Self-taught Sewing

Fruitloops

Some wonderful advice here! I think hunting down a suitable evening class is probably the best option at this stage, oh and thank you for the link, meg72. I'll definitely look into that machine.
iammumtoone, the singer sounds lovely. I've seen those old ones and they are beautiful simply to look at.

Thank you all for your lovely replies, very helpful all round. Don't be surprised if you see me hanging around this board now and asking more along the way!

Pinkdebster

I'm another one in favour of an evening class. I had never used a sewing machine before but a couple of months ago I signed up for a course through the Local Authority - in 8 weeks, I have learnt how to use the machine (including threading and troubleshooting!), I have made a reversible bag, a cushion (including inserting a zip!!), making buttonholes, applique, and I have made three items of clothing.

I would never have believed it was possible!!! Hope you can find one suitable.

rosie51

This post reminded me of the time years a go i went for a job as a sewing machinist in a factory that made stuff M & S. I was show how to do a pocket, then had to sew one as a test piece. The women took the longest hard route to complete it, so me being a clever !!!!!!, sewed the pocket my way in less then half the time. I was told i would be useless working for them as i knew to much about sewing and they liked to train people from scratch. Think it was because my effort was so much better then hers and she was the senior person who did the training for new starters.

Hermia

I am in the same position and find YouTube really helpful (I really struggle to learn from books). My favourite channels are WhitneySews and thecraftygemini. They both have beginner's videos on their channels. The only problem with YouTube is that it is so dominated by Americans and I just hate trying to work in feet and inches.

I think all you people who have sewing evening classes near you are so lucky. They don't seem to exist in many areas or you are required to take your own sewing machine (not sure how I would carry my heavy sewing machine to a class each week!).