I've just enrolled on my first sewing course - help!

Burp_2

I've enrolled on a part time sewing course for beginners at my local college and I'm really looking forward to it :j

I class myself as a complete novice .... the only sewing I do is repairs to clothing that has come apart at the seams and teaching children to sew puppets and purses etc!

I'm going to have to get myself a sewing kit together ... so what are the basic list of things that I will need to put together to take with me?

Also we have the opportunity to take a sewing pattern for a skirt etc with us to complete while we're there ... I haven't done anything like this since High School! Where do people buy their patterns these days? I have a local fabric shop but I know they don't stock patterns there :rolleyes:

eeeee I'm really excited ... how sad :rotfl:

Burp x

Burp_2

Oh ... and are there any sewing forums?

Burp x

ChocClare

Woohoo! Exciting stuff! Are you learning machine sewing or hand sewing?

As to a kit: pins, assorted needles, thimble (if you use one, lots of people don't), SHARP embroidery scissors, SHARP cutting-out scissors, ordinary scissors for cutting paper patterns (never use your cutting-out scissors for cutting anything other than fabric), tailors chalk or marking pencil (or dressmakers' carbon paper, but don't buy that yet - you might not need it), tacking thread, good quality thread like sylko in white, black and navy (you can add the colours you need later), needle threaders if you're at all blind, tape measure and ruler. As you get more "in" to it, you will doubtless find yourself adding all sorts of things to this - pinking shears, seam binding, bias binding, tube turners, elastic, buttons, hooks and eyes, poppers, button covering things - you'll go insane (and broke) quite quickly.

As to patterns, you can get free ones online. Just type in free skirt pattern - try this one for starters http://craftstew.com/sewing/free-skirt-patterns

I've probably forgotten something - a notebook and pencil will always be useful for writing down what you need to bring next week - but don't worry, the teacher will have them - just enjoy yourself!

Burp_2

Thanks ChocClare! I shall make a note of the things you've listed and raid my families sewing boxes before I biuy anything :rotfl:you sound like an experienced sewer?

The 12 week course of 3 hour sessions introduces us to basic hand and machine techniques apparently so really looking forward to that ... I don't have a sewing machine myself but I know people who have so if I need to practice at home I shall be calling on them

I imagine I will end up very broke at the end of it ... lots of lovely fabrics and patterns about! Thanks for the link!

Burp x

Fourcandles_3

I get most of my patterns from https://www.habithat.co.uk
My fabric from https://www.cheapfabrics.co.uk
or https://www.fabricland.co.uk
and ebay of course

I uses these forums to;

https://www.thesewingforum.com (UK forum)
https://www.sewingmamas.com (US but less formal)

Burp_2

Thanks Fourcandles - reminds me of the 2 Ronnies? .... I'd like some O's ... hose? no .... O's :rotfl:

I have added all of your links to my new favourites list of sewing ... I shall have a look at them now

Burp x