So...................I bought the sewing machine from Lidl..............

[trillium]

......and realised I actually know naff all about how to use one.

In the past I've used my faithful old treadle Singer which only had about three adjustable things on it (as far as I know anyway).....forwards, backwards, variable stitch size and a tension knob.

I used to get on fine with it and managed to produce curtains, cushions covers and even a dress once (talking very very basic here, and probably would not be up to anyone else's standards, but hey, each to his own, I was pretty chuffed with it).

Tried using my new super duper with knobs on Lervia, and I can't get the tension/stitch length or basically anything, right at all .

So......can anyone suggest a really really basic, start from the very beginning, book on how to use a Sewing Machine??

I'd be eternally grateful

I will have to post pictures of Shaun the Monkey scout when he is finished, its the knitted monkey that came free with PG tips.

Ooh, this is a great thread - off to buy a book now.
MIF, I don't know what kind of velvet you've got, but if it's panne velvet (quite cheap stuff) then it's actually knitted and you don't even need to finish the edges as it doesn't fray at all. (Girders is the proud but maybe ought to be embarrassed owner of 5 panne velvet skirts ) That sounds so much worse when you write it down.

This thread has so/sew overtaken my skill levels that I'm feeling totally inadequate

MIF had you done much hand sewing before you got your lervia? I can't believe you've mastered all this, in what? less than a month?
You talk like a dyed in the wool seamstress

Trilb, I posted book off today so you should get it tomorrow, it's fab and you will be sewing costumes for the next period drama in no time.

Tee Hee

Ok a pin cushion then!

Aawwwww. Thanks ucm.

Maybe meandering edges and cockeyed patches will be the next big thing and I'll become famous amongst the fashionistas

Yay ....... the cockeyed patch is the next big thing (royalties payable to Trilby dot O'Ferrall )

Seriously, MIF, I'm really impressed. I'd love to be able to knit too.

I'm experimenting with felting at the moment (lots of sheep around here), and would love to be able to knit/spin.

I got one on Mothers day too and have so far made 3 nappies for DS and 2 for my neice, a mei tai carrier for me to carry DS and one for DD to carry her doll, an extra large grow bag as the 5 year old really wanted a sleeping bag that doesn't fall off when she goes to the caravan with nanny, three tote bags and stacks of fleece/toweling reusable baby wipes.

Ok don't laugh but I actually used some curtain material I had sitting around to make the nappy outer and used old towels out of the airing cupboard for the inners I used the frugal nappy pattern wich is really easy and there is next to no waste. A friend has got some pul so I am gonna try using that next time as I still have to use wraps with the ones I have made.

That sewing for dummies book is really good, dh taught himself from scratch using it. I however find that not even that was enough to teach me sigh

Well if anyone would like to borrow it after Trilby, let me know and we can ask her to post it on to you.

Got it yesterday ucm, thanks

I will certainly post it on to anyone else who would like to borrow it - just give me a couple of years to master the art of pincushion making first

I bought this one and made my dd a gorgeous little dress and matching knickers with Cath Kidston fabric - am so proud of it. Mine works perfectly.

Aloha, it's not that mine didn't work perfectly, just that I didn't know how to make it work perfectly

I'm very pleased with it and think it was a bargain at £40.

Aloha, did you do the dress from a pattern or make up one yourself. I hadn't thought of making little dresses, especially in lovely floral designs.

Need to raid my nan's and moms sewing patterns now and get down to the rag market in Brum for some material.

Bought a really simple pattern from John Lewis - little dress with ties on teh shoulders. I copied the knickers from ones she already has (to go over nappy or ordinary pants if potty training goes well )
Am planning more!

Aloha, how much is it? I'm thinking it might be worth my getting one.