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Sewing 101

Lesson #4 Final

Final Lesson! Let's finish our skirt. Remember to post any pics or progress shots and questions to our flickr group.




Lesson #4 Part 3


Today's video covers where we left off, securing our basting, sewing on our waistband, attaching our lining. We are almost done! I am signing off until next week so I can focus on this move.


Lesson #4 Part 2

Below is part #2 of lesson 4: Sewing Our Skirt and we are attaching our zipper, sewing our lining and test fitting! Sorry for the short post today dolls but I am headed to get boxes to start packing because we move in two days and I have not packed a thing, LOL

Make sure to post progress pics on our FLICKR GROUP and REMEMBER sewing is fun not stressful so if you make a mistake or it's not turning out perfect IT'S OK, you are learning and trust me when I first started I was in the same place you are now so just enjoy the learning process and practice, you have already succeeded because you are TRYING and that is half the battle ;-)








Lesson #4 Part 1

I hope your machines are set up and ready to go ;-) today's video is all about sewing! I will post the sewing videos in 3 or 4 parts over the course of this week so everyday until the end of the week we will  be sewing! In today's video we will be sewing our front pieces and back pieces together, stay stitching, pressing seams and attaching fronts to back.

See you tomorrow with my easy invisible zipper installation video using a standard zipper foot.



WATCH IN HD 720P FOR BEST QUALITY




xoxo
Mimi G




Lesson #3 Video









Hi Darlings!

Todays lesson is longer then last weeks so I had to move it to my vimeo channel which is actually easier for me anyway and it looks better ;-)

Today we are covering the pattern tissue, what the instructions look like and what they tell you; we also cover the markings and finished printed measurements and finally cutting of the pattern and fabric prep.
If you have questions make sure to leave a comment here or join our Flickr group where we will be able to post pics and ask questions.

If you are just starting to follow along make sure to visit the "Free Sewing Class" tab under the header so that you can start reading from the beginning.





Next Week:
Laying Out Pattern Pieces
Grain-lines and Importance
Cutting The Fabric
Cutting Interfacings
Creating a Lining
Preparing For Sewing
Sewing Part 1 (Step by Step)





Lesson 1: Intro to Sewing Basics

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


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Winners!!! + Class Supplies!


Hi Darlings!

Congrats to the following two winners of the Simplicity Pattern #2314 and the $25 Gift Card to Fabric.com! make sure to email me your name, mailing address and email so I can get you these out to you asap!





Thanks to Simplicity.com they have offered a 15% OFF the class Pattern and FREE SHIPPING! Use Coupon Code: MIMIGNL15 

*****READY TO WEAR SIZES AND PATTERN SIZES ARE NOT THE SAME. 
I wear a size 2 or 3 in ready to wear but I sew sizes 6-10 depending on the garment so don't be alarmed. 

I have highlighted the areas you need to focus on when ordering your pattern and buying your fabric.
I usually cut and make a size 6 for myself which is highlighted above and because we are making a skirt that falls away from the hips (non-form fitting) we only need to focus on the waist measurement today. 

#1 Measure your waist and select the size closest to that measurement.

#2 Just below that you will notice I pointed to skirt B (below knee) which is the one I will be making and it says I will need 1 1/2 yards of fabric.

*Note: The length has no bearing on the lessons so if you want to make Skirt A (long) or Skirt C (short) then choose the fabric yardage next to that skirt and under your size.

#3 Once you have determined your size and fabric yardage go ahead and order your pattern HERE and enter the coupon code to get 15% off and free shipping.

We will need to buy lining fabric for the skirt because as you can see this pattern is for an unlined skirt so we will be making our own lining. Make sure to buy the same amount of lining as you do your skirt fabric.


For Sizes 20-24 (waist 34" and up):  Butterick 3134 View B is a great option of you fall between a size 20-24 according to the measurements given on the back of the Butterick pattern. You will be able to follow along so dont worry to much about having to use an alternate pattern and choose your size and fabric yardage the same way as I explained for Simplicity 2314.


FREE!!! 4 Week Sew-Along: Sewing 101 




Simplicity 2314 HERE or Butterick 3134 View B HERE
(supplies are the same for both patterns)

Fabric (suggestions and purchasing links below) 
*remember to buy the fabric yardage according to your Size and Length you have chosen*

1.5 yards Lightweight Interfacing (@Joann's "Natural Ultra Weft 860F" or Online HERE)

Lining (same yardage as main fabric) suggestions and link below

9" Invisible Zipper (Ignore the pattern suggestion) 

Hook & Eye


If you need sewing machine suggestions go HERE for my personal choices.


