Guys, I did it. I broke out the sewing machine to make something for Clara’s third birthday. It’s a little tradition of ours to make her something instead of buying it since she gets a ton of store-bought presents from family and friends. I even used her big ol’ stash of monthly photo fabrics, which have also come in handy for making her a quilt, a table runner, a beanbag, and even a birthday banner (remember that epic battle of woman vs. sewing machine?).
It all started when I saw these fabric tea bags on Pinterest and thought they’d be really fun for Clara’s play kitchen since she’s so into making food and pretending to eat it and have tea parties with her stuffed animals. And really, what’s a tea party without tea? So even though there weren’t any directions to be found, I thought I’d just wing it. What’s the worst that could happen? Wait, don’t answer that. You’ve seen my previous work…
First I cut a few little squares from ten of my favorite fabrics.
Then I grabbed some twine that I had in the gift closet for the string part (it’s leftover from a gift someone gave me a while back). I also brought in a few cotton balls from the bathroom because I figured the tea bags had to be stuffed with something. And then I just cut two tea bag shaped pieces of fabric from each swatch (so although you see 10 tea-bag-shaped swatches below, there are two in each stack, right on top of each other for a total of 20). I also cut a long rectangle from each fabric to make the tag on the top of the tea bag.
Then I sat down at the sewing machine, said a small please-don’t-make-me-throw-you-out-the-window prayer, and got sewing. Within about five minutes I had this mess, and had completely ruined my first tea bag. There might have been a few whispered obscenities. Nothing gets me heated like my sewing machine, guys. Nothing.
But I resisted the urge to Hulk Smash it and started in on my second attempt. This time I came up with the idea of putting both of the right sides of the tea bags together (with the bad ones facing out) while tucking the string between it like you see in the photo below. Then I sewed up all of the sides of it except for the bottom where the string sticks out. You can see how bad I am about following the edges of the tea-bag shape here. Better work on that.
Then I turned it right-side out. The good news? The string was securely sewn to the top of the bag. The bad news? It looked like a feminine hygiene product. I allllmost gave up for the second time. There were more mumbled obscenities.
But before I threw in the towel, I figured it might look better if I could tuck half a cotton ball in there, fold the bottom part up to seal it, and add a little stitching to hold it closed, thereby finishing the bag part. Thankfully things started to turn around at this point, because it actually got cute-ish (and less tampon-esque in shape). Hallelujah!
To attach the tag part at the top I just folded that piece of fabric in half and put a few stitches into it so it caught the string and stayed folded.
Then I put my head down, said a few more “please don’t make me pound you with a hammer” prayers to my sewing machine, and in about ten more minutes I had three more of these guys knocked out. Wahoo!
About half an hour later I was left with nine tea bag babies. They’re definitely not perfect, but that first attempt was my only casualty. And my sewing machine is still alive and well. So…. success!
Clara especially loves them because I have tea every night and most mornings. So she sees me with it and now has her own tea bags so she can sip with me.
So this is the project that almost wasn’t, but is! And I think we all learned a lesson today, guys. No matter how much something looks like a feminine hygiene product when it’s half done, at least try finishing it before flushing it down the toilet. Both literally or figuratively.
Anyone else sewing stuff? How’s your relationship with your sewing machine? I hear that so many people love to sew (and even that it calms them?!) but my experiences can best be described as tumultuous with a side of anxiety. So far in the end it has always been worth it though. And seeing Clara and her stuffed giraffe sitting down for a little tea party is pretty much the cutest thing ever.
Psst- Wanna know where we got something in our house or what paint color we used? Just click on this button:
Leigh says
My sewing machine and I get along about 50% of the time. I would blame my machine but my mom (who is an excellent seamstress) says my little Brother machine “sews like a dream.” So I guess that leaves me to blame for all the problems and frustration. Fingers crossed that one day my little “Brother” and I become friends!
