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Original poster

Learning to sew....

41 replies

shesparkles · 18/02/2011 11:37

I'm just putting a toe in the water to find out what people think....

If we believe what the press and t'internet say, there is an upsurge in the popularity of sewing at the moment, lots of shops are selling low prices sewing machines etc, but on a couple of forums I frequent, I've seen a lot of people saying that they have the machine, but where can they learn...

I've been sewing/dressmaking/curtainmaking for years and years. I have a good technical knowledge as well as the practical experience.
I work part time but have lots of time off, and was thinking of setting up a tutorial service where I could teach people to sew on a 1 to 1 basis, in their own homes.

I'd be interested to hear people's opinions on this-would it be more appealing than going to a class, or would people prefer to learn in more of a class situation?

Like I say, it's just the start of an idea....for now!Grin

OP posts:
kellestar · 18/02/2011 11:51

I would be interested, personally. I am normally a quick learner and find classes a breeze. Except when it comes to my sewing machine. I went to a short course making a bag over three evenings, but they had the machines all threaded up and you followed an instruction sheet rather than having a tutor. So if I messed up the threads, no-one could help. There were 4 of us on this course and we asked for our money back as none of us made the bag to our expectations. I know not all courses are like this, but that was the one that fitted in with us.

I do wish I had one to one support for a few sessions, at least to build up my basic skills. And as I become more advanced maybe to provide help with some new skills.

I think the 1 to 1 idea is good and worth getting your name out and about. I'd also say it would be worth running small group sessions, possibly working on a simple pattern that can be completed in a day. You could then offer your 1 to 1 support in addition to the classes.

pookamoo · 18/02/2011 11:53

I like this idea, and have been thinking of doing something similar. I think you will find it's very popular! Good luck!

purplepidjin · 18/02/2011 11:55

I think that's a brilliant idea. I make clothes for sn kids so am pretty au fait with my machine but private tuition - or "bring yoru own machine" classes in the church hall - would be a lovely idea. And a good way for people to meet others with similare interests Smile Go for it!!

Original poster
shesparkles · 18/02/2011 11:59

Thanks for the positive feedback :)
I've done loads of stuff over the years to make a few extra quid, but have always involved a bit of an outlay for materials etc, and it's only recently it's hit me that I have SKILLS! lol Grin
I'm going to do a bit more research locally I think

OP posts:
purplepidjin · 18/02/2011 12:04

Yay, shesparkles! Good luck. If your anywhere Hants/Dorset ish let me know and I'll come and say hi Grin

PS you could make things to donate to charity - I crochet for Lisa's Stars who need things made for little angels born asleep...

bobblehat · 18/02/2011 12:08

It's a fantastic idea. I've got a sewing machine, but no idea how to use it (it was given to me by someone), eg thread it up etc.

Let me know if you're in Norfolk - I'd be a gguinea pig for your first class!

lucykate · 18/02/2011 12:09

great idea. venue wise, it's going to be simpler to go to them rather then them coming to you.

working from home is fine, but once you involve bringing people into your own home it means notifying your mortgage company, changing from council tax to business rates, and things like public liability insurance in case anyone injures themselves falling on your stairs etc.

if you wanted to do group classes, go for a local village hall.

good luck!

NotJustKangaskhan · 18/02/2011 12:44

I think it's a brilliant idea.

Also parent and (older) child classes would be very good I think -- I would love to do something like this with my eldest.

Another more techno idea could be doing skype webcam classes for people who have sewing machines of their own collecting dust who just want a visual and personal help to getting started?

Original poster
shesparkles · 18/02/2011 12:47

lucykate, that was exactly my thinking....and I don't really want to be bringing people into my home, not for any suspicious reason, just that it's HOME! lol
NotJustKangaskhan-I don't think I'd be able to do the parent and child thing-there's a reason I didn't take up the place I was offered on a PrimaryT eaching course ;)
Loving the techno idea though-maybe one to think about for the future :)

OP posts:
Kryshees · 18/02/2011 14:02

Great idea. I taught myself to sew and I'm sure there are things I do not 'do' properly.

