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I want to sew on cards but can't sew. The background is that my Mom was a master seamstress and didn't want me to learn to sew when I was a girl because "I want you to have the kind of life where you can afford to buy your own clothes."
Well, she got her wish, but I want to sew on cards!! My Mom is too frail to teach me now but I have her sewing machine(s).
I've seen Julia Stainton's tutorial on sewing, but I am totally sewing illerate. Should I get the little Janome because it will be easier or am I doomed? LOL (I don't have great luck with machines of any kind).
Has anyone learned to sew just for papercrafts???
__________________ Dear Paperlicious is my blog...with a series on how I'm learning to improve my cardmaking by studying others.
I really don't think sewing is too hard. I haven't done it in many years, but my battle was always getting the machine set up to sew. Once you accomplish set up, take your time and the stitching will come. Most postings on the site use either a simple straight stitch or a zig zag. I am sure that you will have no problem sewing on cards once you learn your machine. Happy sewing and I can wait to see the fruits of your labor!
Even though I already knew how to sew, because dad owned a small chain of fabric stores, the thing that really helped me to sew straight was when my home ec. teacher gave us a piece of paper with lines (straight and curvy) drawn all over it. We were to sew along those lines. This teaches the sewer more control. Try it at home.
__________________ I got a Nikon camera. I love to take photographs, so momma don't take my kodachrome away."
Paul Simon
Even though I already knew how to sew, because dad owned a small chain of fabric stores, the thing that really helped me to sew straight was when my home ec. teacher gave us a piece of paper with lines (straight and curvy) drawn all over it. We were to sew along those lines. This teaches the sewer more control. Try it at home.
The first time I ever used a sewing machine, it was on paper that my home ec teacher gave us. Just like you described! Hmmmm, I guess I *am* using my machine properly!
You can do it Joan!!! I KNOW it! It isn't hard, just takes a little practice. I've never tried that little Janome but I think Cambria loves it. and hey...do that freestyle stitching if you can't sew straight. It is supposed to look crooked! Zig Zag is quite forgiving too. come for a visit! I'll help you get started!
I am so nervous about learning to sew. I am asking for the Janome for Christmas (just sent the link to DH when it was on sale last). I don't sew, have never sewn, and have never really seen anyone sew up close. I have a lot to learn, but I think it will be so worth it. I love the look of sewing on cards.
I'm getting the little Janome, easier to move around and I don't have to keep changing tension or thread on my big machine.
I totally agree with the practice on some lines you draw on paper. It will be
easier than you think. You are sewing mostly straight lines, not armholes and
gussets.
Zig Zag is the most forgiving stitch and can cover a multitude of errors!
__________________ Karen
...My life is like a stroll on the beach...As near to the edge as I can go...Thoreau...
I am in the same boat... I even bought a sewing machine years ago and still can't use the darn thing. I keep seeing the awesome cards with sewing on them and I want to break out the machine but am alittle afraid to do just that.
If you are unsure of where to even begin, you could check into a sewing class at Joann's (check out the Creative University flyer here) or a local sewing shop or adult education program in your area. You could also look for beginner sewing books at the library.
Or look into purchasing a book...Singer has some good ones, and they are easy to use and are great for reference. I did an Amazon search for "Singer sewing beginner"and hereis what I got. Who knows--once you're comfortable with paper, it's a short jump to fabric!
I remember learning to sew using the paper with the lines drawn on it to learn needle and pedal/speed control. The papers really are a good way to learn, and you just have to get over the intimidation and GO FOR IT!
__________________ jeanne my little gallery --it's a happy place for me!
"Rubber stamping is like coloring for grown-ups!"
Even though I already knew how to sew, because dad owned a small chain of fabric stores, the thing that really helped me to sew straight was when my home ec. teacher gave us a piece of paper with lines (straight and curvy) drawn all over it. We were to sew along those lines. This teaches the sewer more control. Try it at home.
My mom told me that if you want to keep a straight line, put a piece of masking tape along on the right side of the needle. Align your paper/fabric's edge to touch the piece of tape at all times, and you will keep a straight line.
I learned a long long time ago and just now re-learned (with the help of my manual and much bad words). The worst part was threading the machine. After you get that done, it's a piece of cake. lol
Oh, btw, I had super duper trouble getting my bobbins wound, which was screwing up my tension. Then I found something awesome...PRE-WOUND BOBBINS!!! I got them at Walmart in a pkg with like 10 white & 5 black. Amazing.
I learned a long long time ago and just now re-learned (with the help of my manual and much bad words). The worst part was threading the machine. After you get that done, it's a piece of cake. lol
Oh, btw, I had super duper trouble getting my bobbins wound, which was screwing up my tension. Then I found something awesome...PRE-WOUND BOBBINS!!! I got them at Walmart in a pkg with like 10 white & 5 black. Amazing.
WHAT???? PRE-WOUND BOBBINS????!!! Oh, THANK YOU FOR SHARING THAT, STEUB!!!
Sorry for shouting. I got a wee bit excited there. :rolleyes:
BTW, I bought TWO Janome's when EllenH mentioned they were on sale at Hancock Fabrics' website; I figured I'd give one to my daughter for when she goes off to college, and the other I'm keeping for paper crafting! heh, heh, heh! :cool:
I still haven't even broken the seal on the boxes yet, tho . . . :shock:
__________________ Julie Ebersole (JulieHRR once upon a time . . . )julieebersole.com"So shines a good deed in a weary world." -Willy Wonka
Shout all you want, Julie! I just about hugged a lady in the aisle at WalMart cause I was so excited then I figured I might scare her. lol
And they were cheap too!!
I buy 'em by the gross! :mrgreen: (for my embroidery machine though...I usually use a matching bobbin for sewing because I normally sew clothes or quilts)
Get those babies out of the box! They need to breathe!
I bought the Janome and it just arrived today. I just ordered it Friday from Hancock Fabrics On-Line. ENABLER ALERT: Free shipping until October 31! I do have a regular machine and know BASIC..read that again..BASIC sewing. Learned the same way a lot of you have posted here about, masking tape, lines drawn on paper. I got the Janone JUST for paper crafting because of the "tension problems" mentioned above on my regular machine (having to reset it, etc.) For those interested in the Janome, in reading over the directions you just step on the little foot pedal to start and release it to stop. Seems like it will be easy! I will definitely let you know!!
__________________ Sherri "Chocolate, stamps and a Diet Coke..could life get any better"?
I don't know for sure, because it was a gift from a DSS here on SCS, but I'm going to say probably for that reason. It was a really nice thought though and I was tickled to receive it
ooh! I have a tip to share.... when you start sewing on cards you will find that different types of paper/threads require different tension/thread/stitch settings... What I do is write all the settings on the piece of scrap paper I practice on... then I save that paper as a reference for later. It saves me a lot of time the next time I get my machine out.
I would not have the use for a big sewing machine. About a year ago I bought the little battery operated papercrafts sewing machine. It is specifically for sewing on cards. It works great for me!! I only paid like 10.00 for it with my coupon. I don't think they sell them anymore ( this was before they changed everything around) but I have seen them in paper wishes catalog. I'm sure they can still be found on other websites as well.
How Hard is it to Sew??
Zig Zag is quite forgiving too. come for a visit! I'll help you get started! 
