Growing up my aunt and mom sewed all the time (they made all my Halloween costumes and my aunt even sewed my mom’s wedding dress) but whenever I tried to learn on my mom’s machine I broke it. Not just jammed it or temporarily messed it up, I legitimately ruined it (at least six episodes ended with my mom carting it off to the shop and paying lots of money to get it repaired). And then I wasn’t encouraged to use it quite as much if you catch my drift. I don’t blame my mom at all. I was clearly cursed.
So in an insane turn of events, I recently purchased a nice affordable beginner sewing machine of my own with high hopes of DIYing a quilt and a fabric flag banner for Clara’s first birthday (using all of the fabrics that we picked up for her weekly photo project to create them). I figured it would come in handy for things like pillow and curtain making as well.
And I specifically picked something with great ratings (4.5 stars and over 150 customer reviews) on amazon.com (a Brother XL2600I) because I wanted something good for a beginner devoid of any “natural ability” whatsoever. Of course it didn’t hurt that it was around $100-200 cheaper than most fancy machines (on sale for just $89 – down from $149 – with free shipping). You know just in case I irreparably maimed it within a week of use. Which would not have surprised me. Hence the I’m-not-going-to-splurge-for-anything-great-just-yet approach.
So it arrived a few weeks ago. It has been testing me. Oh my goodness has it been testing me. Like, walk-calmly-into-the-bedroom-and-scream-into-a-pillow testing me.
I even had a hilariously miserable and desperate text message exchange with Katie B where I basically asked her to come over and peel me off the floor and wipe away my tears and spank my disobedient machine. Yeah, she didn’t come. But she did make me laugh by comparing me to Martha. I suggested that perhaps I was Martha’s uncoordinated lesser known sister (who I dubbed Bertha) and by the end of the little iPhone fest Katie had me smiling. Gotta hand it to that girl for providing some much needed comic relief when you’re dealing with this sort of ugliness:
The actual issue was that I was having all sorts of tension problems (broken needles, loopy tangled underside stitches, etc) and then after two nights of despair and at least five solid hours of sheer misery I realized that I was using an unsanctioned bobbin. Seriously. After five hundred attempts at rethreading the needle and rereading the manual and googling around for ideas and texting my poor friends (who all had better things to do than listen to me whine I’m sure) it was my stupid one tenth of an inch too tall bobbin that was sabotaging me. But at least I got the root of the issue, which ended up being hilariously easy to fix (hilarious in that you-laugh-but-kind-of-cry-at-the-same-time-because-it’s-so-pathetic-and-embarrassing way).
But at least at that lowest ever point in my sewing career I figured it could only get better from there. So I kept on keeping on. Slowly but surely I’m getting to know “Oh Brother” (my sarcastically pessimistic nickname for the sewing machine slash bane of my existence) and I’ve actually made some decent progress in the world of novice sewing. For example, I made this little fabric flag banner for the bean’s big one year birthday par-tay using small triangles that I cut out of various weekly fabrics.
I’m not going to say that it was easy. It was harder and more annoying than The Situation’s abs. In fact, I refer to the debacle that was me attempting to sew that fabric banner as “The Real Situation.”
It took me waaaaaay too long and I probably legitimately cried ten times (we’re not talking whiny fake crying, we’re talking actual frustrated hot tears that you swipe away before anyone looks at you like you’re crazy for sew-crying). Give me a sledgehammer or a paint brush and I have no fear. But give me a robot with a motorized needle and I will show you the definition of misery. It’s just not something I can even remotely pretend to be good at. Oh well, I’ll learn. Or I won’t and I’ll get another hobby. Haha.
As for exactly how long it took, I’d guess that cutting each of the flags out took me about forty minutes in front of the TV (I used a cardstock template and placed it over the prewashed – so it was preshrunk – fabric). Then I hemmed each of the three sides of the triangle with Oh Brother, which took me well over five hours.
Yes, you read that right. Let’s just say there were a lot of do-overs and seam ripping and more tension issues but in the end I was left with around a dozen perfect enough triangles that I wouldn’t die from embarrassment if a teenage Clara looked closely at her beloved birthday banner (I hope the banner becomes a tradition for every b-day until the bean is too old to indulge me, so I don’t just want it to look not-terrible I want it to last for a while and look halfway decent). So although you see about 27 flags on the table above, so many of them were just garbage when you got any closer, so I picked my favorite dozen and tossed the rest unceremoniously into my rag pile.
