Fiber Organics

Often when I mention to someone that I know how to sew, they look at me with awe and amazement, as if I've mastered the art of hovering in mid-air. Or they'll sigh wistfully and say "I wish I'd learned", as though they'd missed a train that comes by only once in a lifetime.

I don't know how the craft of sewing acquired such mystery and trepidation, but believe me, it's really not that hard! If you know how to set up the machine and sew a straight seam, there are so many things you can do in such a short time. Add a curved seam, darts, or a zipper to your repertoire, and you're halfway to Project Runway.

So if you're in the wish-I-could-sew camp, here's how to get started.

1. First thing, BEFORE buying your own machine and all the stuff that goes with it, take a class! Sewing classes are becoming more popular, and shouldn't be that hard to find. Check your local independent fabric store first. If they don't have classes, try a chain craft store. In person classes are best, but if that just isn't going to work, you could try an online or video-based course. Here are a few:
   - Burda Style: Learning How to Sew
   - Sewing Tutorials: a tremendous collection of techniques and examples
   - Craftster list of sewing tutorials
   - YouTube videos for beginning sewing
    
   
2. After you're confident that you know how to thread the needle, use the foot pedal, and sew a straight seam, now you can go shopping. My advice is to start with an inexpensive, used machine. No need to spend hundreds on a complicated machine that can do all sorts of tricks. My machine is a simple, old Kenmore that I got at a sewing & vacuum store for $100, about 10 years ago. It has just a few kinds of stitches, no computer, nothing fancy ... and it does just fine. Locally, try sewing & vac stores, or a fabric store. Emphasize that you want a used good one, not a cheap new one. Craigslist is another good option.
    
3. Now that you have the means, you need the materials. My mantra with sewing (as with knitting, cooking, and many other arts) is that quality materials make a big difference. If you're a beginning fabric shopper, you may be drawn to the discount section, and come home with a pile of polyester before you realize it. Remember, the sewing creates the shape, but the fabric creates the texture, the feel on the skin, the flow around the body, etc. Choose wisely, and don't be afraid to ask for guidance.
   
   Note: when you're just getting started, it's a good idea to practice a new pattern first, before cutting and sewing your high-quality fabric. Fabric stores sell inexpensive muslin (thin, undyed cotton fabric) just for this purpose. It's just a few dollars a yard, and well worth it. When you sew a muslin you learn your way through the pattern, so when you sew it the second time with the real thing, you'll be much happier with the result. Here's a great video explanation of how to sew a muslin from CraftStylish.
    
4. Finally, get involved! Whether in your community or online, get out there and get in touch with other people who share your enthusiasm about this addictive craft. Here are just a few of the many online crafting & sewing communities you can join.
   - Burda Style
   - Pattern Review
   - Sew What's New
   - Craftster
   - CRAFTzine community
   
   These communities give you a chance to share questions, notes about your work, and photos of your finished projects. It's so inspiring to see what others are working on -- and pretty soon you'll be out there sharing your own expertise!

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