My Lastest Obsession - Sewing Patterns

I like sewing patterns.  So far, I have 29 different patterns.  I buy them on sale when they are $1.99 (Butterick/McCall's/Simplicity) or $4.99 (Vogue) from JoAnn's or Hobby Lobby.  When I get more skilled, I want to make every pattern.  I want to make a new spring/summer wardrobe.  I am making a sewing pattern database that I view from my phone.

Project: Skillet Hot Holder

I wanted to make a holder for my cast iron skillet. I got the idea from So Sew Easy. I had trouble making this work.  I made 3, but I didn't understand the instructions.  I will try again some other time.  Hers were so cute; mine need some work :-)

Fitgirl's Pot Holder

Craigslist Find: Dressform

My ultimate goal is to make dresses and skirts for myself.  I wanted to find an adjustable dressform.  I noticed how much they cost at JoAnn's.  I didn't want to spend alot of money, so I checked Craigslist.  Now, I have a adjustable dressform, in good condition.  The couple that we bought it from was really nice. The lady even gave me some patterns!  Not bad for $65!!  I treated myself to a early birthday present.

I was sewing on the dining room table :-).  Now, I want a dedicated sewing room in my house. 

Project: Child's Apron (My First Solo Project)!

Simplicity A1526

I took the challenge to make my niece's apron for Christmas.  I took a leisurely approach, started Friday night and finished on Sunday.

I ripped the fabric using the seam ripper, but Jay helped me to patch it.  I was under the impression that I would have to start over, but he was calm, patient, and he showed me what to do.

I am very proud of my accomplishment, and my niece will be elated with her new apron!  She is 3.5 years old, and she loves to "cook".

JoAnn's Class: Sewing 101 - Sewing Basics

I had a JoAnn's half off coupon, so I took a Sewing 101 class. There was no project for this class, but I need a refresher before starting the apron for my niece.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn basic sewing skills
• Sewing machine & tool basics
• Sewing seams
• Sewing 3-strand gathers
• Demo: How to change feet
• Demo: using the automatic button hole maker

The instructor was very good. It was a small class, and it was very hands-on.  I plan to take most of their sewing courses.

Project: Adult Apron Simplicity A1526 (My First One!!)

My Future Mother-in-Law & I

I haven't sewn since home economics in middle school.  I recall that I liked sewing, but never had an opportunity to practice since then.  My mother-in-law-to-be got me a sewing machine in July 2012.  It sat untouched for 2.5 years.

I bought a pattern for an apron from Wal-Mart.  When she was visiting for Thanksgiving 2014, I decided to get a lesson from the sewing master (yes, she's THAT good).  I was honored that she taught me.

My first project was Simplicity A1526.  I bought fabric for an Adult apron for me, and I wanted to make one for my niece for Christmas.













Lessons

1. She taught me how to read the back of the pattern envelope.
2. Two-hour tour of Jo-Ann's. We purchased fabric, thread, ribbon, pincushions, and pins.
3. Understanding the fabric layout and what to do with the large tissue paper patterns.
4. Pin and cut the pattern from fabric.
5. Thread the machine and bobbin.
6. Deciphering the language instructions. I still have trouble with this step.

We started at 1PM and finished my apron project at 11:30PM (breaking for dinner, talk, etc.).  She helped along the way, and I am proud of the outcome.
I am hooked!! Up next, I have to do my niece's by myself. Oh boy!