Getting Started with Sewing | Linda Prenzlow of The Sewing Garden

[@lynnetrue4103]

Great podcast! Good tips. I took sewing in 8th grade and my dad bought me a White brand machine and a one day class to show me how to use it. I chose patterns that would let me focus on a new skill each time ...zipper, sleeve, buttons, collars, lining, ruffle etc and that's how I learned . Another suggestion is start a Pinterest board for "sewing" and all sorts of sewing tricks will pop up for you to pin and try, the one on how to hem jeans is everywhere. I agree the fabric cost is a big obstacle so using the second hand sources you both mentioned will help to start. I'm glad to know now about the sewing garden as a resource. Good luck with your drapery project Lisa.

[@rld1278]

For those that want a heated rice bag that don't own a microwave, a crock pot on low can be used to heat them up.

[@TorivioLeon]

Thank you!!!!!❤

[@Simplefarmhouselife]

Great tip!

[@daisymae913]

I ♥️ sewing! It's so relaxing & therapeutic, especially in the winter in Minnesota when I'm inside more.

[@ramonaadams6182]

Thank you for this podcast!! I love to sew and this is the first podcast I've seen on this subject!!

[@Simplefarmhouselife]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sarahzuzik915]

Growing up, I used to sew regularly with my mom. I’ve missed it so much. You inspire me to make time to do the things I love again (like baking and sewing). It’s tough with little children but as time goes on I am learning to find the balance.

[@thesewinggarden7311]

Sarah, I’m so glad this inspired you today! Yes, it is tough with little children, but if you can keep your sewing machine set up somewhere in your home, you can sew for 5 minutes, 10 minutes, whatever little pockets of time you have, and you’ll have a project done before you know it!

[@paulawilliams7030]

For a starter sewing machine i love love love Singer. I’ve had a featherweight singer since I was 13 and i’m over 70 now. I also have my grandmothers singer that still works great!

[@thesewinggarden7311]

@paulawilliams7030 Singer Featherweights are great machines. You are blessed to have one! 😊

[@wandagordon6453]

Really enjoyed listening to Linda. My sewing has always been home and craft items, not clothing. I’m not that brave 🤣. Have a wonderful weekend. Take care and God bless! 😀❤️

[@thesewinggarden7311]

Thank you so much, for your sweet comments, Wanda. I would love to see photos of some of your sewing projects. Just email. And I have a feeling you could sew clothing easily since you’ve sewn crafts and home decor!

[@belieftransformation]

Great conversation; thanks for sharing! I’m always learning & am in my 7th decade! Blessings to all 🤗💜🇨🇦

[@suen4741]

Love this! You got me started sewing and I just do the most basic things but it is great to be able to make what I want. 😊

[@rld1278]

For those looking to get started, look into a second hand machine at thrift stores or garage sales. I've bought 2, and fixed a new one found by the side of the road that I gave to my daughter. If it works properly, it's a good way to get started without a big expense. The highest amount I've paid was 40 for a vintage rocketeer slant singer.

[@Simplefarmhouselife]

Thanks for sharing!

[@johnnacrist8715]

Great conversation! I look forward to visiting Linda’s blog! :)

[@paulawilliams7030]

Thanks Lisa this was great info!

[@stephaniedougherty7845]

Thank you, this has been so encouraging to mend/ sew and get my kids involved. May I suggest also talking with Katherine Sewing (on sewing as well as natural haircare)?

[@encouragingwife5939]

Love it! Hope to learn to see one day soon after I learn to garden. Have you thought about having Jess from Roots and Refuge Farm on your show?! I love her and think she's be great on your show 🙂

[@cynthiagustafson2541]

Thank you, ladies. I enjoyed every bit of this video. I use to sew almost everything and then raising kids and running a business I just stopped. Lately I have been having the urge to sew. I started with rice bags. I made one for my 5 year old grandson and my daughter wants some for gifts for her in-laws. I re-covered the back and seat of the high chair that can be used as a chair and table that I had for my kids and now my grand kids use it. Next project is chair pads for my kitchen chairs! So much fun! Also, I need to hem 2 pairs of jeans for my husband so I'll have to take a look at that info.