Michelle @birdsofberwick.com says
Power tools? No problem. Sewing Machine? I’m shaking at the doorway afraid to approach it. My sister is a quilter and does amazing things! But then again, she doesn’t know how to use a miter saw, so don’t I win?? :-)
YoungHouseLove says
Totally! I’m like “laying hardwood floors? bring it on!… but sewing tea bags? Ahhh!”
xo
s
Erin || Sewbon.com says
Awww! These turned out adorable! And the mental image of a giraffe sitting down for tea is too cute! Congrats on the win against the sewing machine. :)
Kelsey W says
I love these sewing machine posts! I’ve been sewing for over 20 years and I still throw tantrums, cry, and then call my mom so that she can tell me what I did wrong :) I’m starting an epic lined curtain project this weekend – eeeeek!
YoungHouseLove says
Ahhh! Good luck Kelsey!
xo
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staceys says
Those are darling! and great project! I’ve been pinning some play food I want to make too.
I’m thinking, what if you top stitch over the finished tea bag to give it more of the tea shape? know what I mean? And use the “pivot” technique so many readers chimed in with.
I’m still a super beginner sewer and my mom has been tutoring me – I’ve made a few dresses for my toddler that turned out ADORBS!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yeah, that could work!
xo
s
Lisa says
OMG, those are so incredibly cute!! I’m a tea drinker, and only wish I had a little girl in my life for whom I could make some. I’ll tuck this idea away for the future when maybe there will be someone in my life who would appreciate such a gift. Something tells me my 13-going-on-43-year-old son wouldn’t make that list.
Michelle @birdsofberwick.com says
Power tools? No problem. Sewing maching? I’m shaking in my boots and staring at it from outside the doorway. My sister is a quilter and managers to do amazing things! Then again, she doesn’t know how to use a miter saw, so don’t I win?? :-)
Tea bags are cute and I love the homemade gift idea. I just did a homemade craft for my new niece on the way that I’ll blog about soon too.
hannah says
invariably, every time i bring out the sewing machine, i end up in tears!! how is there nothing more frustrating than trying to use one? it’s always worth it, though :)
Cara D says
I just sewed my first envelope pillow cover this week. Before I always tried to do zipper or velcro closures. Envelope is sooooo much easier and quicker. My grandma just gave me her serger. I’m so excited!
KatK says
Oh that thread pile makes me so sad! It’s the mark of a temperamental machine, I’m afraid! Might I suggest you consider taking a local sewing class? I know you like to DIY everything but It’s really beneficial in sewing to see some first-hand demonstrations. I think that might take some of the frustration out of it for you, and make it more fun! If you really fall in love with it, you might then want a more expensive machine, which would take a lot of frustration out of what you’re doing.
Leah says
Seriously, you are a great mom. I am an undergraduate (senior!!) who is going on to specialize working with children and I want to applaud you. Having hands on and involved parents is so incredibly beneficial to your child.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Leah :)
xo
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Katie says
First of all I think you get kudos for just following through with the project. I probably would have dumped it after the first attempt. Secondly, I think one of the most important things is that you just keep trying. It’s like anything else… the more you do it the easier it gets. If you have a friend who sews, get together and sew for an afternoon… you will be amazed at how many helpful little tips you will pick up.
But IMHO one of the best things to remember when sewing is that IDHTBPTBB! I’ve been sewing for 10 years and almost everything I make has a quirk of some kind (better to call it a quirk than a screw-up). Good luck and KEEP SEWING!
Julie F. says
Tip for cranky sewing machine: take them apart, use a dry brush to clean all the linen dust, put everything back in place, take deep breath, resume work. :)
Also, I realized I must never ever ever sew when I’m tired: I make stupid mistakes that ends up taking twice the time to undo them!
Jennifer says
Sherry–Thank you for the reminder that things don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful and delightful for those who you make it for. I love your perseverance and I love the mental picture of you and Clara and her giraffe hanging out having tea. So awesome!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Jennifer!
xo
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Theresa says
Hahahaha!!! You sew like I do! Cussing, rats’ nests, high blood pressure and all. Glad I’m not the only one.
