sew?

[Fidget]

I taught myself how to sew.. not very well mind you but i have completed a few small projects. One of which was a small 9 patch type square that my daughter was using as a doll quilt until i washed it in HOT water and it shrunk and some of the stitches pulled and BAM hole in my patch work.. anyways I'd like to attempt to make an easy full size quilt maybe out of old blue jeans or something. Anyone have ideas or links to simple instructions?? I have a sewing maching but it only can do a straight single stich as the zig zag foot was lost way before i ever inherited it. Thus far ive made a 9 pocket flash card organizer that has a tab top for hanging a few small weird looking cloth dolls for my girls and i attempted to make one dress.. it is technically a dress but its um rather interesting looking - i have no idea how to read or sew from a pattern and i dont really know how to properly gather material LOL! Can you tell im totally self taught?

Thanks

[SeaAngel]

:hello: Hi Fidget!

Don't know much about sewing myself and on the few occassions I have tried I seemed to spend more time ripping out seams than actually sewing them. :worry: Have never done any quilting either, but I found the link below that might be of some help to you.

http://www.kathkwilts.com/lessons/gendirs.html

I like your idea of making a quilt out of old jeans. When my sis's husband passed, she took all his jeans and western shirts to someone who makes quilts and had a quilt made for herself and each of their children. I thought that was a pretty neat way for each of them to have something special to remember him by.

Happy quilting! :gvibes:

[SweepingBeauty]

Fidget, I am the OLS home economist-no kidding-have a bachelor of science degree in it.

There are bound to be books at the library for beginning sewing. They may be in the juvenile section, but don't let that stop you.

Sewing with Nancy is a PBS show I watch. They sometimes show beginning projects on there. I bet they have a website.www.NancysNotions.comYes, there are free project instructions there.

If you want to sew denim you will need a size 16 needle that is for leather type/heavy fabrics. That is if it is normal weight denim jean material.

Many pattern companies offer easy sew patterns. Check Michaels and fabric retailers in your area.

If you want to pursue it more my advice would be to get a good pair of sissors, a seam ripper, the other foot, and follow the directions on the pattern.

I have a $50 machine we bought at a garage sale. It is an old Sears model from the 70's and has paid for itself several times over.
I usually repair things or alter garments. (I have not sewn from scratch in a while because I can buy the garment at a yard sale for less than I would pay for a card of buttons retail.)

Good luck and PM me if you need more info. Happy sewing!

[Mary Beth]

Is there a quilt store near you? I only know of one quilt store in Florida - in Kissimmee (sp?). But more of the stores would have a beginner quilting class.

If not, I can help step you through a denim quilt. You know what else is fun is a flannel quilt. Oh, you're in Florida, you probably don't need anything that warm!