In my last blog post, back in May, I mentioned how inspiring I was finding Fragmentation and Repair by mixed media textile artist Shelley Rhodes. I’m still working through all the tips and images in that book, and have also bought more books on the subject of textile mixed media art, including Shelley’s first book, Sketchbook Explorations.

Again, following on from my May post, I’ve added to the small bundles of fabric scraps wrapped around rusty metal objects in the garden, which I intend to leave there into the winter months to get them nicely weathered, and also to investigate how the elements affect different types of fabric.

As I also mentioned, I have rashly purchased a sewing machine. Since I have never used a sewing machine since I was at school (and then only rarely, and reluctantly, and I remained fairly bamboozled by the whole process) I was nervous to get started, and as it happens my fears were totally justified!

I prepared myself by watching lots of YouTube videos of people demonstrating how to set up and use the Singer model I’ve bought. Once I thought I’d understood the basic principles, I unboxed my machine and, with the machine’s manual to hand, threaded it up. That in itself was a long, long process that took place over several days (with much swearing along the way). 

And at first, the machine seemed to work, sort of. It did a line of reasonably okay-looking stitches. Then it snarled up. I removed the snarled-up threads, checked everything looked right, and started again. This time, an even worse tangle. At this point I must admit a few things did get hurled around the room (no, not the actual machine, I’m glad to say: I do have some self-control!).

I then flounced out of the room and informed my husband I was putting the damn machine on eBay. And I did seriously consider doing this, but I don’t like being beaten (particlarly by inanimate objects), and I’m definitely not a quitter. So I watched some more YouTube vids, this time sourcing longer, better quality ones that went into detail for the benefit of the beginner who’s never set up a machine before. I also tried to source a local teacher who could help me out in person with the basics.

[Credit for the meme above is here]

Hobbycraft turned up trumps: they offer 1-hour one-to-one sessions for a very reasonable fee (£28) and I’m booked in for my lesson on 21^st August. In the meantime, I’ve also invested in some better quality sewing thread (Gütermann, which I’m told is a good brand).

And this (below) is why I can’t quit. I have three big boxes of fabrics including lots of glorious vintage lace. All these amazing fabrics were given to me by generous, thoughtful relatives. I am longing to incorporate textiles into my work, but I appreciate now that it’s going to be a long, slow process – I still have so much to learn, and the learning is a key part of the process and definitely not an optional extra!

If you have any useful tips for a beginner with a sewing machine, please do pass them on!