My sewing machine skills are near non-existent. When I was in high school I had the choice between Home Ec and Typing. I took the typing because I figured it would be more beneficial than Home Ec when I got to college. For the most part, I have been able to survive with only being able to hand sew any items that were necessary. However, as I expand my crochet skills, I have also wanted to start doing some sewing of items, especially for doll clothes. This would require that I use of a sewing machine.
I have a brand new 1979 White sewing machine that was given to me by my Aunt Shirley. Aunt Shirley was a seamstress and apparently wanted to make sure I would have a sewing machine, so she bought one in 1979 and set it aside for me. I know when it was purchased because the original bill of sale was inside the machine. I can also tell you that it was brand new because all the original packing was still with the machine and case. I had taken the machine out a few months ago and worked with it to try to thread it and finally break down and make the curtains I so desperately need for the house (and have had the fabric to make them for at least a year). Try as I might, I could not get the bobbin to thread correctly, so I decided a sewing class may be in order.
I have been very excited for several weeks now about the sewing class I signed up for. The class is through Roanoke City Parks & Rec and held at the community center that is 1 block from my house. I can't tell you the convenience of this, since it means I can run home and let the dogs out before leaving them again. I'm sure they are appreciative that they only have to wait the requisite 10 hours between bathroom breaks instead of me trying to stretch it out to 13 hours.
The class was a steal at $25 for 4 2-hour sessions. I have to say I was slightly disappointed after the first class though, because the description clearly stated the class would "teach you to use your sewing machine". This is the #1 reason why I wanted to take the class. You can imagine my dismay when on the first day of class the instructor informed the class that we should already know how to use our own machines.
At the end of class, I explained that learning to use my machine was the reason I was/am taking the class and asked her to tell me how she suggested I figure out how to thread the bobbin. She suggested that I take the machine to Alpine Sewing Machine to have it looked at. I know this machine has never been used, so I was quite surprised when the man told me that my machine is out of timing. I guess it can get that way without use for 30+ years. I have not received the estimate on what it will cost to fix my poor "new" machine.
Our homework assignment was to find an "easy" pattern of a garment that we would like to make, buy the materials, read the pattern and cut out the pattern/fabric for the garment. Right now JoAnn Fabric in Roanoke, VA is getting ready to move to a new and bigger store. The good news for sewing enthusiasts is that all of the patterns at JoAnns are less than $2. This is a giveway since patterns are generally as expensive as $15-$20 a piece. So I did "stock" up on some cheap patterns for items I thought were easy and/or that I may want to one day try my hand at. Then I started looking at fabric. I have decided that one sews because they truly enjoy it, not because of any cost savings it provides. Fabric is not cheap. I did get very lucky on some lavendar linen fabric at close to $4/yd, but that is once again because the store is liqudating. The other downside I foresee with sewing is that if you screw up - you're well....screwed. It's not like crochet where you can rip it out and start over.
I am hoping that my machine can be easily fixed and that I will be able to have it back and running correctly by our class next week. I am still excited to learn some of the basics of sewing and finish at least one project by the end of the month.