FABRIC + LINING

African Prints (no wax)
Ikat Prints (my choice)



Any lightweight to medium weight Cotton, Denim, Pique, Polin or Crepe will be good, avoid anything that is slippery, silky or stretchy (like knits)




Week #1

Sewing Machine Basic + Threading
Basic Tools and Understanding
Picking a Machine + What To Look For
How To Read Pattern Envelopes
How to Understand Measurements
How to Read The Pattern
How to Gather Tools and Fabric

Week #2

Tackling The Pattern
Reading Instructions
Understanding Pattern Markings
Fabric Layouts
Choosing Your Size
Cutting The Pattern

Week #3

Discussing Fabric
Laying Out Pattern Pieces
Grain-lines and Importance
Understanding Pattern Pieces and Instruction
Cutting The Fabric
Cutting Interfacings
Creating A Lining
Preparing For Sewing
Sewing Part 1 (Step by Step)

Week #4 

Sewing Part 2 (Step by Step)
Sewing A Lining
Applying A Waistband
Applying A Zipper
Finishing The Skirt

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If you have ever wanted to learn to sew but classes local to you are difficult to find? expensive? or just not what you are looking for? Then this 4 week sew-along will help turn you into a bona fide seamstress! 

The video below will explain the sew-along and how to enter the GIVEAWAY so make sure to watch.


(subscribe to my youtube channel)

Every Friday I will post a new step-by-step video with that weeks lesson, handout and homework if applicable and you will get the chance to sew along other new seamstresses learning just like you. It will be like having me there with you every week! You will also be able to post your progress,  questions and finished your skirt on the FLICKR group I created (Click HERE to join) just for our little group.


This is what all you need to do to SIGN UP  for class! 
1. enter your email address in the "Follow by Email" box in my sidebar

 (If you already follow me here via email you are all set)


Simplicity.com has been generous enough to offer a GIVEAWAY of the pattern I will be using in class to twolucky winners! and I am GIVING away a $20 gift cards to help those two winners purchase fabric and notions! Enter to win by watching the video above and following the instructions given.
The Winner + Class Supplies Announced on Monday


Week #1

Sewing Machine Basic + Threading
Basic Tools and Understanding
Picking a Machine + What To Look For
How To Read Pattern Envelopes
How to Understand Measurements
How to Read The Pattern
How to Gather Tools and Fabric

Week #2

Tackling The Pattern
Reading Instructions
Understanding Pattern Markings
Fabric Layouts
Choosing Your Size
Cutting The Pattern

Week #3

Discussing Fabric
Laying Out Pattern Pieces
Grain-lines and Importance
Understanding Pattern Pieces and Instruction
Cutting The Fabric
Cutting Interfacings
Creating A Lining
Preparing For Sewing

Week #4 

Sewing Part 2 (Step by Step)
Sewing A Lining
Applying A Waistband
Applying A Zipper
Finishing The Skirt

40 comments:

  1. I am so very excited to take this class. I am new at sewing a garment, and that always scared me. I always think it will fall apart, lol.So I can't wait to try this.
    I thanked Vanessa for suggesting your blog. She is so nice, and so are u. Thanks for offering this class.

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  2. Thank you sharing your gift with us all!!!

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  3. Thank you for sharing your gift with us all!!!Excited!

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  4. Words cannot express my gratitude... Thanks for your willingness to share you gift with the world :)

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  5. I am so excited about this class! Thank you so much for your time and generosity!

    Melissa

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  6. I am so excited about this class. I purchased my sewing machine and have started playing around with it. I made a pillow last night and its coming back to me. Thank you so much for your time and generosity! God Bless You!!!

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  7. I live in the netherlands europe and I can't find the Simplicity 2314 or Butterick 3134 View B. What other pattern can I get.

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  8. I guess i waited too long to order the pattern...its still available but the 15% off and free shipping is no longer available....i still want to participate in the free sewing class so i will still be buying it..

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  9. i couldn't watch the 2nd video, when i click on it, it says it's private.

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  10. i couldn't watch the 2nd video, when i click on it, it says it's private

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  11. how do we see video #2?
    i am unable to view as well....

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    Replies
    1. It is not private, I just had three people pull it up.

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  12. Hi Mimi, will you be posting lesson 3 this weekend?

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  13. I am so glad I found your site! I am new to sewing but I am steadily gaining more and more knowledge. Maybe some of your syle and confidence will rub off on me too. ;) I bookmarked your page.

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  14. Hi Mimi. You don't mention the specific name of interfacing to buy online. Please let me know.

    Thanks,

    sydney

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    Replies
    1. That is because it depends on your fabric. That is why the link is to the online shop so you can read and see according to the fabric you have which is best. To be safe I would recommend going with this one: https://www.fashionsewingsupply.com/product_info.php?products_id=29

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  15. Hi Mimi does it matter if I buy the pattern online, the one you print out?

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  16. What type of fabric did you use?

