Today is the first video of many to come over the next four weeks. Today's video is a lot of me talking but we must get through the very basic things you need to know before we start our project so make sure to view the entire video and then follow up with a good read of your sewing machines instruction manual.
Make sure to join our flickr group so that if you have questions or get stuck along the way you can share your progress pics and I can try to help you and answer anything you may be confused about. *Note: There may be things I will remember during the week that I did not include in the video so if that happens I will post an update video under the "Free Sewing Class" tab.
We are covering the basics today: How I got started, How I Teach, Basic Sewing Tools for your Kit, Sewing Machine Basics: Threading and Understanding, Reading and Understanding the Pattern Envelope Front and Back. Make sure you read though the class supply list from last weeks post and that you have everything you need for next weeks class. Last weeks posts can be found HERE and HERE or under the "Free Sewing Class" tab under the header.
Lesson 1: Sewing Basics
Next Weeks Lesson:
Tackling The Pattern Tissue
Reading Instructions + Understanding Pattern Markings
Fabric Layouts + Choosing Your "FINISHED" Size
Cutting The Pattern
Reading Instructions + Understanding Pattern Markings
Fabric Layouts + Choosing Your "FINISHED" Size
Cutting The Pattern
Thanks for the video! I'm forwarding it to my cousins now, and going to watch it myself because I can always make sure my basics are down pat. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Mimi, I have reviewed and I am ready to go. My question to you and this is based on the climate in my country (sunshine all year round well except when it is raining) and our selections in lining which so far available are polysilk and sheath lining. Should I still go ahead and purchased the lining for the tutorial? I do want to learn how to line garments but do I have to line this skirt or can I skip that section? Then again maybe I should just buy a sheer material like voile and follow the technique then (sorry I went off a bit); with my new idea to get a 'gauzy' fabric would the polysilk or sheath lining be appropiate or can i use another 'gauzy' less transparent fabric.
ReplyDeleteYou can choose to skip the lining part or just watch it and use the technique later on another project.
DeleteThanks. Looking forward to our next lesson.
Deleteyour fabulous! Thanks for today's lesson.See you next week. <3
ReplyDeleteYou're fabulous. Thanks for today's leasson. See ya next Friday. <3
ReplyDeleteThanks Judith!
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ReplyDeleteHi Mimi, having a bit of issue discerning which pattern to go with based on my waist measurement after watching Lesson 1. My waist is 45". I followed Simplicity advice about going with hip measurement if hip is larger than waist. Should I have just gone with Butterick and go with my actual size which is between 16 & 18?
ReplyDeleteEither way I've already purchased the fabric & pattern based on Simplicity size 18.
Help....lol
If you were making a skirt that was fitted through the hips like a pencil skirt then yes you would go by the hip and adjust the waist but this skirt falls from the waist so the hip measurement is less critical and the waist measurement is what we want to focus on.
DeleteWow, this is both exciting and an EYE-OPENER! I am normally a size 10 in RTW clothing. I bought the Simplicity pattern and fabric thinking that even if I had to sew a larger size, it would be OK. WRONG--- my waist measures at 35". According to info I found on Butterick's website, I would need to sew a size 20!!! This is definitely a motivator to start back working out after a 2 year hiatus. So, please measure your waist BEFORE you buy the pattern and fabric. This is a minor setback, but I am still excited to learn to sew!
ReplyDeleteMimi, you mentioned something about maybe having to cut a different size due to ease--so this has me wondering if I need to go up to the 20 in the Butterick pattern or say a 16-18 in the Simplicity??? I know that I am jumping ahead of myself as you mentioned that you would address ease in the next video. I just want to make sure that I have the right pattern and right amount of fabric. WHEW!
There wont be much ease given for the waist so even with the size 20 from butterick you can adjust it if need be while we are sewing and I will cover it so you are fine.
DeleteHi Mimi
ReplyDeleteSo My fabric came today.(Yay!) I bought Americana stretch cotton poplin from Fabric.com and some black lightweight broadcloth. Do I need to wash these fabrics before I make the skirt?
Hi Johanna, yes we will cover that too next week.
DeleteThanks a Bunch Mimi G, you have no idea how grateful I am. You make sewing fun and I can wait for the outcome of my skirt. Have a great weekend. April
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteFirst day of school was great..... :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm ready for next week session. Thanks Mimi!!!
LOL, thanks doll
DeleteGreat first lesson. Thanks for telling me exactly where to measure my waist. I was way off. LOL
ReplyDeleteLOL ;-)
DeleteMimi thank you so much. You may not be "traditional" but you are true to yourself hence Mimi G Style. So many designers have their own signature way of doing things and you have coined yours. I follow you because 1.) you speak in words that I can understand and follow 2.) you have great techniques which some "professional seamstresses" may turn their noses up at but it's what makes you you. Also, it's why your followers increase daily. Finally, I don't have time to sit in a class and make a pillow or tote bag ;) - I can buy those. So I just wanted to encourage you to continue to be Mimi G.
ReplyDeleteThank you doll! That means a lot ;-)
DeleteThanks for the 1st lesson, I knew most of the things but I needed a refresher course. I will be back next week!
ReplyDeletesweet.
DeleteThank you Mimi. I love your style of teaching. Relaxed Yay! I am very excited for this class. Can't wait.
