How to go about learning some basics?

[ImpYCelyn]

A broken zip that I can't replace has got me thinking.

We didn't do textiles at school, or Home Ec. My mum has never sewn or knitted or repaired anything (she used to glue on my Brownie badges, and staple turn-ups), neither have either of her sisters, and neither did Nan. So I've never even seen anyone do it, much less learned it myself.

I'd like to be able to do things like use a sewing machine to hem curtains, repair clothing and just generally maintain or improve things. In fact, just be able to use a sewing machine full stop, I wouldn't know where to start with one now.

I actually slightly admire my mum for her determination not to do something she didn't want to, but she had a much higher disposable income than I do, and where she would just buy a new coat I'm wearing one that doesn't do up.

Are there classes or courses that teach this kind of thing? Where should I start looking? I suppose I'd like to be able to "make do and mend", but I'm completely unskilled for it.

TIA :)

Local college, haberdashery shop ? We are really well served here in Eastbourne for craft places - within walking distance there is a knitting class, sewing classes in no less than 3 different places, a beading group and a FE college doing weekend courses.

Another thought would be to join a WI ?

Oh wow, you have loads! There isn't a haberdashery shop anywhere nearby, but I hadn't thought of looking at nearby FE colleges. I'll have a look this weekend.

WI a good thought too, do they have them in London?

Thanks very much :)

If you lived near me or were a RL friend I'd teach you. Do you have any mates who see? One I taught felt embarrassed by lack of skill until I showed her my woeful ballet dancing knowledge and skills. We just spent our childhoods doing different things

Who sew! Seeing useful too but not compulsory!