Today I started my very first sewing class.
I was excited and so very nervous.
Like most, I took sewing subjects at school and that is where it ended. I have my sisters very old sewing machine, which for sentimental reasons I have never been able to part with or upgrade. I had it serviced a while back but has since stayed put in its bag.
I just never knew how to get going. Luckily for me we have More than Fabric here in our town, some of you may know the wonderful mother and daughter team who run this amazing fabric filled patchwork and quilting store. These ladies are not only running this beautiful store but are creating a creative community here. On my visits there are always ladies popping in with various craft projects, who stop by for a chat, tea and some making.
I had been chatting with Fiona about quilting and how I had always wanted to start but lacked the confidence. When it comes to sewing, I am an absolute beginner. So I signed myself up for some classes.
And that's where I was today, bliss. And I go back again next Wednesday.
I dropped the kids at Em's this morning and then hot footed it to the shop along with my machine and butterflies in my stomach.
Time flew. We chatted lots, I asked loads of questions. We drank tea. Cut fabric and got to finally set up my machine and sew.......after Fiona showed me how to thread my machine - I had forgotten. And change my needle.
I'm not only learning new sewing skills but am at the beginning of a quilting journey. See the square above..........I did that! My old machine and I.
Today was just the boost I needed. A good nudge in the right direction. The above square will be added to and made into a placemat sized mat (perfect to sit under my machine). It will incorporate the start and sound basics of quilting. I will get to practice measuring, and cutting, pinning, stitching and binding.
My hope is to one day make a quilt from my many FQ's of retro and vintage sheets that I have been collecting. And then go onto make quilts for Bell and my boys.
I can't wait to go back next week. I will take a few more photos next time (row after row of material ladies....heaven) I was just so absorbed in what I was learning today that I only remembered towards the end. I can sew a straight line.......there is no stopping me now.
What are you learning at the moment. Have you started a new skill? What made you decide to take the plunge?
Any sewing or quilting advice, hints or tips?
Well done you! The square looks great and I bet your machine enjoyed it too. Have lots of fun learning and practicing your new skill. xx
ReplyDeleteVery cool! I would love to take a sewing class, but right now I am learning to knit! I have just finished a vest for my 1 year old and it was actually a lot easier than I thought. Before now I had only knitted a scarf and some dishcloths so I am feeling rather chuffed with myself (YouTube is my new best friend!) I can not wait to start my next project, just have to decide what it will be!
ReplyDeleteI tried knitting but was hopeless. I may give it another go next winter. I would love to be able to crochet too xo
DeleteI just learned to crochet, made a few blankets, Am keen to learn to sew as well! I dream of bunting. lots of it for all different occasions
ReplyDeleteI wish I could crochet, I have started but I have a long way to go. I love love love bunting and hope to be making my own soon xo
DeleteAwesome square, and how lucky are you to have a creative resource at your disposal in that mother and daughter team. You have already learnt some key steps for being a successful quilter, so I can see you are just going to soar from here, and I will be watching your progress and cheering you along the way. As you know, Youtube taught me how to crochet and embroider last year, but I'd like to get into more sewing and DIY projects too.
ReplyDeleteWell done for getting out there and committing to a class! I would love to do sewing classes, hopefully next year when my youngest goes to school. I mostly bumble around making it up as I go but I too am itching to cut into my vintage sheet stash and sew up some quilts and bunting. Enjoy learning such a wonderful skill! mel x
ReplyDeleteQuilts and bunting are on my wish list xo
DeleteOh good on you Elaina! Love your square. I really need to get to a sewing class, maybe next year when the twins are at full-time school. My poor machine has not seen the light of day since last Summer holidays....I'm just knitting and crocheting in any spare time really. Happy sewing! Mel x
ReplyDeleteThat's the good thing about knitting and crocheting, it's easy to pick up and put down. I'm trying to sort out an area, away from little hands that I can set my machine up and keep in out. xo
DeleteThis is very exciting news! And your square is SO neat!!!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see what else you'll make in class.....
Carly
x
Thanks Carly, I did unpick it a couple of times though! xo
DeleteHow wonderful, looking forward to seeing what you will make! :) x
ReplyDeleteWow, loved this post! I feel the same way about wanting to get into sewing, have bookmarked More than Fabric, looking forward to starting in the future when my baby is a bit older.
ReplyDeleteI stumbled across your blog recently from a review of the Family Design Store you did that was on Facebook, and then was very surprised when I recognised your son at my son's kindy :-)
Hi Hannah, hooray, another local blogger. There are not many of us here. I will look out for you at kindy. Another lady recognised the boys when I was in town one day in an op shop. She was so lovely. When you want to get sewing, pop into More than Fabric and see Fiona. Hope to see you soon. Elaina xo
DeleteHow exciting! It's very neat, I have to say. I went to a sewing class last summer and it was really useful. xx
ReplyDeleteSqueeeeee! I'm so excited you're sewing! Amazing for a first go too...that square is so neat! Sadly, no new skills for me at the moment, unless you count learning to stay awake all day after being up with a baby all night ;) But soon, that will pass and then I can start watching the bread-making course I bought on Craftsy. If have every have any sewing questions, feel free to email me :)
ReplyDeleteI had to unpick a few times as my line were not straight! I have become quite good at getting through the day after nights of broken sleep. What is Craftsy??? Thanks for your lovely offer. I will be sure to hit you up a few times with questions. Thank you xo
Deletethat's it!!!....elaina you have inspired me. im going to stop wishing I could sew and go and learn!!!....cant wait to hear more.....im off to email you about the swap too! hope all great in your neck of the woods xx
ReplyDeleteWe are all good here Al. So pleased you are joining in with the swap. Do sign up for lessons, you will love it. Imagine what you could whip up on your machine with all your gorgeous linen! xo
DeleteGo you! Exciting start and so so awesome to have those lovely ladies and that great shop handy! Cant wait to see how you keep going and all the things you learn!
ReplyDeleteYou go girl!!! That square is beautiful!!!!!! I have decided that it is time for me to jump in to a few things as well. Nothing better than learning something new!!!!! I can not wait to see more !!!! Bravo friend!
ReplyDeleteSo excited for you! Would SO love to do this too. That fabric and your square, rocking lady! Keep us posted on progress. XX
ReplyDeleteOh those colours are GORGEOUS!
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