How to get into sewing

Can't find that skirt you've pictured in your mind, or want a ballgown that will be one of a kind? You're not alone.
More and more women are digging out their sewing machines or taking up the hobby if one Rotorua fabric store is anything to go by.
With hundreds of kilometres of fabrics in store, Moreland Fabrics staff have helped plenty of newbies out from colour advice to how to sew a zip.
Manager of the Hinemoa St store, Marlene Branson, said it was a mix of people coming in.
"We've a lot of people coming in who haven't sewn for years and they're starting back as well as students learning at school," Mrs Branson said.
"I think it's the economic times more than anything, plus interest. It's good to do something different, something with their hands.
"About 90 per cent of our day is answering people's questions - what fabrics to use, what styles would look best.
"Sometimes people get stuck in their sewing. It would be nice to run sewing classes but we don't have the time."
She said they had sold lots of taffeta and satins to students preparing for their school balls.
"A lot of them are making their own which is very good to see - they have something original." While it's mostly dresses customers are interested in making, there is also plenty of interest in making trousers, furniture upholstery or other fabric craft, such as quilting.
Mrs Branson is making herself a three-piece suit from fabric at $55 a metre. She has finished the skirt and is working on the waistcoat and jacket.
"I only bought a metre as I'm using other fabrics with it,' she said.
"Buying a suit would normally cost about $300 and this one is made to measure. I've made everything from nuns' habits to wedding dresses and everything in between."
There are no formal sewing classes open in Rotorua but Moreland Fabrics and Spotlight staff offer advice for when you are stuck. Spotlight have in-store sewing machines on which they hold demonstrations.
There is also Cottage Flair in Ngongotaha and the Bernina Sewing Centre on Amohia St.
Waiariki Institute of Technology offers courses in fashion technology.
 
What you need
- A sewing machine. Shop around and try demo models out before spending your money.
- Scissors - separate paper, cloth and embroidery scissors
- Tailor's chalk or fabric pencil
- Pattern
- Thread
- Seam ripper
- Pins
- Hand needle
- Tape measure and ruler
- Iron and ironing board
- Fabric