Replies

1. 
   fiberfan | Jan 21, 2008 03:02am | #1

   A pillowcase is an easy first project.  It is easy to measure one for amounts.  A friend puts a separate fabric band on the edge to make fun holiday pillowcases.  The band is the same size as the hem is on a normal pillowcase.  Other easy projects are pajama bottoms and a simple tote bag.

   Joanne

2. 
   Dinna | Jan 21, 2008 03:32am | #2

   Fleece is easy for beginners.  Choose one that is not too thick or "bumpy".  It does not fray and can be worn/used with raw edges showing.  JoAnns or your library should have booklet/patterns for fleece.

   Try:  Adventures with Polarfleece     Nancy Cornwell

           More Polarfleece Pizzazz         Ruthann Spiegelhoff 

   there a many more as well.  Happy sewing.

    

1. 
   starzoe | Jan 21, 2008 05:07am | #3

   Fleece is wonderful to sew, and great for beginners, as you say. I have a tip about fleece: don't buy any fleece that isn't marked anti-pill. It will be more expensive but it will look good for years, compared to the cheap stuff that pills in no time and gets to look shoddy very quickly.

3. 
   lorisews | Jan 21, 2008 08:42pm | #4

   Do you have a local community college? Evening non-credit classes in our area are starting soon. That's where I took my beginning sewing classes.

4. 
   jnct14 | Jan 23, 2008 12:06am | #5

   I agree that polar fleece (the anti-pill kind!) is defintely a great option for beginners because the colors are cool, you can add embellishments of all kinds (think old jewlery, studs and lace!) , and the fabric is very forgiving. I just made some fringed capes (ponchos for those who remember the sixties!) for friends and what is fun is that you can attach old scarves, neat pieces of material or even polar fleece contrast for the collar for a one of a kind look. Thrift stores are good for finding fun embellishments.

    

   Another pattern to try is Threads '30 minute jacket'. I can't remember the issue number - can anyone help Zappa? This should work with polar fleece - has anyone tried it?

1. 
   starzoe | Jan 23, 2008 01:13am | #6

   The 30 minute jacket is in issue #100, pp88-89. no I haven't made it (yet).

5. 
   cafms | Jan 23, 2008 06:14am | #7

   Look at the Simplicity site http://www.simplicity.com/ and then to the Sewing Basics section.  There are lots of projects to make and you can sign up for online sewing classes under Sewing 101.  I haven't seen the actual class but it looks interesting.  You might also check with your county Extension Service for a 4-H sewing group in the area.  I worked with a group yesterday and we made garments bags.  It would be a good way for her to meet other girls who like to sew.

   Edited 1/22/2008 10:15 pm by cafms

6. 
   SAAM | Jan 23, 2008 10:47am | #8

   A new sewing lounge just opened on Harford Road in Baltimore (just north of the city line). You might want to check it out. I haven't had a chance to get there yet, but the photos I've seen look great. Blondell, the woman who is running it, is planning on having classes for a variety of sewing levels. The address is:

   The Sassy Sewer - A Sewing & Craft Lounge

   9008 Harford Road

   Parkville, MD 21234

   Phone: 410.882.7277

   Fax: 410.882.7280

   email: [email protected]

   If you go to thesassysewer.blogspot.com, you will access Blondell's blog, which has lots of information about the sewing lounge.

7. 
   sewtimely | Jan 24, 2008 07:24pm | #9

   I was going to suggest pillow cases.  There's some simple patterns for basic sewing.   They're probably cancelling the class because there isn't enough signed up of it.  I hope she doesn't get discouraged.  Keep her sewing simple things and she'll be fine. Let us know what she does.