I have never sewn anything before, but I do have access to a sewing machine (Brother SE400). What would be the best projects to start with to get my sewing skills up to par?

Whatever you recommmend, do you have any guides for those projects?

Thanks

My 1st was a UL Event/SilNylon Bivy

Have a look at the MYOG articles.

Specifically the 5 yards to SUL series.

Start with the stuffsack from the 5 yards article mentioned

Use silnylon 2nds from http://www.owfinc.com/ or other sources - about $5.50 a yard

> Start with the stuffsack from the 5 yards article mentioned
+1

Cheers

I just got started with a sewing machine as well. I did the 5 yards to SUL stuffsack that others have recommended and it was a perfect first project. The first one took me about an hour and now I can make them in about 10-15 minutes and they keep getting better each time. I got lucky and found some very light ripstop nylon at walmart for $1.50 a yard.

I'm not sure what to do for my second project though. I have some kits on order from thru-hiker.com. I'm going to try and tackle the wind jacket.

Beginning to learn to sew has really given me an appreciation for the amount of time and the skill of craftsmanship some of the cottage gear makers are putting into things.

Pick something to make that you will use, sounds like a stuff sack or two. Pick a material that you want to learn how to use, silnylon is very slick. Have fun!

I sewed for the first time in December 2009. New Brother machine.

I'm sorry to sound negative, but you have to assume that you will screw up one or two items. That is part of the learning process. So, I highly recommend that you start with a simple pattern and some cheap fabric. Once you have your basics mastered, you can move toward more complexity with high-tech fabrics.

I started with stuff sacks, then got a rain parka pattern. The first parka was kind of a mess, but the second one works fine. A bivvy sack is easy. A silk sleeping bag liner is useful.

--B.G.--

A hammock is a great first DIY sewing project. Even if you don't end up using it for hiking, it's darned comfortable in the backyard for an afternoon nap.

JustJeff's Hammock site is where many people start. 100% of the info you need right there.

Another good choice would be an "oven" for freezer bag cooking.

Jbo

My first sewing project was the Ray Jardine bomber hat. I was amazed I was able to do it. It came out pretty well for a beginner and the instructions were actually pretty easy to follow. I also learned something about how to sew something that has a layer of something in between two layers of something else. This has come in handy.