just throwing this out there...

One of the things that I love most about this crafting blog community is how open everyone is with sharing ideas and expertise. Being a self-taught sewer, most of the sewing knowledge I’ve gained, aside from my own trial and error, has been through reading about sewing online. My first real lessons came from being a member of NMSL, Nursing Mom’s Sewing List. Rowena, a longtime member, is a wealth of information, as is everyone on the list.  It's a great place to learn about garment sewing, for sure.

 

I am most certain that I wouldn’t have the skills I have today had it not been for what was shared with me. So, if there is anything I do that you’d like instruction on, please feel free to ask. I often make assumptions that you already know how to do something, when in reality, you could be just like me, or rather, how I was just a short time ago (scratching my head wondering how in the heck to do that). Believe me, I’m still that way quite often!  Though I feel fairly confident in my sewing skills, there is still sooooo much I've yet to learn.  I know I’ve mentioned it before, but I’m not real good at following instructions (even my own). I’d rather look at a picture and try to figure it out than read the words, which usually confuse me more.  Hopefully, if I try to explain something, I won't end up confusing you.

 

I know that I may not do things the “proper” way, but it’s a way that works for me. Perhaps you have a way that’s better, if so, please share. One of my hesitations in doing tutorials is that I’m afraid that I’m doing something wrong. But the more I thought about that, it occurred to me how silly that was. So what if I do it wrong, if it works, then so be it! When I look up new recipes, rarely do I ever make one exactly as it is written. I usually look at 3-4 recipes, pick and choose what I like, then go from there. Sewing techniques can be the same way.

 

No, I don’t want to turn this into a sewing advice column or anything, but I do want you to know that I am here if you have any questions. I can’t promise that I know the answer, but I’ll take a stab at it.

Comments

[Lindsey]

i completely agree! sometimes the best things are made "incorrectly". don't worry about posting a tutorial that doesn't do things the conventional way. that's how we can all learn something new!

[Lori]

It is hard to tell someone how to do something when you are self taught. My mother has a BA in Sewing and textiles. She is amazing and can sew anything. I was never very interested in sewing when I was younger, so I really started sewing in college when I no longer had her expertise. Once I was showing her something I did and upon inspection (which usually comes with a mini lesson on the correct way) she asked me how I did it and I showed her. She said, "well, that is way easier than how I do it and it looks just as good."

Moral of this novel *wink* is that you never know. nothing is the "correct" way if the product gets done. Tute on sister!

Thanks for the package. I emailed you. :)

[Joanna]

Thanks so much, Beki! I have only been sewing since February, and all that I know about sewing is memories from 8th grade home-ec and trial and error over the last 8 months. That and the wonderful blogging community, of course! When I first got my machine, I didn't know where to start, so I googled free sewing patterns. One of the first things I made was the Wee Bunny from Wee Wonderfuls. I started reading other blogs that had tutorials and was hooked. Yours was also one of the first. I check it everyday, and I made your pleated tote this summer for my mom. She loved it, I loved making it, and I found it to be a super easy, well explained and super cute looking bag. I plan on making more. So, have no fear of your tutorial writing skills...you rock!

[Anina]

Thanks Beki! I agree, your tutorials should show how you did what you did. There are different ways to do most anything and I don't think there is a "wrong" way - just easier and less easy ways.
I'm waiting for some cool tutorials now!

[Stephanie]

I appreciate all of the extra tips and tricks others can share with me. Books and blogs are pretty much my only instruction when it comes to sewing!

[heidi]

what a great idea! i swear i've learned more from gals online than anywhere else. can't think of a question but you better believe i will be back to find out the answers!

[Myam]

well said! i have always thought about making a tribute of some sort to all the craft blogs i read. because, just like you, i'm the "wing it" kind of crafter. my proper sewing lessons took place ten years ago and i'm just winging it these days :)without the help of wonderful craft bloggers, i'd be wasting fabric to no end.

oh yeah, hi, i'm new here. i love your site. :)

[Katrine]

What kind of batting or interfacing do you use for your purses?

