[Dark Spellmaster]

I've been trying to find a place that's inexpensive for learning how to sew. Mostly I've been watching online tutorials and such but I would rather get hands on with it. I do have a sewing machine, it's in my basement, but at the moment it's covered with stuff so right now it's a lot of sewing by hand.

Any suggestions on where I can learn, that's not too expensive and I won't have to drive hours from my home to get there? I'm looking around the Midway area or around the Cicero/Berwyn/Stickney/Lyons area. I was thinking of taking a course from Handcock fabrics, but the ladies there don't know if the woman that gives the classes will be coming back.

[cactusmomma]

I know Vogue offers classes.. there are also various ACen groups that hold stitch-outs. If you ever get a chance to come on tinychat, we'd be more than happy to show you how to do things, albeit via webcam!

[kenkendazo]

One does not simply get sewing lessons.

Try Hobby Lobby if you have them or a community college.

[Hoshigumo]

Seconding the community college idea. Check for a continuing education course in your area. Usually the fees are a fraction of what an actual credit course would cost.

[kenkendazo]

Hoshigumo, on 21 March 2012 - 07:12 PM, said:

Seconding the community college idea. Check for a continuing education course in your area. Usually the fees are a fraction of what an actual credit course would cost.

Plus depending where it is, they can have machines you can use before and after class sometimes if you can't get to yours.

[Fudgi P0pZ]

Hey, low-key, if you're the hands-on type, I suggest you get down there and start tinkering with that ol' machine! I guarantee you'll learn a lesson in the first, say, 30 seconds.

I'm only half joking.

Seriously, if you do better with jumping into things than, like, reading about it, a sewing machine is a pretty forgiving tool just don't sew your hands. You are looking for sewing lessons for a sewing machine, correct?

I understand if you prefer classes, but keep in mind that sewing is (unfortunately) a dying art and classes might not be in demand. It seems like you've already checked your local big-name stores, but do small quilting shops exist in your area? They're usually the ones with the horrendously over-priced fabric, but since most of them are mom-and-pop, they might be more willing to help you out.

Coming from a person who lives in a small, dying town, a lot of what I know about sewing is what I was taught by family members or learned from old McCall sewing books. -shrug- What is it exactly that you would like to learn? If you're trying to learn to sew pre-con, a class may/may not be the most efficient option. I'd start asking around for people, like family members maybe even neighbors who might be willing to help you with the basics.

If you'd like to tinker with that sewing machine of yours (assuming you've never done so before), I recommend starting out with a piece of lined paper. Yes, I meant what I said. Take a sheet of notebook paper and practice stitching along the lines so you get used to guiding "material". Then, once you got your straight stitch down, start "pivoting", which is essentially, leaving your needle in the paper, lifting the foot, rotating the paper 90 degrees, dropping the foot again and continuing on your way. If it's sewing techniques (both hand and machine) that you're looking for, feel free to drop me a pm and I'll recommend some awesome books for you. Books kinda force you to be hands-on, in a way, haha.

Probably not the most helpful post, but know that I'm cheering for you. Good luck, whatever you decide to do.

[Cellomanlove]

I'm new to sewing and am mostly self taught. I also started with looking up online tutorials and trying my hand at fleece hats. I'm actually working my own cosplay from scratch for this ACen and am learning how to use my mom's sewing machine by reading the manual and asking her for any tips I need. (Seriously, I was amazed when I could thread the thing!) For me the most hands on I can get is trying things myself Remember to keep it simple! (If you're curious here's my cosplay progress tumblr: learning-to-sew.tumblr.com )
GOOD LUCK! And I hope you find what works best for you

[SeikoMiwarui]

I'm currently a fashion student at Mount Mary College in Milwaukee. I would not suggest coming here unless you are willing to invest time, lots of money and have people who are willing to hear about your constant bitching about why you hate the school (The classes themselves are fine....the way they organize the curriculum is absolutely crap as I'm finding trying to find classes I can take next semester because all the ones I need are AT THE SAME EFFING TIME).

Ranting aside. If you have a JoAnns near you that offers classes, I would try there. Usually once or twice a month there is are 50% off class deals so you could take one for as cheap as like $20, maybe less. I don't remember the price of the classes right now. I know the teachers at the Brookfield and the Green Bay store are really nice (I'm currently working at the Brookfield, but once I go home to Geebs, I'll be working there) but I can't vouch for other stores.

