putting a sewing kit together

pavlovs_dog

im starting to venture into the world of crafts. after fixing the broken stitching on my bag the other day, i realised that i quite enjoyed sewing and it it was something i'd like to do more of.

so im putting together a sewing kit. i have the perfect box (it used to contain a bodyshop toiletry set) which is very spacious. but what to put in it? so far the contents consist of:

a pack of wundaweb
various bits of ribbon i have salvagaed
some mini wooden clothes pegs in different colours.
beads and shells for jewellery making
some odd/spare buttons
safety pins
a thimble
and a mending kit which i permanently borrowed from a hotel (contents one needle, 2 spare buttons, and 5 small thread samples)


as you can see, its more of a general craft storage box than a sewing kit at the mo. but as im new to this sewing lark, im not entirely sure what i will need.

im going to add a pair of sharp scissors, and obviously i'll need more needles, and thread etc. but where do i begin? and does anyone have any good links with sewing projects suitable for a beginner?

Macnab

needles, pins - decent length, good scissors for main fabric, not so good ones for cutting paper and all other fabrics, tape measure, tailors chalk. decide on your project - ie craft or dressmaking and then purchase relevent threads materials etc. Local craft shops will advise or go to a leisure class

Queenie

pavlovs_dog wrote:

..... and does anyone have any good links with sewing projects suitable for a beginner?

Don't forget to check out Craft Section in our Mega Index

The Home Sewing Association - lots to read/learn/do here from beginners to intermediates.

Sewing Lessons for Beginners

How To Projects (featured for Aug 2006 "Large Chess Board and Pieces" would make a great homemade gift for a chess lover )

Sewing and Quilting Projects - various abilities

Sewing with BHG (BHG = Better Homes and Gardens, US Site) Basics and projects

Hopefully, those will get you started. But don't overlook your local library for reference and "How To" books. Actually, the Readers Digest Sewing Book is brilliant and I was lucky enough to not only get a good gander at my library, but then to come across it in a Charity Shop for £2! Brilliant!

Regarding building up a stash of equipment, have a good snoop around Boot Fairs, I've picked up a few sewing baskets/boxes with heaps of cotton threads (some still on traditional wooden spools!) for pennies. Same goes for Charity Shops, although they haven't been as abundant

The very best way of building up a stash of equipment really is to do it bit by bit. Decide on a project you wish to work on and then look at the list of tools/equipment and build up gradually. Pointless buying a stash of equipment that you will either rarely use, or only use once.

The one thing I simply wouldn't be without - for my crafts and sewing! - is a cutting mat and rotary cutter! Santa brought me mine I got the largest cutting mat we could afford to supercede the teeny one I'd bought many years ago and it's been worth it's weigh in gold from sewing to quilting to making bits for my dolls houses to general craft projects. I've got 2 rotary cutters, one for fabric and one for paper/card crafts.

Oh and make yourself a wrist pin cushion - invalueable :rotfl:

Wishing you many happy stitching hours

pavlovs_dog

funny you should say that - a pin cushion was my first planned project. not going to do a wrist one though - i stab myself enough as it is :eek:

i quite fancy the look of the felt cupcake ones someone posted a tutorial for on craftster :j

thanks for all the links and advice though - i know where to come when i need a guru

Raffles_3

Don't forget one of those mushrooms for darning.

*zippy*

My favourite sewing tool looks like a small forked pickle onion skewer, its for undoing seams really quickly. Tailors chalk is very handy.

Did you see the thread on here the other day with some lovely craft prodjects? I think it was started by lindsayjane.

pavlovs_dog

time for my next question - where is good to buy fabric from? for example i am currently finding it very difficult to find decent quality felt in a colour that isnt dayglo, so i can start my pincushion :eek:

Lucie_2

*zippy* wrote:

My favourite sewing tool looks like a small forked pickle onion skewer, its for undoing seams really quickly.

I was going to say a qwik-unpik. I use mine loads.

debbym

Definitely a stitch unpicker - useful for unpicking seams and also for salvaging buttons or zips or decorations from old clothes.
I prefer a fabric marker pen that washes out with water to tailors chalk, longer lasting for people like me who take a while to finish projects.
Safety pins can be better than straight pins for projects that will take a while as well.

pavlovs_dog

debbym wrote:

Safety pins can be better than straight pins for projects that will take a while as well.

its funny you should say that - thats what i used to hold my bag together whilst i fixed it, as i didnt have any normal pins. i think i may stick to these actually - one less thing for me to stab myself on :eek:

kittiwoz

I think for unless it's a very small project it is best to pin then tack/baste because safety pins can get in the way a bit.

Pavlov's_dog wrote:

where is good to buy fabric from?

If you're in North Wales try Abakhan:
Mostyn, North Wales. Manager – Mrs C.Brown
Coast Road, Mostyn, Flintshire, North Wales, CH8 9DX
Tel 01745 562 100.
Monday to Saturday 9:30am - 5:15pm. Late night Thursday till 7:00pm. Sunday 10:00am - 4:30pm

I use the branch in Manchester and I think it's a really great shop.