Reddit mentions of "Reader's Digest" Complete Guide to Sewing

Start with a simple project, a a-line skirt, a set of placemats, or throw pillows if you're super new...

Below is a list I've sent to several friends:
Buy a used copy of the Reader's Digest guide from the 70's
https://www.amazon.com/Readers-Digest-Complete-Guide-Sewing/dp/0276001826/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1471039067&sr=8-2&keywords=reader%27s+digest+guide+to+sewing

It is my bible. I go back to it again and again for vocabulary and technique. I forget why I bought the older one, I think some blog told me the newer version is not as good.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1ztfF0-cd4VX27ItjMoGEg
This blog has tutorials for every technique. This woman is my sewing guardian angel, she has the best videos. I wouldn't be able to sew without her. Basically when I started sewing I watched her video before beginning any new step i didn't know. Stitch in the ditch, watched her video, then did it. Hemming, watched her video then did it. Putting in a zipper, watched her video then did it.

Scissors, get a good pair of these: https://www.amazon.com/Gingher-01-005106-Lightweight-Trimmers-9-Inch/dp/B0001DUPB0/ref=sr_1_31?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1471039933&sr=1-31&keywords=gingher+scissors

You'll need to start with:
Pins: just buy silk ones with glass heads, they're like $10, but worth it

Measuring tape 60": should be like 1 or 2 dollars

hand sewing needles

sewing machine needles: you'll get a couple with your machine, but use a new one for every project

bobbins: make sure they're the right ones for your machine

seam ripper: get the best one you can find, it will be your biggest ally,

Pin cushion: just a basic tomato one will do, but there are cute cactus ones now that you can make: http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2015/07/cactus-pincushion-diy.html

a good iron: you probably have a bomb one right now, but upgrade if you're still on your $15 black and decker model

invisible marker/ water soluble market: better than tailors chalk, i have a double sided marker

a magnet: to pick up dropped pins (good to have especially at first) any kind will do.

Anytime I start a new garment that I'm not sure about the technique or fit, I make a muslin. Basically a 1st draft with cheap $2 a yard fabric, and then I have the fit and techniques down before I do the real thing.

Start with just making square pillows, then a duvet cover, then pillow cases. Then a pleated skirt.

I prefer McCalls patterns, I generally like their fit and they aren't overly complicated while still being stylish. Like this one: https://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m7253
I usually order my patterns online when there's a sale. There's not a great place to buy patterns in the city, but if you're in Princeton and there's a Joann's nearby you can find them there usually on sale. Don't ever pay full price for patterns, they go on sale like every month, and go from like $20 to $4.

Most important thing is that sizing is completely different. I'm usually a size 12 in patterns, they're more akin to British sizes, but you just match your measurement, for a skirt, your waist, and match that measurement to the patterns sizing.

As a short person, I don't expect anything to fit me right out of the envelope.

I like older sewing books because they give a lot of information on how to change patterns so that they fit you. Newer books probably work well also, but I'm used to the older ones. My favorite is the Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing http://www.amazon.com/Readers-Digest-Complete-Guide-Sewing/dp/0276001826/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1407719503&sr=8-4&keywords=readers+digest+sewing+guide

I agree with the first poster on making a junk version first out of cheap fabric. It'll probably take more than one try to get things looking right. Some things can be changed after you cut out fabric. Some things can't.

>The information on the web is of uneven quality.

This is too true. As much as I love the internet as the gateway to endless information, it's not always the best teacher. For picking up a new hobby I find that books are a great resource! Especially older all-in-one books such as the Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing. They'll have a much more complete overview of the proper way of doing things than random sewing tutorials on the internet.