Sewing  

it's not hard to get started. i didn't buy my sewing machine because a friend of mine wanted to get rid of hers so she gave it to me. if i was to buy one, i would try the thrift store first, they may have some for cheap. at walmart they have them for less than $100 (CAD). as for patterns, i suggest the simplicity patterns, they are really easy to follow and show pictures of every step. i usually pay about $20 for material for a dress. i love sewing. my first project was a pair of boxers, now i sew victorian style dresses. i can have one done within a week

I've only just started myself! Recently simplicity.com has started a "sewing 101" series in their news letters. Great info there! You can check out the first two installments here: http://simplicity.com/ind... and subscribe by email if you'd like to get the rest. Good luck!

we do have sewing machine in my mothers house and its only me among the women who dont know how to sew. i tried it before but its all mess. i just ruin the cloth im trying to form. my sister learned sewing through my mother's help. my mother started sewing when she was young.
all of our curtains were actually sew machined by my mom.

I have not brought a sewing machine in awhile I would think you can pick one up for about $150.00. I think about 3 years ago I brought one on Ebay for $100.00, and it is still working fine.
Fabrics rarely depends on the fabric, Walmart has fabric for $1.00 per yard. I would start out with some cheap fabric first to practice on.

Sewing machines are not that expensive. You could probably get a nice one for about $100. And as far as fabric, I always go to the fabric discount table. You can get fabric really cheap there. I make custom doll clothes and sell them on ebay. Check out my profile for my link. Start with a small project and work your way up. Good luck.

You might be able to find a good sewing machine at second hand store. Sometimes they have pretty new ones for very cheap. (Ask to try it out first to make sure it works well)

If you have a fabric store near you, ask if they have classes. Many techniques in sewing are not hard, but it's so much easier if someone shows them to you.

If you don't have that option, you can always learn anyway. I'd start with something very simple, like table napkins. You can find a pretty fabric, cotton would probably be best. Cut it into 18" squares (make a pattern from cardboard) and turn the edge under, then turn it under again and sew along it. Keep doing this to the other 3 sides and there you have a beautiful napkin that will last for years.

As to sewing machines: you can find used ones, but then again a new one is not very expensive (you don't need a big fancy one to start!) As long as it will sew a straight stitch and a zigzag stitch, you can make a lot of things. The other advantage to getting a new one is that you know it's cleaned and oiled, and set up right. Sears (sears.com) has some for under $100 US.

I started sewing when I was 13....many eons ago. I took sewing through my junior high (middle) school. Check and see if your area has adult education classes and offer beginning sewing classes.

I would check with my sewing machine stores to see what they have in used machines. That way you get one that has been checked out and is ready to use. They also may offer sewing classes too.

As for material. Wal Mart does have $1 a yard material, but some of it isn't really that good for using in beginning projects. There is nothing more discouraging that to have finished a project, wash it once and have it turn into a rag. I do alot of fabric buying at Wal Mart and the one thing I did discover is there are quite a few fabrics that have "filler" in them. You can tell if you hold the single layer of fabric up to the light and you can see spaces between the weave of the fabric. There shouldn't be alot of space there. I would suggest that you spend a little more and get a slightly better fabric so that it is easier to work with.

Don't worry about your friends making fun of you. They will be so envious when you show off your "custom designed" wardrobe that was designed especially for you. Not only that, but I made all my daughter's clothes when she was growing up...talk about a savings!

sewing is not that hard to get into it is a great hobby and really gives you a feeling of self accomplishment when you finally finish something fabric is not all that expensive it just depends on how much fabric you buy because it is usually sold by the yard sewing machines on the other hand are very expensive and the concept of "you get what you pay for" definitely applies before you spend the money on a sewing machine i would try sewing with a needle and thread to make sure it is something that you will like doing