During the pandemic, sewing seems to be a thing that my friends are taking up (or taking up again). I learned to sew as a kid and worked in several fabric stores. It took me a long time to be proficient (and honestly, some days I wonder!), but it doesn’t take very long to make something. You will be amazed at what you can make as a first-time sewer. 

• Take a class; online classes and video tutorials are great. 
• Sewing has changed A LOT since I started. There are so many great new tools and techniques that make sewing easier and faster. If you are coming back to sewing after a long break, find some sewists to follow. I love the Crafty Gemini and Suzy Quilts. 
• Start with simple, beginner projects and easy-to-sew fabrics like cotton and quilting fabrics.
• Learn how to thread your machine and do it over and over again until you develop muscle memory for it.
• Become friends with the tension adjustment. Adjust it and see what happens; Keep fabric scraps next to your machine so you can do some test stitches before jumping into your project. Play with it, so you understand what happens when you adjust it up or down. 
• Read the manual (If you don’t have one for your machine, you may be able to find one online)
• Use good thread because bad thread breaks a lot, which will keep you from sewing and will make you sad.
• Change your sewing machine needles regularly when you sew a lot and use the right needle for the fabric and project; otherwise, it’s like cutting tomatoes with a dull knife.
• Get a good iron and an ironing pad for your ironing board, and watch YouTube videos.
• You might like a pressing board and mini iron next to your sewing machine. These have been a game-changer for me as a quilter. I have this iron. I think the Crafty Gemini does, too!
• Don’t give up. Sewing takes practice. 
• Sewing is enormously satisfying and a bit like learning to do magic.
• Make stuff for yourself, first and foremost. 
• Have fun, always.