NCDR: Sew What?

TJ1979 · December 2014

I got a sewing machine for Christmas. I don't know how to sew. I did a little bit of sewing with my grandmother when I was a little kid, but don't remember really.

What should I sew? What's easy? What's good to learn by doing? What's actually useful?

Smallllmin · December 2014

I got one too! I'm planning on making some wet bags, diaper covers (ambitious), and clothes for the baby made with spoonflower fabric!

TJ1979 · December 2014

MK a pillow lounger sounds big. Maybe that will need to wait till after the move?

redrockmama · December 2014

I voted beer koozie, but the first thing I learned how to sew was pajama pants. They are super easy. Rice bags are also really easy and useful.

Into+the+Kitty · December 2014

Do the diapers. It's like a black hole, you will never leave your sewing machine again.

Into+the+Kitty · December 2014

Don't actually start with diapers, it's super ambitious for not having sewn anything in forever lol.

Nvywife · December 2014

I like to be difficult and start with something way out of my league. You know a pattern that is clearly marked expert level.

bumpuser5078523 · December 2014

I would start with something like wipes or napkins just to get used to your new machine. They would be good practice for sewing straight and getting the hang of things again. Plus, they are still functional if you mess up.

violajack · December 2014

Honestly, the first thing to sew is lines on paper, no thread, just poke holes and get a feel for driving the machine. Then beer koozies.

sarenu1 · December 2014

Pj pants. As modeled by my E.

sarenu1 · December 2014

It's a bonus If you make a pair for yourself as well. E is now obsessed with matching me.

freezorburn · December 2014

Sewing straight is repetitious and boring. My first project was unpaper towels that I started last Feb., and they're still not done.

I vote find something to upcycle into baby/toddler clothes. I had so much fun with turning DH's ruined sweater into a soaker and longies for DS.

MapleMomma · December 2014

doeie04 said:
I would start with something like wipes or napkins just to get used to your new machine. They would be good practice for sewing straight and getting the hang of things again. Plus, they are still functional if you mess up.

This! Definitely do not start with diaper covers. I've had my sewing machine for years and love to sew. However, my recent attempt at diaper covers has me temporarily abandoning my machine because it was just not worth it. I did find pail liners to be pretty easy (although elastic can be a bugger)

Have fun! Its addicting if you enjoy it.

joyfultrex · December 2014

I started with PJ pants also, and they were super easy. If you want to do diapers I would go for fitted diapers or doll diapers first. PUL moves funny through the machine and can get frustrating. I would try a wet bag first to get the feel for PUL in the machine.

unaveragejane · December 2014

I voted snuggie bc who doesn't need that high fashion garment in their lives?! But then I remembered that you'll probably have a much easier time learning if you start with a non-stretchy material. Pajama pants would be a great option. Pillowcase dresses for E would also be easy and fun, although I know she has a big wardrobe already.

Rrrrrachel · December 2014

Purses, pillow case dresses, skirts, pj pants. Those are all easy things to start with depending on the pattern. I just made a ring sling. Easiest sewing ever.

Love4Science · December 2014

I'd start with wipes, one side flannel, one side terry.

Then if you want to do PJ pants, this tutorial makes some super-easy, super-quick PJ pants. It's great for PJ pants for the littles, but there's a lot of fabric waste if you do them adult size.
https://mycottoncreations.blogspot.com/2010/07/christmas-eve-pajama-pants-tutorial.html

Oh, and be sure to wash your fabric before you use it. Otherwise your final product will likely shrink unevenly and be ruined.

bumpuser9353653 · December 2014

When I was in middle school, we were required to take "Home-Ec." and learned to use a sewing machine. We sewed pillow cases, gym bags, and simple teddy bears. If 12yr olds can be taught to sew those, that seems like a good starting place. Or PJ pants, because who doesn't love those?

And because our kids are the same, if you make something for E, you should give her some warning because apparently surprising a 2.5yr old with a cute new pillow case already on her pillow in bed is a terrible mistake that results in tears.

kwitt22 · December 2014

PJ Pants are easy. Actually if you have a Joann's near you they have a class where they teach you to sew a pair of PJ pants. I highly, highly recommend taking it. I started with that and it was a great starting point. I am still a novice, but I have learned to sew some other stuff using that knowledge. Pinterest is a great place to find tutorials. For me it was crucial to pick easy projects, master those and move on. If I picked something too hard, I got frustrated and gave up. Good Luck!

Brandiewine11 · December 2014

If you can find a local class and have time to do it, definitely sign up. My machine came with a class that just covered how to use the machine, basic troubleshooting maintenance, and all the different stitches. After that I felt much more comfortable just trying stuff. Pillow cases are easy. PJ pants are super fun too. Those baby tag blankets are easy and quick too. Then you'll never be without a baby gift again.

km_md · December 2014

I haven't sewed in years but the first thing I made with my machine was a pair of pj pants for my little brother and a drawstring bag that I used for dance shoes. I think they were fairly simple projects that helped me get started.

CLLDLL · December 2014

PJ pants were my first project. I didn't even buy a pattern. I found a tutorial on a blog where you just copy a pair of your kid's existing pants and add in a seam allowance.

Wipes or a wetbag would be good choices too though.

bumpuser5078523 · December 2014

Why have I never made pj pants?

stoneycakes · December 2014

Chickypoo2468 said:

Why have I never made pj pants?
I'm wondering the same thing.

Ooooooh. I have all this fleece I was going to use in my wrap and then I opted not to. I should totally make myself PJ pants! DH got fleece PJ pants for Christmas and I'm so jealous of them!

Nvywife · December 2014

I think i need to make DS a set of PJ pants. I usually don't venture to far from quilting. I need to expand my horizons.

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