Until this weekend!
Mr. Limestone was on a boys trip so I had Saturday to putz around myself in the house. In a bizarre reversal of modern and vintage technology, I twittered a question about what I should do with my free time and Savour Fare responded I should try out my sewing machine. Good idea Kate!
So I dragged it down to my dining room table. I had completely forgotten how to thread it at this point.
Much manual reading and fumbling later, I had it figured out.
So now it was time to pick my first project. I turned to my trusty version of Sew Everything Workshop and turned to the following page.
Ah, an envelope pillow. I can do that. I only had a 16 inch pillow form so I modified the pattern to suit. The book says it should take an hour to do. Hmmmm...does the time lugging and threading the machine count in that hour? Doubtful!
Next came the nerve-wracking part, cutting the fabric. I seriously suck at this...took just about forever.
Then it was time to get the iron out and push that around for a while. BORING! At long last it was time to actually use the machine.
The sewing was the briefest part of the process as I had already heard. It was all going so smoothly as I snapped this photo beaming with pride at my creation. It had only taken 90 minutes which I didn't think was too bad for my first attempt.
That was until I flipped it over and realized I had sewn the front of the pillow on backwards. $%$^#$!*#%*$%!!!!
So I had to pull out all the stitching and try again. As stupid as it was of me, I'm fairly certain I won't be doing that again. A short while later I had what I wanted:
For those extremely observant peeps, this pillow does not match or coordinate with absolutely anything. I just think its such a pretty fabric I couldn't resist it.
So that sums up my very first adventure in sewing. I'm happy to have it behind me. While I had the sewing machine and fabric out, I did a couple of other smaller projects but I'll save that for the next post. In the meantime, does anyone have any good beginner projects to share?
I got a sewing machine a few years ago and took a few classes to learn the basics. Four years went by with it in storage and now I've pulled it out in hopes to do some projects around the house and I've forgotten everything. Is Sew Everything Workshop a book you would recommend to learn how to do some simple pillows and curtain type projects?
ReplyDeleteOh, and I love your pillow fabric! I bought a yard of it from an etsy shop and have never used it.
ReplyDeleteI have a sewing machine that my mom gave me and I've been afraid to use it because I really don't remember how to thread the thing. But as soon as I have it figured out, I'm planning to make some Roman blinds. The sewing part is supposed to be pretty easy.
ReplyDeletePawleys - Yes, I think its a great book to learn the basics of sewing and some easy projects to try. It has some pillow directions in the book but not curtains so you might want to find a book that has both if those are the only things you are interested in. So far, I haven't found a book that focuses purely on home projects that is as good as the Sew Everything.
ReplyDeleteEmily - Threading the machine isn't as hard as it seems based on the written description. Having someone show you how is so much more comprehensible. I want to make a roman blind for my box room (just as soon as I clean it out). Here is a great tutorial for it. http://jenduncan.typepad.com/whats_new/2008/11/roman-blind-tutorial-in-20-pictures-or-less.html
Tada.....great job!!! It looks great and gave you the confidence to take another go at it! Good for you!!
ReplyDeleteSuzanne
I can sew relate! :-) I don't like to sew but I like having the finished result (usually - depending on how bad I screw it up!) I really like the fabric. Can see why you couldn't resist it!
ReplyDeleteBravo to you....no way would I be able to work that machine and end up with something so pretty, xv.
ReplyDeleteVicki - Sure you could! If I can do it, anyone can.
ReplyDeleteAwesome!! Looove that fabric! I'm slightly obsessed with throw pillows and I dream of being able to make my own. I inheritted by grandma's sewing machine, its been sitting in the basement for like 7 years and I have no idea if it even works:( But this is inspiring, thanks for sharing!!!
ReplyDeleteoh, wow, good for you. i have it in the back of my mind that i want a sewing machine. i haven't sown since 8th grade home ec (do they even have that class any more??). we planted lavender this summer and i want to make lavender sachets for christmas gifts and i want to make a roman blind also for my kitchen window. thanks for the tutorial for that. pam
ReplyDeleteLove the Amy Butler fabric. Beautiful! You probably know this, but in many fabrics, you can make a small cut where needed and then rip the fabric the rest of the way. It's the easiest way to get a straight cut. I CANNOT cut a straight line, so that helps! :)
ReplyDeleteLong time reader. Love your blog!
