Yay!  I’m glad for your feedback on the last post.  I would be more than happy to do a series posts about some sewing basics, which will include following a basic pattern.   But before we can sew we need to go over some tools.  (This might be too basic for some but it’s always nice to review.)

The right tools are very important.  I’ll go over the tools that I find essential – I’m not claiming to be an expert, and often these things are about personal preference, so please chime in with what you you absolutely need to have in your sewing basket, what you think I’ve left out, etc.

The first photo displays what I think you need to get started; They are the tools I use the most.  I suppose you could get away with less but I think not having enough tools can lead to frustration which makes sewing not fun and then you won’t do it and that would be sad.

Hey, we need bulleted lists!

Essentials:

• Scissors: Sharp ones, reserved for fabric ONLY.  Please do not use your scissors for paper, it will dull the blades.  I have a regular ol’ pair of Gingher dressmaker’s shears, just like my mom.   They are a little pricey but well worth it.  If they are not in your budget, you can get a new pair of regular scissors just, like I said, reserve them for your sewing.
• Seam Ripper: You need this to pick out stitches when you’ve messed up (it will happen) or to simply open up some seams to make alterations, etc.  You won’t want to try to use your scissors on those little stitches.  These are usually inexpensive.
• Hand-Sewing Needles: For hand-sewing!  One of my most favorite things to do.
• Glass Head Pins: Okay, they don’t need to have glass heads but they’re nice for not melting onto your iron (and fabric) like the plastic ones.
• Container and/or Pin Cushion: A place to keep your pins and needles.
• Fabric-Marking Pen and/or Pencil: Fabric-marking pens are sold at fabric and craft shops; They are meant to be used on fabric to mark dots (for placement of things such as pockets), darts and so forth.  Please check the package:  They are either water-soluble or disappear on their own.  I would suggest testing such a pen on a scrap piece of your fabric before marking the real pieces because you never know, the ink might decide to stay put!  I also like using a regular pencil to transfer markings, as long as it doesn’t show through to the right side (RS) of the fabric.
• See-Through Ruler: You can find this at art shops or fabric stores (near the quilting supplies, maybe) and possibly office supply stores.  I use this 2″ wide one the most.  It has markings every 1/16″ and it really comes in handy.
• Measuring Tape: Not just to measure fabric but yourself!  Just because you wear a size 8 at the Gap doesn’t mean you wear a size 8 according to Simplicity.  It’s okay, it’s just a number!  You need to know your measurements so your beautiful handmade clothes will fit.

The following is a list of things that are really good to have but you could get away without them:

• Embroidery Scissors (those little bird ones): I nearly put these on the Essentials list because for things like nipping thread it’s so much easier to use these little scissors.  BUT if you really are beginning and don’t want to spend the money, you could do without them.
• Pinking Shears: How can you not love pinking shears?  Firstly, they’re pink.  Secondly, they cut in a pretty, zig-zaggy way!  They can be used decoratively, or to trim seams to prevent raveling.  (You may have noticed your vintage dresses having pinked seams.)
• Little See-Through Ruler: Doesn’t have to be see-through but it’s nice.  Because it’s small it’s easier to wield when wanting to quickly check seam allowances and stuff.  There are also things called seam gauges, that look like little rulers, but I never found them to be very helpful.
• Yard Stick: Because it’s flat it may be easier to measure fabric with it (While using a flat surface of course).  And you’ve got that long, straight edge.
• Magnetic Pin Holder Thing: This is a recent purchase for me and I’m very happy with it.  I’ve been holding out for this pretty blue which is harder to find.  I love that it holds all my pins and I don’t have to be concerned with spilling them because I spill things, a lot.  Just be sure to keep it away from your computer (because I’m pretty sure magnets + computers are still a bad thing).

Besides these tools you’ll need an iron, a surface to iron stuff on (preferably an ironing board), and a sewing machine!  You don’t really need a sewing machine, I guess, but since the pattern we’ll be following is a modern dress it would be much much easier to use a machine.  If you don’t have one perhaps you can borrow one from a friend or neighbor.  Some neighborhood shops will rent time with their machines for a small, hourly fee so check around.

So the pattern we’ll go over is definitely going to be Simplicity’s Built by Wendy (Built by You) #3835, the very same pattern I used to make this dress.   This is a popular pattern that many folks seem to have already and it should be readily available at your local shop and online.  We’ll be following the pattern but incorporating the modifications that I made.  Summer, here we come!

I haven’t had a chance to plan it out, but I think the next lesson will be about the pattern and getting the fabric.  I’ll try to post a new lesson once a week, more if time allows. 

I’m going to go have my broccoli now…yum!

Oh, and if you haven’t entered yet, check out my Housewarming Handmade Giveaway!