If you want to start sewing, you’ll need a few basic supplies. Before your first lesson, we’ll be going on a  guided shopping trip together to get you the basics (for the best prices!).  Please, if you have a smart phone, download the following apps prior to your shopping trip–Hobby Lobby, Michaels’ and the Jo-Ann’s.  Also, please go to Joanns.com and sign up for their email ads, which will give you more coupons.  Other options will be discussed during your shopping trip.

**Please print the supply list.  PLEASE DO NOT PURCHASE ANY OF THE ITEMS LISTED BEFORE WE SPEAK VIA PHONE. THIS IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT!! Recommendations do change and I try very hard to save money for you. Mark off what items you may already have, and bring your printed list with you to your first shopping trip.  It’s perfectly fine if you’re starting with nothing. There is much to discuss and I would like to help with all of your choices, again so we can keep to your budget.  **Your only required pattern purchase will be a pattern for pj’s. We will talk about this more at the time of your initial shopping trip.  Bring your sewing machine owners manual and one bobbin with you to your shopping trip.

Here is a list of recommended items, but keep in mind these are suggestions only, so don’t worry if you don’t have everything.

Suggested Sewing Supplies

• Sewing machine & Owner’s manual (always have available at class time).   Sewing machines are heat sensitive and should not be left in a car.  If you have an existing machine, it is NEVER to be stored in the garage as it can be ruined.
• Please secure sewing machine on your car seat with a seat belt for safety sake if you must transport it anywhere!!  Your machine will have a softer ride on the seat with better shock absorption than when placed on the floor of the car.  Remember, your machine is an investment and should be properly cared for.  Appropriate storage of your machine after use will be reviewed.
• Rigid Carrying Case for Sewing Machine or Wheeled Tote (will be discussed during initial shopping trip).  These are optional and are for your consideration should you consider purchasing one.
• Iron & Ironing Board – lotza info will be discussed about these.
• Distilled Water (required to be purchased prior to your first in-home class.  Available at any grocery store for approximately $1/gallon).  Bottled water or tap water are NOT acceptable substitutes.
• Seam Ripper., No Coats & Clark thread or generic thread.
• Storage for your supplies in your home: Perhaps you have a cupboard in which to stash your machine and supplies.  If not, here are a couple possible options:
  • The Sterilite Large Show-off (box with typically a green lid with a handle-will typically be referred to as a “project box”)
  • The Stanley Project Box (pictured below) is a great project box on wheels for traveling back and forth to classes outside your home.  You can search for this item at Lowe’s or Home Depot for this item if desired, but not expected to purchase this.

Also check out my various blog posts about where to find your supplies for good prices, maintaining your supplies, and more.

A Note Regarding Fabric Preparation

Please, if you are using a piece of fabric that was recently purchased, or you personally have not laundered it, please wash and iron your fabric. I suggest you do the following:

1. Put your fabric in the washer, rinse cycle is sufficient.
2. Dry in dryer.
3. Iron if needed-DO NOT IRON CREASE back into material as it was when it came off the fabric bolt.
4. If you aren’t certain about how to refold it, don’t worry about that, that’s one of the first things we will do.

Why do this? Primarily it is to remove the sizing in the material from the mill as well as pre-shrink it.  Sizing is a light starch at the mill for all fabrics.  Knits are most affected by this.  As the sizing is washed out, it allows the fibers to relax, thus seeming to shrink.