30 Sewing DOs & DON'Ts!

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Readers, who doesn't love a list?  I know I do.  And they're just as much fun to write as they are to read.  Well, almost.

Anyway, I thought compiling a dos and don'ts of sewing list might be a good challenge, and I hope you'll let me know what you think.  Of course, this list reflects my experience; you are welcome to disagree!

With no further delay....

Peter's SEWING DOs

1. DO sew only projects you're excited about.

2. DO start an important project with a fresh sewing needle.

3. DO clean your sewing area and the bed of your sewing machine thoroughly (I use rubbing alcohol) before sewing with light-colored or white fabric.

4. DO give yourself a break between projects.

5. DO keep your sewing area clean -- or cleanish.

6. DO consider sewing with a vintage sewing machine, if only for the experience (you might prefer it).

7. DO keep a spare sewing machine (you'll stumble on a cheap one at a thrift store eventually).

8. DO pre-shrink your fabric if your fabric is apt to shrink in the wash.

9. DO press as you go.

10. DO learn how to maintain your sewing machine.

11. DO organize your sewing notions so you know where to find them next time you need them.

12. DO invest some time figuring out thread tension for your sewing machine.  (It's just two disks and a spring.)

13. DO create a dedicated sewing space.

14. DO learn from your mistakes.

15. DO share your sewing knowledge with others.

BONUS DO!

16. DO talk up sewing when you can -- young people need to know it exists.

Peter's SEWING DONTs

1. DON'T sew when you're feeling exhausted.

2. DON'T rush.  Another day won't make a difference and you'll be wearing your project (hopefully) a long time.

3. DON'T sew for others unless the idea brings you joy.

4. DON'T buy the cheapest new sewing machine you can find at Walmart, Kmart, etc.

5. DON'T use cheap interfacing.

6. DON'T fall for every bell and whistle available on a new sewing machine; you'll never use most of them.

7. DON'T iron with a dirty faceplate.

8. DON'T beat yourself up if your garment doesn't come out perfect. 

9. DON'T sew under poor light.

10. DON'T put water in your iron if you're ironing a fabric that's water-stainable.

11. DON'T keep every last fabric scrap for the fantastic quilt you will (never) make someday.

12. DON'T forget to clean out the fuzz beneath your throat plate periodically.

13. DON'T overlook refurbished machines; they're just as good as new imo.

14. DON'T set unreasonable standards for yourself.

15. DON'T force yourself to finish a project you've lost passion for.

BONUS DON'T!

16. DON'T hoard -- anything.

So what do you think, friends?  Has this been helpful?  What would you include on your do and don't list I haven't included here?

Are any of my dos your don'ts or vice versa?

Jump in!