My 2nd Project

Well, hello again!  It's been a while since I last posted, but I have a good excuse.  I haven't touched my sewing machine since I made that t-shirt bag!  Couldn't post when I had nothing to write about.  What I don't have is a good excuse as to why I haven't touched my sewing machine.  Sorry.  A few months ago I was assigned to be a reporter at my work newsletter.  I decided to do a regular crafting article, so hopefully I will be more motivated to make something at least once a month so I can write about it  My first submission was the t-shirt bag.  My second article didn't require any sewing, but it was crafty!  It's a ribbon wreath.

Okay, since I am posting, I must have made/be making something, right?  Right. I made 2 Green Bag Lady bags!  I'm using them to wrap my parents Christmas presents.  I used store-bought reusable bags to wrap my friends gifts last year and was motivated to make a few of my own this year, thanks to Sew, Mama, Sew!

 I actually think I did a pretty good job with these!  I even modified the handles by sewing them wrong side out, then pulling them right side out, instead of leaving the sewn edge visible as shown in the pattern. 

One thing I didn't think about/anticipate when I decided I wanted to sew...all of the IRONING I would have to do.  UGH.  I hate to iron.  If I accidentally buy something that needs to be ironed, I usually wear it once, wash it, then it sits wrinkled in my closet until I give it away.  Ironing flat fabric was not as bad as a shirt or pants, but I was still miserable 5 minutes in.  I guess I'm just going to have to suck it up if I am going to keep learning.

My next post will be on sewing corners.  In fact, I have already failed horribly on my next project, but I will save that for another day.

I make stuff!

Well, I got a little impatient with my lessons.  I haven't even started the next one yet.  I just really wanted to make something.  I came across this website with these instructions on how to make a reusable bag from an old t-shirt. It looked easy, so I made one!  I even stepped it up a notch and made gussets.  I had to search online for gusseting (is that a verb?) instructions and I wish I saved that link.  It was super helpful.  Anyway, here are some pics of my very first creation.

Before gussets

After gussets

I Sew!

So since the last time I posted, I not only threaded my machine, I stitched a few rows!  Look!

Front?

Back?

I really stitched 7 lines, but the 4th one was so bad that I had to practice my seam ripping skills.  Turns out it is a lot easier to sew what the machine is threaded correctly.  Who knew?  I am pretty proud of those last 3 lines so I stopped on a high note.  Next lesson?  Turning or sewing corners, I'm not sure which.  I am getting really motivated now that I am seeing results!

Progress!!!

So, I see that it has been over a month since I last posted.  The main reason is that I have had nothing to write about...because I hadn't gotten any further in my sewing lessons.  I did manage to clean off my table and pull out my sewing machine.  I learned what all the parts were, then I promptly covered up the table with with sweaters, water bottles, and whatever else was in my hands when I walked in the door.  I straightened up and today?  Today I PLUGGED THE SEWING MACHINE IN!  For the first time!  Now, I still haven't threaded it yet, but I did practice running lined notebook paper through the machine.  Hey, it's a start.  I ran out of time today, but my next lesson is threading the machine.  I am on my way.

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. 

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).

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.