[Christy]

So glad to see there are others who are self taught and just wing it! I learned the basics of sewing in home ec, some 30 years ago, but haven't taken a class since. There are great resources available in books and online. And like you said, the blogging community is wonderful for sharing information and ideas. :)

[Robyn]

I am self taught and have learned so much from online or a few books I have. I'm not sure if the pictures confuse me or the words, or maybe it's that the picture doesn't match up to what the words mean in my head (no wonder geometry and all those word problems were so difficult).
And I actually do have a question about interfacing, but I'll email you. But I do want to say that I am the same way about tutorials. I want to make one for the backpack I made for my son, but I don't really know where to begin and am afraid what I did to make it is not textbook, though it worked. I guess I feel there are too many good seamstresses out there who would laugh at my little ol' tutorial. I know that's not the case, but I'm just self-conscious. Oh, well.

[Sharon]

Hi Beki - I'm self taught also. Sometimes not knowing the rules can be a great benefit - after all you don't worry about doing it "right" or 'wrong", you just do it. You also tend to be more fearless and creative because, again, you don't know what "rules" you're supposed to be following! The blogging community is so generous and I think it is wonderful how many online resources are available for those just now learning the craft.

[Lisa/milkshake]

I agree with what Sharon said: "Sometimes not knowing the rules can be a great benefit - after all you don't worry about doing it "right" or 'wrong", you just do it."

So true! Sometimes you're much more free when you don't know what you're not supposed to do. (Did that make sense?!)

[Michele]

Beki - This is a great idea! I am always sure that "my" way is never the correct or best way and that everyone else is in on the secret "right" way to do things.

I know that I have been pouring over craft blogs lately and discovered that most people have trod the same trial and error path that I have taken. So sharing your expertise is a great way for us all to learn (and gives us all a great excuse to buy more fabric to try out the new tips.....). Thanks.

Michele

[lera]

I found that buying one purse pattern (Amy Butler's In Town Bag) helped me figure out enough basics to branch out. I learned how to line a bag and do handles. It was a good launching pad.

[Henna]

I am a very beginner sewer. The one thing I never seem to find advice on is how to cut fabric straight and what tools to use to do it. I am not afraid to sew, but I am afraid to cut because you can't undo that!

[melissa]

i enjoy your blog. i am in the beginning stages of sewing now and your help is wonderful!!!!!

[kat]

As someone who is just beginning to sew (because I'm inspired by people like you!) I would love to read tutorials :) I'm totally a wing it girl myself, but I just did a small bag and had a tough time figuring out how to make something work. So I say, bring it on!

[Jody]

I am also self taught. I keep thinking I should take a class and learn how to sew, and I'm sure I'd learn volumes ... but I've found google to be invaluable when I have an issue. Please do post tutorials, ideas, whatever ... it's definately helpful!

[erin]

bless you, sweet lady.

[lucy]

One thing I like about your sewing is the trial and error method. I think it's an invaluable lesson to anybody who is learning or wants to learn more about sewing.

[Abby]

How sweet of you. All of my sewing and knitting has been learned from blogs and books. It would have been so much easier if I had someone to tell me a trick and just show me. You may be getting an email.

[thehomelyyear]

Hi, I think people can be really put off sewing by thinking that there's a 'proper' way to do something...when it's often better to work it out for yourself. My thought is that if you are happy with it then that's all that matters. It's the sense of satisfaction from creating something that's so wonderful. I think the best advice is to just have a go...and enjoy! (tips do help though)
Margaret and Noreen at THY

[SugarShop (Dena)]

Nope, don't beleive there is a wrong way as long as your way completes the project. I think we all would love to just see the inspiration and then people can make their own adjustments if they want to. Can't wait to see what you make next!

[Vmjess]

Beki- you ROCK! I only stared sewing a year ago and thanks to blogs like yours I have learned so much and been inspired to try new things. You are very much appreciated.

Love,
Valerie

[sulu-design]

Thanks! I love how open you are with your sewing advice here. My questions now would be supremely basic, but hopefully one day I'll be able to ask and understand some more challenging ones!

[erin s]

Whose to say your way of sewing isn't the right way! :o) I too hate following patterns and directions. I usually wing it, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. I look forward to your sewing tutorials. I would love to see how you make those bibs of yours!!

[Chara Michele]

I don't have any questions, but just wanted to say you are so nice for offering help! :) I have a few books I reference and I did take a couple sewing lessons at a store nearby, but other than that I am mostly self-taught. I sometimes think I am probably breaking the rules, but who cares if it works:)