Anyone take sewing lessons ??

[Slackdaddy]

I have had my sewing machine for 14 years,, I bought it to make underquilts for myself and 3 kids.
I had approx 30 minutes of instruction from a lady 14 years ago, the rest is figuring it out on my own.
My rig is an all metal White "dressmaker"
I do "OK" and can make non structural things like UQs, Top Qulits, organizers, etc.
My projects are functional,, but look like crap do to the inconsistent and sloppy stitching.

I am ready to "Up My Game"
I am thinking the only way is to seek professional help,,
Has only one take "sewing lessons" ?
or joined a local sewing club?

[cmc4free]

A firsthand teacher would be great, but have you watched any instructional stuff on Youtube?

another possibility:
https://www.skillshare.com/en/search?query=sewing

[Shug]

We had intense sewing instruction at Ringling Brothers Clown College in 1979. Clowns were required to see their own costumes. I do think a class is very beneficial.
I'm the clown on the right in yellow. Sewed all that. Camping gear more fun to make though.
Shug

me and Charlie.jpg

[DGrav]

It is amazing how quickly you can learn from in-person instruction. We've had some of our best sewers start with zero experience and after a few hours with an experienced sewer, they can make a quality quilt. We've had this with beginners as young as 16 and as old as 51.

If you can find a local cottage business in your area that sews they may be able to direct you to some good local resources. Of course, they may offer to teach you themselves if you are interested in a side gig.

[Slackdaddy]

Sounds like lessons it is !!

[gargoyle]

Ordinary sewing and lightweight gear making sewing is different in many ways.
Can a set of lessons be tailored (pun) to learn some tricks?? Sure. But the UL fabric needs some special fine tuning to sew properly. And a good machine. And practice to learn the set-ups needed, IMO.

Years ago, I talked with the local sewing shop about lessons. They knew nothing about our popular fabrics. Could they sew? Heck yes. Curtains and pillows and skirts. But not a tarp in silnylon. Explaining a underquilt with baffles and differential cuts was over their heads and like deer in the headlights they said “Um, we don’t think we can help?”, and went back to sell dress fabrics to the ladies. Just being a guy in the local shop seem to set off the ladies weirdo alarms.
Lots of gear making vids to glean info on YouTube etc may be a better choice?

[cmc4free]

Shout out to a fellow HF member, though she may not be active here anymore.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCis...cdsckZw/videos

[Slackdaddy]

More good ideas,, Thanks.

[sherlock50]

Years ago the local Singer shop offered lessons in the basics. May be an option.

[dwighop]

The explains a lot about your amazing videos and personality. Always look forward to learning from Shug.