{Are you new to sewing? Here are some tips.}

—I wrote this post a few days ago and it originally published on Muthering Height’s blog, but I wanted to share it here as well since it’s FULL of info & tips!—

Sewing is something that I not only constantly learn from, but something that constantly satisfies me. I love that it involves as much color as I want it to, that I’m able to feed my organized-self, that it provides a sense of accomplishment. There are always new techniques or tools or books to read. It’s a wonderful trade :] In November 2008 I taught myself how to sew, and by March I was selling my products through Etsy. Over the 2 years I’ve learned it’s OK to modify a technique as long as it doesn’t disrupt the quality of the end result. For example, I don’t use a zipper foot when sewing a zipper, nor do I use matching thread when I’m sewing a hidden seam.

Below are four different groupings of sewing tips. These tips are things I currently use while sewing, to help me organize my studio, or have used in the past.

Before you read my tips… Find a teaching method that works well with your learning style. If you’re a visual learning {my hand is raised}, use YouTube for video tutorials. If you’re not sure if a sewing tutorial book will be “the one” for you, visit the library & check a few out before purchasing. Lastly, remember to take breaks when sewing. Like, take an entire day off. Some times TIME is the best cure for frustration.

Good luck!
xoxo

Sewing shortcuts I couldn’t live without:
1. wind multiple bobbins at a time so you aren’t winding every time you run out
2. keep a basket of commonly-used items nearby. Inside mine is thread, scissors, a brush for removing lint, Q-tips (also for removing lint), GUSSY SEWS tags, small scraps to sew on when I adjust tension/change the stitch/etc.
3. dust/wipe your workspace, and dust it often. The less dust bunnies/threads you have on your table the less you have to pick them off your fabric
4. keep all accessories (basket, push pins & pin cushion, scissors) to the right of your machine
5. if you’re sewing multiple items, create your own production line {cut like items, iron like items, sew based on the same thread color}

5 ways to save on space:
1. use book shelves that are tall & wide
2. use a dresser (for hidden storage!)
3. use the space underneath work tables
4. re-organize your closet, placing items in order of most-frequent to less-frequent
5. create simplicity throughout your studio by creating clusters of art on your wall {as opposed to on a shelf}

Simple ways to store materials
1. Keep like things together, and keep those things organized
* fabric, zippers, shipping materials, glue sticks, thread, etc. — they ALL have their own hang-out place in a drawer or basket
2. Ikea has some fabulous storage options {I use a 3-wire drawer wheeled cart for fabric and notions}
* if you fold your fabric nicely and use pretty containers to stay organized, having see-through storage containers can be a fun way to organize {and decorate} your studio
3. Add hooks to the inside of a closet, or on a wall, to store extra materials
* how cute would fancy hangers be on the wall? drape fabric over one bar… sooo pretty!
4. Don’t be afraid to use what you already have
* remember the dresser in my studio? it’s so perfect for storing fabric and zippers, or whatever you buy in bulk

My top 5 favorite sewing “items”:
1. a cute pin cushion
2. a cute ironing board cover
3. a big rotary mat {for cutting fabric}
4. this book: Bend-the-rules Sewing
5. a good iron {with a stainless steel soleplate}