Hi - finally found my way here!

My father had a sewing machine (yes, my father), and he fixed
it up for me and gave it to me.

That was six months ago. It's been sitting in the corner
ever since. I really want to learn to use it, but I have no
idea where to start, and I'm afraid of screwing things up.

I don't know what kind of advice or info I'm looking for here -
should I get a book? I'm not sure there is a manual with
the machine. (It's not a nice one, it's an old Kenmore, I
think). Maybe I just need a pep talk.

For starters, I just want to alter things, especially stuff
I find in thrifts.

--

Kerry Keane>http://www.ripco.com/~dymaxia

I've got an old Kenmore too that I just picked up and I'm not sure how to use it. I'm trying to find something like a manual so I'll let you know if I do. If you find anything out let me know?
It is lavendar tho....so cute :)
I love it to death.

Jamie

Kerry and Jamie -
I've been sewing on several different elderly machines most of my life, and the best way to start is to dug a basic sewing book out of the public library and learn the names and functions of all the parts. It makes the entire creature far less foreboding. If you want a few basic projects to start on, email me and I'll send you the instructions for the ones I did with mt Grandmother when I first learned (oh, nostalgia ^_^) - Hotaru

Kerry,
My mom gave me her old (she used to sew my halloween costumes on it and i'm 24) sewing machine and we just went and bought a simple pattern (flannel pj pants) and got to it. My advice is go to your local fabric/craft store and ask someone what needles, thread etc you need for everyday use. Trust me, they love to think that they're bringing in fresh meat. Buy some scrap material and see what all the stitches look like. Seams Sew Easy is a great beginners book series. (Amazon's got a bunch) and they go over all the basics. But nothing helps you learn quicker than to just throw some ugly material under the needle and mess around. I just learned how to sew about a 1 1/2 months ango and i started a company selling silk purses. But don't be embarassed to admit to the craft ladies that you have no idea what you're doing, once you get past their lingo they are really very helpful. Good luck and have fun.