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Wanna Sew?



Mim G Sewing Store

SEWING BASICS TO KNOW + Q&A

1. Do you sew for other people?
No. I use to do so and on very rare occasions I might if its a friend, special occasion etc. but I am a selfish seamstress all the way :-) The good news is that you can learn to sew and reap the rewards of turning a flat piece of fabric into something fantastic that you can wear.

2. Did you teach yourself or go to school?
Both, I learned to sew when I was 12 by watching my aunt who was an amazing seamstress and I fell in love. I started teaching myself to cut, sew and copy items I had in my closet and I haven't looked back. In my 20's I decided to go to "Fashion Design" school and after the first year I hadn't learned anything I hadn't already taught myself so I decided that for me the tuition was not worth it and went back to self teaching.

3.Do you think anyone can sew?
Yes. I am a true believer in that you can do whatever you want to do as long as you apply yourself. It takes, time and PATIENCE because sewing can be quite frustrating sometimes, lol.

4. How long did it take you to get to the level of sewer you are today?
I have been sewing since I was 12 years old but it was only within the last 9 years that it really became my "all I can think about" hobby and TRUST ME when I say that I had moments when I cried, yelled, and wanted to chuck my damn machine out the window from frustration and bad fitting garments but with time you start to learn your body and what works. You learn to measure yourself properly and how to pick patterns that are at your level. I have thrown out so many #fail projects it's not even funny but I also had moments of sheer happiness when I was done with a dress and it looked great and I knew that I had made it MYSELF, there is something really special about that.

It took me a long time before I could make things that I knew NO ONE could tell I had made it on my bedroom floor, lol and so can you! Now I hear things like "I don't think you made that, it doesn't look homemade" LOL that is the point right?


What do I need to get started?



1. Imagination and Creativity
2. Patience and more patience
6. Pattern or Idea of Project

Now that I have given  you a list of the bare basics, here are are a few details:

Sewing Machines:

I have heard some people say that they want to learn to sew but can't afford to buy a sewing machine. This may have been the case back in the day *side eye* but now you can get a great starter machine for less then $200. One of the first machines I purchased for myself was a brother, it cost me $299 and it lasted me for YEARS! I have listed a few machines that I know first hand are solid machines for a newbie.



Patterns, Projects and More:

There are so many online tutorials (mine included) for simple and easy projects that you can use to get started without a huge investment. Sign up for pinterest and have a good time looking up DIY's that peek your interest. 

There are also patterns made by the Big 4 geared toward newbies. Simplicity has a "sew simple" pattern collection, Butterick has the "See & Sew" collection, McCalls has the "Stitch & Save" collection and Vogue has "Very Easy Vogue" If I were a complete newbie I would stay away from Vogue until you have  become comfortable with your sewing abilities. Vogue is fantastic but even their "easy" patterns are not so easy if you are not at least an intermediate seamstress.

Education


This is the most important part of learning to sew because the more you know the better you will get.
We have the luxury of learning ANYTHING online so why not take advantage of that. Here is a list of books to read and websites to visit.

Books:

Websites:
Threads Magazine is a great online and print recourse, the have great articles, tips, tricks and videos.
Pattern Review Top 10 Patterns for Beginners
Sewing Tips and Info

Fabric: 
Don't start with stretchy knits, it will frustrate you at the very beginning. Don't start with Silks, it will slip and slide and you don't want to ruin perfectly good silk. Start with cotton fabric and non stretchy knits like matte jersey, these fabrics are more stable and easier to work with. I purchase fabric from many different sources but a good place to start would be www.lowpricefabric.com, www.gorgeousfabrics.com + www.fabric.com 

First Projects:

I recommebd starting wth my FREE projects in this order:
*Obi Belt
*Pencil Skrt
*Elastic Waist Maxi Skirt
all tutorials are listed under the tutorials tab

I also recommend my PAID TUTORIALS: Maxi w/ Sash, Strapless Jumper &amp + T-Shirt Maxi

I also have a free sewing class where we make a skirt from start to finish and that can be found HERE

google and youtube will become your very best friends and I am always here to help. I hope this helps you get motivated!

xoxo
mimi g.

53 comments:

  1. thank you mimi..

    Rissa

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    1. obi belt..how classy

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    2. Thank you for your video tutorials...I live in Japan and this is the only way I can learn how to sew correctly. It can be difficult sometimes learning just from a book, so combining that with your tutorials helped me finish my first project, the pencil skirt. It turned out really cute!!! Thank you Mimi!!!

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    4. This is fantastic...I used to sew when I was younger (like middle school age) I would like to get back into it...I did some research and came across your page. I am really excited to go through your tutorials to see if I can handle this. I am very excited.

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  2. Thanks Pinterest I've discovered your fantastic blog...

