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Thread: I want to learn to SEW

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    Senior Member Tori's Avatar
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    Default I want to learn to SEW

    I was wondering if there is anyone that lives in New York (Westchester or Rockland County,preferably) that could recommend a school that teaches beginning to intermediate sewing.

    I want to learn how to make my own costumes. I know the basics but want to learn more. I know that there is the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City but I was thinking of a smaller school with a greater teacher/student ratio. One of my friends suggested taking a few classes at the local fabric store but I want the person teaching to know that I'm making exoticwear,all stretch material and no patterns so they can better teach me.

    Also, if you live in New York Preferably Westchester or Rockland county and wouldn't mind teaching please PM me.

    Thanks A Bunch !!

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    Veteran Member Tia_q's Avatar
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    Default Re:I want to learn to SEW

    Hi Tori Just an idea-check your local BOCES. I know the one by me (I'm in upstate NY) offers Sewing (in fact I just signed up for two classes).
    Hope this helps

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    Featured Member Veronika's Avatar
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    Default Re:I want to learn to SEW

    I learned from the library ("Vogue Sewing Book" is a lifesaver). Also, start grabbing copies of "Threads" magazine. To be fair, my aunt and uncle are both costumers in the theatre but I learned the basics faster on my own and then when I reached a certain point ( being able to follow and adapt patterns) I asked for advice from them and went to classes (local fabric stores and Community College). Hands on is really the best way to get the initial steps down , imo. Get the Vogue book, skim it and buy some easy patterns at the fabric store. It is a weekend or two worth of screwing around and will take you world above any beginning sewing class you might enter. That doesn't mean it is easy, but you have to get that "hands on" aspect.

    Once you get comfortable, there are some good books on making patterns off of existing clothes which are invaluable. Especially since it will clue you in on how clothes are constructed allowing you to extrapolate with your own potential designs.
    Currently dancing at the Men's Club of Reno, NV
    under the name of Veronica! I am a 2007 calendar girl for MCR, so message me if you want a calendar!

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    Default Re:I want to learn to SEW

    Hey Tori. It way easier than you think. I don't even think classes are really neccesary. Get some learn to sew books. Go to your local fabric store and get some plain cotton material, maybe a pattern, thread, etc. Follow the instructions on your machine, pattern, etc. and there you go. You learn how to sew. Just like everyhting in life it takes practice, practice, patience, and sometime some flaws. But you'll get the hang of it.

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    Senior Member jenna2479's Avatar
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    Default Re:I want to learn to SEW

    I know a lot of the local craft and fabric stores in your area and surrounding counties offer classes that are inexpensive. There's usually a bulletin board in the front of the store (Michael's Crafts, Joann Fabrics, and the Rag Shop, I think).

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    Default Re:I want to learn to SEW

    If you have a machine, I'd recommend just experimenting- a class will never be able to teach you everything, will likely just walk you through a project or two. If you have a reference book so that you know what kind of needles/tension to use with each type of fabric, you'll be set. I prefer quick sew patterns for dancewear, but of course often have to make adjustments or piece different patterns together. A pattern drafting course might be useful. Good luck!

    Feature costumes for sale!

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    Veteran Member Nina's Avatar
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    Default Re:I want to learn to SEW

    One of the few differences between sewing stretchy vs. non-stretchy fabrics is the use of ballpoint needles for the stretchy material. Otherwise the fabric will just get jammed up in the machine.
    Making your own patterns is also not a big deal, you just get a sloper (basic pattern from which other paterns are made)
    and improvise from there. If you are worried about the women knowing that you dance--I wouldn't worry. Sex and the sex industry hhave been around way before we got here and you never know whose Grandma used to shake it. Heck Maya Angelou was once a "shake dancer"!
    Also I'd recommend the classes at your local fabric store....most of the women/men that work there have sewed for 10+ years and for the little amount of money you spend you will have a lot of knowledge at your disposal. I teach at Michaels arts and crafts and while the locale isn't glamorous, I'm offering students 15 years of expertise as a professional fiber artist for very low price.

    http://www.sewwrong.com/
    http://annanonui.fraise.net/

    search through the links & other blogs for lotsa gret tips.
    Sexy, Swarovski Stripper jewelry, OOAK, and DIY clothing


    "Acceptance is right. Kindness is right. Love is right. I pray, right now, that we're moving into a kinder time when prejudice is overcome by understanding; when narrow-mindedness, and narrow-minded bigotry is overwhelmed by open-hearted empathy; when the pain of judgmentalism is replaced by the purity of love"
    Janet Jackson

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    Veteran Member Mercury_Deep's Avatar
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    Default Re:I want to learn to SEW

    Eyeliner and charisma go a long way!

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    Veteran Member SexyGemini's Avatar
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    Default Re:I want to learn to SEW

    I want to learn how to sew as well. I plan on using books and buying a sewing machine. Practice makes perfect...
    I comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.

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    Veteran Member bibacle's Avatar
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    Default Re:I want to learn to SEW

    My wife takes classes at "sew fast sew easy" in New York City.
    see www.sewfastseweasy.com/

    I don't know of any places in Westchester or Rockland, sorry.

    "Those who dance, are considered crazy by those who can't hear the music."--George Carlin

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