Then in a stroke of desperation (or genius, you decide) I actually broke out some iron on hem tape to complete the project in about another half hour (for a total of 5.5+ hours spent).
It helped to lay out the remaining not-terrible flags on the floor to play around with order until I liked what I saw. Then it was just about firing up the iron and using my trusty hem tape to attach them to the blue ribbon that I already had laying around.
I’m pretty sure it would have easily been 10+ hours if I sewed each flag to the blue ribbon that I used for the top. But heck, I’m starting slow. I’m just glad I was able to sew those flags and not chuck Oh Brother out the slider in the sunroom (the problem with ranches is that you don’t get to dramatically drop things that you hate out of second story windows so you have to improvise). And iron-on hem tape is washable so it’s all good. And look at my little helpers. How cute were they to hang out in the kitchen while I tested my not-cursing-or-throwing-anything limits? They were some much needed sweetness for a pretty darn annoying personal challenge.
The banner looks fun and festive and it’ll be washable and hopefully will last for at least a decade or two, and best of all it was free except for the expense of Oh Brother (thanks to already having purchased each of the fabrics on clearance throughout the year for Clara’s weekly pics and using iron-on hem tape and blue ribbon that I already had).
But I’m still hoping that the sewing machine purchase will end up being worth it as I attempt more projects like a very very very simplified quilt for the bean and other house-related things (a few throw pillows, maybe some curtains, etc). I’m definitely going to start slow.
So there it is. The truth. I’m no Martha Stewart. I’m terrible at sewing and it makes me curse, sob, and scream into my pillow. But who knows, this could be the beginning of a beautiful relationship with that terrifying mechanical needle. Stranger things have happened…
Jen says
I think you would get better results on a different machine. I had an inexpensive Brother that looks very similar to yours. It was fine for awhile and then developed serious tension problems that I never could figure out. I have a Singer now and all is right with the world.
Hannah says
oh my gosh sherry! i could have written that post!! for some reason, i have the exact same luck with sewing machines! i have cried, cussed, had the same pile of thread, got RID of one sewing machine and then asked for a new one, and STILL can’t figure out why i CAN NOT do it. i have even written a couple of posts about my sewing failures…because…there is nothing left to do but laugh! HA! love your story!
Kyley says
omg I feel your pain! I have the same fights with my machine all the time! It always seems to be a tension issue, and no matter how many times I read the manual I still can’t seem to get it right.
I’ve gotten better, but it’s still such a mess! And yes those dang machines do test your patience!
But hang in there….somehow I managed to make a banner too, a plastic grocery bag holder, a few pillowcases and a crock pot cover. I just tell people not to look on the insides….it’s a mess! haha
Kathleen says
Maybe someone else already mentioned this but if you make any more buntings, try pinking shears (so you don’t have to hem them) and bias tape to hold them together. Just slip the triangle in the bias tape fold and sew a straight line. I made a bunch of buntings for my son’s first birthday and they turned out really well with this method.
Your bunting looks great and I love all the different fabrics!
Sarah M. says
Oh.my.goodness. When I read this I felt like you were writing about me. My Singer is sitting in it’s case behind our couch because I became so frustrated with it. I couldn’t figure out what was wrong but maybe I should try it again! BTW, the banner looks AMAZING!
Lauren Tal says
I’m sorry you are having so much trouble! But stick with it and it will get easier! Based on your pictures I do have a couple of questions/suggestions :) I know you were only working on small triangles, but it is a good habit to get into keeping the whole back area of the sewing machine clear. This way you can easily slide fabric in and out without adding the additional worry of bumping into things. Another thing I noticed is that your ball of thread looks really, really thick. Were you using a quilting thread? For something like your banner a standard weight thread will probably be easiest (and will last longer and leave you WAY less tension issues!)
YoungHouseLove says
Nope, just regular old basic thread. I’m just cursed. Haha. But I survived and that banner is my badge of honor. Maybe I’ll get back on the horse – er, sewing machine, today.
xo,
s
Nichole@40daysof says
You are so brave. :)
Karrie says
I SO feel your pain! I’ve actually taken two sewing classes now–once in high school (had to sew a t-shirt and it was my first “F” that I’ve ever received which I think was completely unfair because I tried HARD to make that darn thing) and again in college. I was panic stricken when I had to take “Clothing Construction” for my degree in Merchandising and Design. But I muddled through and made a blouse that my sister could actually wear. I had enough confidence that I requested a sewing machine for Christmas that year and it has been sitting in a box ever since (ahem, 11 years!). But, I plan on dusting it off soon–we’re expecting our first child this summer and there is so much that I want to make for her! Your banner looks fabulous, btw!
