Total novice here

[littlemotherhaywood]

I sewed in high school and made all of my barbie clothes when I was like ten, but times have changed for me. I was able to pick up an overpriced sewing machine really cheap last fall and I'm ready to open it. Are there certain patterns that are easier than others to get started? Also, for some things it just seems cheaper to buy it than to make it as far as clothing goes. I would love to make some pillows and curtains for my son's room though. His room is being redone in Finding Nemo so I'm watching for discounted fabric. Any advice?

[SewCrafty]

WTG Kimberly!

I love sewing, matter of fact I'm taking a short break right now from sewing.

I think it depends on what you want to make as to whether it is cheaper in the long run. I make all my home decor things and it is MUCH cheaper for me to do so. When I want curtains/drapes, I generally have a minimum of 3 windows per room to cover but like in my living room I have 6 plus the door. Besides I love sewing, so would do it anyway. LOL

Clothing is iffy as to whether it is cheaper to make, depends on what you want to make, kwim?

I would say for sportswear Kwik Sew patterns are the easiest and fit the best. http://www.kwiksew.com

For home decor things I generally use either Simplicity or McCall's. Butterick's patterns are more expensive and are a bit harder to follow.

http://www.simplicity.com
http://www.mccall.com

Also if you have a JoAnn's, Hancock Fabrics or Hobby Lobby near by you, sign up for thier flyers, they have some great coupons in them you can use.

http://www.joann.com
http://www.hancockfabrics.com
http://www.hobbylobby.com

HTH and just holler if you have any more questions!

[littlemotherhaywood]

Thanks. I'll check those out. I did pick up some cheap fabric and a discounted pattern for a jumper for my dd and as long as it doesn't take me several hours, should be cheaper than buying, lol. I think for now I'm going to try some curtains, I'm just shocked at how much the patterns are. I just want to make a super basic curtain. How hard can it be?

[santoria]

a lot of patterns (check the online sites...) have the skill level on the pattern. there are a lot of nice clothes patterns that look complicated, but are actually very simple. as long as there are good detailed instructions.

I've made most of my new window coverings and the kids bedroom stuff....I got a book from the library. Coats and Clark Beginners Nursery, they have a few other books specifically for beginners. good clear REAL pictures and measurements and instructions.

good luck and have fun!

[canadian gardener]

A double flat sheet will cut up and make 6 pillowslips which is the way I do it all the time now. Such a savings and so simple to do.

Look for bargains in sheets and turn them into pillowcases, duvet (comforter) covers, drapes etc.

I think a lot of savings in sewing comes more from home decor items, the above, but also cushion covers, throws, curtains.

Mending too. And making something fit a bit better.

I'm not doing a lot of clothing sewing anymore. I'ts often cheaper to buy ready made, and you get to try the fit out, and reject stuff that doesn't work for you in fit or colour etc without all the time investment.

That said, there are some easy things to make, like a simple shell top in woven or knit, or a simple skirt.

Blouses, pants, and fitted dresses take more skill.

I have always found that the easiest patterns are Kwik Sew and Stretch and Sew aren't far behind.

The pictures on the patterns look a bit outdated, but the patterns are bar none the best for instructions and fit.

The pictures on Simplicity patterns are lovely for example but Simplicity fit is atrocious. And the patterns aren't too well explained sometimes. Which is a BIG problem for beginners.

I remember one article in Threads I think it was, where they talked about the big four (Vogue, Butterick, McCalls and Simplicity) and they said the instructions were often vague, missing, or even totally wrong.

One Vogue pattern in particular the writer trusted and found out the instructions had a serious error which if she had followed them, instead of her years of sewing knowledge would have led to destroying a big investment in some terribly expensive fabric she was using.

But it WASN'T just expensive Vogue. Simplicity, which is marketed at beginners was even worse.

Most of the time however the instructions do work, but having a book like Nancy Zeiman's books on shortcuts or Sandra Betzina's Power Sewing or anything by Kwik Sew, will make life MUCH simpler. You can go to one of them and see how they put something together and usually it will go a lot easier and faster. Like having an experianced instructor looking over your shoulder.

But also as a beginner again sewer, you might want to take some classes to get your skills polished, and honestly, there is nothing like other sewing mavens and learners to make you feel good, and get your creativity flowing again.

But even if you never sew a stitch of clothing you can and will save a ton of money just doing mending and home decor.

[littlemotherhaywood]

Thanks. If the finances look up, I really do want to take a class. I didn't know that about Vogue and Simplicity. That's awful really. I do know the instructions often sound like a foreign language to me

[canadian gardener]

Just didn't want you to get a pattern then feel silly because it didn't make sense or there seems to be a mistake. Because it may not be you, it may well be the pattern.

heheheheh Paranoia IS a lifestyle with me! LOL

[leezza]

I have a friend of mine that all she used her sewing machine for was tailoring clothes that she purchased on sale/discount......she always told me that you should buy your clothes one size to big then tailor it to fit you exactly......Just an idea : )

leezza