There is nothing more rewarding than learning to sew beautiful and useful things for yourself, your home, family, and friends. I taught myself to sew using books and video tutorials, and you can too! Here are my favorite resources for sewing information and inspiration!
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Years ago I decided I wanted to learn to sew. One of the first pieces of clothing I made for myself was the simple Taproot tunic from Taproot Magazine. Sewing a tunic is great for beginners – tunic patterns can easily be adjusted – lengthened or shortened, half-sleeve or full sleeve, and of course, tunics are forgiving in fit.
Although I have sewn often over the years, I still consider myself a beginner, especially when it comes to sewing clothing. Those patterns, so daunting! Unfolding them and trying to decipher all the markings and notations…I have to admit it leaves me feeling overwhelmed and well, rather incompetent.
A sewing class would be ideal, but I don’t have the resources – time or money, for taking classes. So instead I use primarily books and online tutorials.
Resources for the Beginner
If you are a beginner seamstress like me, there are two excellent books that have helped me learn to sew: Stitch by Stitch: Learning to Sew, One Project at a Time
Online Tutorials
Oh You Crafty Gal will guide you step-by-step with her free online tutorials – everything from the basics of your sewing machine to more advanced steps like reading those pattern notes!
Want to make something quick for yourself? Or a quick homemade gift idea?
When I don’t have a lot of time, but want the satisfaction of creating something for myself or as a handmade gift, I make zipper pouches! A girl can never have too many zipper pouches. Easy and quick, let me guide you through the steps.
Zippered Pouch Tutorial – How to Sew a Zippered Bag
Tilly and the Buttons offers a variety of paid online classes, from beginner projects to more advanced. I’m planning to take her Learn to Sew Jersey Tops this winter. I figure the cost of the class will pay for itself if I can master making jersey tops for myself and my girls.
I’m excited to get back to sewing, and I have several projects planned that will be easy enough to complete, but stretch my skills as a seamstress as well.
Do you have a challenging craft you enjoy?
Is there something you have always wanted to try?
Happy crafting!
~ Michelle
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Seeking Joyful Simplicity is about living your best life after 40. I write about using a holistic approach combining herbal remedies, nourishing foods, and self-care to reduce overwhelm, manage our weight, and enjoy more vibrant health in our 40's, 50's, and beyond.
How did you find the fit? I have been thinking about making this but I am concerned if you have any breasts, this top will look like a maternity top…which I don’t want.
That’s a great question Dawn. My husband especially doesn’t enjoy the “maternity look” (when I am not pregnant, I mean). I still have to make small adjustments to make before the blouse is finsished, and I will post (reluctantly I might add, I don’t like photos of myself so much) and you will see for yourself. The best thing about the blouse is the drawstring, which definitely helps. But yeah, I would say it can have that maternity look.
Thanks for the quick response. I’ll wait to see how it looks. Congratulations on sewing for yourself! Once you can do that, the possibilities are endless. Look up Heather Ross’s Summer Blouse, it is in her book Weekend Sewing, I’ve made several of them and live in them in the summer.
Weekend Sewing is now on my book wish list – thanks for sharing!
Thank you for leading me to the magazine and the Pattern. I saw several versions on the 100 Acts of Sewing. I imagine how it would look would depend a great deal on the type of fabric you used, and how you cut it. If you use a drapy soft cotton it will be less likely to look “maternity-ish” than if your fabric is stiff. I am afraid linen is probably more likely to look that way, because of it’s “hand” than a rayon or soft cotton, at least until it is washed enough to lose it’s stiffness, depending on the weight. You could also try cutting it on the bias, which would also change the drape considerably. To me, this pattern looks like a great blank canvas to experiment with. The artist also has a couple of more patterns out on her website, which I ordered one of today, as they also looked like easy to put together, easy to customize, blank canvases. I am extremely excited to recieve these patterns!
PS…when I do get and sew the pattern, I will try and share it with you.
I would love that – please do share. Always looking for ideas and inspiration.
Thanks Francine, I appreciate your thoughts. I made two versions (so far) and I actually enjoy the linen one the best. Being new at sewing, I am slowly learning the feel and drape of the many fabrics. I wish I could have you with me at the fabric store when I am shopping, it would be great to have some experienced input!
I just signed up and looking forward to the magazine articles. We all learn from and inspire each other every day.
I do think you will enjoy Taproot, you are already living the life
I love this simple tunic. I just ordered the magazine, I can’t wait. I love your choice of colors!
It’s great for layering this time of year!
I can’tcan do the sleeve Is there s secret? Web site I can’t seem to get it if any one can help greatly appreciate it
Sleeves are really tricky. Whenever I get stuck with a sewing problem, I search on Youtube…it’s amazing what you can find. And watching someone is so much easier than deciphering directions. Good Luck!
I can’t wait to try sewing someday, thank you for sharing with us at the To Grandma’s House We Go link party! Pinned!