Sewing notions for new sewer?

PAt first get her to come here, then if you want to buy her a book on alterations that would be nice. Putting together a book of articles from the net would also be nice because it takes a long time to hunt those things up. It's also a reference she will have for life. YOur a good friend. Juno

In the 60, a good pair of scissors was a must, because nothing else would hold and edge and there were resharpeners in every city.

In the 70's, plastic handled lightweight scissors were introduced by Fiskars. Icouldn't afford Fiskars then, but when the cheaper ones came out I bought them and the Fiskars sharpener. I still have those scissors, and they hold an edge very well. They have even forgiven me for cutting patterns with them.

I vote for the book on altering clothing, or the Threads book of sewing tips. I may not have used the alteration advice immediately, but I read it and was familiar with it when it came time to use it. I too was very short and had a tiny waist compared to my hip size. I routinely took off waistbands, enlarged darts, and put the bands back on for pants and skirts.

For the online stuff, give her a list of 4 reliable websites. Kids know how to use the Internet better than we do.

May I say, she is lucky to have you?

Miz Spike

I found, when looking for a similar gift for Christmas, that there are some basic notions pre-packaged at JoAnn's. It had some pins, hand sewing needles, measuring tape, pin cushion, tailor's gauge and the like. I picked up one of those and a few other minor things (my father paid out the money for the really good scissors for her and a nice sewing machine that I picked out) and she seems to be doing well so far!

Good luck!

Dannielle

Have a look on my website for the list of essential sewing supplies - in the Learning Zone (URL below in sig - quite safe, as I sell nothing through the web site)

That sounds like a good idea, but also think about a general sewing manual: I like Sewing for Dummies and the Reader's Digest Complete book of sewing. There are also some good ones on altering patterns, which will give her some much needed help in making things fit when she comes to make more things from scratch. Take a look on Amazon.

My web site also has some basic tutorials for seams, seam finishing, and hems.

Oh Kate, I forgot all about your website. Shame on me! I will check it out and make sure I tell her about it, too. I also didn't think about the book "Sewing for Dummies". I love all the "Dummy" books and that would be perfect for her. I'll check out Amazon to see if they have a book on alterations.

Many thanks,

Pat in NJ

As someone who's taught various topics to newbies for ...years..., I would find something with a different title. And I don't mean the Complete Klutz or Idiots line.

The Dummies books are sometimes well-written (Dating for-- by Dr Joy Browne being one example) but the series title is pejorative and demeaning. In one of my computer courses I carefully explained this, and some of the students got upset because they'd already spent the money and they felt that the book's title spoke directly to them!

No one deserves to be called dummy, esp in a learning situation.

I'd get her a cool pincushion (TSWLTH has real pretty ones) and a bunch of colorful big-head pins. I can't live without a seam ripper, and sprung-loaded thread snips.

And sign her up on the chain's mailing lists so she gets the sales circular. Notions are often 50% off there, and it helps to know when so as to plan a re-load on elastic or velcro.

HTH

--Karen D.

Just to add another good beginner book.... I found one called Sewing 101. Can't remember who publishes it....hang on..amazon to the rescue. lol

Sharon

Thanks, Sharon. Sounds like the perfect book for my lilttle friend.

Pat in NJ