Web sightings: Sites that teach sewing

With season 10 of "Project Runway" under way, and using season 9 winner Anya Ayoung Chee as inspiration -- she had been sewing less than six months before joining the competition -- it's time to learn how to sew.

There are two websites we especially liked where you can start with basic techniques and construction, and then advance to more sophisticated projects. The flashier site is Threads (threads magazine.com), which is not only colorful, but has numerous instructional videos, including its "Teach Yourself to Sew Series." Although there's much you can glean for free, as you advance, you will have a join to access other materials. Annual membership is $32.95, but there is a 14-day free trial.

Although it no has no bells and whistles, very little color and no videos, sewing.org offers much excellent instruction for free. Beginners should proceed to the Guidelines for Sewing link, where there are easy-to-follow PDF directions and tips on everything from buying a sewing machine to how to make a covered button. Any of these PDF files can be saved to your computer. You'll also find projects, a blog and a link to upload photos of your sewing room.

SITES threadsmagazine.com and sewing.org

DESCRIPTION Written and video instructions to assist in sewing

TARGET AUDIENCE Beginner to advanced seamsters

BOTTOM LINE A stitch in time saves money and promotes creativity.