Actually, I've been in posession of a wonderful, brand-new, fancy sewing machine for several years. Dakota once gave me a Viking Huskystar as a birthday gift, but, until this month, I'd never even taken it out of the box. I was waiting until we found a space to set up a crafting table, but I recently faced the reality that, in a tiny house like ours, that day might never come.
What really motivated me to start sewing, though, was signing up for the sewing 101 class at machine project. After eyeing this class for a while, I finally took the plunge two weekends ago. I'm very glad I did. The instructor, Annie, was extremely helpful and encouraging. Setting up a sewing machine can be a bit intimidating, but she walked us through threading the needle and the bobbin and getting the hang of sewing with the different stiches. Then, we moved on to individual projects.
After flirting with the idea of making a dress, I opted instead to make a stuffed toy. I searched around the Internet and found a really cute stuffed pig pattern for free (my favorite price). Happily, I also already had some very nice fabric that I pulled from my grandmother's massive stash after she died. (Not learning to sew from my extremely knowledgeable and talented grandmother is a big regret of mine. What was I thinking? Teenagers are so dumb.)
Anyway, I'm not saying the pig came out perfectly. But, I think it's pretty cute.
I think I'll make another pig, just for the practice, and then probably branch out into other toys and maybe a skirt or something. Annie also taught me how to alter clothing, which I think will come in very handy with thrift-store finds.
My big plan is to create some of my own stuffed animal patterns and make some great personalized baby gifts for all my friends who are getting pregnant. Then, when I have my own kids, hopefully I'll be good enough to make them toys and clothes. My grandmother always made my sister and I the cutest, prettiest dresses and nightgowns. I'd love to be able to do that for my children.
Here's a question for other crafty bloggers out there: Can you suggest any sewing books, fabric stores (online or in LA), blogs or other sewing resources I might find helpful? Keep in mind I'm very much a beginner.
I already have the Built by Wendy book Sew U
, and I've discovered some great blogs including the Craft blog and Softie Making. But, I'm always interested in learning more and getting inspired by cool crafting blogs. Leave your suggestions in the comments, please!
Good for you ~ the pig is adorable. I'm not a very advanced sewer by any stretch, but check out this link: http://www.burdastyle.com/
They have great patterns (some of them free, although I hear that may be ending), How Tos, and a Sewpedia section. The main thing you have to learn is - don't be scared. It's just fabric.
<3 Julie
Congratulations on taking up another hobby, which just happens to be my particular most-loved one. My favorite sewing book these days is Bend-the-Rules Sewing. It's aimed at beginners, but the projects are so great that everyone wants to make them. There is a Flickr group, too, where you can get all your questions answered and see what other people have made from the book.
love your pig!
will add a second to bend-the-rules sewing. as well as pretty much anything by lotta jansdotter. i keep returning to her simple sewing book...
so many blogs - amy karol aka angry chicken is great (author of the aforementioned bend-the-rules; also melissa of allbuttonedup. links from their sites will take you to more goodness as well.
have fun!
The pig is adorable! You're really an insiration for things I want to do. Keep it up!
You should check out Sewing Arts Center in Santa Monica. It's a great store and they have lots of classes.
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