It’s a common myth that stretch fabrics are harder to sew than wovens. But with the right fabric and a little know-how, you can create garments that fit you, are comfortable to wear, and that are easy to care for.
Whether you’re just learning how to sew or want to take your sewing to the next level, I highly recommend paying for sewing lessons.
Learn how to use the Cricut Joy to make labels in your sewing room: for bins and baskets, needle containers, hangers, and more.
Find online classes that will show you how to use a sewing machine or serger, sew clothing or lingerie, incorporate couture techniques, make your own sewing patterns, and more.
This new book by Patrick Grant, host of the Great British Sewing Bee, isn’t about sewing, although clothes manufacturing is covered in-depth. It’s actually about human happiness and how having more stuff hasn’t made our lives better.
Spending a day (or more) in London? Celebrate the art of sewing and fashion as you tour Savile Row, take a sewing class, and visit museum exhibits.
I recently spent a day in New York City and toured the Met’s fashion exhibit Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion. It’s a sensory experience, where you can smell garments and hats that are hundreds of years old and see gowns come to life via video renderings.
I love to sew, yet I can go months without turning on my sewing machine. And yet, whenever I finish a sewing session, I have a feeling of accomplishment and of a day well spent.
Sewing is getting its moment at the Daughters of the American Revolution museum in Washington, D.C. Their exhibit “Sewn in America” features garments, quilts, and embroideries from the 18th century through today.
I’ve compared some of the machines on the market today and am giving you my top picks, based on their capabilities.
If you like fashion, these shows, movies, and books could be the inspiration for your next project. This list will be continually updated as I find new sources.
The way that I sew is probably different from what you’ve been taught. I sew slowly, because I find that I get a better results when I take my time, and I’m less stressed during the process. I rarely finish a garment in a weekend, but I’m okay with that because I want to sew the best garment that I can.
While we should all support our local fabric stores, online shops are an alternative when shopping locally isn’t possible.
Sewing requires lots of supplies to get started, but your kit will last for years. Here are my recommendations for the essentials and the nice-to-haves.
During your search for a sewing machine, look for one that you can grow into, that can accommodate how you sew now and give you the opportunity to try new things.