[Update: The Sewing in Baby Steps Workshop is now available as a downloadable workbook. You can download the entire workshop all at once, to go through at your own pace for $5.95. Otherwise, you can still register for free by signing up below.] Sorry, the free version is no longer available.
A few days ago I posted that I was thinking of offering a free online sewing workshop and to please leave a comment if it was something that would interest you. Oh, did it interest you! The comments on that post were fascinating. Many of you have sewing machines and simply do not know where to start. Some of you are scared and nervous. (I was too!) Some have fond memories of grandmothers who knew how to sew and wished they had learned from them. One reader said she wants to learn so she can, in turn, teach her girls to sew. Isn’t that sweet?
About the workshop, this is completely designed for beginners. A sewing machine can be intimidating, and no one was born knowing how to sew. The objective here is to simply get out the machine, dust it off, and sew an easy first project (in this case a reusable produce drawstring bag and matching grocery tote). This, in itself, is a huge accomplishment and hopefully will give you confidence to pursue other projects. The workshop is designed to be done in baby steps. After all, sewing should be fun! Afterwards, I would be delighted if you share photos of projects you’ve made.
Are you excited? You’re going to learn to sew!!! I know you can do this!
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
Sewing Machine
Multipurpose Thread
Empty Bobbins
Scrap Fabric
Scissors
The workshop consists of quick emailed tasks that can be done in your own time and at your own pace, along with detailed instructions for each task.
This is fantastic! Thanks so much for doing this. I can't wait!
Just signed up. Bought a small brother machine this summer for about $70. Seems simple, but even threading the machine was a challenge.
I will blog about this later this week.
School just started back. I'm swamped.
This is such a fun idea Valerie. I hope you don't mind me signing up and following along, even though I know how to use my machine/quilt. Even that drawstring intimidates me, so trust me, I need the help! 🙂 I'm forwarding it along to a few others also.
Welcome, everyone! I am so happy to see you have signed up, and thrilled that so many others have joined in too! I am so excited about this project!!
@ Infant Bibliophile — You will definitely be ahead of the game, and thanks so much for joining in the fun. Yay!!!
I am so excited. I have sewn a little. A pair of curtains here and there, but nothing complex. I want to eventually learn to quilt. Can't wait to start.
Thanks for doing this Valerie!
Me again, sorry, I thought maybe a reusable grocery bag would maybe be a good project. I'm not sure if it would be too big for a first task for us new sewers. 🙂 I just loathe plastic bags. Ish.
@ Cindy — Hi! I'm so glad you're joining us! What a great idea, and I so agree with you about those annoying plastic bags. I'm thinking we could start with a simple drawstring bag for produce, and then a market tote to go with it? That would be so awesome!! Thanks for stopping by, now you have my gears turning!
I so want to learn to sew and would take this class only I don't have a sewing machine. Are the $30 ones from Walmart any good? I don't really have the funds to pay a lot of money for a machine. Any suggestions as I really, really want to learn.
http://smellthecoffeelisa.blogspot.com
@ Lisa Anne — I would avoid the $30 machines. However, would it be possible to borrow or rent a sewing machine from a friend or neighbor? It seems a lot of people have machines and hardly ever use them. If you ask around, you may find several people willing to lend you one!
Also, you could sign up for the workshop, save the emails and then use them once you get your hands on a sewing machine. I hope this helps!! I would love to have you join us!
this is such a great idea and exactly what ive been looking for.. im not a total beginner but theres still so much to learn.. maybe an advanced beginner. sometimes doing these things motivates us to learn quicker !! thanks so much!
i've signed up for the class
How funny. I just got my sewing machine out two days ago, when my mother was over. She can sew anything. I had her help me get it up and running. My plan was to try to strat sewing some kid sized aprons from old crib sheets. This class could be just what I need to get started.
thank you so much – i am nervous but excited. bought my sewing machine back in march as a big birthday present to myself and STILL have not taken it out of the box – fear of messing up has held me back. i signed up and cannot wait!~!!
Oh Valerie, you sweet angel of domestic craftiness! You have no idea how desperate I've been for a tutorial to get me started- I am SO excited! I got my first sewing machine last year for Christmas, and it's only been out of the box a couple time. This is a dream come true!
I agree. This is fantastic! This must be a sign from above. I have been wanting to learn how to sew for quite some time now. My mom found a great deal on a machine for me. I have never used a sewing machine. I have sewn on buttons to a pair of pants and patches onto an Awana vest. I WANT TO LEARN!!! Thank you for this!!!!
I think this is a great idea! I just signed up, technically I know how to sew but maybe I'll learn something new and it should be fun to follow along either way!
I wish I knew someone who had a machine. I'd love to make snack bags and those veggies bags you had were great. I just don't what kind of machine to buy. Grrr so frusting. I'll still follow the bolog for ideas for when I get machine. I want one so bad!!
Guess what I just got a sewing machine. It's a professional one so I'm scared. I paid $15 for it and got a ton of accessories. I can't even remember how to thread it.
I'm in trouble, but so freakin excited. I can't wait to learn how to use and make something.
@ Lisa Anne — Yay!!! This is great news! Congrats on such a great deal!!
Check out the snack bags I made with my sewing machine. Sometimes it stitches funny, but I'm learning.
Hooray! I'm so excited about this. I begged my hubby for a sewing machine 3 years ago and am embarrassed to say I am too intimidated to use it. A class like this with such nice ladies should be just what I need to get my bottom in gear
I need this! Thank you!! What a great idea 🙂 I just posted on my blog how I need lessons…
I would love to do this – although as a teacher, September 1st is my first day back with the kids, and I'm not sure how much time I'll have available. Is that ok?
@ Michie — It's totally fine! Just save the emails and you can do the assignments whenever you find a few minutes. It is really baby steps, so none of the assignments take a long time. I'm so happy you'll be joining us!!
Oh, I am so totally excited to have found this. I have already sewn a bit … not much though (dresses for my daughter – just one pattern though, and a handbag for myself). I feel that I am getting better with every project – but I don't have a sewing book or anybody to teach me … so I just try to figure out projects by myself and using online tutorials … but some (actually many) things are still a total mystery to me! So I am pretty sure that I'll be able to pick up some things! Thanks so much for doing this!
I would love to join up! I bought a sewing machine last year and only used it to sew fabric strips together for rag rugs. I need to build up confidence to make other things! Thank you!
Jen
I somehow missed this, is there anyway I can please please sign up?
Oh, I really want to learn. It has been one of my goals since my son was born. However, I lack a very essential instrument, the sewing machine! Maybe the next time you offer it (hint, hint)I will have a sewing machine.
@ Kristy — The next session starts up in just a few weeks. I would love to have you join us then, so be sure to check back!
I would love to join in. Is it too late?
please, please… I would like to join too… what can I do??
I would also like to join but I have no sewing machine yet and I realized I missed the deadline to sign up as well. Is it too late?
Hi! I just learned about this. When will classes start up again? I'd love to sign up!
Caron