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| Photo by Adonvi Gabor from Pexels |
Are you creative at heart and love to learn? Is there a passion of creativity just waiting to bloom? Then you can do this! Become a sewing expert all on your own.
It's understandable money is tight these days for college or basic classes. Fear not, you can easily educate yourself with a few simple resources for next to nothing!
Having a college education is great unless you're in a situation of financial burden. I ran into that long ago when I wanted to start college. Plans didn't go as expected and they never seem to. On the plus side, when you have the drive, passion and are willing, there are ways to learn it all - most of them are free!
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| My sewing and pattern making book collection I collected over the years |
Books
Before internet, books were our source of education. I still have a collection of books from basic instruction to pattern making. The library is a great source to pick up books of your choice plus it's free. Most of the books I purchased through the years came from Half Price Books where everything is half the retail price or lower. I always check their magazines because one day I found a huge stack of my favorite sewing magazine Threads. They were selling at $.50 each, I walked out with a big stack, even the older issues are very resourceful! You can pick up many tips and lessons from back issues. Amazon is a huge marketplace for new and used books at reasonable prices.
Many books start with the very basics covering the anatomy of the sewing machine, supplies and tools you need. There is always a book just right for you. This group you see above is my favorite collection. I have exactly what I need for basic beginner sewing, construction and drafting custom patterns. Books still remain a helpful resource to educating yourself.
Many books start with the very basics covering the anatomy of the sewing machine, supplies and tools you need. There is always a book just right for you. This group you see above is my favorite collection. I have exactly what I need for basic beginner sewing, construction and drafting custom patterns. Books still remain a helpful resource to educating yourself.
Videos
YouTube is an awesome source (and free!) for educating yourself on sewing, patternmaking and fashion design. Search for whatever your heart desires and it's probably there. I have a growing list of YouTubers I follow, here's some of my favorites I've learned from:
Kim Dave
Annika Victoria
OVOKE
with wendy
coolirpa
Marigood Suns
made by aya
Angela Clayton
Kim Dave
Szilvia Bodi
Jess Dang
Annika Victoria
OVOKE
with wendy
coolirpa
Marigood Suns
made by aya
Angela Clayton
Kim Dave
Szilvia Bodi
Jess Dang
I have watched a lot of these over and over, they have so much value to me. I do this in case I missed a step or I just replay to a certain point. I noticed a growing trend of cloning your own clothes. I love this because it takes all the guesswork out of measuring. You're basically copying from clothes that fit you well. I believe this is an easy way to start patternmaking for beginners.
Blogs
I absolutely love checking out other sewing blogs. There are great tutorials out there from basic to advanced. You can learn to sew in no time. Here's some of my faves. They have awesome tutorials to check out.
Experiment
This is where you get your hands dirty. Like on the job training, there will be mistakes, but embrace those errors - this is how you learn and gain knowledge as you go! There may be a time you make a mistake and get so mad you want to throw something - you feel you wasted your time and efforts. Get up, set your project down and walk away from it. Take a break and regain your thoughts. If you have to rip seams or even start over, then that's how it is. This is all part of the learning experience.
Don't be afraid to cut up that t-shirt, tear apart a dress or experiment with other garments. After studying videos and books, you naturally become curious and will be ready to give your first project a shot.
There are many beginner projects out there that are very simple to follow. You Tubers and bloggers have lots of simple projects to try. You can probably finish a pretty skirt in an afternoon or even an upcycled pillowcase for your room.
Don't be afraid to cut up that t-shirt, tear apart a dress or experiment with other garments. After studying videos and books, you naturally become curious and will be ready to give your first project a shot.
There are many beginner projects out there that are very simple to follow. You Tubers and bloggers have lots of simple projects to try. You can probably finish a pretty skirt in an afternoon or even an upcycled pillowcase for your room.
Family and Friends
If you are fortunate to have a family member or friend that knows how to sew, you're in luck! Ask if you can get together over coffee and have a sewing lesson. This is a good time they can sit you down and walk you through a technique or project.
Over the years, I got many tips and help from people I've met and already knew. If you don't know anyone, you can ask your own family or friends and see if they know anyone that can give a helping hand.
Over the years, I got many tips and help from people I've met and already knew. If you don't know anyone, you can ask your own family or friends and see if they know anyone that can give a helping hand.
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In conclusion, these resources I chose are tried and true. I've read many stories of my favorite authors being self taught in the same manner. This is proof you can do it yourself. I hope these simple tips will help you get started in your own sewing career!
How did you learn to sew? Are you in the middle of your journey? I'd love to hear your story! As always, comments are welcome. Thanks for stopping by and happy sewing!
Diana 👗✄😉
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