This is it. Two more days until the Learn to Sew classes officially starts. I can’t believe the response this series is getting. I am excited. And I am nervous.
Why am I nervous? Let me tell you. I want this to be a good experience for everyone. I am NOT a professional seamstress. Haven’t even really taken any sewing classes other than Home Ec in 7th grade. I am just a girl who likes to sew a lot and does it all the time, so I’ve learned the basics pretty well. And once I sewed for a business I own. So yes, I have sewn a lot. But nope. Not a professional.
And, I know that Learning to Sew can be tricky and it can be frustrating. In fact, even within just the last few years my husband would look at me like I was nuts if I mentioned that I love to sew because more often than not I was frustrated about something while I sewed.
So, before we get this party started, let’s make ourselves a promise. You and Me.
Promise This to Yourself:
When I sit down at the sewing machine I will realize that learning to sew takes time and practice.
My lines won’t be perfectly straight the first day. Or the second. Maybe not even for a few months. Or years. That’s ok. Nobody cares. I’m doing my best.
The seam ripper is my friend. Not my enemy. It’s normal to need to use the seam ripper. That’s the beauty of sewing. When you make a mistake you can undo it and fix it. There’s not too many things in the world that you can say that for are there?
If I find myself getting frustrated I will take a break. And eat some chocolate. I will return when I am refreshed.
I won’t give up. I will keep this goal to learn to sew and I will accomplish it.
I won’t be overly critical of my work. I will realize that no one else will judge my work nearly as harshly as I will judge myself.
I will have fun and feel creative and brilliant while I sew.
Promise me that ok? I don’t want you to get frustrated and quit.
Remember, I sew a ton and I am not kidding you, I make mistakes and my works is far from perfect. You know this messenger bag? Looks nice in the picture. But it has a few strange puckers and few crooked lines. That’s ok. You think anyone else notices? Nope. Think anyone cares? No.
I know you perfectionists are going to have a hard time with this, but release it and have a good time.
And, if you are struggling with something-Let Me Know! I want to help. This is all new to me to teach people to sew, so if I need to explain something better, just tell me.
And remember that we have this group you can join if you want more help too.
OK, are you ready?!
I agree. This is a learning process and we are all in this together.
Looking forward to learning some new things…have recently taken it up….
I have joined you sewing group, I am a sewer of more than 50yrs and am quite experienced at it, making clothing for myself, my children, grands and 3 wedding parties for my kids. I joined to work along with my 7 year old grand daughter. I thought this was a fun way of us working together. What you have stated in your above note needs to be read and believed by so many sewers. Try your best and every day you do this you will get better and better. Don’t be afraid to try something new, it’s most likely easier than you think it is. Kudos to you for taking on this task and I look forward to working along with Victoria as you procgress thru it.
I know, I just really want to emphasize that the whole series. Don’t give up. Don’t demand perfection from yourself. Just have fun!
lol I love the pledge. BTW, I have TWO seam rippers…yep, they get used A LOT! Looking forward to Monday!
I believe you will a great teacher, because you teaching something that you love doing. I can’t wait for Monday.
I think this is a pretty positive group and you’ve cultivated a friendly and helpful atmosphere. I can’t wait! Thank you for doing this. :D
We just want to enjoy learning with you, and don’t expect to reach perfection. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and your time :)
I’m so excited to learn! Thank you for doing thsi to help out us newbies. You are much appreciated.
This will be fun! I make quilkts and other crafty stuff for myself and as gifts. There is a lot for me to learn I am self taught and I am sure that there are easier and better ways to do things. I used to sew a lot of my own clothes as a teenager and young adult but would have to have my mom do the zippers and I never made a buttonhole that was very good. The most important thing is to learn and to have a little fun Thanks for doing this
Just as we promise to not be hard on ourselves, I hope you will do the same. Your worries about teaching are unfounded. You are an amazing teacher and we are all grateful that you are willing to take us on this journey. I have my “do not disturb sign” and stitch ripper already in hand and am ready to go.
Deal. Love that you have a do not disturb sign ready. :)
Yay…. We start soon cant wait….. only two more days… My very first sewing project every!!! Im sure its gonna be hard but i will keep at it… :)
Love it! Thanks, Amber!!!
I am looking forward to Monday. So excited!!!!
Just got my first sewing machine for Christmas. I am such a newbie, but super excited! Thanks for your encouragement!
Thank you for being so honest. That helps a lot. Because I’m a little nervous. But I will try not to give up and think that practises makes perfect.
I am excited! I got a new sewing machine for Christmas and I am ready to get started.
I do. I’m so excited to start this series!
Excited and nervous about this! I accept the pledge! :)
I agree
Ready!
I’m so excited about this! Thank you for undertaking this amazing project! I’ve been sewing basic block quilts for 10 years now and I’m no where near perfect! I’m looking forward to learning more so I can move forward with what I can do!
So glad to read this post!! I too am a “seamstress.” Learned during my 10th grade school year. Some sweet ladies at my church decided to give a sewing class that lasted only a few months. I took it and fell in love. My hubby has often tried to get me to start selling things I’ve made, blog about what i sew but i’ve always said no because what I create is never “good enough”. I’m always afraid that the imperfections in my creations keep me from being able to showcase anything…you know like all of that great stuff that those other great crafters blog about.
I commend you for desiring to share what you know with others…and being honest about the imperfections (although your stuff looks great!!!!)
The beauty of a blog though is that no one sees your flaws. :) You should do it. I am in love with blogging.
thanks for having me I can sew a little but dying to see what ya got…Hugs Libby
Looking forward to this! I’ve been wishing and wanting something like this for a long time. Thank you for doing this.
