Wednesday 6 February 2013

Sew..........

 








I'm determined to sew.  I have'nt done so for years..................
 
I recently started to tackle my mending pile.  I loved sitting there quietly hand sewing away.  Baby steps.
 
Last year a friend gave me the gorgeous jar above, filled with sewing bits and pieces to get me started.  She also included vintage cotton reels and lace.  I love it and up until now have never wanted to use it.  It's like the lovely notebooks I buy, too pretty to use.
 
I have my sister's old sewing machine and have had it serviced.  I'm already to go.  I just need to fill my vintage sewing basket that I found in an op shop.  It's huge and has loads of space.
 
So lovely readers, what are the must haves that I will need for my sewing basket?  Good basics to get me going.

I'm a huge fan of anything Cath Kidston and have her book Sew.  There are so many projects in here that I want to try.
 
 
 
I will keep you updated on my "doings" - good and not so.
 
Wish me luck!!!

25 comments:

  1. Elaina you'll love it! I find it to be therapeutic until I have to unpick something! So0 have one of those in your stash. I'm working on bits and bobs at the moment... My problem is that I have too many projects all going at once. Hmmm... Time to finish one I think!

    Sophie xo

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  2. Sewing is addictive once you get going. The endless list of things to make- clothes, cushion cover, bunting, curtains, tote bags.
    As for a few basics for the sewing basket-
    scissors- sharp fabric scissors, pinking shears, and little ones for thread cutting
    unpicker
    dress pins
    pin cushion- could be one of the first things you make

    x

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    1. Thanks Zara. Great idea about the pin cushion. Will have a look online for some ideas xo

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  3. Oh your basket is 'sew' lovely. Enjoy your trials and success's. I find seeing very therapeutic! Hazel x

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  4. I wish you so much luck! I'm looking forward to seeing everything you try! Good for you! I will have to check out that book...I hand sew (nothing to write home about) but I don't have a machine. Your basket is fantastic! I have been on the hunt for one but no luck! And what an awesome friend to give you such a pretty sweet gift!!! All the best girl and heres to making and creating!!!!

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    1. This book has loads of little projects that you could hand sew instead of using a machine. xo

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  5. Sewing is a skill that you will love having. It is something I always go back to. Handmade toys, aprons, clothes, cushions - it's so much quicker than knitting or crochet - and so satisfying.

    You don't need much to start. Ignore all the fancy gadgets I'd say and spend your money on a very good pair of scissors and only use them for fabric - paper blunts them, add a small pair of scissors for threads, an unpicker - because accidents happen, and a set of good glass headed pins. Not plastic. That way you can iron over them and the heads won't melt! Pick up a tape measure and you should be ready. You will probably find you will add something to your basket with each new project you try and you will slowly fill that basket up and wonder that you ever thought it had loads of room! :)

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    1. Thank you so much Christina for all of your very helpful advice. I armed with a great list. Can't wait to get started now. xo

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  6. How gorgeous is your sewing basket, it's beautiful. I am in awe as I am not a sewer outside of making a pillow case dress and straight lines. I look forward to seeing your creations. xxx

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  7. I think you will love it. Though I struggled at first with the process, only aiming for the end result (which was not always good!) I will say that you find the whole process enjoyable with time.
    As for essentials the biggest things are a reliable machine and good scissors. Stock up on various needles - universal, jersey, denim etc so that when the need to sew strikes you have the right needle. Also some basic poly thread is good to have on hand. Sometimes you can score this op shopping, as you can buttons and other sewing items like ric rac. Good luck!

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    1. Thank you Tania. Have a really good list thanks to you and my other readers comments. Love this blogging community. x

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  8. Well you've done the first thing, make sure it all looks beautiful! My absolute is sharp scissors, I was very grumpy when I realised my girls had used mine to CUT PAPER!!!! Happy sewing! :) x

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  9. I've been sewing on and off since I was in my teens, when I used to make all my own clothes. I haven't done much recently apart from cuartins, but once learned its a skill you never forget. Your lovely workbasket is almost identical to one my lovely husband bought me about 25 years ago, except that mine is cream and natural wicker, I love the blue colour scheme. Happy Stitching,
    Joy x x

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  10. sorry that should be curtains!

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  11. I want to see again too! When my babies are a little older and won't be finding needles I think. Good luck with your first sewing project! You'll love it I'm sure xx

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  12. good luck, show us what you come up with xx

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  13. Wonderful - we can navigate this sewing journey together! Look forward to seeing your makes. mel x

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  14. Lots of good advice above. I agree tape measure, unpick, sharp scissors and a pincushion essential. Definitely look in the oppies for buttons, ric rac etc and some vintage sheets. I am more than happy to send you a little bundles of FQ vintage sheets if you like that kind of fabric, to get you started, just email me your details. Love your basket btw. mel x

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    1. Wow! Thank you so much Mel. I love vintage sheets. Can't wait to get started. xo

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  15. I'm very excited about your new venture, and can't wait to see what you decide to make first.....
    My top tip is one of those unpicker-things (not sure of the technical term). I use mine ALL the time!!!
    :-)
    Carly
    x

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  16. Yay! I'm glad you like the little jar of goodies I gave you so much! was that a year ago! I'm looking forward to seeing your sewing creations, come over if you need any tips or to use the overlocker. Your sewing basket is very cute xxx

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  17. I have that book but have to confess I've not used it much. I'd recommend some really good, sharp scissors and some lovely fabric.

    Gillian x

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  18. Yay! Enjoy - youll be hooked before you know it. As for a list of supplies, pretty much what Zara and Bungalowgirl said... Tape measure, unpicker, sharp scissors (big ones for fabric and little sharp ones for snipping threads), pincushion and pins. Disappearing fabric markers are handy, too.

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