Kimberly says
Sigh…I fully understand your frustration. I’ve been there many, many times and still occassionally visit. The seam ripper is my best friend! Hang in there, it does get better. Practice on some pillows or other things with mostly straight lines. That helps. For inspiration: I made the skirt I wore for Easter. I’ve come a long way, babe! And if I can do it, I have NO doubt you can too!
Ruth says
I started sewing in this too-good-to-be-true intensive class in college, where the instructor set up the machines for us, and any time you had a problem you would just sort of yelp, and the instructor/veteran quilter would come over and work her magic and fix the machine problem for you. I have learned the hard way that this is not how it works in real life.
Maybe make a sewing date with a more experienced friend? I lean pretty hard on a friend of mine who’s a super quilter. I’ll, like, sit there and iron for her while she explains things to me. Aaaaand I do a lot of hand sewing.
I dislike the feeling of comments like this where it’s as if your adoring readers are lecturing you, but re the quilt idea, would you consider making a small “sampler” quilt? Those are usually just 9 blocks or so, you can do most or all of it by hand, they look super pretty, and you can hang them on the wall so they last longer than one being grunged up (technical term) as an actual blanket.
Whether you go for sampler or full-on quilt, I say don’t believe any haters who think you can’t make one. (Including Oh Brother, who may just be a hater.) That’s some BS.
Le says
I had to click over just to read the comments!
Be proud of the bunting…everyone has to start somewhere and mechanical issues with bobbins can be very difficult to diagnose. When you are feeling up to it look into a beginners sewing class-Joann’s probably has one that happens on a regular basis.
Most important, keep sewing! Don’t be afraid to experiment or test different things as you start to work on your next projects. As someone who sews, everything that you listed seems very reasonable and like something that you can make with a little trial and error. A little elastic skirt for Clara might also be a fun project.
I look forward to a future sewing posts titled…Lessons learned the hard way and Look what I made!
Teresa@Where In the World? says
I am right there with you! But fear not, sewing isn’t genetic…I think it’s really about patience and perseverance…two things so not on my list of attributes.
But…I have managed to make a few quilts & I make all of our gift wrap. One of these days I will try a skirt…when I have a room that I can simply close the door to the inevitable path of fabric, thread and destruction that my hobby create.
(PS – I think most crafty bloggers simply omit the freak-out moments that involve knots of string, but it happens to everyone, especially at the beginning!)
KatG says
Sewing makes me angry. Like “Hulk Smash!” angry. And yet, I keep doing it. I’ve now had my sewing machine for a decade and every time I do a project, something goes wrong, something gets thrown against a wall — usually inanimate — and the dogs/husband/door-to-door solicitor run away in fear.
However, whenever I finish something and it vaguely resembles what I set out to make, I have such a glowing sense of satisfaction. I made a crib sheet the other day for our June baby-on-the-way and IT FITS ON THE CRIB!!!!!
I too have had my own bobbin issues (dude, who hasn’t!) and something you should keep in mind is that the internal parts on machine can become bent when the bobbin jams and can then CONTINUE TO CREATE A HELLSCAPE for you every time you sew.
When your bobbin and needle get caught and start making a rat’s nest, remember to always yank straight back away from the machine. Not to the side. Friendly little tip from the lady laughing at me at the Sew and Vac shop to me (who was turning colors of rage) to you.
Amelia says
I just have to say a big THANK GOODNESS! I am absolutely awful with the sewing machine and it made me feel a lot better to hear about your frustrations – honestly, the picture of that large snag is how it is with me every time (right-sized bobbin or not). I follow a few different home improvement blogs and every time someone “whips up [insert object here]”, it makes me shake my fist at the sky. So, thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I don’t envy you your difficulties, but I will gladly commiserate.
MissusPhillips says
I love your website. I tried to learn to sew on my own and ruined 2 machines in 4 months! Like in the garbage ruined. I finally went to a class, but it moved too quickly. So, I got a few girlfriends together with one awesome seamstress, and we started out slow. A year later I did all of the sewing in my daughter’s nursery. Quilt, bumpers, mobile, curtains, and reupholstered a chair. Try to make it fun. Get a group of your friends, bring machines, and start with a project. As a 27 year old two of my most prized possessions are doll dresses and a pin my mom made me. clara will cherish your time (and tears). :) Best wishes on your new endeavor.