[@thesewinggarden7311]

Cynthia, I love the progress you are making as you sew more challenging items! I remember those high chairs/tables you are talking about. They were a life saver for my mom with 8 kids! I would love to see some photos of your projects. 😊

[@dagmardegree8932]

This is a really great show. Thank you! Wonderful tips and I'll definately check out the sewing garden we site.

[@rachellebrooke4614]

Such great tips! Congratulations on your next baby boy!

[@Simplefarmhouselife]

Thank you!! 😊

[@teddygingerbear1372]

I learned to see at age 10 yrs old on my mom’s Singer Featherweight vintage 1950! My mom gave me her machine when she turned 90! I’ve been quilting since 1980’s and this is my favorite machine. There are many Singer Featherweight machines available with various price ranges and many online retailers that continue to carry parts and accessories. The Featherweight is only 11 lbs, hence the name. Only simple stitches…forward & reverse…..not even zigzag.

[@thesewinggarden7311]

Oh, Featherweight Singer’s are known for longevity and durability. So glad you got your grandmother’s! What a precious gift!

[@Homeandthimble]

I loved this! I learned to sew on a machine when I was 7, too! My Grandma taught me on her 1970s Viking, I think it was. She was brave. 😂 Today, I’m primarily a quilter

[@thesewinggarden7311]

Ginger, thank you for your sweet comments. I love that you were 7 also. Vikings are great machines. I hope you still have it and use it. Quilting is so fun. Would love to see some of your quilts!

[@kelseybogus7354]

How do you do this?!! I'm so excited! Sewing has been my new interest. I really would like to learn to make my own clothing.

[@rld1278]

Look into a second hand machine at thrift stores or garage sales. I've bought 2, and fixed a new one found by the side of the road that I gave to my daughter. If it works properly, it's a good way to get started without a big expense. The highest amount I've paid was 40 for a vintage rocketeer slant singer.

[@Alice-zj6lp]

My #1 frustration with sewing is the bobbin. I jammed my machine so badly, I threw it out. I regret doing that and want to try sewing again.

[@Simplefarmhouselife]

I understand, maybe watch videos or see if a friend that sews could sit with you and help you.

[@anna7118]

I used brocade tablecloths from Target with blackout on the back for lining to make drapes for a sliding glass door about 12 years ago. I had experience with sewing drapery for a local drapery shop. Tablecloths are nice and wide as well. In the custom drapery shop we never placed a seam in the center of a panel if we needed a panel wider than a fabric we added evenly to both sides of a full width of fabric.

[@Simplefarmhouselife]

Great tip!

[@marymack1]

When taking something about, also consider taking pics of each stage, and use it in reverse as instructions to put it back together.

[@kathycadile6421]

I have sewn for years and years. My mom taught me when I was about 10 and have made clothes and home decorator items. I was an avid quilt maker as well making over 25 quilts in the past. This question is not related but I love the wrap aprons you wear, did you make them or purchase them?

[@thehamfamhomestead]

I have 4 linen curtain panels that I love but we changed our kitchen, so I have been wanting to make into matching aprons for me and my daughters. It has felt so intimidating but I think I am overthinking it. I just need to pull out my machine and make it happen. I was one of those people who made straight A's in HomeEc but I turns out that the teacher managed all of the machines. I can tread a machine or set up the bobbin but beyond that I don't know how to troubleshoot the machine.

[@Simplefarmhouselife]

You will get there with practice! Also I have quite a few apron patterns on my blog FarmhouseonBoone.com...just type apron in the search bar.

[@thesewinggarden7311]

What a sweet idea, Kelli! I love that you’re going to repurpose the linen into aprons! Try not to be intimidated. Honestly, you already know a lot since you can thread a machine and wind a bobbin. Email me if you have any trouble. I hope you’ll send me pics of the finished aprons too!