Vanessa@CornbreadContessa says
Love it! My last blog post was actually an angst filled DIY crib bumper success story that was inspired by YOU! I even re-purposed the fabric from curtains that came with the house.
I don’t know why sewing gets me so angry. I have to talk myself down from throwing the dang thing away after every project. And since I sew by the window, I’m sure the entire neighborhood thinks I’m a crazy person {lots of cursing to an empty room going on}.
Liz F says
I love it! A friend of mine made a fabric tea bag for her infant daughter because she was always trying to steal the one from her cup.
I also have a Brother, but it works much better than my Elna (which is twice my age at least) so we get along pretty well. I haven’t broken it yet!
Nicolet says
I TOTALLY understand your relationship with the sewing machine. I have a very similar love-hate relationship with mine. However, you are much better than I, for my sewing machine has been tied up in the cabinet…covered for 2 years now. Just not ready to face it again!
The tea bags are ADORABLE! Maybe I will take another crack at it. :) Have a great holiday weekend.
Elizabeth McKinney says
OMG soo funny! I almost spit coffee on my phone when you waif it looked like a feminine hygiene product hahaha!
Mellisa says
So, my grandma is an amazing seamstress. My mom even sewed her own wedding dress. It’s like a family thing to be super awesome over-the-top spectacular seamstresses. My grandma taught me early. I made my first stuffed animal when I was six. But sewing fills me with anxiety and dread! If I focus, I can do an excellent job, but deep down, I want to avoid it AT ALL COSTS. I feel bad for being a disappointment sometimes, and I do break out the sewing machine a few times a year, but yeah, it’s not my um … cup of tea.
LeighS says
This is the funniest post I have read…laughing out loud! Love from Harrisonburg, VA (p.s. we have some antique/junk stores in this area you should check out)
Kristyl says
Cute!
I used the same lemons fabric to recover our old dining room chairs. They’ve since been replaced, but I still have a small canvas covered with the fabric on my dining room wall!
Sarah says
I don’t have a fancy machine and used to hate pulling it out. Finally, I took it to one of local sewing shops and they taught me what all the dials and switches were for. After that I took a quilt class to learn a little patience. Now that I have more confidence, it is much more fun to be creative.
Samantha says
They turned out so cute! I’m impressed! I am totally with you…nothing makes my blood boil and wanna curse more than sewing machine frustrations. :)
Randa says
“Tumultuous with a side of anxiety”… that’s great! (I mean, not the actual feeling, but the way you described it) :)
Congrats on pushing through because those teabags are darling, and your girl loves them, so bonus!
Carla says
Um … well … it’s just that … hmmm … :)
Leah says
I am always surprised when something I sew works out. For my daughter’s first birthday last month, I decided to make her a skirt. Just a simple little skirt. I bought 2 yards of fabric just in case things went bad, but it turned out so cute! Every time something works out, I’m like, “Yay, me! Pat on my back!”
jeannette says
such a thoughtful idea, glad it worked out.
i wanted to make reuseable coffee filters and used one as a template.
http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Reusable-Coffee-Filter
i made five and they’ve lasted over a year (answer: i soak them in oxyclean).
YoungHouseLove says
Cool!
xo
s
Megan @ Rappsody in Rooms says
So adorable! Don’t you wish tea bags actually looked like that? I would totally buy them just for the looks! I bet Clara just loves getting to share that little ritual with you!
I am also scared to death of a sewing machine but thankfully my mother-in-law is amazing at sewing and helps me out!
Meg A. says
You are a very sweet Mama to make Clara things for her birthday. What a great idea! She’ll never care if they aren’t perfect, they are made with love <3
Melissa says
I recently posted something on Facebook about wanting to throw my sewing machine out a window (I’m a newbie) and was relieved to find that SO many people agreed with me – even the professional seamstresses I know! Learning to use my sewing machine has been quite the exercise in trouble shooting and taking big, deep breaths. And occasionally screaming into a pillow.
