Sewing Projects

Even though I’ve owned a sewing machine for more than ten years and I’ve taken one tiny little class (where I learned to make a pair of pajama pants that would be oversized even for an elephant), I still consider myself a beginner compared to other “real” sewers I know. (I guess that would be “seamstresses” and not “sew-ers,” right? Don’t want y’all thinking of the waste water types of sewers!)

My mother-in-law bought me a sewing machine when we still lived in Kansas City. My friend Susan taught me the practical things of sewing: how to buy fabric at a store (I was that clueless, y’all!), how to thread the machine, and how to attempt sewing in a straight line (still not good at that). Our first project was to recover a comforter for my daybed. That daybed is now in my daughter’s room, and she is STILL using the comforter and dust ruffle that I Susan made.

After that comforter project, I didn’t use my sewing machine for a while. I thought that once I learned it, I was good to go. I didn’t realize that I needed to keep sewing to keep my memory sharp. Consequently, I forgot every little thing that Susan taught me. We had moved away from Kansas City by that point, so Susan came to visit me and taught me how to sew. AGAIN. This time, it stuck. I’m proficient in using my machine, but that’s about it.

A few months back, a friend from church told me she got a sewing machine and wanted to try some projects. I told her maybe I’d blog about projects that I have liked or easy beginner ones I have come across. Now, four months later, I’m getting around to doing that for her. (Sorry to take so long, Emily!) Here’s a list of projects I’d like to attempt or ones I’ve tried that turned out to be sort of decent. If any of my readers have other easy ideas, leave me a link in the comments. I’d appreciate any feedback you have!

*A pair of Katie’s jeans made into a pillow (2006)

*A skirt made from a pillowcase (2006)

*A craft apron made from a dishtowel (2006)

*A Santa Claus Halloween costume made from a child’s sweatsuit (2006)

*Felt chair covers with interchangeable felt decorations (2006)

*Pillows made from a child’s favorite baby outfit, given as gifts for first birthdays (2007)

*Theater kits made from red sheets and a cafe curtain rod (2007)

*Placemat purses (2008)

*Taggie blankets (2008)

*Curtain valance made from bandanas (2006)

*Drawstring bags for wrapping birthday and Christmas presents. I don’t have photos of mine (they’re in Christmas storage right now), but here’s a link to a long list of some.

*Hooded towel made from a towel and two washcloths – again, I don’t have photos of mine and searched for examples online but didn’t find any like the ones I made. If you’re interested in seeing mine, leave me a comment and I’ll add it later.

*Infinity dress (scroll down a bit in this post – you’ll see photos of mine from 2009)

Here’s are a few of projects I want to try:

*Skant (a skirt made from a pair of jeans)

*T-shirt shopping bag