Learning to Sew

When I first decided I wanted to learn to sew I thought I would need to take a class.  Basically, I was nervous that it would be too hard, I would be too impatient and everything I made would be - to put it succinctly - crap.  My cousin Erika, who has been sewing for quite some time and is much more talented than I, assured me that all I needed was a few books to show me the way.  So, on her guidance, I purchase a couple of excellent sewing books and stalked my fair share of sewing blogs and websites until I was ready to put needle to cloth.  

There are many many websites and blogs that have been helpful in my efforts to make beautiful things, but three in particular are a daily go-to:  

  

Gertie's Blog for Better Sewing is by far one of my favorites.  She has introduced me to so many different techniques, like the use of horse hair for the hem of my current skirt project (which I PROMISE I will show you very very soon, you can hold me to it).  Her blog contains a plethora of sewing knowledge, tips and tutorials for sewing enthusiasts of every level.

Grosgrain has a little bit of everything - actually a lot of everything - sewing, crafts, hair tutorials, you name it.  The lovely video tutorials and free pattern month with a new guest blogger and new free pattern EVERY DAY in May are just a fraction of why I love this blog.  

Tasia of Sewaholic is another must stop if you're learning to sew.  She recently started her own company selling her original sewing patterns and she gives extremely detailed and clear guides on everything from alterations to zippers.

Although I have been eyeing FIT night classes for awhile, a ridiculously busy and unpredictable work schedule makes those day dreams a little hard to fulfill.  You've got to work with what you've got, so those three blogs, plus my two trusty sewing books, are how I got my start.  Really...that's all it takes!