Brenda says
I am super crafty with yarn (knitting, crocheting), and I can hand sew just fine, but I am wary of sewing machines. Ever since I was little I’ve been terrified of sewing over my thumb (because it’s happened to my mom and I’d heard the story). I have to go veeeeeeeery slowly. I did make a set of throw pillows once that I embroidered by hand but stitched together with my friend’s machine. Short, straight seams, and they turned out super cute!
christina @ homemade ocean says
I would never have the guts to “wing” anything when it comes to sewing. You are an inspiration to all of us thred challenged girls :)
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Christina :)
xo
s
Laura says
I think I would have hand sewn them since they are so small to save myself the frustration!
Jenny G. says
I have that little tea bag picture pinned too, and will be making some for my daughter when we give her a (hopefully DIYed) play kitchen for Christmas.
I saw tons of good tips from the sewers above, but here’s mine: Those bags could really be improved by some top-stitching. Top-stitching is just that – you stitch around the top (finished) side of the item. But you do it really close to the edge. The tea bags in your inspiration pic are top-stitched.
It sounds tricky, but your crappy (sorry, I had one of those Brothers too, so I know) machine may help you a bit here. It likely has a 1/4″ foot that looks like this, without the guide on the right there: http://www.amazon.com/Brother-SA185-4-Inch-Quilting-Foot/dp/B001H61A6Y
See that skinny piece on the left? Make the outside edge line up with the outside of that foot, and you will have cute little top stitching all around your bags. Use the pivot method people talked about above, and try not to chuck your machine when it doesn’t want to sew the corner bulk (clipping your corners can help here too).
Hope that made sense! I have a much fancier machine now (and sew for relaxation now), but it has a different 1/4″ foot and I miss the Brother one for top-stitching!
YoungHouseLove says
That sounds awesome Jenny! Thanks for the tip!
xo
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Sayward says
I sincerely hope there’s never ever a demand for this, but on the bright side, if fabric play tampons ever got big, you’d make a killing manufacturing them.
In response to other comments about your machine brand, I’m with you. I think it’s mainly user error, because I have a Singer and our sewing journeys are identical, although I don’t have a baby so my cursing is louder :) I was literally about to start sewing curtains and figured I’d delay my misery by checking your blog, and this sewing post pumped me up better than any Jock Jams CD ever could. Now if my curtains start to look like tampons we’re in major trouble…
YoungHouseLove says
Haha! I’m glad to hear that someone with a Singer curses too! Seriously, you brought me comfort :)
xo
s
Manda says
So stinking cute!! Seriously, I wish my 12 year old daughter was 3…I would be cranking out some tea bags! Adorable!!
Kimberly @ Turning It Home says
Sewing has calmed me here and there, but not when I get thread spit-up like you got. It happens to me every. single. time. It can really get in the way of my i’m-trying-to-be-calm moments. Those sewing machines are out to get us, I swear.
Elaine - Visual Meringue says
So cute! Great job! Good for your for persevering! My last attempt at sewing was in home economics (jr. high). And luckily I have a boy so have not had to have the panic attack yet. You are brave my friend! ;)
Jamie Wilson says
Totally agree with others about the quality of the machine mattering more than the skill of the operator… I sew seriously 8 hours/day most days for my business, and when I visit my parents & have to use my mom’s crappy machine I seriously have visions of taking it out to an open field, Office Space style.
YoungHouseLove says
Hahahahhah!
xo
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lise-lotte says
Hello
As a fellow teadrinker I got an idea while reading about your endeavour. You could put scents in the bags to make it even more realistic. Dried flowers or leaves of Lavender or thyme perhaps. It would alsow make a dear little noise when touched.
Just an idea.
YoungHouseLove says
SO CUTE!
xo
s
Michelle says
I know a few people mentioned investing in higher quality thread, but I didn’t see if anyone made any specific recommendations. If not, Gutermann = awesomeness. It’s pricey but totally worth it. I’m sure it has saved me hundreds of millions of hours of frustration!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Michelle!
xo
s
Donita says
LOVE Gutermann thread. It is the best. I’m not always able to buy it, but it is the best.
