Clothes, sewing and learning?!

giddybootz

Hi all,
Been lurking here alot the last few days and loving reading about all the creative stuff that people are getting up to!!

Just wondering if anyone here can help with a couple of question:

1) Do any of you know any good evening time dressmaking courses in Dublin? I would love to do a fashion design course but the prices are HUGE!! So I will start at dressmaking or sewing101 and go from there!

2)Anyone know a good place to get a sewing machine and what brands-if any-I should avoid?

Thanks peoples!
Bootz

Last Angry Man

I did a night course in the Grafton Academy. I found it really good. I did a course in fashion design, but you can do a dressmaking course which goes through how to make something from a purchased pattern.
I know someone who did one in NCAD. I think it was okay.

GaeltachtGirl

Hi there Bootz,

Basic sewing is fairly easy and I believe you could teach yourself. If money is in short supply, begin with going to the library or bookstore and read through the basics and then practice. Once you have the basics down then it might be the time to consider paying for classes that teach advanced techniques.

Visit the designer areas in high end department stores, try garments on, and see how they are made. How are the seams finished; how are buttonholes, hems made; how are the linings sewn in.

Take apart old garments and see how they are made.

Invest in a good sewing machine (if you intend to sew for a while). If you have a sewing machine repair shop near you, make friends with the owner; sometimes they also sell pre-owned machines. Or, look on Ebay and try to find a machine that you can collect in person because machines are delicate and can get injured in shipping (although, should that happen, insurance should sort that out).

Look for older machines with a metal frame-not plastic. Metal frames are stronger and more durable, plastic ones that are too light weight tend to bounce around and not stitch as quickly. Having said that, my first machine was a Singer 'Genie' and lasted for over 20 years. Bernina, Viking, and Singer--and in that order--are best IMO. Elna's, in my experience, can be tricky to work with. A machine that does a straight stitch and zig-zag is sufficient for almost all sewing needs. An overlock/serger is a seperate machine that sews a seam and finishes the edges at the same time.

Hope this as helpful...good luck!

GG

wmpdd3

When I was 11 I got the 1979 Readers Digest book of sewing and dressmaking. It covers everything, a 2 year old could follow it. Check out ebay for similar books.

Das Kitty

I can't help with the course as I'm in the West.

However I got this book and found it excellent:

http://www.play.com/Books/Books/4-/3508070/Ultimate-Sewing-Bible/Product.html

I do think you'd need a couple of lessons on reading patterns and using a machine for the first time though.

As for machines to avoid, the Lidl and Aldi ones can be good, however the consensus amongst my class was that they weren't great.

I own a brother machine which I find great, Singer are always good and Pfaff are excellent also. Bottom of the range in any of these will be more than you'll ever really need.

I actually bought my machine from the UK (online) and found the customer service fantastic. They are called Bedford Sewing and Knitting Machines.

You can also buy them in Singer shops and you can also get second hand machines from there also

giddybootz

Y'all so good!! Cheers for all the advice! I am gonna a) Get some good books, b) Look up courses mentioned and c)start saving/looking for a machine!!

I made a skirt for a recent fancy dress party. It was grand for the night but was so badly/wonkily sewn if you looked closely!!! Plus I made it a bit too big so it's not very flattering!! But it's a start seeing as i did it out of my head with no helps or experiance!! i have dreams of having funky clothes that I made myself and are actually well made and fit!!

notmyname79

Hi, all fantastic advice above. I love threadbanger http://www.threadbanger.com/
Lots of cool tutorials on with different skill levels.
I got my machine and overlocker at aldi and i find them good the were both about 100 euro each.

DeeplyPraying

Das Kitty wrote: »

I can't help with the course as I'm in the West.

However I got this book and found it excellent:

http://www.play.com/Books/Books/4-/3508070/Ultimate-Sewing-Bible/Product.html

I do think you'd need a couple of lessons on reading patterns and using a machine for the first time though.

As for machines to avoid, the Lidl and Aldi ones can be good, however the consensus amongst my class was that they weren't great.

I own a brother machine which I find great, Singer are always good and Pfaff are excellent also. Bottom of the range in any of these will be more than you'll ever really need.

I actually bought my machine from the UK (online) and found the customer service fantastic. They are called Bedford Sewing and Knitting Machines.

You can also buy them in Singer shops and you can also get second hand machines from there also

Ooo good find. Thanks for the link. Im gonna enjoy going through this.

FICOCO

Hi all,
Great advice given out!
I'm not sure if I'm allowed to plug my own services (??) but I'm an experienced Home Economics teacher and I give Fashion Design & Sewing classes in Dublin if anyone wants to PM me to find out more.
RE Machines:
I'm sure lidl and aldi machines are fine but I've fixed my neighbours machine from aldi last summer and it was a piece of work to figure it out!

