Did you know that the library has sewing machines available that patrons can use for free? Have you been able to visit the new Makerspace at the Headquarters Library yet? National Sewing Machine Day celebrates the invention of the sewing machine each year on June 13. Keep reading to discover all the ways that you can sew with the library.
Prior to the invention of the sewing machine as we know it today, people had to hand stitch every piece of clothing and other textile works. Thomas Saint patented the first sewing machine in 1790, but unfortunately outside of drawings, there is no evidence that it existed and truly functioned. It wasn't until 1874 that Saint's drawings were discovered and brought to life by William Newton Wilson. The invention of the sewing machine transformed the industry by allowing sewing to become more efficient. Today, the majority of our clothing is often made on sewing machines of an industrial scale, but their basic operations remain unchanged.
MakerSpace at the Headquarters Library opened earlier this year. Among other equipment, MakerSpace currently has multiple sewing machines available for use during MakerSpace programs such as Open Studio or Stitch Crafts for Adults. You can register for all of the MakerSpace programs and Open Studio by visiting our events page. Find more information about MakerSpace and the equipment that patrons can use on the MakerSpace web page.
Celebrate National Sewing Machine Day by attending a library sewing program. This month we have:
- Stitch & Chat: Alachua Branch, Fridays at 2 p.m.
- Stitch Craft for Adults: Makerspace at Headquarters Library, 4 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month
- Open Sewing: Makerspace at Headquarters Library, June 3 at 3 p.m.
- ArtSpace: Fiber Fun Fellowship: Hawthorne Branch, June 9 & June 23 at noon.
- Adult Summer Crafts: PRIDE Rainbow Keychains: Millhopper Branch, June 13 at 11 a.m.
- Open Sewing: Makerspace at Headquarters Library, June 17 at 3:30 p.m.
Make sure to also check out the free Creativebug database to get unlimited access to over 1,000 online arts and crafts classes on subjects like sewing, painting, embroidery, and more. All you will need to sign up is your library card.
For even more sewing practice and project ideas, check out some of the sewing books for all skill levels from the library's collection below:
Sewing For Dummies by Jan Saunders Maresh
Over the past ten years, interest in sewing has grown. If want to learn how to sew or to improve your skills, Sewing For Dummies is the book you need to get started. This complete guide to sewing basics teaches you basic hand stitches and sewing machine operation, with easy-to-follow instructions and step-by-step illustrations. You'll work your way forward to develop the skills to create or repair clothing and furnishings that fit your personal style, your measurements, and your aesthetic. Find great patterns in stores and online, give thrift store finds new life, and learn about cool new fabrics and sewing trends. You'll also get an overview of common sewing mistakes and how to avoid them, so you can take up this relaxing, creative hobby with confidence. A full-color insert brings the text to life. Enjoy the feeling of accomplishment you'll get when you use your new skills to create wonderful handmade pieces.
How to Sew Clothes: Learn with Intuitive, Super-Hackable Patterns by Amelia Greenhall & Amy Bornman
Whether you are just learning how to sew or want to reignite your excitement for sewing, How to Sew Clothes makes sewing feel possible. Greenhall and Bornman’s illustrated guidance and conversational how-tos feel just like an inviting, in-person workshop. This book will have you wanting to sew every project (and will give you all the tools to make it happen). It is also a great read, even when you aren’t in the mood to sew. How many sewing books can say that?
Gertie's Charmed Sewing Studio: Pattern Making and Couture-Style Techniques for Perfect Vintage Looks by Gretchen Hirsch
Gretchen Hirsch, aka “Gertie,” returns to her roots with a dive into beloved fashion classics, including the mermaid gown, the structured sheath (think Elizabeth Taylor), the Rose Marie Reid swimsuit, and more—plus a little fashion history, to inspire modern-day style mavens.
Sewists, thrift shoppers, and fashion collectors will love making the book's three downloadable patterns, and learning how to reproduce favorite vintage looks that fit modern figures.
Sewing Clothes - Elevate Your Sewing Skills: A Master Class in Finishing, Embellishing, and the Details by Joi Mahon
This comprehensive book for sewists who want to up their game features more than 30 different techniques to learn that will elevate your stitch work!
From redesigning ready-to-wear to sewing sequins and adding the perfect edge trim, you'll find clear and easy instruction for each technique, with illustrations and photo step-outs to guide you as you work. Included is a stitch dictionary for creative hand-sewn stitches including sheaf, shadow, feather, and more, plus a useful chart for handling and sewing a variety of couture fabrics.
Zippers, buttonholes, pockets, edge finishing, embellishments, adding bead and sequins, enhancing patterns, mastering delicate fabrics, redesigning shirts, pants, and skirts — nothing is forgotten in this complete guide.
Well Worn: Visible Mending for the Clothes You Love by Skye Pennant
From the creator of the popular Slow Stitch Club, Well Worn is a fresh and engaging clothing repair guide and accessible introduction for anyone looking to explore visible mending to revolutionize their wardrobe, whether you are a stitching pro or have never picked up a needle and thread.
Mending is a creative outlet and a slow and therapeutic skill, and author and textile artist Skye Pennant shares the joys of mending by teaching traditional darning and sashiko techniques to help fight against wardrobe perfectionism as well as fast fashion, making for gorgeous visible mending results. Her introduction includes a short history of mending followed by key techniques, fabrics, tools, and materials. Sections are organized by type of clothing to mend: Jeans & Denim, Sweaters & Knitwear, T-Shirts, Socks, and more.
My First Sewing Machine: 30 fun projects kids will love to make by Coralie Bijasson
If you love to sew, and want to share your joy of the craft with a young person, this book is for you!
Kids can sew - this book shows you how! Step by step guides and 30 fun projects for kids 7 and up.