Amber, you can’t begin to know what a wonderful opportunity you are offering to those of us who have always desired, but never acquired this amazing skill. Your offering of time in teaching these tutorials step by step online is so very generous. Thank you for posting the pledge…I am taking it to heart! I just returned from purchasing the cloth diapers at Target and the fat quarters at JoAnn’s and I will wait for your next post. Thank you again!!
That’s so sweet of you! Thanks for making me feel good.
So excited to get started. This has given me some inspiration to take out my sewing machine that has been put away for 5 years. Thank you for doing this.
I’m in – so excited!
Amber dont worry!! No one here will ever judge you. I know i myself am very grateful that you are taking the time and effort to teach us. You will be amazing. I cant waitto learn new stuff. thank you so much for all you do and share with us!!!
I’m looking forward to Monday!!!! Thanks Amber!!!
I have been sewing for a while, but am still very excited about following along. I have a blog also and have had a couple people ask me about more sewing tutorials for beginners. I don’t yet have the confidence to do that, so I will be referring them here. I will also be sharing your series on my Facebook page each week if that is ok?
Most definitely! Thanks so much!
I’m looking forward to taking your class. I purchased a new machine as a Christmas present to myself so I’m very excited about sewing again. Thanks for the classes…
I am so ready! I have already sewn a variety of projects in the past, but I am so looking forward to learning some fabulous new things from you! I already have almost all the supplies ready and set to go. I think I’ve even picked out my final project already. It’s something that I got the supplied for, and then kind chickened out and use the excuse that I had other things that needed to get done. Thank you again for providing this wonderful opportunity for us!
I can’t wait too for Monday, I have to work but I will catch up with you (hopefully) on Tuesday cause I really need this help. Thank you again so much for doing this. I have been MIA the past 2 weeks with out of the country company staying with me but I am back now and my sewing machine is calling me :)
I learned to “sew” in the 7th grade too. I just recently became a stay at home mom and bought a sewing machine a couple months ago and now I all I can think about is sewing! It keeps me up some nights. I started selling my items on Etsy and to friends and family as gifts they needed to give. I’m thinking of starting a blog. You have awesome ideas and I can’t wait to learn from someone other than myself. (I have two seam rippers as well and they both get used quite frequently) :o)
Hey, art is not supposed to be perfect. I figure sewing is an art form that is also useful.
I am excited to start the class tomorrow and learn this stuff. The supplies for the first two projects are ready to go and so am I. :)
I am very excited to have found your class, and just in time! Thank you, so very much, for taking your time to compile this. I have been counting down the days and I can’t hardly wait!
Already made (and taken apart) a few things since getting my machine last month. Loving it so far. Can’t wait to take part in this adventure.
I’m so excited to give this a try! I cannot wait to begin. :-) Love this pledge.
Very much looking forward to Monday. And that pledge is so totally what I need right now. Not just for sewing but also for my writing (fledgling writer over here). Bookmarking this post.
True-it’s good to keep in mind for anything we do.
Hi am looking forward to this. I dabble in sewing but have yet to make anything more adventuresome than some pillows and dog beds. And who am I kidding? A dog bed is just a VERY BIG pillow! This is an awesome idea.
I agree……and I’m looking forward to getting started!
I’ve been sewing for as long as I can remember. I’m not a seamstress or professional by any means but I do enjoy sewing for my friends and family whenever I can. I am always trying to improve my skills and look for projects that are fun and interesting. I am the mother of 2 and I find it so enjoyable to sew for my babies.
Both of my girls (ages 6 and almost 4) love to sit in my lap at my machine and “sew”. Santa brought my 6 year old her very own small sewing machine for Christmas. I came across your blog at the perfect time (yay Pinterest). My oldest and I are going on this journey together. I hope we both learn a thing or two about sewing and working together.
That’s very sweet! My toddler likes to climb on me and my machine while I sew. :)
Really excited about this series! Thanks for this post – it’s definitely something I will have to keep referring to, lol, as I tend to be one of those perfectionists when I’m crafting. ;)
I have read and agree! I am looking forward to learning all you have to teach! I have done some sewing and quilting but most have been basics so this is going to be fun and exciting to learn more. I just want to thank you so much for this opportunity to work with you online and taking the time to teach more useful skills. Sewing we will go and look forward to it!
Ready! Looking sew forward to overcoming fear of sewing failures. I love your positivity and seams like this group will get along just fine!
I am looking foward to your learning to sew series.
I agree! I am excited to do this. Thank you for trying something that fits for the people who don’t have a conventional schedule.
Looking forward to learning new things and honing skills.
Morning just finished my hand towels (instead of burp cloths) was wondering if we are suppose to post pictures anywhere? Was looking for a flickr group but did not see one. Thank you have a great day!
There’s a facebook group that some people are sharing photos in here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/385767911505508/
I’ll look into doing a flickr group too. Hadn’t thought of that…
My sewing machine will be here tomorrow! I need something like this to remind myself to be patient and cut myself some slack when I’m first starting out. Thank you for all of the tutorials and information! It makes me a little less nervous about starting out with a brand new skill.
Oooooooohhhhhh! Fun!!!
Omgosh…..I just found this site and am soooo excited. I can sew a straight line to make a table runner or something like that, but that is it. I know I am behind, but can’t wait to get started. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for starting this project!!
I’m a bit late but I’m ready. I’m total novice and I am starting an evening course on the April so I need all the advice and practice I can get :-). Thank you Amber for these amazing tutorials.
Read. Pledged. Ready! Am I way too late to start?
Nope, you can start any time. :)