I would advise anyone who's seriously interested in sewing to buy a simple model be it Pfaff, Brother or Singer. Bernia is also excellent but the newer basic models are expensive and not as sturdy as older models. I'd prefer to buy Bernia second hand (from a private owner not from a school as it will be wrecked) My absolute favourite for basic sewing is Pfaff because its a great piece of german engineering. Get a basic model in the hobby range and try it out in a shop first. Consider getting IDT feed if planning to sew thick or stretchy fabrics. It makes a big difference.
Where to buy
If you can wait go to the RDS Knit and stitch show in early November. It's fantastic for trying out all the machines and the show discounts really are worth holding out for!
If you bargain with them in Singer shop on Talbot st is as competative as you'll get in dublin. I have no alligance to them whatsoever btw! However, you many wish to save about €45 on a PFAFF and buy online. I found good deals on this site www.pfaffdirect.co.uk There are pros and cons to buying online as mentioned. Consider that you will be fleeced when you go to get it serviced because you didn't buy the machine there. Having said that you won't need to get the machine serviced that often if ever. (i.e. if you mind it and oil it etc.)

Another salesperson I've had very good experiences with was Susan O'Sullivan a brother agent based in Bray. If you google her (SOS Brother) you should find her details online. I bought a Brother from her and I am delighted with it and Susans aftersales service. She couldn't have been nicer or more helpful.

In regards to resources I've always found Vogue sewing (any edition) and DK Basic sewing very good as a reference.

Happy sewing!:)

emee

hi folks just spotted this thread...

i picked me up a singer sewing machine for 99 euro in Lidl this morning

http://www.lidl.ie/ie/home.nsf/pages/c.o.20090629.p.SingerSerenadeSewingMachine

Can't wait to get home and try it out but it looks pretty decent has all the features you would expect for a beginner anyway!

Das Kitty

Ah Brill!

We're getting Singers now as well, used to be only Germany!

derektrainwreck

my singer machine has never let me down. . .

i just finished my first suit!!!

dear2asha

Hi FICOCO
I would like to take sewing classes with you can i kndly have your contact numbers.
thanks.
asha.

I W

FICOCO wrote: »

Hi all,
Great advice given out!
I'm not sure if I'm allowed to plug my own services (??) but I'm an experienced Home Economics teacher and I give Fashion Design & Sewing classes in Dublin if anyone wants to PM me to find out more.
RE Machines:
I'm sure lidl and aldi machines are fine but I've fixed my neighbours machine from aldi last summer and it was a piece of work to figure it out!

I would advise anyone who's seriously interested in sewing to buy a simple model be it Pfaff, Brother or Singer. Bernia is also excellent but the newer basic models are expensive and not as sturdy as older models. I'd prefer to buy Bernia second hand (from a private owner not from a school as it will be wrecked) My absolute favourite for basic sewing is Pfaff because its a great piece of german engineering. Get a basic model in the hobby range and try it out in a shop first. Consider getting IDT feed if planning to sew thick or stretchy fabrics. It makes a big difference.
Where to buy
If you can wait go to the RDS Knit and stitch show in early November. It's fantastic for trying out all the machines and the show discounts really are worth holding out for!
If you bargain with them in Singer shop on Talbot st is as competative as you'll get in dublin. I have no alligance to them whatsoever btw! However, you many wish to save about €45 on a PFAFF and buy online. I found good deals on this site www.pfaffdirect.co.uk There are pros and cons to buying online as mentioned. Consider that you will be fleeced when you go to get it serviced because you didn't buy the machine there. Having said that you won't need to get the machine serviced that often if ever. (i.e. if you mind it and oil it etc.)

Another salesperson I've had very good experiences with was Susan O'Sullivan a brother agent based in Bray. If you google her (SOS Brother) you should find her details online. I bought a Brother from her and I am delighted with it and Susans aftersales service. She couldn't have been nicer or more helpful.

In regards to resources I've always found Vogue sewing (any edition) and DK Basic sewing very good as a reference.

Happy sewing!:)

FICOCO

No problem Asha! I just sent you a Private Message with further details. Feel free to send me your email so I can keep you updated!:)
Ficoco

giddybootz

Hi FICOCO...just PMd you there. Thanks for the advice on the sewing machines and all.

notmyname79....threadbanger is awesome....thanks a million!! My next project is painting zebra stripes on a white dress!!! Gonna go search Threadbanger for tips on fabric painting!!

Holopimp

Thanks for all the info on here. I would have loved to join sewing classes in Dublin, but I am moving down to Cork for 8 months soon. I have books and a sewing machine already but I need the extra push of going to a class to actually get me motivated. Does anyone know of any sewing classes down in Cork city?

FICOCO

Thanks to all the people who PM'd about the sewing lessons.

I promised I'd update you on the dates and other details so I've started a blog to do just that!

If anyone is interested in learning to sew with me in dublin follow this link
http://embellishisland.blogspot.com/
for more details! I will post this on the more relevent category as well.
Thanks everyone!

