Learn Sewing your way with a TakeLessons expert

The energy that my first time sewing students bring to the very first class is wonderful. They are so excited about the creative possibilities that learning to sew will bring them. Often this excitement is tempered by the fear of using a sewing machine. I start by encouraging them to do some easy sewing projects for children, so they can get comfortable with using a sewing machine. It is also a great way to learn some very basic sewing skills. The following projects are quite simple, quick and u

Happy first day of spring! Now that the days are longer and the weather is warmer, it's the perfect time to start a new hobby. And don't worry -- there are tons of hobbies to choose from that don't require expensive equipment or pricey commitments. In fact, many of these cheap hobbies can actually save you money in the long-run. Check out our recommendations below, and see what sparks your interest! 1. Languages Did you know that learning a second language can increase your brain power, ex

Want to improve your sewing skills? In this guest post, Yesterday's Thimble blogger Lisha Vidler shares 15 sewing tips to help you take your seamstress skills to the next level... Are you looking to improve your sewing skills? If so, you're in luck! Today, we'll be learning about some sewing tips from a sewing expert. These tips can help beginners and experienced sewers alike.  So, whether you're just starting out or you've been sewing for years, read on for some helpful advice. What

Have you found a great pair of jeans, but the length isn’t what you need? If so, you’re in the right place! We’re going to teach you how to shorten jeans by hemming them at home so you can get your perfect fit. Because who likes to pay alteration fees? Whether you’re looking to hem your jeans with a sewing machine or by hand, we’re going to give you easy-to-follow steps for both. We'll also share how to do original hems and hem skinny jeans with you. And, if you need extra help

Blogs and online resources can be a huge help when you're taking sewing lessons, but which blogs are the best? Here, Glendale, CA sewing teacher Marie B. shares her picks for the best sewing blogs and online resources... In the ocean of information that is the Internet, it can be daunting to find the right information when you need it. One can easily get lost in the myriad of blogs and websites. I have put together a list of some of the best sites for sewing tips, sewing tutorials, sew

When it comes to sewing, if you’ve only familiarized yourself with the basic running stitch, then it’s time to broaden your horizons. There are many different types of sewing stitches that allow you to achieve certain goals. For example, if you want to sew an eyelet, you’ll want to master the blanket stitch, but if you’re looking to add a clean finish to a raw edge, go for a zigzag stitch using a sewing machine.  In our hand sewing and sewing machine stitch guide, we’ll review

Patternmaking for most beginners seems mysterious and intimidating. It is a subject a lot of sewists try to avoid. As a professional working in the fashion industry for more than a decade, I had the same fear as many of you. It took lots of trial and perseverance to overcome challenges, and carve out a successful career. The First Step is to Make Mistakes! Many of my students are worried about making mistakes. They want to be sure every step they take is correct. Multiple attempts and fai

  As the holiday season approaches, these holiday sewing projects will help you get into the spirit! So whether you're looking for some festive holiday decor or some DIY gift ideas, make sure to bookmark these fun, festive holiday sewing projects... Craft Sewing Projects   Lovely Scissor Holder   There’s no point in starting your holiday sewing projects without an organized sewing kit. Otherwise, you’ll never be able to find what you need. This DIY scissor holder wi

Just as with learning any new skill or hobby, when it comes to sewing, you’re going to be faced with a ton of sewing terms. Before threading your needle and diving right into your sewing projects, it’s a good idea to learn some of the most popular sewing words and phrases. Whether you’re focusing on certain sewing tools or discovering different techniques, understanding sewing terminology can give you a strong foundation, making it easier for you to progress. Maybe you’ve heard th

You may have rolled your eyes as soon as you saw this title of this post because it is 2021 and sewing a patchwork quilt is not even on your radar. You may also have immediately relegated this project to your retirement years, when you imagine that you will have endless amounts of time to learn to make a quilt. I bet if there was a fun video on a certain app about a patchwork quilt making challenge, you would have watched it and maybe even attempted it. I will do my best to make this project as