I can sew a bit but what really helps is good tools. I would recommend (and these should make the cutting part so much easier) a rotary cutter and good size cutting mat (mine is 24" x 36") If the mat is too small you end up moving the fabric a lot and that doesn't make for straight cuts. To go with that you will need some sort of straight edge. I use a 6" x 24" quilting ruler. It is wide enough it doesn't tend to slip when you are cutting and long enough to get one good cut the width of my cutting mat. They are a bit of an investment but in my book well worth it. That made all the difference. Here is a link to a good set that won't break the bank, especially if you have one of their coupons. www.joann.com/joann/catalog.jspCATID=cat3727&PRODID=prd23953 Love your pillow. Can't wait to see your next project. Happy Sewing!
ReplyDeleteJuli
Looks might pretty! P.s. this is a random question, but where did you purchase your metal bar stools? The stools that you spray painted turquoise? Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletekoodeker - I purchased them from a company I will not recommend because they overcharged me by A LOT and refuse to refund my money. (Hopefully will be resolved by credit card company). But here is another option: http://www.csnstores.com/Lyon-1800-LW1255.html
ReplyDeleteI agree, it is so annoying that the actual sewing is the shortest. I hate pinning. I’ve gotten into sewing purses lately (I’ve posted about two of them), but that might be more than you want right now. What about making fabric napkins? Those would be simple, fast, and there are tons of great fabrics. Even if you made a ton, they would make great gifts!
ReplyDeletewell done, I am still trying to get myself around to doing this too!
ReplyDeleteIt turned out so cute! I love it. The extent of my sewing is putting a button back on a shirt or pants :(
ReplyDeleteYou did a great job! :) I am dying to try a pillow cover myself, but I am terrified of the measuring/cutting process--not my gift.
ReplyDeleteI must try a pillow and I need to get that book you are using. I just started sewing as well and finished a little project today that I blogged about. It was pretty much just sewing in a straight line, but I was still scared too try it out.
ReplyDeleteLove that AB fabric!
I love you Mrs. Lime! Your quick wit and honesty in your posts has me in hysterics, and I'm with you...can't sew a lick, yet I have a machine and haven't used it in a very long time -- however this post has just given me new hope and ambition to drag that bad boy out and try something. Thank you! Love the fabric, and I know you'll find the perfect place.
ReplyDeleteOh, I want a sewing machine now! Mrs. L you made it look so easy and I love the fabric!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great first project, it came out perfect! Well, the second time around that is- but it doesnt matter the end porject is just wonderful. I cant wait to see what you make next
ReplyDeleteGreat first project! I too have a sewing machine that has been tucked away for far too long. And I also have a nursing cover made in that exact same fabric as your pillow. I'd suggest making a nursing cover, it seems simple to make, but you probably have no need for one. Ummm, how about some tea towels, maybe with two different types of fabrics?
ReplyDeleteGreat job! I love that fabric. Once you get the hang of it, the threading is not so bad.
ReplyDeleteI didn't learn to sew or had not even touched a sewing machine until I was 29 and had a 4 month old daughter to sew for. I loved sewing so much a few years later I started a monogram business and do some sewing on the side. You either love it or you don't... I think you're going to get hooked! BTW... I left you a little Awe-Summm on my blog ;)
ReplyDeletelove the fabric. love your skillz. love your blog. :)
ReplyDeleteSusan @ www.peanutpetunia.blogspot.com
I love it! I am so inspired. One of my new years resolutions was to learn to sew and I still haven't even bought a sewing machine.
ReplyDeleteExcellent job on that pillow! And when you have time, I need some drapes, a bolster or two, and... ;)
ReplyDeleteThat fabric is awesome, by the way!
Ruth
I agree with Juli. If you are going to embark on more sewing projects, definitely get the cutting mat, rotary cutter and acrylic ruler. Definitely! You will be much less frustrated with the whole cutting aspect of any project. If you have Michael's or Joann's just save up your 40% off coupons. Worth every penny!
ReplyDeleteI do already own a rotary cutter and several straight edges including an acrylic quilters ruler thing and metal one - but it doesn't seem to make cutting easier for me. I have a matte but its a little bit on the small size so I'll have to get a better one. The rotary cutter makes it twice as hard actually...not sure why? Maybe b/c I have more practice with a scissors?
ReplyDeleteI have a Singer and I need to drag it out and dust if off.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the push...
Looks great! Love that fabric too!
ReplyDeleteHey Mrs. Lime, if you give up on the machine, here's a little table runner project I tripped across that involves NO SEWING! Just in case...:-) http://ballardstylestudio.com/decorating101/howto/make-a-table-runner/
ReplyDeleteGreat job on the pillow. THat fabric is fabulous. Do you know who the designer is or where you found it?
ReplyDeleteI'm a beginning sewer, I just took my machine out the box and this is all the incentive I need. Thanks so much for sharing =)
ReplyDelete