Happy sewing!
Ficoco

mimihops

Hi Holopimp, I was just looking for sewing classes in Cork too and Coláiste Stiofáin Naofa are doing a dressmaking course on Wednesdays starting in September. Don't know anything else about it really but if your looking it might be of interest. I need that extra bit of motivation myself too! Would be good to dust off the sewing machine and make use of it for the winter :-)

FICOCO

Hi all,
I'm delighted with the level of interest in my beginners sewing/dress-making classes so I'm now offering another beginners sewing class, on Saturday mornings from 10am to 12pm.
Please visit my blog for further details! its http://embellishisland.blogspot.com

I'd like to find out the level of interest in advanced sewing classes? If there is any interest in such a class feel free to get in touch as I'm thinking of running a class for people who want to learn to draft their own patterns and make up their own designs..ie. go beyond using commercial patterns.

I'd also like to find out if there is any interest in learning to alter/update clothes.

If you have any insights, opinions or interest, please feel free to reply! Thanks!!:)
Ficoco

Holopimp

FICOCO wrote: »

If anyone is interested in learning to sew with me in dublin follow this link
http://embellishisland.blogspot.com/
for more details! I will post this on the more relevent category as well.
Thanks everyone!

Happy sewing!
Ficoco

I'm staying in Dublin now, so I'd be interested too.

giddybootz

FICOCO wrote: »

I'd like to find out the level of interest in advanced sewing classes? If there is any interest in such a class feel free to get in touch as I'm thinking of running a class for people who want to learn to draft their own patterns and make up their own designs..ie. go beyond using commercial patterns.

Hee hee I will hopefully eventually want to do this if I prove any use at the beginners stuff!! I would love to be able to draft my own designs....but I will see how I get on at threading a needle first!!!

FICOCO wrote: »

I'd also like to find out if there is any interest in learning to alter/update clothes.

This also sounds good!!

I'm getting very excited about learning to sew now!!

FICOCO

Holopimp wrote: »

I'm staying in Dublin now, so I'd be interested too.

Hi Holopimp, if you want to take a look at my blog for further info there's still one space in the Saturday morning class! just email me/send a PM if you want to book.
:)Ficoco

http://embellishisland.blogspot.com

FICOCO

giddybootz wrote: »

Hee hee I will hopefully eventually want to do this if I prove any use at the beginners stuff!! I would love to be able to draft my own designs....but I will see how I get on at threading a needle first!!!




This also sounds good!!

I'm getting very excited about learning to sew now!!

Thanks for your feedback giddybootz! it's great to have such enthusiasm about sewing! I'm sure you'll enjoy learning more about it!
Ficoco

FICOCO

Hi sewing enthusiasts,
Thanks to everyone who has emailed to enquire about the beginners dress making classes. If anyone else is interested do get in touch as I'm planning to make another evening available for a sewing class with an alterations element. Details to follow!

Look at my blog for further details on course content. http://embellishisland.blogspot.com
I'm going to post up some tips about buying sewing machines as some people have been looking for advice so that they can invest and start making their own clothes, carry out alterations and stitch up their home.

Lets face it- in the current climate there's nothing more fun than stitchin up a new skirt or a funky cushion or simply revitalising a garment that was lurking in back of the wardrobe!:)

Happy sewing,

FICOCO

Anouck

Hi,
I'm thinking of take a course in the Grafton Academy.
who did one ? what do you think of it ? is it worth it ?
Do you know the difference between fashion design course (evening ) and the dressmaking course and the dress designing ? I asked them and they told either would be grand for me. (I want to learn about pattern designing/drifting and improve my sewing skills)
Thanks.

Tiriel

FICOCO wrote: »

Hi sewing enthusiasts,
Thanks to everyone who has emailed to enquire about the beginners dress making classes. If anyone else is interested do get in touch as I'm planning to make another evening available for a sewing class with an alterations element. Details to follow!

Look at my blog for further details on course content. http://embellishisland.blogspot.com
I'm going to post up some tips about buying sewing machines as some people have been looking for advice so that they can invest and start making their own clothes, carry out alterations and stitch up their home.

Lets face it- in the current climate there's nothing more fun than stitchin up a new skirt or a funky cushion or simply revitalising a garment that was lurking in back of the wardrobe!:)

Happy sewing,

FICOCO

HI Ficoco - just wondering if there are any spaces for beginners on the Sat course? Thanks

FICOCO

Cork_girl wrote: »

HI Ficoco - just wondering if there are any spaces for beginners on the Sat course? Thanks

Hi Cork girl
yes there's still spaces, you are welcome to sign up. It's on a first come first sews basis! Look forward to hearing from you. Ficoco

irishwoolen

Hi

I am looking for a sewing machine teacher/class preferably in South County Dublin. There are 3 of us living in the Sandyford area who are eager to begin learning how to use a sewing machine.

If you're a teacher or know of any classes in the area I'd appreciate if you could contact me. Thanks!

littlesurfer

Hey guys,

QUick add in...theres a great class in the Ringsend Technical Institute. It only cost about 100 for ten weeks and they provide machines if necessary. There are 10 in the class and the teacher is great.

Also apparantly if you keep an eye on argos they tend to do really good sales and you cant get 50 squid or more off a machine when they finally decide to do have one!

Also thanks for the threadbanger link....deadly!

smellslikelemon

just thought I'd share this with you guys, it's pretty handy for some clothes-making projects and they have lots of good advice
Basic knowledge is required though..

www.cutoutandkeep.net