Sewing Advice Please Help

A straight skirt, without pockets.
A cushion.
A tote bag.

Thankyou thankyou

www.sewmag.co.uk/free-sewing-patterns/pencil-skirt Got it!

Take a look at the Sew Direct website

Ah, I see you have found one.

When I learned to sew at school we made a red gingham apron as a first project. Said apron was then worn for Home Economics classes. Probably not that helpful for you ananimous! In terms of a sewing machine, my absolute favourite brand is Bernina. They are Swiss made, expensive and last forever. They can be bought secondhand and hold their value well.

Sew Direct, ok - thankyou Ilovecheese

Thankyou, GrainnyLaine, much appreciated

I began sewing when I was 10, started with a very plain shift dress and over the years have made all manner of clothes and soft furnishings. Skirts are relatively easy, the only fiddly bit is inserting the zip, but if you youtube or pinterest it, there should be lots of videos showing how to do it. I do think though, if you have never sewn anything before, you would be better taking a few classes first, or get a friend to show you the basics. It really isn't difficult once you get going, most of it is common sense. Good luck and happy sewing.

Thankyou yes looking at the pattern, I think I may take classes

My wonderful BERNINA sewing machine is now 36 years old
it has been repaired once only, I have saved a fortune over the
years sewing curtains, clothing etc, it is really worth paying the
extra for this amazing machine.

If you have any small girls you could sew a simple elastic waist skirt as the easiest of all. Just a tube for the required length and then make a turned -down band at the top for the elastic to go through. Or a cushion cover without a zip.

Several good sewing magazines on the market which explain things. Classes are fun and u- tube for specific instruction.

ananimous
For your first project I would attempt something that will give you instant gratification, otherwise you might be disappointed and give up.
I would suggest anything without a zip and fitting in sleeves.
Look at some very simple long shift summer dresses.

I recently returned to sewing after many many years . I went to John Lewis in Oxford and was helped to chose a machine by a wonderful sales assistant . I tried several that were on display, and settled on this one .https://www.johnlewis.com/janome-7025-sewing-machine/p231340608
She showed me all the functions and left me to ‘play’ until I was ready to buy it .

The Sewing magazines available in every Newsagent are really helpful. There are also a range of 'Learning to Sew' books around.

For a pattern, my money would be on a simple shift dress.

I’d second a Janome, I’ve got two, both from JL.
I bought a basic one and then one with a greater variety of stitches.
Neither are digital, I thought they were more likely to go wrong.

Pyjamas are a great start; lots of beginner dress making classes use them.

I recommend Janome from JL too, I've got a sewing machine and an overlocker, both are excellent. And I'd start with a cushion cover, or peg bag, just practice seams and hemming to start with. Happy sewing.

Butterick does "Easy pieces" or "Easy Stitch" patterns that are really good for "beginners! Some great simple tops, skirts etc. with clear guidance and no complicated bits. Last summer I made a really easy top and lived in it all summer . It's very satisfying wearing something you have made yourself, isn't it!

Thankyou everybody! A lot to think about there

I think a beginners class is the way to go. I’ve done classes for years and have studied couture bridal and evening wear and I’m still learning! There’s a lot to learn at first- how to lay a pattern out and so on. You could make a simple draw string bag or some bunting as a way of learning your way round the machine. It’s just practice really and it’s so rewarding! Happy sewing!

It's finding them that's the problem crystaltipps

Thankyou for taking the time to reply everyone. I've booked a course and am so excited imagining my new personal clothing range, Lol! The bunting sounds do-able anyway

If you buy any machine from hobby craft you receive 4 free 1 hour lessons.
It fantastic, I was inserting zips by lesson 3 and well away!