Sewing

Sewing is my newest "craft". I used to be way more creative than I am, probably because I had more time to be. I have always wanted to learn to sew. I remember playing on (and breaking) my grandmothers sewing machine many times as a child. She often did not have fabric, so I would try sewing pieces of paper towels, or old regular towels, or pillowcases, or basically anything I could stuff under the needle - thus breaking the sewing machine! I was only 8 or 9 at the time. I didn't have the patience to learn, and she didn't have the patience to teach me.

I asked Santa for a sewing machine about 5 years ago. He delivered. But I felt like a kid with a sled, but no snow. I didn't have anything to sew...no thread, no fabric, no patterns, no idea what the hell I was doing.

I usually take the week between Christmas and New Years off, as I had that year. I was eager to get to Jo-Anns for something to sew, and some advice on how to do it.  I chose a pattern, a bag for beginners, some fabric and some "notions". I brought my goods home, eager to start (and finish) my first project. I cut the pattern, traced it on the fabric, and cut it all out. I was trying to follow the directions, but it was like reading Greek - on the bias, selvage edges, seem allowances. I had NO IDEA what I was doing.

I packed my machine back in the box, packed all of my "things" in my cute little sewing box, and stuffed it all in the back of my closet (next to my unfinished latch hook rugs, partially painted ceramics, and empty scrapbooks).

Fast forward five years...my sister in law wanted to know if I had a sewing machine she could use. I laughed at her and told her she could use it, but she was on her own. She had no clue either, but I was able to follow the manual to set the machine up for her. She sewed two little rice filled heating pads/pillows. They were cute. I wanted to sew.

I scoured the internet for tutorials, and beginner projects. I had a new baby and wanted to make something for him. I was eager to get started right away, so I re-purposed a receiving blanket into a tooth fairy pillow. It came out perfect! I was in awe that I could actually create something! I purchased some clearance fabric and made a pair of baby pants with matching hat and booties. I loved it! I also made a pattern and created a baby t shirt from one of my old t shirts, collar and all. I love sewing...starting with folds of fabric and ending with something beautiful and useful.

Here is my latest project...a wet bag.

I plan to use it heavily over the summer, full of wet bathing suits, and in the near future when it comes time for potty training. I picked the fabric up for $0.50 at a flea market, can't beat that! As for the bag I started 5 years ago? That's still in the back of the closet!  I'm hoping to finish it sometime in the near future, now that I kind of know what I'm doing!