When was the last time you saw a sewing machine? When was the last time you used one? I know, no one really uses sewing machines regularly. When my mother gave me my grandmother's machine, I nearly cried--and they were not tears of joy. The thing was a wreck and almost an antique. However, I've never regretted the money I spent fixing it up. I've been able to do a lot with it (and saved a lot of money), despite the fact that I’m not a very good seamstress.
For example: Two years ago at Halloween, former brass staffer Jordon Frauen brought me a purple women's jacket he found at a thrift store, and some nearly matching fabric. With my sewing machine I merged the two, and the result was a respectable, if rough, set of coat tails for his fabulous Willy Wonka outfit (pics at left).
Halloween isn't the only time I use my sewing machine (and save money doing it). I hemmed about six pairs of jeans for a roommate once. I've altered a couple of shirts and a pair of jeans for myself. The best was when I found the perfect pair of curtains for a great price, but they were too long. No problem for me; I just hemmed them so they didn't dangle over the heater. Easy peasy.
Sewing is a great skill. You know that now. But how to get started? I learned the basics from my mom, but there are sewing classes or workshops all over. Look for ads at fabric stores and sewing machine repair shops, and definitely check at your local community college.
Don't worry about dropping a lot of dough on a sewing machine. You can find a simple, new machine to start with for under $100. Ask about used machines at repair shops. There are also tons of great online resources, such as sewing.org, ehow.com, and howstuffworks.com.
You'll need a few other accessories, such as pins, scissors, measuring tape, marking pencils, thread, and a box to put it all into. It's a little bit of an investment (as with most hobbies), so I suggest starting cheap and simple until you're sure it's something you want to continue doing. Borrow a machine and some supplies, or find a class that provides machines to work with. Send us a pic of your project and we'll post it on the brass|BLOG.
- Jennie
Okay. Fine. I've been meaning to sign up for a sewing class down the street from my house for months now. I'll go, and hopefully fulfill my dream of being able to sew my own curtains (divine!), recreate the same simple dress that American Apparel sells for $40 in a million colors, and hem all those pants of mine that are too long--all while saving oodles of money.
Thanks for the inspiration Jennie!
And P.S. Jordon's coat tails were AWESOME.
Hi Sarah! Inspiration is my middle name. I'm glad you're excited for a sewing class. Being able to sew is one of those simple things that makes life easier, like being able to tie a knot or fix a sink.
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