The Hoboken Cafe 

I want to learn to sew. Does anyone know where I can take sewing lessons, or does anyone know how to sew and want to barter sewing lessons for other services? (Um, guys, you can save the crude jokes here! I'm thinking pet sitting, driving carless people places, or whatever else you may need....) Anyway email me if you have any suggestions. Thanks!

Corinne, You could teach yourself b/c it's not that hard. My mother is a Seamstress/Tailor, but lives in Iowa. Just find a Fabric store and buy a pattern (& supplies that you need) of something that you want to make. Start with something simple(like a top or a wrap skirt). You just pin the pattern onto the fabric, cut out, & straight stitch. I haven't done it in years, but I really think that you can learn by just doing it. Start with something simple. Things with zippers should be saved for later. Keep in mind that snaps are a lot easier than button holes.

This is all I have for you. You could always ask one of the women that do alterations at a dry cleaners for a lesson.

Thanks for the input!

my concern is that I dont know how to use a sewing machine. Like, put the thread in and stuff. I don't want to make anything too fancy -- just cool lookin curtains and pillow shams and couch covers and stuff, and decorate my storebought clothes funky, make the occasional halloween costume, bathing suit cover up, etc.

I also dont know what kind of sewing machine is good to buy. Suggestions, anyone?

A couple of suggestions.
First learn how to hand stitch. It sounds tedious (well it is), but I think it helps you to learn to align the material.

Second, get an industrial sewing machine. Most consumer machines have lots of "cool" stich types that are generally confusing and the machines don't have any kind of staying power. Try going to a thrift store, where you should be able to pick up a decent machine very inexpensively.

You might want to contact the Hoboken Chapter of the American Sewing Guild. I'm sure they would be glad to help/teach/welcome a new person to sewing.

email is sewhighness@aol.com or contact Cathleen Campbell at 201-792-7413.