First Sewing Class and the Consequences Thereof

[miss_s_b]

So on Thursday I had my first sewing class, and learned the basics of using a sewing machine. It all seemed to go pretty well, and I made a sampler testing all the various stiches the machine could do, and then I sewed my initials onto it. Then I got told to pick a project from the easy projects for beginners box, so I chose a drawstring bag pattern and got started, following the instructions etc.

At the end of class I hadn't finished my bag so I decided to take it home and finish it off at some point before the next class. I decided I would have a go on the little sewing machine my mum had given me. So I made a liner for the bag and sewed it in, and I just need to get the actual cord for the drawstring to finish it. This all seemed to go reasonably well; the machine was a bit slow, but I was kind of grateful for that in the beginning.

Emboldened by my successes, I decided to sew together a duvet cover which I have had the bits for for a while, but hadn't got around to doing yet. Not long into doing this, I made an important discovery: the little sewing machine that my mum gave me is the worst sewing machine in the world. I finished the duvet cover, but it didn't take me a much shorter time than it would have done doing it by hand because not only is the machine incredibly slow even with my foot right down (yeah, you can tell my confidence went up LOL), but there was all the stopping to rethread the machine when the tension went wonky and the top thread snapped or the bottom spool decided to stick or various other things went wrong.

However, I have chosen to view this as a learning experience. I have now had lots of practise in threading, and buggering about with spools and bobbins, and swearing at the damn thing. Also, when it gets to the point when I decide to but a GOOD sewing machine, I am going to appreciate it SO MUCH...

Also, I am now lying under my duvet in its new duvet cover, and it feels pretty good :)

Comments

[lilacsigil]

Go you! Yeah, there are a lot of terrible machines out there, but it will certainly give you practice in fixing it!

[miss_s_b]

And even though the machine is terrible, I still achieved Duvet cover :)

Now looking on ebay for a better one.

[via_ostiense]

Congrats on your first and second project!

I am now lying under my duvet in its new duvet cover, and it feels pretty good :)

It's a great feeling, and the best part is that it doesn't go away -- a year from now, you can still look at the duvet cover and you'll think, "I made that!" and it'll feel awesome.

[teapot_rabbit]

Congratulations on your perseverance! And your duvet! ^_^ One of the reasons I like making quilts is because when I am done, I know he recipient will be all nice and cozy wrapped up in a thing I made them. It's such a satisfying feeling, like I have really accomplished something.

A good sewing machine makes soooo much difference. I adore my older Husqvarna Viking, but I can't vouch for the newer ones.

[lirren]

Oh, yes. A good sewing machine makes all the difference in the world! I have a little Janome Gem Gold that is a total work horse. I've had it for almost a decade and have never had to do anything to it but clean it. And because it's lightweight, it's the machine I take to retreats.

I also have a larger machine, a Brother Nouvelle 1500, that stays on my quilting frame. I actually bought that machine used off of Craigslist and it has been a dream to use.

[ochibashigure]

Congrats! :D

[ngakmafaery]

...good for you! Isn't it amazing to be able to know the difference between crappy machine and decent machine...? It's a good skill to have!

[miss_s_b]

Well, to be fair, it wasn't a big sdtretch to realise that a twenty quid machine might be a bit rubbish...

[weaverbird]

YAY! Congratulations on your duvet cover! Go you!

Sorry your machine is giving you so much trouble, though! I can't say for certain, of course, but from your description it sounds to me like it may have some problems with tension. They may be very basic and probably could be solved by having it 'tuned up' by a pro. I had a similar problem with a machine - sewing with it was a non-stop struggle - and I took it to a local repair place and when I got it back a couple days later it sewed like a dream! Sometimes fabric stores hold clinics for sewing machines, too. Good luck!

[miss_s_b]

I think you're right about the tension. There seems to be about half a nanometre play between far too loose and thread-snappingly tight. Given that the machine only cost 20 pounds brand new, though...

[spelunkia]

Congrats and welcome to the club of sewing enthusiasts! :)
I do admire your patience.

Also, what weaverbird said in the comment above. I would google the sewing machine and read what others have said about it; this gives you an idea whether the machine is really crappy or whether it just needs some maintenance. ;)

[miss_s_b]

It's this one: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hyundai-8-Stitch-Sewing-Machine/dp/B005C8JY5W

[spelunkia]

Oh dear! XD

[miss_s_b]

Indeed. I particularly approve of your use of appropriate iconage.