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Saturday, August 29, 2009

Sew much fun

My mom starts thinking about presents for gift-giving occasions months in advance. She started bugging me early in the summer about what I wanted for my birthday - she wanted it to be something special and that I'd remember since it was a big birthday, but she was stumped. And then I totally surprised her with my request.

I wanted a sewing machine.

I've wanted to learn how to sew since I graduated college, but time and resources just never seemed to coalesce. I have really fond memories of my mom and grandmother sewing and quilting together when I was growing up and my brother and I playing under their feet and under the quilting form. While I never had much interest in learning to sew as a kid, as I got older, I realized I wanted to learn.

Now that I had my machine - and a beauty at that, she's even pink! - it was time to learn how to use the darn thing! After playing on Google, I discovered Cynthia Harvey and The Sewing Studio. Close to home and with an introductory class on a day and time that fit my schedule, I didn't hesistate in signing up. I took my first sewing classes in July (yes, I got my machine and started using it early) and completed my first project - a tote bag.

Sewing isn't easy, but I took to it like a duck to water. I love it! I'm absolutely kicking myself that I waited this long to started sewing. Cynthia is a great instructor and I would highly recommend her classes if you're interested in learning to sew. Her classes are small (between 2-5 students) so there is plenty of time for individual instruction if needed. The cost is also reasonable.

Since then, I've worked on several projects on my own and have many others in the works. I also plan on taking other classes in the future. Stay tuned for more fun sewing related posts. :)

10 comments:

  1. cute! love the bright colors.

    the bear and i were going to take a sewing class together, but it still hasn't happened. my mom did teach me a few basic hand stitches and how to sew a button on, but i don't remember any of it. sad.

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  2. What a neat new hobby!

    I can't even fix lost buttons.

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  3. I've fantasized about learning to sew. I made some pillows with my MIL this summer, which definitely confirmed a class would be a good route!

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  4. I fantasize being able to make my own clothes. Perhaps you can make my clothes for me in the future :)

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  5. My SIL and I have taken a couple of quilting classes together. I am not as good at it as she is, but I do enjoy it. I made a quilt for Charlie. :)

    I love your tote bag! It turned out really well. I bookmarked that site. I am kind of far away, but it sounds really good. Maybe I can give it a try someday.

    PS - I don't know if you've discovered this yet, but buying fabric is addictive.

    PPS - You should check out this blog. She's big into sewing.

    http://bluebirdbaby.typepad.com/

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  6. I want. That tote bag. Squeee! I'm excited to see all the things you end up making!

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  7. Great job, A! I gave up on sewing after a series of classes where it took me 13 hours to make a pair of way-too-big pajama pants. :/

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  8. i LOVE that tote. the fabric is so awesome, all my favorite colors! love. it. so. much.

    i'm also loving the use of "coalesce" in this post :)

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