ReplyDeleteThanks!!
DeleteHey Mimi, I am soooo looking forward to this class with you! Thanks for your generousity in sharing your love for sewing with us!
ReplyDeleteLove, Toni!
my pleasure!
DeleteHi Mimi, I'm looking forward to this class. I have a similar issue to a couple mentioned above. My waist is 37 and hip is 40 but I wear a size 10 in RTW. I've already bought the simplicity pattern, will I still be able to use the pattern?
ReplyDeleteThanks
If your size is not in the simplicity pattern then to use the butterick 3134
Deletepattern that has the plus sizes on them.
Hello Mimi,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for taking the time out to teach us. I am so grateful. This first lesson was short and too the point! A sewing class "professor" would have taken 2 hours to explain everything in the way you have. BRAVO!!
Bless you Mimi
Mimi! I'm so upset! I was reading the other posts & apparently I need to purchase the butterick pattern! My waist came in at 35 which simplicity only goes to 32! WTH? So I already purchased the simplicity pattern... I wear a size 8... How does this happen?
ReplyDeleteIt happens from not clearly reading all the info and posts doll.
DeleteDid you read the very first post where I specifically explained to buy the Butterick pattern if you were above the 32" waist on the simplicity pattern.
Haha! Apparently not! So I guess I'll have to get the other. Do you know if I can return the simplicity?
ReplyDeleteHi Mimi, I really appreciate your tutorials and especially this sewing class. I looked at both the butterick and simplicity. The problem was that the store I went to did not have the size I needed in stock so I purchased simplicity 2058BB. I think the difference is that the zipper is on the side. Do you think that I will still be able to follow along.
ReplyDeleteHello Mimi,
ReplyDeleteI've had my Singer 160 Sewing Machine for over a year now and am looking forward to this project and more of your tutorials. After a trip to 3 JoAnn's and 2 Hancock fabric stores, I finally found my Butterick 3134 pattern. I can't wait! Thank you for sharing your gifts and talents with us. Miracles & Blessings 2U!
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Hi Mimi,
ReplyDeleteAfter going to Hancock Fabrics I found that they are having a sale on Simplicity patterns (5 for $5 Yaaaay)and also Butterick. I was just wondering if there were any patterns that you would recommend for a beginner to purchase to work on after this class is complete. I am having the worse time finding a pattern that I think will be cute and you seem to have a good eye. I am a size 5 and anything along your style would be cute.
Thanks,
Crystal
Thanks for this series. I have been sewing for decades but always enjoy review lessons to sharpen my skills. BTW-one of the best 'tools' a sewist has is the helpful people at the fabric store. If we hear/see something from your videos and need to see it/handle it in person, the helpful people at the fabrics stores are EAGER to help! Thanks for your excitement for GREAT fashion!
ReplyDeleteI got the simplicity pattern on,y to need a plus pattern. Why do I need a plus when I only wear a size 8? What will happen if I just use the largest on the simplicity pattern which is 32 & I am 35 waist?
ReplyDeleteI got the simplicity and now I see I need a plus pattern. If I use simplicity for 32 & I'm a 35 waist what will happen? Will the skirt fit since I were a size on the simplicity pattern?
ReplyDeleteHi! For anyone that is feeling especially crafty, you can wrap a ribbon around your washers to make prettier pattern weights, and secure with a drop of glue. In fact, I also made my own dress form, tailor's ham, and seam roll for when everyone needs one (and doesn't want to shell out the $), which I shared in my blog post below.
ReplyDeletehttp://vintagezest.blogspot.com/2013/01/non-sewing-rewind-sewing-basket-edition.html
Thank you so much for this free class! I signed up for one at a local community college only to find out that it was mixed with an advance class and the beginners are left to choose their own pattern (without any intro on patterns or fabric choice at all) and mostly work on your own while the instructor works with the advanced students on different techniques! I dropped it and was pretty bummed until I saw your post about this sewing class! I am super excited, so thank you thank you thank you :)
ReplyDeleteOne more question, I own simplicity 2410 already and was wondering if it is similar enough for me to follow along with? Or do I need to buy 2314? no problem if I do, just wanted to use what I already have if possible :)
You should be okay to follow along, it is different at the waist but if you have some sewing experience you should be fine ;-)
ReplyDeleteMimi you're awesome and inspiring! I tried out my first sewing machine today. It wasn't so scary after all. Thanks for laying out the basics for me. I'm already looking forward to your next video.
ReplyDeleteMimi you're awesome and inspiring! I tried out my first sewing machine today. It wasn't so scary after all. Thanks for laying out the basics for me. I'm already looking forward to your next video.
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting these tutorials. I have been following you on Pinterest for a while. I totally love your style and it has really inspired me to start back sewing. This question may be premature, but how do you finish a seam when you don't have a serger?
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting these tutorials. I have been following you on Pinterest for a while. I totally love your style and it has really inspired me to start back sewing. This question may be premature, but how do you finish a seam when you don't have a serger?
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting these tutorials. I really love your style and have been following you on Pinterest for a while. You have inspired me to pick up my hobby. I took clothing and design in high school and loved it, but I needed some refresher courses. Anyway, this question may be premature, but how do you finish a seam when you don't have a serger? I might invest in one once I feel more confident with my craft.
ReplyDelete