It’s been a busy week here in Mississippi. So much so that I decided to catch y’all up!
First – I took a sewing class with my friend Tracee last Saturday. I’ve had a sewing machine for a couple of years but could never get my threading tension to work for me. Incredibly frustrating, and I had no idea why. Well, if you watched Episode 16, then (no doubt to your amusement), you know that my whole issue was that no one ever told me to put the presser foot down after threading the machine.
I’d been trying to sew with the presser foot in the up position. For somewhere around 3 years (though very sporadically). When the lady teaching the class explained that I needed to put that down, it was like a light bulb going off in my head, and wham! I was off. I managed to sew a few straight lines on a piece of scrap fabric and decided I was going to be a master seamstress! Watch out world!
Unfortunately, the store was closing as the class ended, so I didn’t get to browse to my heart’s content. I did go back the next day, and picked up a “Domestic Diva” apron kit (not this exact one, but I can’t find the one I got online):
It’s all the different fabrics (main, accent pocket cutouts, etc) all preprinted on a one yard piece of cotton. Here’s a photo of the whole thing, freshly unwrapped:
That afternoon, I set to cutting! I got all the pieces cut and pinned in the appropriate spots. I did the zigzag thing over the edges to prevent fraying and did the seaming thingie. (very technical words today) Photographic proof even that I was the one doing the sewing:
I also learned that making straps is a giant PITA. Turning those things inside out after sewing 3 of 4 ends closed was a huge hassle and I might have busted the seam in a couple of spots and just re-sewed it on the outside (but I’m not telling!) because really, who’s going to criticize the sewing on a cupcake apron? Right.
Finally after a few hours of work, I was done! Mr. Awesome was gracious enough to pose wearing my FIRST SEWED THING and I’m very proud of it!
So YAY I have finished a sewing project! It’s not even a little bit perfect, but it’s a start! I’d love to dive into something else, but I’m not sure what yet. Any ideas for the sewing beginner? I am not much into skirts but might try one later. What other types of projects are beginner friendly?
I love the apron. You did a good job. How about trying for a totebag or purse? There are some really cute patterns out there for these items.
I have a sewing machine, fabric, patterns and stuff. You are inspiring me to I’ll drag it all out and make something soon. I was thinking of a summer cotton dress or skirt.
Project bags? You could start with drawstrings, and work your way up to box bags! Placemats if you want to try a wee bit of quilting.
Your apron is excellent!!
I have sewn one thing in about 5 years. Using this tutorial http://yarnmonster.blogspot.com/2007/01/drawstring-bag-tutorial.html I made a project bag just the right size for socks. The directions are easy to follow and perfect for a beginner. My only regret with my version is I didn’t use interfacing. I recommend using it since the bag will be able to stand up on its own. Happy sewing!!
They have little tools that can help with turning things right-side out, and in a pinch, a pencil can be helpful, too. 🙂
When I was learning to sew (lo these many years ago . . . ) one of the first things we worked on was a simple jumper. Easy construction, but you usually learn all the basics with one. Congrats on your new hobby!
That is an adorable apron! I’m surprised it is printed out flat and continuous, instead of individual pieces for individual fabrics. I saw a really cute book at Joanns with purse and skirt patterns that were quite simple, yet could be expanded upon. Though my approach to any craft is to just dive in head first. It’s never hard until you convince yourself that it is!
I love making purses/bags from Amy Butler patterns. Her instructions are so clear! I have made the Birdie Sling as well as the Frenchy bag.
Pillows or pillow covers and placemats. Pillows are easy and they help you gain cutting skills, and when your ready you can learn to put on cool edging. Helps you with seaming too. Placemats are great because if you do a semi quilted ones, you get to practice straight lines. I made some for christmas for my sister in law a couple years back and they helped me a lot with my straight line sewing. Also look at Joanns or Walmart at the craft section of the pattern books and find some easy projects that you can work on. Good luck and love your apron. — Funny you did one of these, because I just saw them listed in a Joanns flyer and was wondering what they had.