Lindsey says
This has probably already been suggested – but you should take a beginner’s sewing class! I was just like you – sewing was a NIGHTMARE. But I decided to sign up for a beginner’s sewing class that our local community college sponsored – it was every Thursday night for a month. I learned a TON. I enjoyed it so much, I completed the intermediate class too. You should do it! Sewing is a great skill to have – especially in the business you’re in :) The banner looks great by the way!
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, I am down with taking a class or two for sure! I need some serious help. Haha.
xo,
s
Jenny says
Yay for sewing! I actually feel more comfortable in front of a sewing machine than I do most power tools, but with your help, that’s changing! Sherry, you have inspired me in so many home-related DIY projects. All the clear instructions and photos you guys provide make me totally feel empowered to tackle all the things I want to do to my house. And as someone who is also immersed in the world of craft blogs, I’m happy to say that there are some equally wonderful resources for sewing and quilting.
There’s a good chance you already know about these, but in case you don’t, here are some of my favorites for beginners:
Disney at Ruffles and Stuff has a set of basic sewing tutorials for the beginner – http://www.rufflesandstuff.com/2009/08/sew-basic.html
I’ve found the sewing tips and tricks at Sew4Home to be really helpful – http://sew4home.com/tips-resources/sewing-tips-tricks
Amy at Diary of a Quilter has a great beginner quilting series – http://www.diaryofaquilter.com/p/beginning-quilting-series.html
Ashley at Make It and Love It has a wonderful section of sewing tips, and her whole blog is full of excellent tutorials with pictures of each step – http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2008/11/sewing-tips.html
And I can’t not mention Dana at Made. While there’s no specific section of beginner sewing tutorials on her site, EVERY tutorial she posts has so many beautiful, clear pictures that she makes any sewing project look easy – http://www.dana-made-it.com/2008/07/tutorials.html
I want to spread the sewing love! I hope this helps you and any other beginners out there!
P.S. Your banner looks great!
Gaidig says
At least you figured out that you absolutely must use the bobbins designed to be compatible with your machine. (Same thing for special feet, etc.) Also, I totally agree with people who say that ironing is one of the most important steps to sewing. Your results will be so much better. Finally, sewing seams where you turn the stitching to the inside is much more forgiving than exposed stitching (topstitching) is.
Nikki Kelly says
I used to have that problem, then I took a seeing 101 class and learned I’ve been putting the bobbin in backwards. I’ve looked at the instructions a million times, but never really noticed which direction the bobin string was going until someone pointed it out. Since then it’s been smooth sailing. I even made my boyfriends and my Halloween costumes last year.
Emma says
Wow. I’m going through the same unmitigated hell myself! I was trying to sew this weekend (with my expert sewer mom’s help) and the tension in my machine is also screwed up. I can’t fix it despite the simple instructions in the manual. (Lies – all lies!) I too feel that I am cursed. I was so frustrated, especially after my mom told me that patterns were designed for 14-year-olds. But you’ve given me hope. I’m going to try again! Sewing is a tough girl to woo – she definitely plays hard to get! Thanks!
tricia says
Bean!! everytime you talk about Clara, i think of her as Bean or Beanette…lol!!
my husband and i recently thought of all the nicknames we called our boys over there 16 and almost 12 years…and it was a lot!! it’s amazing how i can look at a picture and remember what we called them at that time!!
good luck with the sewing…i was banned from using my mom’s sewing machine growing up due to the large repair costs…lol!
Ruthanne says
I am also teaching myself how to sew, though I have a basic Kenmore machine (which is a GREAT little machine, by the way). I’m making mistakes along the way, but I have faith that we will BOTH figure this out since we are of adequate intelligence. We can do it!!! :)
Kerri says
It looks great! Congratulations on your successful sewing project.
My sewing attempts are usually pretty successful but I’m also used to minor failures…. let’s just say I only get mad when I have to rip out A REALLY LONG seam, as opposed to just a short one!
Can’t wait to see other creations when they come about!
