I recently had a "milestone" birthday, and used it as an excuse to purchase a sewing machine. This is not my first jump into sewing: I had to leave my previous machine in England when I moved back to the States. I had planned to sell that machine to another poor student, but my ads on Gumtree went unanswered, so I left her with my in-laws. I don't know if she ended up in a charity shop or not, but I hope she is bringing someone joy.
I am no more than an amateur sewer (sewist?), with my most complex project being a tea cozy that is best described as "functional." This time, I decided to stick to straight edges and sharp corners, and avoid bias edging at all costs*, even though I really wanted to make a potholder again. My most recent creation has been 4 placemats which ended up 3 different sizes. I only achieved uniformity when I decided to create a cardboard template for tracing the last two mats, which also means two of my placemats have the same wonky corner.
I am no more than an amateur sewer (sewist?), with my most complex project being a tea cozy that is best described as "functional." This time, I decided to stick to straight edges and sharp corners, and avoid bias edging at all costs*, even though I really wanted to make a potholder again. My most recent creation has been 4 placemats which ended up 3 different sizes. I only achieved uniformity when I decided to create a cardboard template for tracing the last two mats, which also means two of my placemats have the same wonky corner.
Now that I've mastered the rectangle, I do feel ready to try my hand at home actual clothing! My mate Amy once recommended Tilly and Buttons, and I found a copy of Love at First Stitch in the library, which has a great basic pajama bottom pattern (I already ordered my own copy). I'm a little intimidated to start sewing round edges again, but I suspect that if I'm patient with myself and with the process, I can still make something to wear around the apartment.
Sewing again has actually been quite bittersweet. Last time I had a sewing machine, I was unemployed and facing a seemingly-unending line of rejection letters, whilst feeling very isolated in a large, unfamiliar city. I used money that was gifted during my Uni graduation to buy the machine, and sewing became synonymous with mornings sent mailing resumes and long afternoons of boredom and frustration. While my fellow students were sharing stories of new jobs and exciting trips, I felt like my free time was not a gift but a punishment for being a terrible student. Most of the time I enjoyed sewing, but buying new fabric and notions used up what little savings remained in my bank account, and even a few quid for a length of fabric felt like a splurge.
So, I can't help but reflect on the status of my life now vs. then. I am much happier in my current life than I was back then, but sometimes the memory of past sadness can follow you around for a few days, and you never really forget the true low points of your life. A mind that has healed from depression still bears some scars.
In addition to sewing, I have made good progress in some knitting recently. A co-worker is having a baby (my office is very fecund) and I thought I'd welcome him with a soft toy. Knitting toys can be very fun, as you move through lots of little pieces which continue to keep your interest. However, success is all in the finishing, and I don't really enjoy sewing-up by hand or stitching features. There are patterns which can be knitted with minimal sewing-up, but I really liked the look of this elephant, so I went with it.
In addition to sewing, I have made good progress in some knitting recently. A co-worker is having a baby (my office is very fecund) and I thought I'd welcome him with a soft toy. Knitting toys can be very fun, as you move through lots of little pieces which continue to keep your interest. However, success is all in the finishing, and I don't really enjoy sewing-up by hand or stitching features. There are patterns which can be knitted with minimal sewing-up, but I really liked the look of this elephant, so I went with it.
Luckily he turned out pretty cute. I still have to sew eyes (right now he looks a bit creepy, I admit) and I'm debating if I will forgo the tusks included in the original pattern. The baby shower is in 10 days, so I have completed this well in advance! The pattern is simply called Elephant and is by Sarah Keen.
* There is no such thing as a beginner sewing project that includes bias edging