self taught? classes?

[Former_Member]

Since opening an Etsy shop in November, I have thought a lot about what I know (or don't know?) about sewing. I am 33 years old and I've been sewing my whole life but other than 3 years of Home Ec in Junior High School, I have had no formal training. I'm entirely self-taught and most of that is through trial an error. I rarely have sewed for other people, I have always sewed for myself - curtains, simple clothing, costumes, bags, purses, aprons, casserole carriers, pillows... whatever I decide I want to make.
What I have wondered since starting this Etsy store is... what DON'T I know about sewing? I don't even know what I don't know! I know I know nothing about interfacing LOL, and that's pretty basic stuff! So what else don't I know? I bought a rotary cutter and cutting mat back in December. I found I wasn't very good with it so I watched a youtube video and got some great tips (such as using canned vegetables to weigh down the fabric while marking/cutting it... weigh down the fabric? that never crossed my mind before!).
Realizing how little I know is making me very self-conscious among other sewers/crafters.
I wondered, are you guys self-taught? How have you gone about learning more about sewing? I've been looking for sewing classes available in my area but many of the classes (all of them?) seem SOOOO basic. Like I don't need instructions on threading a machine. I'm afraid I'm going to have to take those seriously basic beginner classes just so I can pick up those basic skills I've never even realized I haven't learned even though I'm going to be a lot more experienced than the other students. Lucky for me, I have a very good friend who is in the same predicament. She's in her 40's, makes and sells beautiful purses and bags, but like me she has had very minimal instruction so also feels concerned there is a lot she just doesn't know.

[Former_Member]

I feel ya!! There are adult classes with very experienced sewers that you can attend. I wouldn't be too worried about what you don't know. Believe in yourself!! And embrace what you do know!

[BoutiquePatterns]

I personally think that anyone who really wants to learn how to sew, can learn from the internet, you can find there everything you want and need. To be a little more professional in sewing - I took personal lessons from a professional sewer, it really upgraded my sewing...

[Former_Member]

I agree. But it seems as though your items are amazing!

[Former_Member]

I'm self-taught as well! I didn't even take Home Ec in school (it wasn't offered so I took Art and Ceramics instead). But I have read TONS of blogs and I have lots of sewing books that I read over and over and I watch lots of YouTube videos on things that don't make sense from just reading.

Like BoutiquePatterns said - you can learn anything on the internet nowadays!

[Former_Member]

Even though my mother can sew pretty much anything, and she taught my sisters to sew, by the time I came around I guess she never thought I'd be very interested. Funny that I'm the one trying to make a go of it here. So, other than middle school Home Ec., I'm also self-taught. And, yes, I have found tutorials on youtube when I needed to learn a new skill. For more advanced instruction, check out Craftsy for more specific topics.

[ClassA]

Everything I have learned was by try and error OR mostly from reading and watching sewing shows on the public broadcast station. The best one I have ever found is Shirley Adams. She is no longer on TV that I know of, but as far as I know, you can still buy her books and videos. You may not be interest in all of the items that she makes but she will show you different ideas of what to do with each technique that she shows you to do. For instance, she may show you how to make pin tucks then she will give you some examples of how to use them in different places. She is excellent with teaching how to alter a pattern or change darts. She is just wonderful! At first when I started watching her I was turned off but stick with it. You will be glad you did.

And that is my two cents worth.

[ClassA]

I forgot to tell you the name of the show was the Sewing Connection.

http://www.sewingconnection.com/