I have said for AGES that I really want to learn how to sew. Well, after much frustration and many givings-up, I am really learning this time. Part of my frustration, is that I have a very old machine:
Sorry for the awful picture, I took it at 6:30 this morning. It’s a Dressmaker Stretch Stitch sewing machine (model S2402), and I believe it was made in 1977. It’s a great machine (so I’m told), but it’s intimidating. It’s not like I can pick up any old sewing book and figure things out. It even came with these embroidery cams for special stitches
I don’t know that I’ll use them, but I guess it’s neat… I’m not sending out copies if my manual, but you can download one here for $10, and here is a free threading diagram.
Anyway, here is my first, almost-complete project:
It’s a baby bib. I need to fix the left side a bit and sew on some velcro and it will be done! Jason was impressed with my first project, even though I think it looks a bit wonky. I guess that’s to be expected for a first project though. My first knitting project was extremely ugly…
Here’s what I’m working on now (again 6:30 am lighting…):
If you can’t tell, it’s an apron. My stitching is not very straight, but it seems to be coming along nicely. I was impressed with myself that I figured out the basting stich on the machine, even though I had to rip it out once. I just have to stitch up the ties and finish the waistband, and it will be finished. I have nightmares about the apron I made back in Junior High ~ my only machine sewing experience. I must have ripped out every seam at least 3 times. Put me off sewing for a good 17 years!
Knitting-wise, I’ve made absolutely no progress since my last post. I’m bored with all my WIPs and went to pick out a new project and found I didn’t have the right size needles. Sigh. I hate when that happens. So, I cast on for something incredibly boring:
Grandma’s Favorite Dishcloth pattern out of some cotton yarn I got in one of those Target kits ages ago.
August 15, 2007 at 3:03 pm
learning to sew is like learning to knit. start with simple projects to learn the basics, then build your skills. yes, there is ripping involved…even for someone who has been doing it for years.
August 16, 2007 at 11:46 am
Good luck with the sewing! I have a machine as well and have tried numerous times to sit and sew and make something. I think that I need to have one of my friends sit down with me and teach me everything that she knows about sewing!
August 16, 2007 at 1:44 pm
My 8yo daughter was excited to see you are knitting the same washcloth pattern that she just finished!
August 18, 2007 at 10:17 am
I love the sewing projects! I dream of one day learning to sew as well. And, I may have to steal that apron. It is so cute!
August 20, 2007 at 2:25 pm
I’ve just started back on the sewing kick myself. Still very much a newbie but I’m just a email away if ya need help. And I think your machine looks very cool - a classic. Better than a lot of the new cheap machines out today. Hugs and stuff…
February 18, 2008 at 3:02 am
I came across to your site when looking for dressmodel s2402 sewing machine. I am new to sewing and got the machine from garage sale. No manual. Can you guide me as to how to get manual and learn to use it
August 20, 2008 at 8:44 pm
My Aunt bought a Dressmaker S-2402 at a garage sale. It did not come with the manual. She keeps having to have it repaired. Can I help her obtain a manual for little or no cost?