Village hall sounds like a good start as they are often cheap to hire. You might have to go crazy with extension leads tho and even PAT testing the leads if you are running it as a business.

Good luck poppet!

soccerwidow · 18/02/2011 15:27

A local dressmaker to me does this - she charges £25 per hour and comes to your house.

I have been meaning to book her but I never seem to have the time.

hidinginthecupboard · 18/02/2011 15:54

I also think its a great idea - I'm quite new to sewing and just making easy bags, appliquing (sp!) t-shirts etc.

I would however really like to learn how to do alterations and repair things properly. A 1-1 class (or even shared with a friend) would be great as you could tailor it to the things you really need to know. (knee patches and taking up trousers in the case of my children, letting out and taking in skirts/trousers to accommodate up and down weight in my case!)Have been looking but have not found a class like that or even a good book. In fact where are you based? Grin

Barbeasty · 18/02/2011 16:10

There's someone near me who does classes, but in her own home. You bring your own machine, and depending on the course either she provides the stuff or you bring your own project to work on. She does things from a could of hours tasters to a 10 week detailed course.

It all looks great, but certainly 1-1 at home sounds great, especially for either complete novices or for learning specific skills (one course I'm tempted by is using patterns).

frazzledblob · 18/02/2011 16:10

This sounds like a great idea.
Im tempted by the local college courses but it is fitting it in with childcare etc and worrying if I will show myself up as I still have'nt got past the basics.

If you are in Hampshire or anyone knows of something similar in Hants give me a shout Grin

purplepidjin do you have anymore info on the crochet for charity?

Kryshees · 18/02/2011 16:16

@frazzledblob, where about are you in Hampshire? I'm in the new forest and can sew (Kryshees style, but heh!)

frazzledblob · 18/02/2011 16:28

snap! new forest(ish)

I've managed a number of sock monkeys and keep meaning to move onto something a bit more challenging but i keep puttin it off Blush

I need a kick up the backside as I keep seeing all these lovely things to make but its almost as if I'm scared to try it?

Original poster
shesparkles · 18/02/2011 16:40

Ok so we're thinking it's a good idea?Grin
I'll get my thinking head on (ahahahahaa) and will let you know what happens!

Thanks for the input :)

OP posts:
purplepidjin · 18/02/2011 18:29

Lisa's Stars

BTW I'm another New Forest person Grin

frazzledblob · 19/02/2011 09:15
Shock

is there a secret covern of new forest crafters I have yet to discover?!!

don't suppose there is a MN crochet / craft meet in the new forest? that would be my idea of heaven Grin

Kryshees · 19/02/2011 10:21

Not that I know of sadly :(

frazzledblob and purplepidjin wanna set one up!?

there is a knit and natter in the hotel in sway every month, guessing they do crochet too.

theres a WI also in the village which I'm trying to muster time and courage to go to.

Original poster
shesparkles · 19/02/2011 10:22

I think I'm about as far away from the New Forest as it's possible to be-I'm in Scotland!

OP posts:
Kryshees · 19/02/2011 10:30

:o) Bless! Well, you know where we are now!

Good luck with it all. x

purplepidjin · 19/02/2011 21:29

Ooh, yeah Kryshees and Frazzled, that sounds awesome! I don't know anyone round here who does it! I get ever so many comments when I take the dude I work with out on the train and I'm sat with half a hat and a ball of wool on my lap LOL

differentnameforthis · 20/02/2011 01:25

It is a fab idea! I have a close friend who has been sewing for years, and she is my one to one.

Good luck!

morsbagmum · 20/02/2011 15:25

I think it's a fantastic idea... I am lucky enough to have my mum close by and she taught me, however if she wasn't I would have welcomed this.

I'm sure there are things I don't do 'the right way' and I'd love the opportunity to learn more but all the courses near me are too advanced and the one-to-one idea is genius!

Good luck

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