A walk around the block

Having not ventured anywhere near a sewing machine for many years, I decided to ease myself in gently. A simple cover for my new sewing machine would remind me of the basic of using the machine and allow me to make errors without them being too critical.

I considered how I would construct the cover and measured out the fabric needed. The first hurdle I came across was having only white tailor's chalk which didn't show up on some of the fabric I'd chosen, so that was added to the shopping list. Once the pieces were measured out, cut and tacked, I got out the machine ready to sew.

My 8 year old daughter was intrigued by it, asking what went where and how did it work. In the same way as riding a bicycle or driving a car becomes engrained and can be remembered, even after years of neglect, the process of threading up the sewing machine was pleasantly familiar. I was filled with the thrill of hearing the hum and sewing that first seam, welcoming sewing back into my life.

I did encounter a few problems.
1. My eyes have not aged as well as other parts of me and I struggle to thread a needle in artificial light. Luckily I have a couple of needle threaders hanging around in my sewing box (which in my youth I looked upon with scorn - why would anyone need one of those!)
2. I was probably a little too impetuous when easing one section to another and the results aren't as neat as I would like, but I have learnt my lesson so won't repeat the same mistake when it really matters, for instance on a sleeve.

All in all, my first foray back into sewing has reminded me how much I enjoyed it in my younger years.
I have all the materials needed to start making my first dress and have been waiting to have a good stretch of time to start working on it. Work, children and housework keep getting in the way, but I'm hoping that tomorrow, after the children have been packed off to school, I can get started! Watch this space ...

New Beginnings

Whilst sitting hand sewing a  Roman costume for my daughter a few months ago, I commented to my husband, "I could do this in 2 minutes if I had a sewing machine." The idea for my Christmas present was born and on December  25th 2015, I unwrapped a shiny new machine, a book on sewing projects some thread and some fat quarters.

 

 

I had learnt to sew many years ago, firstly at home from mum and then I  learnt dressmaking at school. I remember very well the sewing projects I made, starting with a simple top and wraparound skirt, then moving on to pyjamas. I also remember the excitement when I realised that with these new found skills, I no longer had to rely on the choices that were in the shops, I could start to craft my own clothes, based on my own tastes in fabric and style. Through my teenage years I spent many a happy afternoon, creating my own clothes, adapting or embellishing those I no longer wore and developing my dressmaking skills.

Sadly my departure to university (away from mum's sewing machine) then the move into full time work, marriage, children and family life meant that there was no time for sewing, apart from the occasional costume, repair or alteration, all by hand.

The excitement I have felt since getting my machine has been so real and palpable, although as yet unfulfilled as we have been busy entertaining and visiting family since Christmas Day. I have pored over websites for patterns and fabrics, read blogs avidly, and contemplated my first projects. I have purchased a pattern and some fabric and now can't wait to start.

I want to share this voyage of rediscovery, and hope that my renewed interest leads to some exciting results.