beginner question

[Greyhaunt]

Pattern instructions definitely assume you already have a clue about sewing! To be honest, when I started sewing for dolls I had to relearn all my old sewing knowledge because it had been so long. I ended up getting a basic "sewing for dummies" book. Even though it is geared towards machine sewing, it's an invaluable source for basic knowledge AND it does explain how to read a pattern hahahahaha

And one thing I found is if I read through the instructions and feel utterly confused - once I start actually sewing things together WHILE reading them it starts to make more sense

[richila]

http://www.amazon.com/How-Sew-Step---Step-photographs/dp/1844764788/ref=sr_1_20?ie=UTF8&qid=1321373077&sr=1-20

I started with a basic how to sew book. Mine is really old, but I still consult it when I get stuck. ( I also have how to knit and crochet books as well.) A good reference book is worth its weight in gold. I haven't used the one above-but it has pictures and is under $10 shipped.

Okay I looked once again and found a book I used to have and loved
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0895770261 I just ordered one for myself used for $4.99 and they have more.

[quidam]

Time to practice my back-stitch! thanks!

Ah..patterns...I'm glad you brought that up! I was just looking at some online and being a bit mesmerized by all of the random parts. I suppose it would be best not to do my usually bulldozing through and guessing.
I actually have a desire to make stuffed toys, but I think I'll start with the flattened easy version until I figure out patterns and all of the fancy terminology I need to know.

So much to learn!

[Alopecia No Hime]

Welcome to the world of sewing!
I think the best place to start if your hand sewing is dolly sized pillows or plushies.

I just know one stitch and I don't even know what it's called. For patterns...It's the same hard to read thing everyone else says for me. I just stick a piece of doll clothing down to paper pin it, cut it out and I have my pattern. (Used a no sleeve dress as a base for a long sleeved Kimono pattern.)

I think for a beginner simple things is a lot easier and the best I can recommend starting out with is: Socks for material wise and never give up. Keep trying and do stuff that's fun during it like listening to music or watching movies if your sewing area is in reach of a computer for your music or TV for your movies.

[catshem]

I has sewing machine and it is grand!!...Still doofusy trail and errors, but that's part of learning. My question (since this is the 'beginner' question thread) is what the heck a tailor tack is? I printed this pattern for a jacket and the author is talking about tailor tacks
(here's a link: http://www.kiwifashiondollpatterns.co.nz/jacket1_instructions.pdf) and then says "learn about tailor tacks on my How To Sew Page".... but...there is no how to sew page that I can find. :l

[Linteia]

I has sewing machine and it is grand!!...Still doofusy trail and errors, but that's part of learning. My question (since this is the 'beginner' question thread) is what the heck a tailor tack is? I printed this pattern for a jacket and the author is talking about tailor tacks
(here's a link: http://www.kiwifashiondollpatterns.co.nz/jacket1_instructions.pdf) and then says "learn about tailor tacks on my How To Sew Page".... but...there is no how to sew page that I can find. :l

Tailor's tacks are a way of marking patterns by loosely sewing it in to the fabric. here's a link with how to and pictures.

http://www.sewingprofits.com/tailor-tacks/

[catshem]

I has sewing machine and it is grand!!...Still doofusy trail and errors, but that's part of learning. My question (since this is the 'beginner' question thread) is what the heck a tailor tack is? I printed this pattern for a jacket and the author is talking about tailor tacks
(here's a link: http://www.kiwifashiondollpatterns.co.nz/jacket1_instructions.pdf) and then says "learn about tailor tacks on my How To Sew Page".... but...there is no how to sew page that I can find. :l

Tailor's tacks are a way of marking patterns by loosely sewing it in to the fabric. here's a link with how to and pictures.

http://www.sewingprofits.com/tailor-tacks/

Fwaaa thank you!!

[EAB]

Okay I looked once again and found a book I used to have and loved
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0895770261 I just ordered one for myself used for $4.99 and they have more.[/quote]

I have that book too, and was going to suggest it. It's a great book.