Lesley says
I can’t blieve the timing of this post. Overstock has a deal of the day sewing machine for ~55 bucks I was considering b/c my skills are like yours. I just can’t decide if it will be worth it or if I am deraming of picking up some of my seamstress grandma’s skills. Maybe I should just stick to the iron
Amy says
Oh honey- it really is that sewing machine- not you! The biggest problem? It has too many plastic parts, so the tension will be nearly impossible to correct. If you can, return it for an all-steel machine at a local dealer. If you buy a machine from a dealer, you usually have free classes and help to go with the machine! Better sewing machine= so many less frustrations! I wouldn’t recommend going for an expensive machine until you love sewing, but with your “Oh Brother”, you’ll never like it! I wish I could come help you and give you a lesson!
Juliette says
I just hit the 2yr mark of owning my little beginner sewing machine and have to say it is true love…unless you count yesterday when it was h.a.t.e. -but only because I was trying to make it be a serger when it just wasn’t born that way. Ah well. I still made my first clothing item since 7th grade and my husband says it’s totally ok to wear outside the house, ha! Seriously though, it’s been amazing for pillows and table runners and curtains and a cute and easy tea party set I made for my 2yr-old niece (how-to on my blog). I only do easy stuff so I keep up my confidence/momentum. Keep it up! =)
Jessica says
LOL Yes.. Bobbins are awful if the tension isn’t *JUST* right… This coming from a woman who does embroidery/ sewing for a living… You learn a lot doing that stuff 40+ hours a week!! Of course then it leaves me with no desire to do the projects at home… >_>
And I have to say yay tommee tippee cups! Yes, I’m a dork, and we LOVE those cups in my house. It was super easy to transition to the straw cup and then to the “regular” cup with the girls… We still use the regular cups in the car on trips. And the dentists are ok with them as they’re not putting pressure on teeth and causing them to distort like regular ol sippy’s do! So whoot for awesome cups and getting excited over pretty much nothing.. *sigh* I’m such a parent.
J&J says
The banner came out so cute. Worth the frustration. I had my first attempt at sewing and ended up with my 2 year old nephew on my lap. One came out great and the other looks kind of squished together, but hey. Here is my first sewing attempt http://jandjhome.blogspot.com/2011/02/i-made-pillows.html
Amy says
PLEASE ELABORATE ON YOUR BOBBIN FIX! I’ve been struggling with this for years- seriously, not months, years! I have a sears machine. Whenever my mom sews, it is fine. Whenever I sew, it jams immediately! I’ve tried plastic and metal bobbins. There is just one tension- I’ve read and reread the manual, I can’t figure out what I am doing wrong. How can your bobbin be off by 1/10″?
Why are there no “learn to use your sewing machine” classes for us crafty- but not seamstress’s- type of people?
P.S the flags are super cute.
YoungHouseLove says
In my manual it mentioned in one tiny not bold sentence that “using the bobbins supplied with this machine are recommended as others can be slightly taller or shorter and can result in tension issues and tangled thread.” Or something to that effect. So I checked the bobbin I was using and sure enough it was from my sewing box (stolen from my mom) and when I put it next to the bobbin that came with the machine it was a smidge taller. So I threaded the bobbin that came with the machine and used that instead. Suddenly the machine started working a lot more easily (no more broken needles or huge thread tangles). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
MP says
Hi Sherry, not to add to the chorus, but here are my tips as well:
1. Make sure not to pull the fabric too much. I think that might be part of your problem, are you pulling it too fast through the machine? That’s one of the tricks is to get a good feel for moving the fabric through the machine, it should be a little lax and never pulling due to it hanging off the side of the machine.
2. Make sure to open up the bobbin area from time to time, and blow hard on it to remove fuzz.
3. I always do a tension test on the exact fabric I’m using, doubled up to replicate a seam. Then I figure out which tension works the best for the specific fabric. It’s not just how heavy the fabric is, but how much “elastic” the fabric has that determines the tension.
4. Someone else said this, but pin everytime and always iron down hems before sewing. This allows you to focus mostly on threading the fabric evenly through the machine, not keeping the seam together or the hem down. I kid you not, I feel like most of my time sewing is spent ironing and pinning.
5. When you pin, have the pin heads facing down towards you – it’s a lot faster to remove them. Don’t do too many pins or you have to start and stop too many times and you can get tension problems. Ironing down hems helps you use less pins.
6. Watch out for the little threads on unfinished edges. If they get really ratty, they can get sucked into the machine and cause all sorts of clumping drama. So, just make sure your edges are clean before you sew up a seam or hem.
I think someone needs to watch you sew to see what you’re doing that’s causing the tension issue, so good idea on the class.
