Customer Reviews

You Can Make It - Learn to Sew - Level 1 (vhs)

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I love to sew, and I am self-taught. I have been unhappy with my sewing because while I know some complicated things, there are easier things that totally evade me, and I am not always sure which procedure to use. These Video's are a joy. They are the answer for me and worth every penny I have spent on them. If you want to learn to sew this is the way.

I will preface my review with this information: I have enrolled in and dropped out of two sewing classes (one at a junior college and one at a sewing store). Several people have tried to teach me to sew, but I have always felt like a hopeless case.

I bought the "You Can Make It - Learn to Sew - Level 1" video a few weeks ago. I had no sewing experience, as I dropped out of the previously mentioned classes before I actually made anything. This video was very helpful for me. You really can sew a skirt with the help of this video. I made a skirt for my toddler and am very proud of the way it turned out. The first project was fairly simple. Of course, learning anything new takes some practice, but the video does show the skills you need.

I watched the video completely through one time and then I watched each segment right before I started working on that segment. A few times, I would watch the segment more than once. That is the great thing about this video -- you can rewind it again and again.

I would give this a five star rating, but the video seems a little outdated insofar as production. I'm not sure if it is the music or the instructor. It is certainly a minor point and I believe the sewing instruction a beginner receives is worth putting up with a somewhat dull presentation. The instructor does say some amusing things, but her voice is monotone and it is hard to tell when she is being serious and when she is being light-hearted.

One of the final segments is hemming the skirt. The instructor advocates hand hemming and does not show how to machine hem. I have recently found a message board for sewing support and many of the people there do machine hem for everyday items such as kids clothes. I know an important aspect of these videos is to learn "correct" methods. I think you will have to learn short cuts such as machine hemming elsewhere.

I have been sewing for many years and felt that I needed to brush up some of my skills and bought the "You can make it" videos. I found the teaching techniques excellent and the video lessons were well staged and I enjoyed them. Congratulations on your good work. Hope to have many more lessons

I have seen Video #1 and was viewing it for the purpose of teaching. Although, I didn't get to teach from it. It was very simple to follow and the instructor very detail in the explanation of all steps involved. I would highly recommend this video for beginners and those who need a refresher course in sewing.

I did extensive sewing 20 years ago but am just now getting back to it. Thus, I bought this series to serve as a review of sewing techniques. So far I've been very pleased.

As others have mentioned, Level 1 teaches you how to sew a simple skirt with an elastic waist. (Level 2 moves to a skirt with zipper and waistband.) My main criticism about the series is that Pam needs to be a little more enthusiastic and speak with less of a monotone. My criticism about Level 1 is that I think she should have gone into more detail about fabric selection and preparation -- a mistake at this stage could be both costly and aggravating for the beginning sewer. Thus, I suggest that this series be used in conjunction with good books on basic sewing techniques.

I also agree with the comment regarding machine hems. I think many beginners will be frustrated with discovering that she covers only hand-sewn hems in Level 1. (She discusses machine hems briefly in Level 2.)

This You Can Make It program is very detailed and me being an inexperienced sewer I was very happy to see that little extra effort put forth to help me learn the very basic skills such as cutting out patterns and reading the guide sheet. I can see the time,consideration,effort,long hours and detail in all the videos. Of all the disney movies I've watched with my kids I'd say this beats them all.I have bought all five of them each one is unique in it's own way.I began knowing nothing and now I am almost as good as Pam.

This video is a must for anybody who wishes to improve their sewing skills. The presenter instructs clearly in an unhurried style, which gives you confidence to have a go yourself. Even the experienced sewer would benefit because of the comprehensive explanations and sewing tips shown in great detail. I have watched videos by other presenters but would place this video on the top of the list.
My first purchase was a level 3 video as I have some sewing experience, and decided to buy level 1 and 2 to update and refresh my skills. This video is highly recommended.

Last year, I bought levels 1 through 4 of the You Can Make It series. These videos helped me to save hundreds of dollars, not to mention time, while I learned to sew the correct way. My only experience with sewing was through home economics in high school, but I'm now sewing my own evening dresses and furniture covers. I highly recommend it to everybody who wants to learn how to sew.

I am just learning to sew and it was like sewing with Pam side by side. I did learn proper way to set up patterns and I did complete a skirt:) The only thing is that they are a little out dated, but all the skill are there. Enjoy sewing............

The video was GREAT! It was well thoughtout and presented. The projects shown have real value. Speaking of value, I think the information presentated compared to books our classes is more focused and detailed than you could find elsewhere.