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    1. You have such a pleasant personality and it makes watching your tutorials so enjoyable. I taught myself how to crochet (from YouTube tutorial) last month and those videos lead me to your site. After a couple of successful crochet projects and your encouraging videos that I too can sew, I think I'm ready to start my next hobby. Btw, I'll be making regular purchases from Stitched9! The clothes are AMAZING!!! :)

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  3. Thanks to Pinterest I've dicovered your fantastic blog....

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  4. Perhaps I should have started with the obi belt before the maxi sash. LOL!

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  5. Not too sound too weird....but I luv ur energy. Wish I knew ya....but a sista-girl in my head will do. Peace and blessings :)

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  6. Watching your tutorial sewing the Maxi dress and reading more on your site has now sparked an interest in me to start embarking on a new talent! Great work over all & continue to be an inspiration many out there. God bless you always!

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  7. Thank you! I may not have the patience to sew for others but I love the idea of sewing something for myself! I will be your best customer soon! Look out! I want all of your patterns., but first I need a sewing machine and some patience. Where can I buy patience? I need all the patience I can get. Lol

    Xoxo

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  8. This is motivating me! I feel like going to buy a sewing machine right away! As soon as I get a sewing machine, I'm trying the elastic waist maxi skirt

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  9. I'm Sooooo motivated is not a game.
    Instead of buying another garment I will buy a sewing machine. I took a sewing course in hs and wore the things I made but I grew out of them.
    Ur styles are dope. Definitely coping lol

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  10. Just learned how to sew a pencil skirt.. thanks for the tutorial!!! Can't wait try it!
    Gracias Mil!!

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  12. Hi....I love your style & sewing ability. I'm in the process of starting to sew as a beginner. Would you recommend me purchasing the above listed sewing machine type to sew toddler bow ties/adult bow ties & toddler cardigans? Thanks!

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  13. thanks mimi 'm so inspired. 'll be buying a sewing machine soon enough :)

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  14. Thanks for your willingness to share your knowledge and expertise with the public. You have definitely inspired me to acquire a new skill.

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  15. Mimi, all I have to say is you are awesome! I love your tutorials, so detailed and so easy to follow. Thank you for taking time to share you knowledge with us!

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  16. Mimi, all I have to say is you are awesome! I love your tutorials, so detailed and so easy to follow. Thank you for taking time to share you knowledge with us!

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  17. Thank you so muuuuch ... You make it easy to pick up a new craft... God bless you and your family for blessing us with this knowledge... You Rock!

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  18. Thank you!! Been meaning to get started for a few months. Now I have no excuse.

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  19. Call me crazy, but I do not see the free tutorials for
    Obi Belt
    *Pencil Skrt
    *Elastic Waist Maxi Skirt

    I am sure it's right in front of my face...however I keep looking under the tutorial tab and cannot find them!

    Any help would be appreciated!

    Thank you!!
    Nicole

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    1. Not sure if you ever found the tutorials but you just click on the actual words for the obi belt, etc. You can alos just YouTube Mimi G obi belt or whatever.

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  20. OMG i love oyur youtube channel , i have never sewn in my life ( with the machine). I have a desire to make my on clothes , clothes are very exspensive and its hard to find them that will look OK on me . Watching your videos inspired me thank you soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much . :)

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  21. I just ran across your blog a few day ago and I love it!! U make me want to sew all my clothes. Your style is so me! I'm so hyped up about getting started lol...

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  22. You are an inspiration to a mother of four and loosing 100 lbs is my goal and to start making and designing my clothes has always been an underground passion for me, but now I really want to get this thing going. I wish I could join a class.

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  23. Im a 41 yr old Grandma, I taught myself to sew at age 11 when I wanted a cute indian costume and sewed it by hand after dying my mom`s white sheets brown. My mom was so mad at me, but my Aunt liked it so much she had ME make her one for her Party. I went on to make all my friends prom gowns...and some people I did not even know. I loved fashion loved sewing but over 10 yrs as a Flight Attendant, I did NOT have time.
    Now, thanks to my grandkids, Im Now a stay at home mom, and looking gorward to getting Back to sewing. But so much has changed, Im very thankful for your blog, and Im told its like riding a bike...it never leaves you. Once I announced Im sewing again all my family members n friends put in request. I look forward to learning from you..and others. Im gonna need it.

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  24. Wow. I am so glad that I found your blog. I love it!! You are gorgeous inside and out....through this blog you have given me answers to everything from weight loss to DIY fashion. Amazing! Keep doing your thing. I wish you much success.

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  25. Hi!
    Do you suggest purchasing the serger along with the Brother CS6000i 'only' or do you suggest purchasing the serger with any of the other two Jenome machines you recommend? Also, I found this Jenome machine that has a serger built in (link below). Would you suggest it as a good buy for a newbie? (I realize you probably have not used this particular machine)

    http://www.amazon.com/Janome-Portable-Sewing-Machine-Serging/dp/B005VIWJUU/ref=pd_sbs_ac_14

    Thank you!

