Books for a beginner to sewing.

Cherry Blossom

Hi,

Can anyone recommend books on sewing for learning the basics and ideas for simple projects to make both for an adult beginner and a twelve year old beginner. I have just bought a machine as an early Christmas present to myself and waiting for it to arrive.

lulu1

Cherry Blossom wrote: »

Hi,

Can anyone recommend books on sewing for learning the basics and ideas for simple projects to make both for an adult beginner and a twelve year old beginner. I have just bought a machine as an early Christmas present to myself and waiting for it to arrive.

Hi there are a few good books on the book depositary web site

Would you think of going for a few lessons?

Cherry Blossom

Hi thanks for your reply, yes I started an 8 week course last Wednesday at my local community centre. I have plenty of free time between classes so I was hoping to start some small projects at home in between the weekly classes.

lulu1

Cherry Blossom wrote: »

Hi thanks for your reply, yes I started an 8 week course last Wednesday at my local community centre. I have plenty of free time between classes so I was hoping to start some small projects at home in between the weekly classes.

Would do a lot of sewing myself What about cushion covers or xmas stockings there is a few good videos on you tube

Cherry Blossom

I will have a look. I'd like to have a go at buttons and zips so maybe cushion covers are an idea I should go for.

lulu1

Cherry Blossom wrote: »

I will have a look. I'd like to have a go at buttons and zips so maybe cushion covers are an idea I should go for.

I would make an envelope cushion cover to start off with I would find zips hard enough yet

PhoenixParker

This is my go to:

https://www.dk.com/uk/book/9781405335553-the-sewing-book/

Decent coverage and photos of a wide range of techniques and a few straightforward projects at the back.

Not in the book but a decent project to start with is a "slouch bag" or "hobo" bag They're straightforward, handy and pretty. Some patterns have an inside zip pocket which is a decent low risk way to practice the skill. If you google for slouch bag sewing patterns there ars a range of options.

New Home

I don't have any recommendation except for a trip to the library: you'd have plenty to choose from, you can look at them properly in advance so you know what you're getting, you can return them if you don't like them, and they can order more in for you. Then, if you find one you really like, you can go and buy that.

Cherry Blossom

Thanks for the replies, I might have a go at a slouch bag with a zip.

looksee

Just buying a beginners' paper pattern can be a good approach. Some of them will give you considerable detail on how to do things, and you don't have to start with clothing, a pattern for bags - totes, hobo, simple ones - will not only give you a good start but you will be making something too, which is always the best way to learn. Try the likes of Michael Guiney for fabrics, half nothing and if you keep looking you can get some gems.

Cherry Blossom

Thanks for the tip, I should have said recommendations for places to buy fabrics online also would be great.

lulu1

looksee wrote: »

Just buying a beginners' paper pattern can be a good approach. Some of them will give you considerable detail on how to do things, and you don't have to start with clothing, a pattern for bags - totes, hobo, simple ones - will not only give you a good start but you will be making something too, which is always the best way to learn. Try the likes of Michael Guiney for fabrics, half nothing and if you keep looking you can get some gems.

5 or 6 years ago on trips to Dublin Guineys would have been my first stop for fabric was there a few weeks ago and was so dissapointed.

Although the shop was full of fabric they had nothing at the same time if that makes sense

Cherry Blossom

Has anyone ordered from Vibes & Scribes in Cork? They seem to have a good range of clearance fabrics for getting started with.

lulu1

Cherry Blossom wrote: »

Thanks for the tip, I should have said recommendations for places to buy fabrics online also would be great.

I just buy locally now I find postage is a killer when buying online, although some places offer free postage when you spend 50e or more.

Cherry Blossom I dont know if you are in the north west but there is a gem of a fabric shop in Clonmany

Cherry Blossom

I'm closer to Letterkenny than Inishowen but it's not too far. I could go for a little day trip. Its a pity Swan Park is destroyed I could have taken the dogs there and killed two birds with one stone.

lulu1

Cherry Blossom wrote: »

I'm closer to Letterkenny than Inishowen but it's not too far. I could go for a little day trip. Its a pity Swan Park is destroyed I could have taken the dogs there and killed two birds with one stone.

They open 12-4 Thursday and Friday
10.30 - 4.30 on Saturday's

It's in the community center just ask someone on the street they will give you directions

looksee

https://www.minervacrafts.com/ This place is pretty good, and they have a fixed postage rate which makes them much better value than some places. Just don't buy an of their 'bargain bags' of trimmings or similar - they really are sweepings up!

Cherry Blossom

I just popped into Vincent's while in the town and came out with a bag of odd curtains and bedding. They wouldn't take any money for it.

lulu1

Cherry Blossom wrote: »

I just popped into Vincent's while in the town and came out with a bag of odd curtains and bedding. They wouldn't take any money for it.

A great way to practice before using good fabric

MinnieMinx

I live in Cork and vibes and scribes is a lovely little shop but if shopping online I have used them and their delivery charges are very reasonable. vibesandscribes.ie and also
lovefabric.ie

YouTube have lots of really great tutorials and I recommend the following 3 especially for beginners;

Shabby Fabrics - mostly quilt designs but scroll through and they do a few fun projects such as a simple grocery bag that takes about a couple of hours for a beginner to make

SewVeryEasy - again lots of quilt stuff but some dressmaking too and she’s just started doing a new beginners sewing tutorials.)

Sewing Machine Warehouse - lots of good advice and practical tips.

Book recommendations:

Half Yard Heaven by Debbie Shore (she also has a Youtune channel)
Lots of simple fun projects.

Love at First Stitch by Tilly Walnes
Introduction to dressmaking complete with patterns in a pouch at the back of the book. She was a contestant on the first series of the Great British Sewing Bee.

Hope this might help someone starting out but if you can find a class to attend initially that will give you the basics to get you started and then it’s up to you where to go next or maybe start your own little sewing bee with a few friends.

Cherry Blossom

Hi MinnieMinx,

I'm only noticing your reply now. Some very helpful information there, thank you. I will check out those YouTubes. I might actually order a few quilting books closer to Christmas. I bought some Christmas fabrics today and am going to have a go at making some bunting tomorrow or the next day.

Maldesu

Hi Cherry Blossom,
If you're looking for fabric don't forget Speers on the Main Street, Letterkenny. Staff are really nice there. Only saw your thread cos I'm considering wading into trying sewing myself.

Cherry Blossom

Thanks Maldesu,

Yes I got some Christmas fabrics in Spears to make bunting. I didn't want to wait for delivery. Thanks for the suggestion.