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Paige Handmade

You are here: Home / FAQs / Sewing FAQ!

Sewing FAQ!

in FAQs on 02/05/21

FULL VIDEO Q&A

Short Summarized Answers

(full answers in the video)

Q: How did I learn to sew?
A: I got my first sewing machine when I was 13. I began experimentally sewing from there. I made a few blankets. I tried making shorts out of an old white sheet. They were not even remotely wearable. I started sewing more seriously after my first daughter was born. That is when I made my first dress. I followed the pattern and learned so many new techniques. The execution of the techniques was not very well done, but I did it. I used YouTube to learn how to do new-to-me sewing techniques. I looked through beginner sewing books. Slowly I built my sewing vocabulary. Over the last decade and a half I have learn so much through books, YouTube, experimental sewing, blogs, other sewers on Instagram, courses, etc.

Q: What are my favorite book resources?
A: My top favorites are Pattern Making Primer and Couture Sewing Techniques. These do focus on garment sewing. For a basic sewing book try The Sewing Answer Book.

Q: How do I make time to sew with kids and chores?
A: Two things help… 1) I have a designated sewing space. My cabinet in the corner is the biggest help. The cabinet is in my living room, so I feel like I can sew and be around my kids easily. 2) I like to sew after my kids have gone to sleep and the house is quiet.

Q: Do I ever quilt?
A: Yes! You can see those beautiful works in the video. I’ve made one for each bed in my house.

Q: Do I sew for others?
A: Yes, for family and friends. No/very rarely for purchase.

Q: Where do I buy fabric from?
A: Top three places: JOANN, Mood, and fabric.com (affiliate).

Q: Where do I buy notions from?
A: 50/50 between JOANN and Amazon. You can find my recommendations in my Amazon Storefront*. I also get notions from a few shops on Etsy. My favorite place for trims, lace, or other fancy things is Mary Not Martha.

Q: Do I save my fabric scraps?
A: Yes. I even have a bag for the unusable scraps that I am saving to stuff an ottoman pouf.

Q: Do I ever struggle with getting the needle stuck or thread tangled?
A: Let me tell you, I used to, but now I very rarely do. My Sewing Machine Basics playlist will help you with that… and practice.

Q: Where to start?
A: I say start where you are most interested. If I must pick one thing then make a pillow WITH a zipper. Conquer the zipper!

Q: How do you choose a sewing machine?
A: This may disappoint you, but my first rule is: buy a sewing machine that fits in your budget. Get the nicest features you can get, but don’t spend more than you should (preach, MRS. FRUGAL!). I really like my sewing machine and here is one that is very close to it.

Q: Do I have any tips on fitting or sizing?
A: Distilling this into a few sentences is near impossible. The books I mentioned will help. Making a muslin teaches you a lot. Let practice teach you.

Q: Do I plan on teaching sewing classes live?
A: I am the caretaker of my children and they like to talk to me and run around and sing. A live class would be either a circus or after their bedtime. Never say never, but not right now.

Happy Sewing! -Paige

2 Comments

My Sewing Recommendations: Paige Handmade Amazon Storefront*

*The products linked are all products I personally have used, enjoy, or are on my wishlist! Some links may be affiliate links. The affiliate links do not affect the price you pay, but they do provide a small compensation to me. I am a participant in the Amazon Associates Program.

« That’s Sew Cool: Be Mine!
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Comments

  1. daphne Duffy says

    February 7, 2021 at 12:58 am

    You are so sweet, the first time I saw you ,was when you made your birthday dress and were so happy it fit and you cried . I felt you satisfaction and delight. I cried with you. You make me want to do better at sewing. I sewed my kids clothes when they were small ,40 years ago. and I feel I was better then, or have things changed. Thank you. Love you sewing..

    Reply
    • Paige says

      February 9, 2021 at 5:40 am

      Such a sweet note. Thank you! Every time I make a new project it helps me get better at sewing. Just keep going forward and trying new things.

