Anybody know how to sew?

[MommyBird]

Keep your first piece a manageable size. Wrestling with large volumes of fabric is better left to the more experienced. Curtains may be straight lines but they are not easy to measure, cut or sew.
A toss pillow without piping or a zipper would be a good start.
Some fabrics are better for beginners as well. Very heavy, very light or stretch fabrics are more difficult to use.
Make friends with the personnel at your sewing shop. Do not buy at a big box store. You wouldn't buy a bike there would you?
A quality, maintained used machine would be better than a cheap new one.
Choose one with more basic features. You will have fewer problems and if you want to get fancy, a stand alone embroidery machine and a simple sewing machine are a better combo than one machine that does both.
Classes are a blast. They are like the sewing shop version of the group ride and are a fun social outlet.
Just like projects, start with a simpler one and move up. Single night projects are great at first because you go home with something you can be proud of and show off.

[badger]

probably the best elective I took in highschool was sewing. Even sewed my own Prom dress. It's been a great skill to know for things around the house. I alter my clothes (hems, waists) quite often.

I do highly recommend taking a class, though. If you're anything like me, I don't read instruction booklets so it's easier to see and do in person.