Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Sewer's block already??

Okay, so I don't really have sewer's block...if there is such a thing.  What I do have is a strong aversion to housework.  So, the little area (my dining room table that I never use) that I want to use to set up my sewing station needs to be straightened up before I can set up my sewing machine.  I have had the sewing machine for over three weeks and I still haven't plugged it in yet!  I was reading my book, but I got to the part where you have to learn the parts of your machine before you can go to the next step, so I stopped reading.  So, until I get my "self" (in lieu of another word) in gear, I am at a standstill in my learning to sew process.  I'm hoping that I get motivated to clean before the end of this week so that I can dedicate some quality time this weekend getting to know my sewing machine. 

Monday, August 16, 2010

Bear with me

I've collected a few images that I would put on my inspiration board, if I had one.  I'm not sure how wonky this will look when I try to post all of these different size images.


I saw this studded tee (on alloy.com) and like the creative pattern of the studs.  Then I started thinking about the fun embellishments I could do.
When I went to my local craft store I saw these great star shaped studs (not the one pictured but you get the idea).

Also on alloy.com but no longer available, I found this "simple" hobo bag with wooden beads on the handles. These bags are very similar to a pattern in my learn to sew book!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
I found this belt in my llbean catalogue.  I love the ribbon type belts with the d-ring.    Not a huge fan of this pattern but love the idea that it is designed like a tie.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
And, finally, my favorite inspiration:
Lulu! my puppy.  Actually my inspiration is this homemade collar that I ordered from Etsy.  I really like the fabric and it looks good on her.  Lulu! has a bald spot on her neck/chest and the vet recommended that she not wear a nylon collar.  If I could learn to make these fabric collars she would have on for everyday of the week (or month).

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Before the thread hits the needle

Hi!  I'm Lobela and I haven't sewn since 7th grade.  And don't ask me how long ago that was, that would be like asking me my age and you certainly aren't getting that answer.  Anyway, back to the sewing.  I recently decided that I needed to learn how to sew.  I just bought a house and have been having a hard time finding pillows and curtains that I like and that are in my budget.  But that wasn't all that attracted me to sewing.  I also wanted to learn to make super cute things that I could sell on Etsy or maybe even try my luck at local craft fairs and church bazaars.  I hope to make some extra money doing something fun at home!  We shall see.

But, for now, I am just excited by idea of learning how to sew.  I taught myself how to crochet using a book back in college (don't you ask how long ago that was either).  I figure I can do the same now with sewing.  So, I bought myself a refurbished sewing machine and the highest rated how-to book on Amazon.  It's called Sew Everything Workshop by Diana Rupp.  I love this book already and I have never even plugged in my sewing machine.  I really can't wait to get started, I just have to get my sewing area ready. So since I haven't even sewn one stitch, this blog it really starting from the beginning.  This book comes with 25 designs and patterns.  I want to make a lot of them.  There is even a coat I can make for my puppy!  In the first chapter, the author recommends making an inspiration board.  I have so many things that I want to learn how make now!  I'm not sure when I will get to my Etsy projects.  I'm going to start collecting images so I can create my own inspiration posts.