Replies

1. 
   Palady | Sep 02, 2009 11:27pm | #1

   May I ask what sort of help are you seeking?  With 385 - lead #'s, to my knowing, the Kenmore was made by Janome. 

   How "new" are you?  Have you done any sewing machine stitching?  Do you want to venture into fashion sewing?  Dresses - skirts- pants?  Home Dec?  Craft items such as toys? 

   There's wide range of members with extensive experience who will surely offer you commentary once your specifica become known.

   nepa 

1. 
   Sari215 | Sep 05, 2009 01:03am | #3

   Well I wanted to Learn how to thread it but I found the
   Manuel for my sewing machine online I would love to Learn about the
   St and what are they used for am intreased in home DEC
   fashion O I would love to Learn it all but for now just that
   thank you for ur reply bye and happy sewing

1. 
   Palady | Sep 05, 2009 01:52am | #4

   Delighted your interested in sewing because it can be very satisfying. 

   Grand you were PC savvy in finding a manual for your machine.  Gaurd it carefully.  It will come in handy more than you might realize at the get-go.

    For fashion, I suggest you choose a pattern you can complete in a minimum of time.  Perhaps having 4 or so pieces of A sleeveless top using a woven fabric.  If your a pj wearer this is an item that will give you experience.  Nightgowns are anther thought.

   Pillows are a starting point in the Home Dec arena.  With the many forms now available doing these can give you stitching experience.  After you complete them, you ahve the option of passing them along to a Thrift shop.

   Straight curtains would be managable.  One challenge with these is the length.  Sewing a long staright seam takes a bit of fabric handling.  So start with the shortest length you can use.

   Please keep us posted on your progress.

   nepa

1. 
   Sari215 | Sep 06, 2009 10:34pm | #5

   I found a maunel and I can't Waite to get started rite now my found are kind of low becaues of back to school but pj are a great idea if you know of any easy patter pls
   let me know also you have bean realy great thank u happy sewing thank again bye

1. 
   Palady | Sep 26, 2009 03:28am | #7

   Because of computer whatevers, Ive been unable to get on-line.  Using my son's at the moment.

   As for easy pj patterns consider -

   http://www.kwiksew.com/catalog/HLM_PJ.cfm

   http://www.kwiksew.com/catalog/cat_detail.cfm?pid=2811

   nepa

    

2. 
   gailete | Sep 27, 2009 10:56am | #9

   When doing an on line search for patterns you would want to put 'easy sewing pattern' in the search string along with pajamas and it should help you find what you are looking for.

   The other poster is correct about learning the two basic stitches. The straight stitch and the zig zag stitch are the most often used and then as you go you can start learning the other stitches and what they are for. Some are purely decorative and others are what are called utility stitches. The utility stitches are the ones that you want to concentrate learning to use as they will help you make more professional looking garments and projects.

   If you have access to a library, that is your best source of sewing books if funds are low. Even if the library doesn't have the particular book you are looking for, ask them to order it in for you. This service is usually free and gives you a chance to check out a books and see if it is helpful to you. If it is, put it one a list to buy as you can afford it, and if it isn't, then aren't you glad you just borrowed it and didn't have to pay for it?

2. 
   MaryinColorado | Sep 03, 2009 04:28am | #2

   Welcome to the forum!  I hope you enjoy it, don't be shy, just jump right in and start asking questions, we all love to share our experiences and learn from each other.  Mary

3. 
   stillsuesew | Sep 07, 2009 09:11pm | #6

   Perhaps you could find someone nearby who would sit down with you and your machine and help you figure out just what you have. Another thing you could do is go to a dealer without your machine and look at other similar machines and ask them what those stitches are for. There are also good books that show stitches and machine feet that would help you learn a lot and be a good reference for the future. Even if your machine does 50 different things, you will use the straight stitch and zig zag the most, so don't worry about the other ones. My machine probably has 400 stitches and I use 3 or 4 of them in 99.9% of my sewing.

4. 
   katina | Sep 26, 2009 09:43am | #8

   Welcome! You'll like it here

   Katina

5. 
   Ceeayche | Oct 25, 2009 04:36am | #10

   Welcome to our little community.  I have found the advice, counsel, inspiration and friendship I've received while participating in Gatherings invaluable!