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  26. I know you said you dont sew for people BUT your talent is quite outstanding so I wonder why you dont start designing your own fashion collections? The stuff you do for yourself is the kind of thing I look for every time I go shopping and never find therefore the reason why I want to start sewing..
    Best of lucks you are super talented!
    Laura

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  27. You are so talented and I'm getting inspired to learn to sew!

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  28. Mimi,

    I have been following you for a couple of months now, but just read this Q & A page. Seriously you don't know how much youi just encouraged me. I have been sewing for a little while but yet still a beginner. I am currently working on a "very easy" Vogue pattern and thought to myself that I should just find another hobby and giver everything sewing related away :-( even though I really don't want to. After reading your encouraging words, I will hang in there and be more patient and won't feel bad about the horrible looking dress that nobody will probably ever see except my garbage till :-) BTW I'm purchasing your bundle tute today. I will let you know how it goes. Thank you.

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  29. Hi Mimi, I was inspired to start sewing after reading your blog. The most I've sewn was a pillow in Jr. High 15 years ago! I have a question about your T-Shirt maxi tute: will I need a serger to complete this project successfully? Or can I just use a regular sewing machine?

    Thank you!

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  30. This is just what I was looking for! Love your blog and the vids cant wait to get my machine to get started thanks for the inspiration!

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  31. Mimi, you are the BOMB and a true inspiration. I have only gone through a little bit of your blog and am so inspired by your fashion sense, your sewing expertise and your fitness and nutrition tips. Keeping doing what you do because you never know who you are inspiring! Thank you so much!

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  32. I absolutely love you Mimi.. Your style is like Awesome, and I love everything you do. My interest for sewing is peeking even more after looking at the things that you have done, and even more so, because I am a pluz size 14/16 who really doesn't have issues with pants and jeans, but finding sexy tops in my size is the worst. I am loving the off the shoulder but can never find any cute ones, or any other sexy tops (especially for going out), that look good on me... Starting January I am comig to learn to sew with you. Why January, its right after Christmas, and a sewing machine is on my list...LOL! Stay cool and doing what you do... You are the BOMB!

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  33. Hi there,
    I would love your opinion on a dress form. I've been considering the adjustable types but I've also read many reviews about it not reflecting a natural body type. Help!

    Best Regards,
    Chen

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  34. I love your style and work!! Your blogs are very helpful..Thanks for the info. You Rock!

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  35. Hi Mimi, I have been sewing from time to time by hand...Ive made pieces that I've worn, threw out and unfinished. My problem is that I'm scared on the sewing machine....lbvs I wish that I would have seen this tab before I purchased this Singer it was cheaper than the ones u have suggested, but bcz I've seen ur work I wished that I'd purchased one of those. Thanks for all the advice...I'm motivated to learn how to use my machine! P.S. you make it look so easy....

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  36. Hi Mimi, im so excited to make haute couture dresses as a person that never saw before a dress that sounds crazy , but this is my all life dream. how long will take to reach my goal? could you kindly help me by doing diy tutorials for evening dresses like mermade cut and other designers cuts using non stretchy fabrics and lace..
    Kind regards,
    Rana

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  37. New subby, I'm absolutely in awe of your talents!!! I used to sew and you've inspired me to get back to sewing. Thanks so much for your inspirations, tutorials, etc.

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  38. Mimi, thank you for talking about patience and early learning. I am teaching myself to sew, but no matter how much I read (books and blogs) I still make stupid mistakes when I sit down at my sewing machine. It can be really discouraging. I am encouraged to know that you made lots of mistakes early on. I am going to keep at it!

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  39. What is the difference between interfacing and the fabric underneath the fashion fabric? What kind of fabric do you recommend using? This tutorial has made sewing seem so much easier and this is going to be my first project. You made everything that seemed foreign completely clear and understandable. Will you be doing any other beginning sewing tutorials? Your skirt is beautiful

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  40. Is there anything that I can do if I purchased fabric and did not pay attention to the size, it's 30" from fold line to selvege. My waist measurement is more than this number. Can I possibly unfold and make the maxi skirt?

    Gwen Butler
    gwen816@hotmaol.com

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  41. Mimi, I thought I wanted to sew YEARS ago. So much so that all I requested for Christmas was a sewing machine. I ended up getting THREE! Needless to say, two were returned and had it not been for my mom playing on the third one all of them would have been returned. It just wasn't my time... Fast forward 22 years..I discover your blog and after following you for months..I know that NOW IT'S TIME!! Going out to buy a machine tomorrow. Thank You for sharing your craft with us!

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  42. I used to love to watch my grandmother sew with the old school sewing machines and you have inspired me to get back into sewing. Thanks and your styles are awesome.

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Thank you for taking time to comment ;-)

xoxo
mimi g.