have learned on my own. I bought my first machine when I was 15 or 16 from a neighbor, mom has it now.

**many houseapes** · 05-05-2005, 09:24 AM

I was about 5 when I first learned how to hand sew. My mother wouldn't let me use her sewing machine, so for years I had alot of practice hand sewing(even clothing from patterns). When I was in HS, I had Home Ec for 2 years & learned how to use a sewing machine. DH bought me my first sewing machine for a Christmas present about 16 years ago- I still have it. about 2 yrs ago, it pooped out and until dh could get it fixed, I was back to hand sewing...including a few maternity dresses & summer dresses for a dd.

**Jerrie K** · 05-05-2005, 09:39 AM

I took Home Ec. from Junior High thru 12th. Didn't learn diddly. A few years later I went to work in a local fabric store. That's where it all clicked. Started doing alterations for people then went to custom sewing. By the time the store closed 4 yr. later I had my own custom sewing and alterations business. Did that for 10 yr. before moving here in 1990. Used a White sewing machine that my grandparents bought me new in Jr. High. When dd was a baby I bought a Bernina simply because it had the free arm and it was so much easier with the tiny clothes. I still have the old White and it still works great. Occasionally still do alterations for others.

**pkellyc** · 05-06-2005, 11:16 AM

I hated home economics in school. When I was 17 I was offered a job making custom draperies. I took it thinking it had to be better than washing dishes in a nursing home. I worked there for years never sewing at home. Until my children were born and leggings came into style. I made leggings for my kids and every kid in the neighborhood!

From there it took on a life of it's own outfits, dresses, pj's, and crafts, I was hooked.

**pkellyc** · 05-06-2005, 11:31 AM

P.S. Jerrie, I can't stand doing alterations, at one time I had a neighbor who brought me rags to "fix". I aso remember a woman who brought in drapes to be altered, her many cats had relieved themselves on them. Gross!!! (She had brought them in never bothering to have them cleaned first.) That was one alteration we refused to do! Now when I do alterations they are a labor of love and only done for those that are close to me.

**bandysmom** · 05-06-2005, 10:49 PM

When I was 13 I started taking sewing lessons from an elderly lady who gave lessons from her home. Her whole downstairs was the "school". It was great!

**Jerrie K** · 05-08-2005, 04:27 PM

Originally posted by pkellyc
P.S. Jerrie, I can't stand doing alterations, at one time I had a neighbor who brought me rags to "fix". I aso remember a woman who brought in drapes to be altered, her many cats had relieved themselves on them. Gross!!! (She had brought them in never bothering to have them cleaned first.) That was one alteration we refused to do! Now when I do alterations they are a labor of love and only done for those t
hat are close to me.

Cat pee, GROSS! I have to say I altered some things that were a pain in the rear but I never had anyone bring me anything soiled. I didn't mind the alterations so much back then but would not want to go back into business. Like you, I really have to push myself to put a seam ripper in my hand today

**Jerrie K** · 05-08-2005, 04:33 PM

Kelly, messed up and did not get my post with your quote.. so here it is Cat Pee, GROSS. While I did some alterations that were really a pain in the rear I never had anyone bring me anything that was soiled. I never minded the altering at the time but would not want to go back into the business. Like you I really have to push myself to do anything that involves a seam ripper.

**debbiepittman** · 05-09-2005, 09:59 AM

I had a sewing project in home ec in 9th grade. After that, I didn't sew again until my last 2 years of high school. I just decided to do it and my mom got a used machine at a yard sale (that might have been why I took it up). My mom isn't crafty or anything, but I studied and worked all the time so I was always learning art, crafts, etc.

Debbie