I know how it goes with the hands-on thing (considering I can't really learn from books myself) but I would still invest in the book "New Complete Guide to Sewing" by Reader's Digest. Found here: http://www.amazon.co...t/dp/0762104201 I think it has very nice visuals and step-by step for sewing. There are also tons of little pocket guides and books out there at either Barnes and Noble or JoAnns or other sewing-esque stores that have tons of information.

If you would like to know more, or ask more specific things, feel free to PM me, or add me on Facebook under the name "Alizarin Crimson" The profile pic should be of a person in the right hand side under a light holding an umbrella. Unfortunately I have to get to bed at the moment so I can make it through my Figure Drawing midterm tomorrow haha

[Cazenburg]

Dunno where you live, but I saw a flier advertising sewing classes in the window of the Hancock fabrics I went to to today. And I know I've seen sewing classes offered at the Joann fabrics I go to also. So I'd definately check either of those two places if you have one near you.
Also, check with your local library. They might have some sort of crafting/sewing classes that you could attend.

[slrphebos]

Most of what I learned of my own sewing was just messing around with my mom's old machine and just experimenting with different things. Since I own BJDs I play around with a lot of different fabric types and styles, and I have made simple bags. So I know my way around my machine and can sew pretty much anything (minus brocade). If you have a family member that knows how to sew and it might take awhile to find someone who does, I would start there or even friends.

JoAnn Fabrics is a good place for basic classes. Hancock Fabrics is another good one, but JoAnns tends to be better (in my opinion). I do know there are "Learn How To Sew" kits that teach basics without having to take a class. Usually they in the kid section of JoAnns and work very well.

Only if you can't find a good class or the fabric stores are out of driving range, then go to a community college and look through the courses.

[chainedbyroses]

Dark Spellmaster, on 21 March 2012 - 03:22 PM, said:

I've been trying to find a place that's inexpensive for learning how to sew. Mostly I've been watching online tutorials and such but I would rather get hands on with it. I do have a sewing machine, it's in my basement, but at the moment it's covered with stuff so right now it's a lot of sewing by hand.

Any suggestions on where I can learn, that's not too expensive and I won't have to drive hours from my home to get there? I'm looking around the Midway area or around the Cicero/Berwyn/Stickney/Lyons area. I was thinking of taking a course from Handcock fabrics, but the ladies there don't know if the woman that gives the classes will be coming back.

JoAnn Fabric in Countryside/on LaGrange Road offers sewing lessons a few times a year, usually in the spring/summer (bonus for having your own machine - you won't have to rent one at an extortional rate). They have 3 or 4 skill-level tiers, ~1-2 hours each, starting from " Uh, What's thread for?" up to "I'mma sew me my prom/event dress, awww yeah!" (with less awesome names, though). I want to say last year (or 2010)'s cost was ~$25-30/class, highest tier level maybe ~$40-45; each class ran in order over the course of a month, on the same scheduled day each the week, so you could sign up for each tier after a little practice at home. I think the first project was sewing straight lines and making a pillowcase (that or that is the second project).

Alternately, a lot of the Catholic (and some Christian) parishes in this area have Women's Clubs, which meet weekly/monthly and do stuff such as knitting, sewing, and the like (at least my elementary one did all that, craftshows and all); perhaps call your local/nearest church and see if they have one meeting soon? If not, check the bulletin at church/mass and see if anyone local is advertising crafting/sewn stuff -- they could probably teach/apprentice you on the basics for a few days in the church community center.

College of Dupage (in Lisle/Downers) has a major in Fashion/Theatre with multiple classes on sewing and instruction, though I'm not certain if you need to be going for a degree to take those - I'd call and find out (*was last there in 09*). Same as for Moraine Valley (in Palos), though I think they have their non-credit courses listed online still; been a while since I had to peruse that section of the site (so again, browse or call~). Both/either can teach you how to sew, so it's just a matter of distance and preference, really, if you want to work in a class environment.

If none of that works or you have any questions, shoot me a PM & maybe I could help sometime (*fellow South Sider*). Hope some of this here could help!

[OtakuAngelD]

In the realm of working a pattern, they have easy patterns for beginners with both Butterick and McCalls and Simplicity. They are dresses and aprons and the like, but it is a good start to learning how to work a pattern. Look for things like "Sew Easy".

With lessons, I personally learned from my mother, who learned from my grandmother. If your family doesn't have any ideas, and you can't find classes, you might look into a retirement home. I work with the elderly and I know my ladies have a sewing circle every other Monday. They knit and crochet and do little projects and just chat. I go too. I;m sure there's some lady who would enjoy the company and might have a wellspring of lessons and advice on sewing.