Tara Hawks says
I lack the seamstress gene as well. My sister on the other hand can make anything, she sews quilts and all her renaissance costumes. She makes my nieces halloween costumes each year while I buy them. I completely empathize with you and I am very proud that you conquered the sewing machine.
rhiannon says
sherry, i am so proud of you. like, busting at the seams smiling like a maniacal grinning idiot proud. you see, we are both sewing failures. but you have given me the courage to go back to my granny’s machine and give it another try. i’m going to take a few home ec. related courses after i get my BA so i can save money by making my own clothes, making curtains, aprons, etc. maybe one day a week john can watch clara and you might do a class too?
in any case, that banner looks fan-friggin-tastic. yeah, i try to cut down on the cursing too. CLARA WILL LOVE IT.
anyways, i’m waving my pom poms in your general direction from way over here in california. you keep on keepin’ on, girl.
much love!
YoungHouseLove says
Yes! I’d love to take a class to get a bit more, uh, not-terrible. Haha. Someday…
xo,
s
Melissa says
I have a cheap-o Kenmore machine that I bought about 10 years ago. I have had some problems with it when working with heavy materials but generally it hasn’t had too many other problems. Just sewed up some new pillow covers on Saturday afternoon actually! I was wondering if you guys had a sewing machine and now I see that you do. For better or worse!
Joan says
I absolutely love your writing. You are hilarious! (not that I’m chuckling at your misery over here)…
Angela says
Hey! That’s my starter sewing machine! :) I’m sorry to hear Oh Brother has been giving you so much grief, it’s Oh Cousin at my house was a champ from the get go. Seriously, I’ve used it steady for 4-5 months now and I’ve only broken one needle (which was my fault…it broke on a pin I thought I could sew over). I hope you find your rhythm soon!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, so glad to hear that the same machine has worked amazingly for you! I knew it was user error. Haha. Tell Oh Cousin that Oh Brother says hi.
xo,
s
Carley says
Oh Sherry! I totally feel your pain. I wouldn’t consider myself a beginner, per se…maybe a novice. Anyway, this last weekend I had the brilliant idea of making potholders for my sister-in-law for her birthday which was the next day. I couldn’t find any bias tape in the color I wanted so I decided to make it. WORST.DECISION.EVER. I’m not sure how or why because I’m the handiest person in the house with a ruler, but the strips came out way to narrow and all f*@#% up (see, I’m getting worked up again) and I ended up on the floor of my craft room, throwing bias strips into the air, sobbing uncontrollably, swearing profanities (after my husband closed the door because he knew it was coming – little ears around, you know). I was lucky that I got two yards of bias tape out of my fabric when I should have been able to make 11. After a good cry and a beer, I finally finished them. AND EVEN THOUGH they looked pretty darn cute, I still don’t know why anyone on god’s green earth would EVER want to make their own bias tape.
Sorry for the novel =) Just thought you should know that it happens to the best (or novices) of us. Keep on keepin’ on, it WILL get better. Except for those occasions where everything goes to sh*t and you’ve got to start all over.
Kristal says
Hi! Good for you for getting a sewing machine. I love sewing. I live in Richmond if you ever need advice – I mean it! I love making banners and quilts especially.
A couple local quilt/fabric stores that offer all sorts of classes are Quilting Adventures in Willow Lawn and Quilters Corner on Midlothian Turnpike. Let me know if you have any questions!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks so much Kristal! I’d love to check out those classes!
xo,
s
Rachael says
I have two suggestions: first, get a rotary cutter and mat if you don’t have one yet (plus a quilter’s ruler so you can actually use the rotary cutter). It will make cutting SO MUCH EASIER!
Secondly, find someone who you trust to sit down with you and teach you to use your machine. This is what made the biggest difference for me–just having someone there to tell me all the little tips and tricks that you wouldn’t think of unless you’re actually doing a project.
I used to really hate my machine too, and sewing was a nightmare. Then I finally got my machine serviced professionally and had someone teach me how to use it, and it made all the difference in the world!
Rachel E. says
Oh my god, yes. I am not the only one.
I bought a Brother because I got it in my head I would sew clutches for my bridesmaids using fabric in the wedding colours. I couldn’t do it. A friend of mine travelled an hour and half to come do one as an example and it worked perfectly. I tried to do it and I got nothing but broken thread, tangled thread, blah blah. I did more than cry. I got so angry that I THREW my brand new sewing machine on the floor.
