Sewing for the Absolute Beginner

Don't be shy.  Everyone starts somewhere.  Maybe you want to learn how to sew, but that doesn't mean you want to make an apron, a tote bag, or a pillowcase.  Or, maybe I'm wrong, and you do? Where can you go to get started?  Here's the thing.  There are lots of people out there who can teach you.  A reasonable class size can make it affordable for you to attend.  I know lots of people who are ready and willing to teach you.  So, you know what?  I'll do a survey, find out what you want to learn, and find out what teachers are ready and willing to teach.  Let's see how it all matches up!

There will be more than one survey in this series.  The first, which you'll find by clicking the link below, is to get a sense of what beginning sewers are looking for.  If you are a beginning sewer, please click below to take a quick survey.  details of survey results will be shown on this blog.

Take the survey!

I know that we will find differences based on where you live, your age, and all of those other important factors.  This one, is just to get our feet wet.  You can live anywhere, and be anyone interested in learning to sew to take this survey.  Then, I will dissect the data, and get much more specific, until we can create some great research, data, and match-ups.

Sewmark Sewing Machines

This is not a negative review... just a true one. Bear with me; BOTH the store and potential customers will get what they need to know out of this post!

(Ignore the settings, if you can see them. I experimented by adjusting the dials. Didn't help.)

My sweet little flawless monster of a Babylock serger has been acting up. It will still make a beautiful chain of stitches, but will not advance the fabric as it stitches, leaving only a tightly tangled glob of fabric in the feed dog area. I can't tell at all what is wrong. It was suggested that I oil it, which I just about NEVER think about doing. Did that, and no improvement. I knew it was time to seek a professional.

So, the store where I bought it some 20 years ago still exists in the garment district, and I figured I would inquire about service when I was in the neighborhood the next time. I stopped in to this quiet little store with no other walk-in customers, strode in with an energetic hello, and had just begun to explain that I had bought a Baby Lock machine from them about 20 years ago, when I was abruptly interrupted at the name "Baby Lock".

"We only sell Juki and Singer here," The salesman, annoyed that I even began what threatened to become a conversation abruptly shut me out of conversation entirely, turned away, and bid me a good day. Yikes.

Okay, so no offer to sell me a new one, although I could see the walls were lined with quality Singer and Juki machines. No attempt at a sale, a conversation, no suggestion for anywhere else to go (although it was quite clear where he might have suggested I go...). I got it.

As I'm leaving, another employee enters, and I considered the possibility that this might be the employee with more charm than the first. I look around just a bit at the machines on the walls, and the new guy says "May I help you?"

"Just looking", I responded, because it was true.

"Can I help you?" The first angry man shouts from the back of the store, practically simultaneously.

"Nope just looking. I'm still the same person." I responded.

There was an audible huff, and he went back to whatever he was doing.

So here's the deal. If you're in the market for a Juki, Singer, Brother, or another brand they represent, or pressing or cutting room equipment, whether for home or industrial use, you can buy one in this store. They are known for great, fair prices, and have been in business for over 60 years. If you already know what you need, and don't need any help, you will be able to complete a transaction there, and they do have quality machines. No small talk, just an exchange of money for machinery. And sometimes, that's all you need. I have to admit, that despite my less-than-friendly experience, this is still where I'd likely go if I wanted to buy any of the machines or equipment they sell.

Sewmark Sewing Machine Inc.
315 West 38th Street
New York,NY 10018