      Reply

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Hi! I'm Paige... Paige

...an elf who has achieved Master Tinker status. I was relocated to the sunny land of Los Angeles, because I like to wear floral dresses year-round. I am married to the coolest nerd and Mama to two girly girls.

My mission is to take the overwhelm out of sewing, so you can go get creative and make something you love! More…

Instagram @PaigeHandmade

paigehandmade

I'm ready for spring with my new pink dress! 🌸 I'm ready for spring with my new pink dress! 🌸 Everything just came together perfectly. The pattern is @mccallpatterncompany #m7974. The fabric is from @fabricdotcom. I've linked to it in my blog. The flower-shaped mother of pearl buttons are from a shop on @etsy called Kabooco. 🎥 The full video tutorial is up on @youtube now. You can sew-along, see it in live action, and see how much the total cost was. The inspiration dress from @cultgaia is $550+. This dress is WAY less and my favorite color, so that is a win! 

#sewingismysuperpower #sewingpatterns #madewithfabric #sewingtutorial #sewinginspiration #diyfashion #cultgaiainspired #cultgaia #isewmyownclothes #handmadewardrobe #isew #customclothing
I had to shorten my new slip and decided to use th I had to shorten my new slip and decided to use the scrap pieces to make two new scrunchies. Quick and easy! I use my scrunchies when I wash my face at night. They are gentle on your hair compared to regular elastic hair ties. #sewingismysuperpower #diyscrunchies #scrunchies
I missed getting to the beach last week. I could e I missed getting to the beach last week. I could easily say that I've already failed at my goal of going every week, but I am not going to say that. I missed one week. That's not the end of the world or the end of the goal. The intention behind that goal is to go more... that's it. We picked up again this week and we will keep on going, imperfectly.
Whipped up a slip! 🧵 It was a fun draping exper Whipped up a slip! 🧵 It was a fun draping experiment. You can swipe over to see a little bit of the process. I would like the hip area to have about two more inches of ease, but it fits and is comfortable. I was so happy that I had one tiny set of rings and sliders left in my stash. Overall, it was a lot of fun. 

The fabric is from @fabricdotcom. It is Telio Rayon Crepe de Chine in the color Blush. I would describe the color as a mix of blush and lavender. 

#sewingismysuperpower #sewingproject #imakemyownclothes #slipdress #sewinglingerie #sewsewsew
Load More... Follow on Instagram

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#sewingismysuperpower #sewingpatterns #madewithfabric #sewingtutorial #sewinginspiration #diyfashion #cultgaiainspired #cultgaia #isewmyownclothes #handmadewardrobe #isew #customclothing
I had to shorten my new slip and decided to use th I had to shorten my new slip and decided to use the scrap pieces to make two new scrunchies. Quick and easy! I use my scrunchies when I wash my face at night. They are gentle on your hair compared to regular elastic hair ties. #sewingismysuperpower #diyscrunchies #scrunchies
I missed getting to the beach last week. I could e I missed getting to the beach last week. I could easily say that I've already failed at my goal of going every week, but I am not going to say that. I missed one week. That's not the end of the world or the end of the goal. The intention behind that goal is to go more... that's it. We picked up again this week and we will keep on going, imperfectly.
Whipped up a slip! 🧵 It was a fun draping exper Whipped up a slip! 🧵 It was a fun draping experiment. You can swipe over to see a little bit of the process. I would like the hip area to have about two more inches of ease, but it fits and is comfortable. I was so happy that I had one tiny set of rings and sliders left in my stash. Overall, it was a lot of fun. 

The fabric is from @fabricdotcom. It is Telio Rayon Crepe de Chine in the color Blush. I would describe the color as a mix of blush and lavender. 

#sewingismysuperpower #sewingproject #imakemyownclothes #slipdress #sewinglingerie #sewsewsew
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I have a full tutorial on YouTube if you want to see it in more detail. 

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