Crafts
D.I.Y. Fashionista 101 with Joann
Most of you who are like me that drool over the coverage of Fashion Week every March and September, hoard all of the fashion magazines and gush over every fabulous outfit you see and think, “I want that”! Then reality sets in when you eyeball the price tag, the poor fit and the wrong color. You know what? Instead of giving up the mortgage or rent payment, why not DO-IT-YOURSELF? It’s really not as difficult as you may think — really it isn’t. It is possible to teach yourself to sew… practice does make perfect. By learning simple sewing skills, you can be whipping out tops, skirts, pants, jackets and dresses too with the perfect fit!
Let’s get started!
Tools of the trade
If you don’t already have a machine available to you, you can purchase an inexpensive model (you can always upgrade later) from Joann‘s… If you don’t have a sewing room, fear not! All you need is a “dedicated space” where you have room to cut, iron and place your sewing machine.
Other essentials
- Pins
- Hand and sewing machine needles
- Chalk and/or disappearing marking pens
- Seam ripper
- Measuring tape
- Scissors and/or rotary cutter
- Bobbins (for your specific machine)
- Thread
- Pattern
- Iron and ironing board
I would suggest this book — “The Complete Photo Guide to Sewing” as reference material for any beginner. It has great color photos so that you can see exactly what it is that you’re suppose to be doing.
Learning your machine
This is the reason I suggested purchasing an inexpensive model as a beginner. Too many bells and whistles will just add to your confusion. Learn the basics and then upgrade. Read your manual inside and out. Play with it! Learn all the stitch that it does. Learn how to make buttonholes. Some models now come with a learning video… watch it!
Size yourself up
If you already didn’t know, your pattern size is COMPLETELY DIFFERENT from your ready-to-wear (RTW) size. This is why you have to take accurate measurements.
Grab a buddy and these items:
• A short, fine chain necklace — to establish a natural neckline
• Washable markers — to draw lines on skin and/or undergarments
• 1/4-inch adhesive dots
• Pins
• Narrow elastic — to locate and mark the waistline
• Flexible but stable measuring tape
• 12-inch ruler
Pick a Pattern
Most pattern companies have styles marked as “easy” or “very easy” to sew and these are the ones that a beginner should select. One of the pitfalls that new sewers fall into is taking on complicated projects. Get your feet wet by choosing a simply constructed (loose-fitting) skirt, top or pants that will not require a “custom fit” so that you can learn how garments are constructed.
All in all, Jo-Ann Fabrics has tons of great fabrics of all types, colors, patterns and textures. They have fabric for crafts and clothing, highly durable upholstery fabric options and also a series of designer fabrics that you can special order. We loved the huge selection of colors available and products seemed organized and prices reasonable.
Not just carrying fabrics, they also offer supplies for other types of craft projects as well as some home decorative items, like these affordable baskets we found. This could be an unexpected resource for that hard-to-find house item you’ve been searching for!
CLICK HERE TO BEGIN YOUR NEXT CRAFT PROJECT WITH JOANN!
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