Sewing

In the area where I live they have a extension service through one of the Universities. They offer lots of cooking, sewing, canning, gardening, etc. Classes. check your area for classes like these. They should be more practical classes to do what you want. Hope that helps.

I would go with a Singer sewing machine if you arent planning to use it for big stuff, they are great machines, even the really old ones, and you can find them pretty cheap. Go on craigslist, and Ebay, there are always some on there for good prices. If you want a more expensive long lasting machine you are planning to use for more, like quilts, and wall hangings etc. I really like Vikings. I have one and it does everything I could ever need.

As for classes, call up or go into some of the shops that sell sewing machines and they can put you in the right direction.

Happy sewing!

Be careful in buying a used machine. The old singer sewing macines were the best ever made. But Singer Sewing Machine Co went into BK in the 1970's and stopped making them. A business man in Taiwan bought the logo and name and started making sewing machines with the same logo and name. However these are much inferior machines to the orginal. I purchased an old Singer several years ago, because it had not been used, in a long time, all of the gears dried out and had to be replaced one or two at a time. I think I may have replaced all the gears twice, costing me a lot more than a new machine would have cost. In fact my repairman said he almost refused to fix it last time because he thought I was throwing good money after bad. Finally, he noticed the flywheel was almost worn out and it's impossible to replace. The parts for the old orginal Singers are becoming difficult if not impooible to find.
I purchased a new Vicking, for $500, it never needs oiling and can sew through 7 layers of heavy denim without a problem. Think of hemming over a flat felled seam, lots of layers.
I started sewing in 1969 and can make anything from an evening gown to jeans. The best thing about being a seamstress is: I can make custom fitted clothes that are up to date styles for a fraction of the price of ready made clothes. However, because of the way ready made clothes are made it it difficult to repair or alter them. It honestly is easier to start from scratch.
Good luck and have fun sewing.

First, let me tell you that if you don't have the "gift" for sewing, classes & an expensive machine won't be worth anything. I had a P/T sewing business for years and made everything from costumes, dresses, drapes, pillows, anthing you can imagine, I've sewn it. My best friend saw me sewing all this stuff and she went out and bought a sewing machine thinking she'd just sew like I was....totally not the case. She hated it.

That being said, take it from a semi-professional in this arena, you only need a basic sewing machine. Find a reputable dealer in your area (or come to Kansas City and see/call the guys at Missouri Sewing Machine) and have them sell you a basic machine. You will never use monogramming or embroidery type stiching on the type of alterations work you have mentioned. I have used two sewing machines over the last 30 years. Both of them sewed forward, reverse & zig-zag stiching. That is ALL you need. If you forsee that you will do something that would need buttonholes, make sure your machine has that feature. Don't get dazzled by all the fancy stiches some machines make...you just don't use that for serious, non-crafty sewing. I had a Kenmore machine that I sewed on, until the reverse died, for about 20 years. I now have a basic Brother. The new machines will have electronic readouts, and that is OK.

Again, make sure sewing is your thing first...possibly borrow a machine from someone so you don't waste your money. I sewed actively until the adoption of my daughter 4 years ago. I really miss doing it. It was total relaxation for me. Best of luck and happy sewing.

I have a Singer. You may want to ask around at your church, maybe there is someone that would help teach you! You could also check the paper or put an ad in the paper!

I have a brother. It wasnt super expensive and it's lasted me for more than 5 years with no problem, and I work it hard!

I have been sewing since I was 9 years old and I hate alterations! Since that is all you really want there are people that do that really cheap. If you are going to the trouble to learn to sew then make it count - someone suggested borrowing a machine - I would start there. I see you live in Springfield - I would be happy to teach you the basics if you would like for me to - just email me privately and let me know.