I’ve (perhaps over ambitiously) bought some patterns for some little mini jumpsuits for my two 1 year old nieces, and some fabric for them.
I have used a sewing machine before but it was 15+ years ago.
I wondered if anyone might be able to give me some advice and ideas on how best to practice before working on the actual fabric.
I would be super grateful for any assistance.
I think @textilestechs still do weekly or maybe fortnightly meetings that helps get beginners started, maybe attending one of those would be a good starting point. See what they advise.
the drawer in the bottom of the shelves in the textiles area is full of scraps which you can use, though for jumpsuits the tricky part will be if it’s using stretchy material, there should be some jersey to practice with somewhere, or you can buy a scrap cheap at simply fabrics in brixton or use some old cheap t-shirts, and you can sew it betwen some paper to stop the issues with puckering.
Other than that honestly give it a go with the machines we have, if you need one to one guidance (you should be able to pick it back up like a bike if you give it a go, though for threading you can see online diagrams if you google the machine make) then people tend to be in on sundays
When are you thinking of doing this? Happy to help you get started if I’m about.
I could help as well! Do you have a picture of the pattern you can share?
I said jumpsuit, but it’s more accurate to call it overalls I think. It’s not stretchy fabric in any case 
Good question. No rush but ideally I was hoping to give as Christmas present so I guess I should start soon and not put it off any longer
Looks lovely! Where is the pattern from? Would be helpful to see what they say in the blurb about it.
If you don’t want to go straight in with your final fabric you could start with a mockup in something that’s a similar weight and/or practice any seams/fiddly bits like the buttonhole on some scraps so you’re confident when you start with your good fabric.
I reckon it’s totally achievable by Christmas! Hoping to be in the space a bit in the next few weeks so can help in person if needed.
I’ll be around on Sunday if you’re around
