Last year I started following MimiGStyle and totally fell in love with the idea of sewing. She features her sewing creations on her blog and Facebook page. I also follow her on Pinterest and Instagram, I know it’s a lot. Her sense of style is AMAZING!!!! I love how she features the entire outfit, how to plus accessories and where to purchase. She truly makes sewing SEXY…. Mimi also features her love of cooking, fitness and provides her readers with tips. My favorite aspect of following her is the fact she is a mom who is following her passion. I think as a mom we can all relate to that in a lot of ways.
In March I purchased a sewing machine, I followed Mimi’s suggestion on what type of machine to buy for beginners. I didn’t want to invest a lot for my first machine so lucky for me I found a refurbished machine on Overstock.com. Joann Fabrics is now a staple for finding my sewing items such as tools, accessories and fabric. If you sign up via your phone you get coupon sent via text. The coupons really come in handy for saving on all your purchases.
The one great learning tool for anyone who is a beginner is YOUTUBE. I purchased the Brother CS6000i which has 60 stitich options and computerized with a built in threader. The machine comes with tools, pedal and a carrying case and it was less than $150 on Overstock. My go to site is Sewing Mastery, the videos are absolutely wonderful for learning everything on the machine. It only took a few hours for me to learn how to wind a bobbin, threading the machine, use the built in threader, replace the foot, learn how to change the needle, how to make different type of stitches, and repairing fabric. I did invest in a sewing kit and want to get a mat for cutting fabric as well as a work table for my machine. Sewing Mastery has videos for each lesson which is great when you want to learn step by step.
My first project is making window treatments, which is fairly easy in terms of a hem at the top and bottom. I found a number of sources for taking measurements. The associates at Joann Fabrics are very helpful in terms of assisting with the fabric needed and the tools necessary. The one hard lesson I learned is to use fabric that is stiffer versus a chiffon. For window treatments you have to create stitches before you begin your hems. My go to site for this was the great YouTube video. Once these are finished I will post the finished project.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbVK5xBysPM
I also set up a sewing board on Pinterest which is a great place to find other ideas and projects for beginners. My next project is how to make pillows.