My maid of honour ended up making “my” gifts to the bridesmaids by making all the clutches herself. In like an hour and a half. I felt a mixture of relief and stabbiness that she could do it so fast and I couldn’t do it at all.
Good for you for managing to finish. I have yet to touch my machine since, and it’s been about a year. I don’t know if it even works now or not.
Amanda says
I started to learn how to sew in the end of last year.
My 6 dinner chair were just terrible (2 kids, a dog, and a not very taking care husband)and according to the laundry was a color of chenille that was “unwashable” cause very probabily it would stain the fabric.
So I decided to make cover for them after I get an invoice of R$120,00 (about US$ 50.00) on each chair! Yes, each!! (everything is SOOOOO expensive here in Brazil, it’s sad!)
Like you I bought a sewing machine I wouldnt regret if I broke so because I’m cheaper I bought a chinese one (very handy).
Well it worked just fine!!! and I made the six covers :) very pretty colored ones, look: http://twitpic.com/35daaj
So.. dont give up! You can do it!
;D
Erika says
The banner looks great!
I’m a bit of the opposite – working on 2 quilts right now with my machine that I snagged from a friend’s mom who wasn’t using it any more (really old, and really heavy, but free!). If you can’t get a more sewing-machine-inclined friend to come show/help you. I would definitely recommend trying to find a class – there’s got to be a quilt shop, craft studio or adult/community education somewhere near you, and it’ll be worth the money not stressing and spending extra time on projects. Good luck!
tracy_a says
Hi, Sherry – I don’t know much about your particular machine – but – there are definitely better and worse machines. Even within the same model, if the quality control is low. I mean – maybe you did get a lemon. I had been cursing at my old Kenmore machine while quilting – and when I bit the bullet and got a new one – night and day. The new machine is just better engineered – and it is a lot more jam-proof and a lot more fun. Especially if you are thinking about home dec projects – that fabric and piping can get thick – maybe this is not the right machine. At a dealer, you can try a few machines – tell them the max you want to spend, sew a sample in denim or home dec fabric, etc.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the advice! Now that I got to the bottom of the bobbin issue it’s working a lot better. I still wouldn’t call it easy but I think adjusting to any machine takes time so I’m giving my machine the benefit of the doubt for now (my friend has one and loves it and another person with the same one commented and said hers has been amazing as well). I think the key will be taking some local classes and just figuring out what the heck I’m doing. Haha.
xo,
s
Erika says
I didn’t read all the comments. Someone already suggested the class bit…
Brittney says
I totally feel your pain! When I first started sewing I was a mess. I ended up taking a community class (6 weeks for $40) that literally walked you through every detail (including threading the bobbin!). Totally worth it, I’m sure there is a class near you. Good luck!
Mandie says
Awesome job! Maybe I have tote!
Bailey says
This banner is awesome! Just the right party touch, and special memento from Clara’s first year of photos for her to enjoy throughout many birthdays to come.
Do you plan on doing something similar for Clara’s future siblings?
YoungHouseLove says
Yes! You gotta treat them all the same. Haha. Don’t want them to be bitter about all the love and photos and fabric banners that she got. Haha.
xo,
s
Lacey says
Oddly enough, I was just eyeing sewing classes a couple of hours ago. Quilting Adventures (@ Willow Lawn) has a bunch. I never even heard of them until today.
Barbara D. says
OMG…you’re human!! Yay! And, the line about the Situation’s abs?? I die. :D
Jen says
I’m also going to suggest a class, but I will go one step further and suggest a beginning quilting class at Quilter’s Corner in Midlothian (in the Sycamore Square shopping center). If you eventually want to learn how to make a basic quilt, a great way to go about it is to just throw yourself into it! That’s what I did about a year ago, and now I’m addicted (and I had never even used a sewing machine before I took my class).
Bobbin issues aside (I had a bobbin issue myself created by using a metal bobbin instead of a plastic one – who knew sewing machines had magnets in them? Not me!), I think you have a great eye for color and design which would come in handy for quilt-making! Good luck! :-)
KLL says
My big toe on my left foot consistently pokes through all of my socks. So, unless I wanted to make ‘disposable socks’ a thing, I had to start sewing those little holes.
My friend had to show me how to ‘open’ a spool of thread.
True story.
I’m 33.
In short, don’t feel badly about sewing. Some girls have it much worse ;)