What to sew first?

[SenzaSordino]

Hi!

I just joined this forum in anticipation of getting a new sewing machine--it should be here any day now. :D

I haven't sewn anything more complicated that a straight seam in a reeallyyy long time. Does anyone have any suggestions for a first project that would be fun and easy and encouraging enough to try more complicated things? Any caveats?

Thanks!!

[westbrook]

as most of us started out in school.. home ec. class.. a simple apron? or maybe a tote bag.

If you use a pattern.. make a copy of the pattern! never cut it! with the multi sized patterns sold now it is nice to be able ro reuse it for different sizes.

I use examinine bed paper (the kind at the doctor office) that can be found at any medical supply store. Wax paper works but you need to pin it together cause it isn't wide enough.

perhaps a simple elastic waist band pair of shorts or pajama bottoms for one of the kids!

oh goodness where are my manners!!

Welcome!!!

[deborah54]

welcome
I teach beginning sewing and my students like to make sleep pants with elastic waists or tote bags. I also have had them make receiving blankets out of flannel. They are simple. All you need to buy is 1 1/4 yds of 45" flannel. Sew a straight stitch around all four sides. Fold the selvage side first on the stitched line then fold again ( selvage side is the finished side). Pin. Do the same thing on the cut side, Pin. You can then baste around the whole blanket taking the pins out as you baste. Pick a stitch off your machine and stitch around it. Pivoting ( needle in the material, raise pressure foot and turn) at each corner. This will give you practice sewing straight. The blanket you can give it to a hospital for a newborn or give it as a present. The blanket is bigger than the ones you buy in the store and new mothers like them. Wash the blanket before you give it away.

[SenzaSordino]

Thanks for the suggestions. The last thing I sewed was a catnip quilt for my cats (which they loved). The machine I used was a major pain in the neck to thread and bobbin, which inspired me to get a new fool-proof machine.

Sleep pants are a great idea--I can never find ones long enough!

[FrugalSewing]

Placemats are an easy first thing - you can make oval ones and not have to deal with corners. It will give you a chance to learn simple binding too. You're welcome to stop by FrugalSewing.com and look at the placemat project or find one a number of places on line.

Welcome to the sewing world!

[SenzaSordino]

The placemat project on FrugalSewing looks like fun. I particularly like the idea of reusing materials (like worn out towels) to make new things. I'm looking forward to exploring your site a little more.

Thanks--I can't wait to get my machine!

[FrugalSewing]

I'm all about reusing what I have and recycling what I can. It just seems right, ya know :)