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  17. Is the left side of the back or front?

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  18. Sadly video #2 will not upload for me. :(

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    Replies
    1. not sure why, I jus checked it and it loaded just fine.

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  19. I just watched video #2. IDK what was going on, on Tuesday. I think my computer was just being temperamental. lol Thank you for uploading these videos and sharing your gift!

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  20. This is a godsend! Thank you for providing this wonderful service to the public. I've been looking for a cool site to teach me the basics of sewing. I'm subscribing to everything I can with your brand on it! Thanks...RMichelle

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  21. Dear Mimi,
    I apoligize for giving an idiodic comment the other day regarding your lessons. I mentioned that I LOVED the lessons, but that I had a small issue with you not following the pattern exactly. Please forgive me for this. 1st of all, you don't even HAVE to have spent your time giving us a lesson at all! 2nd, the lesson you did give us, teaches us invaluable skills that we couldn't have gotten anywhere else!!!! And 3rd, you DID go back and explain every time and every reason you skipped at step, or did a step in another order. Please forgive me, and thank you again for your hard work.

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  22. Im excited...just found this and Im on it! Thanks Mimi

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  23. hi mimi I just wanted to know if you were going to another one of these. They are amazing!!

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  24. May God continue to bless you Mimi. Thank you for sharing.

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  25. this is so wonderful. living in los angeles, styles change so much. thank you for making that wonderful skirt. I made the long one . in winter I am going to jazz it up with some cute leather boots. wow this is really nice . class online

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  26. Now I wished that I have come across your site last year and before I have given away my sewing machine. I watched all 4 lessons. I thought it was very interesting. You explained about the naps of the pattern. I didn't really know that. Are you going to teach how to sew a pair of pants? In school I sew pair of pants. They turned out good. But about two years ago, I tried to sew a pair of pants. I somehow got the pants too short in length. They were below my waste.

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  27. thank you so much mimi for your information waistband and how to close the waistband, I knew how to close the waistband lol but I forgot because I haven't did a waistband in a while. thank you so much ...GOD bless you. you truly have a gift from GOD. and thank you for sharing it with us. you are so amazing the way you sew. thank you again mimi. keep up the good work

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  28. Mimi I love your site! I'm a newbie to sewing, a pro at loving fashion and instead of doing an online class, I am tuned in to your tutorials to teach me everything I need to know. You are officially my new friend in my head lol.

    Very inspiring to see you doing what you LOVE, follow your bliss girl!
    PS. You look great in what you wear! :-)

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  29. Hello Mimi, I just found your blog and I'm in the process of going through your free sewing class tutorial. I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to offer such a great opportunity for new sewers. I appreciate your enthusiasm and obvious talent. Blessings to you and your family. Thanks again.

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  30. Hola Mimi! I just recently found your blog and I am in love. I used to sew when I was single because my mom is a professional seamstress and could help me. I have not sewn in the 13 years that I have been married. As of recent I have a harder time finding clothes that fit me property. You have inspired me and I found this class and your patterns' reviews awesome. That installation of the invisible zipper was amazing. I have a question: How do you adjust the length of the top of a garment (commercial patter)? I have a short torso and all clothes that I buy are too big lengthwise on the shoulder/chest area. I would love it if you could help me. Thanks.

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  31. About 2 months ago I decided I wanted to learn to sew and make my own clothes, totes, and makeup bags. I have never sewn in my life! A week ago I bought the new Singer Fashionista. Now I have to learn how to use it. I'm so excited to find your site, your videos, and your Sewing 101 class. I was looking for a contemporary, fashionable seamstress and you are IT! I plan to start your Sewing 101 class next week. Thank you for your generosity and God bless you. :)

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  32. I've just watched lesson 2 and wanted to know if there is anyway to use the pattern without cutting it up? So if in future I put on weight that I can reuse the pattern or want to make the skirt for a friend. Thanks

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  33. Hey Mimi! You rock girl!! Thank you so much! I saw one skirt on pinterest and brought a machine two days later and now I'm hooked! I have a question about this lesson...I got a little confused when you was talking about how much fabric to buy, wouldn't you buy the fabric under your number? In the video you went from a 26 waist but when you was talking about the fabric you went to a 23. Am I suppose to go down three sizes when getting the material? Thanks!!!

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  34. I've always wanted to learn how to sew because I love crafty things! You are one of a kind to be so kind to do this for us Mimi!! I'm looking forward to learning more from you!! Thanks…<3

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  35. Hi mimi-question on buy a pattern. I wear size 9 pants and size 10 skirt from H&M. I bought pattern for sizes up to size 16. But based on my measurements its not even on the grid. PLEASE HELP!!!!!! (I bought new look pattern 6290, to make a skirt.

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Thank you for taking time to comment ;-)

xoxo
mimi g.