I finally spend my birthday money this month!
Thanks to my husband, parents, and parents-in-law for pitching in!
I got a sewing machine!
The problem is, I don’t really know what I’m doing.
I am definitely a beginner.
I think this will be a good machine for me – I need to learn what I am doing before I get a fancy one.
I bought a pattern for a bag that said “Beginner” on it, and I just went for it.
It may have been written for beginners, but it wasn’t written for blonds. ha ha.
But, I made it through it.
I made several mistakes, but for my first project, I didn’t think it turned out too bad.
I had a lot of fun making it, and that’s what counts, right?
And I learned a ton – and that was the point.
Here’s a view of the inside:
Does anyone have any advice for me?
What are some beginner projects you have done?
I’d appreciate any and all tips and advice!
Don’t be afraid to pick out half of what you have sewn if it doesn’t look right. I was told once that since you spend so much time and money on a project you might as well make it the way you want. Have FUN!
I would love to learn how to sew! Ive been wanting to buy a small sewing machine for awhile now! You did a great job with your bag and I can’t wait to see more projects from you, girl!
Wow Ash! I’m totally impressed! You didn’t even call me once! Your bag turned out so cute! I agree with Jessica, if you don’t like it, unpick it. I have projects that I didn’t unpick and the mistake still bothers me. I wish I would have taken the time to unpick, then I would like them a lot more. I’ll bring a few patterns to the reunion for you to look at.
Oh, and http://www.modabakeshop.com has a lot of fun free patterns.
I think you did great for your first project! I’ve always HATED sewing from a pattern, so I’ve always stuck to quilts and straight lines. 🙂 But with the recent explosion of blogland, I’ve rediscovered sewing and now I’m sewing clothing for my kiddos and for me! My suggestion would be to try some online tutorials. They give you pictures (which help way more than the silly diagrams on paper patterns), tips, and instructions that are in beginner/blonde-proof language! 🙂 Some of my favorites are Make It and Love It and Made. They really do well at explaining the steps for any skill-level. Good luck!
WOW Ashlee! I’m surprised! You did amazing. I really don’t think I could do that! Thanks for sharing that with us!
http://www.youcanmakethis.com/index.htm
This is another fun site that has really fun, free and inexpensive patterns.
Thanks for your comment on my blog! Your blog is so cute! I have 4 sisters too, its fun that you all blog together. Lets be blogging buds!
Rachel
http://www.familyeverafter.blogspot.com
You did a great job!! There is a lot of great information and tutorials on the internet. YouTube is also great to walk you through step by step. Sew Mama Sew is also great. Try MarthaStewart.com – her books are great too. Hope this helps and don’t be afraid. Everyone starts out a beginner (wink). The ladies gave you great advice too. Come check out my blog. I started out doing basic pillows and now I have made 2 jackets, totes, pillows with cording, etc. Here is my blog address: http://craftybrooklynarmywife.blogspot.com
Have fun!!
Alisha
BTW, stopping by from delicate Construction linky party and your newest follower 🙂
i am so glad to have found this blog!! it is a fun way to keep up with each of you! and be inspired at the same time!! 🙂
love ya!
You girls are seriously so cute. I love the picture up at the top of all of you! It is so fun to find other blogs with sisters. This bag is awesome. I am also a beginning sewer and this bag looks like it would be way hard for me!!! I am very impressed! I just wanted to stop by and thank you for linking up to our link party. We appreciate all your support! We would love to have you guys come link up again tomorrow for Strut Your Stuff Saturday! Have a great weekend!
Camille @
SixSistersStuff.blogspot.com
You girls are so cute! Pillow cases would be good practice, to get the feel for seam allowance and the importance of pressing your seams. You could also do a search for pillow patterns, buy some pillow forms, and get some redecorating done in the process!