by Sherri Sylvester | Jan 30, 2017
Since January is almost over (say what?!) I’m going to post my almost-to-last beginner-friendly post today. So far we’ve covered off some fun beginner stuff…
So… how about using those skills to make a fun project? I write for the Craftsy Sewing Blog – which is a great resource, and I’m not just saying that because I write for it! In addition to selling classes, Craftsy also publishes a sewing blog with informational articles, quizzes, freebies and more. Lots to do and learn there! (+ they have a Quilting Blog, and one for knitting, baking, art…)
Anyhow, (tangent over) I wrote a round-up article recently with 12 free beginner-friendly projects and I thought I’d share it here. Of course, I’d be remiss if I didn’t gently remind you all of some of the beginner sewing projects I’ve written too, though I am not great at self-promotion. (It just feels weird!) Here are a few things you might like, with the link to the 12 free Craftsy patterns at the bottom.
These patterns aren’t just for beginners! They make a great quick project for an experienced sewer.
Oh… and a quick plug for the very Beginner Friendly Fat Quarter Skirt pattern – since I’m right in the middle of finishing it up. It’s going to be released this Wednesday, February 1st and I can’t wait to show you the cute, cute tester photos I’m staring at right now. Be sure to follow me on Instagram or Facebook so you won’t miss the pattern release!
What is your favorite beginner project or pattern?
by Sherri Sylvester | Jan 24, 2017
Though it is possible to sew on a button with your sewing machine (Bonus!) this post focuses on good old-fashioned hand sewing. I do think, however, that “old-fashioned” is coming back in style. There’s a lot of hand sewing going on across the interwebs.
Mending your own clothes is super rewarding and cost-effective. It’s a great skill to have, and isn’t gender or age specific! With just a needle, thread and a new button, you’ll be finished in no time.
Tip: If you are traveling, a lot of hotels will provide a sewing kit at no extra cost – for those button up shirt emergencies!
A funny hand-mending story – My husband and I went on a special trip to Jamaica for our 10th wedding Anniversary a few years ago. We’d planned for ages, but of course didn’t start packing until the last minute. In the rush, I forgot to hem the new linen pants I’d bought the week before. Once we got there I realized I was going to have to hand hem them with the resort-provided sewing kit. Meaning black, blue, red, or white thread for my turquoise pants – Ha!
Not letting that stop me, I proceeded to hand-hem the wide leg only to run out of “matching” blue thread in the first 2/3’s of the way around. Not being deterred, (I was going to wear those pants!) I finished the hem using all the black, then red thread. Thankfully it was a blind hem and didn’t matter too much. Finally finished, I tried them on only to discover I’d spent 45 minutes hemming them 1 1/2″ too short! Argh! I wore them anyways and fixed them when I got home… goes to show you should always double-check the length of your hem, or (ya know) not rush so much!
Any other tips for travel mending emergencies?
by Sherri Sylvester | Jan 20, 2017
So, the funny thing about this post about hemming is that I will do almost anything to avoid hemming, even though it is a really simple task! Not sure why the simple things are the most tedious… but that seems to be the way it is!
Hemming (and pressing) properly are the best ways to ensure your project looks super professional. It’s worth the extra time to fold the edges up neatly and sew a straight seam. Plus, it’s really satisfying to be able to tailor your store-bought clothing to the right length!
Curtains, Skirts, Pants… You can do it!
What project are you hemming right now? Any tips for us?
by Sherri Sylvester | Jan 16, 2017
Star Wars! (Need I say more?!) Our family loves sci-fi so anything with aliens, the future or time travel goes over big!
I’m always in need of a fun idea for Father’s Day. So I decided to make him a throw pillow. Strange gift, maybe… and Father’s Day you say? Yup, you guessed it – I’m not really, really early – I’m really, really late with this one!
Last year I downloaded this Darth Vader paper-pieced pattern from Quiet Play’s free downloads and proceeded to make it. I love paper-piecing, it’s super fun and rewarding to be so precise! I hit a roadblock, though when it was time to quilt the pillow.
Turns out I’m super afraid to mess up my carefully pieced block! Thoughts of unpicking a quilted design and even thoughts of a more experienced quilter thinking I’d done it wrong (argh) ran around in my brain for… oh… about 5 months!
Yup, I put myself through…
The guilt of not finishing my husband’s gift… the fear of worrying about ruining my hard work… and, worst of all, being afraid I’d be seen as ruining my project or a “bad” sewer.
…and I thought all of this stuff for 5 months! Just thinking about the wrinkles it probably earned me is maddening.
I’m writing this because I don’t want to do it anymore… and maybe it is something someone else is dealing with? Especially someone that tend towards attempted perfection and are in general, not so easy-going. (Ooh, Ooh… *raises hand* Me! Me!)
and… I’m super hoping I’m not alone in this! Please tell me I’m not alone!
Now, there is an upside – I worry so much about what to fabric to cut into and how each seam will go that I rarely make major mistakes. (Bonus!) But I don’t think it’s healthy, and it causes me so much stress sometimes I don’t sew at all. Which is definitely not what I would like to be doing. Instead, I’d love to be churning out lovely projects by the dozens!
As it’s still January, I’m hoping to take a new look at my unfinished projects this year. Proceed with less caution… but still be careful. Not be so afraid to do what I think is fun and exciting, without worrying about how it is accepted. Then, if I can finish my projects earlier, the guilt of being “late” will go away too!
I really want to apply this to is my Lil’ Red quilt top. I’ve been SUPER afraid to quilt it for months now, despite the fact that it has been finished and even backed and basted for about 2 months. Hopefully, I can try not worry if the quilting is fancy or complicated and just finish the thing! I think I may just do some in the ditch quilting and maybe some echo quilting to fill it in a bit more.
Wow… tangent much? I believe we were talking about a Star Wars pillow here?! (Oops!)
I actually finished the pillow at my last Sewcial, having friends around while you make decisions is super helpful! The quilting hopefully represents the moving stars at the beginning of each movie. The finished pillow back is flannel, and I put a simple envelope backing on it.
The flannel is left over from lining the hood of an unblogged Finlayson I made my husband. (Side note: It’s pretty funny that Darth Vader is floating with no body! I should likely have put the block at the bottom of the pillow instead of the center. But I can live with that!)
Any Regrets? Probably only that I beat myself up for so long before finishing the pillow. (And the 17 other unfinished projects I’ve got going…) But, since it’s not going to happen anymore. (*she said hopefully*) I can let that one go now…
Here’s to a super productive year ahead!
P.S. It needs to be noted that I have never had another sewer say anything negative about my projects. In general, the community is amazing and fantastic and so supportive. No idea why I worry?!
by Sherri Sylvester | Jan 13, 2017
Ooof! When I began sewing, I HATED re-threading my machine. Even though it was quick, it was just so annoying to do! Now that I’ve sewn a bit longer I don’t hesitate to change thread colours to match what I’m making. I promise it does get easier!
Unfortunately, I have a stack of old projects with crazy coloured thread that I wish I had taken the time to change. Taking a few extra minutes really does create a better, more professional result! (Next maybe I should tackle a post about re-threading the serger. But I think you’ll have to give me a few years to master it first!)
P.S. Quick Tips: It does matters which way the bobbin turns when you insert it. And don’t forget to use the thread guides near the needle – they make a big difference!
Let me know how it goes – and more importantly – what project you’re working on! I’d love to see it!