If you set your machine to smaller stitches, sometimes that helps the knotting, knarled mess. :-) Also, it could be your bobbin tension, or that you just need a new bobbin, or to refill one. Also, old needles play havoc when sewing. ;-)
Tracy says
Last weekend, on a rainy Sunday I made – no sewed my kids a hanging puppet theatre. It hangs from a tension shower curtain rod. I totally sewed it with the wrong color thread on the wrong side and totally just went with it. It’s not perfect, but they’re super excited about what their mama made them :)
YoungHouseLove says
Sounds so cute!
xo
s
Angel says
Hooray! I’m so happy you tried a sewing project! I had a similar relationship with my first machine. Even after I figured it out, I still had angst about using it. So I donated it, and my awesome Aunt-in-Law found me refurbished workhorse of a machine. Once I figured out that I was using the wrong type of bobbin, it has been smooth sailing! Here is a post on how I learned to love to sew:
http://heavenstomurgatroyd.wordpress.com/2011/03/23/learning-to-sew/
And here are the first birthday outfits I made for my daughters. The red and grey one came from a pattern while I winged most of the grey and rainbow ones.
http://heavenstomurgatroyd.wordpress.com/2013/02/27/a-quick-look-at-the-first-birthday-outfits/
Happy sewing!
YoungHouseLove says
Adorable!
xo
s
Emily R says
Sewing shouldn’t be this hard. I think your machine may need a tune up. I have my grandmother’s Singer from the 60s and it works like a dream, until I need a tune up. I realize you haven’t really used yours enough to really warrant one – but something seems to be not working right if you are having that much trouble. Maybe also take a class? You might be doing something wrong.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, I’d love to take a class. I’m most definitely doing a lot of things wrong! Haha!
xo
s
Willow says
Giving a gift that shows how much you know and see your child is one of the greatest gifts, and most thoughtful, we can give them. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, that’s so sweet Willow.
xo
s
becca @ sewLOVED says
You’ve gotten lots of tips so far, but I didn’t see this one – make sure your bobbin thread is in the right way. I would end up with knots and nests of thread on the back of my projects and couldn’t figure it out for the longest time. I finally realized where I put my bobbin in, there’s a little diagram to show me which way the thread should be coming out. Ta-da, no more problems! I just finished sewing up some crib sheets. I love the sewing, but still have fights with my machine on occasion! I hope that’s totally normal. Ha!
YoungHouseLove says
Great tip Becca!
xo
s
Heather says
These sewing posts always make me laugh and cringe and laugh again. While sewing isn’t my love/hate, I do understand it because my garden tiller and I?
I don’t even want to get into it. Uhg. I tilled my garden two weeks ago and I haven’t even written the post yet. Let’s just say I received a straight shot to the lady parts while trying to get a lever unstuck. I did NOT realize I was standing within range that if it shot up while I pulled on it, it would nail me. That’s about as much as I can say at this point. Bahaha.
Mary | lemongroveblog says
Ha, ha! So funny :) Props for having the guts to whip out that sewing machine. It’s on my bucket list ;)
Lilly says
I join everyone else here in saying the tea bags turned out great! What a creative idea!
I also join others in commenting that “off the shelf” sewing machines (which aren’t that cheap!) are bad. I had a $140~ish Singer Inspiration from Amazon, which worked great for 2 years (I even made my first quilt on it), but it broke, just after 2 years.
A humble recommendation for a “next-step” sewing machine: I went to a local sewing machine store and got a Baby Lock “Anna,” which was, admittedly, the cheapest machine in the store. At the time I was aware that the decision to not go “nicer” at this point may come back to haunt me, and honestly, at this point I think that maybe I could have “gone up” 1 or 2 models. Nevertheless, from the first moment I used it, I noticed such a big difference from the old machine. The sewing “felt sturdier,” it was straighter, and it was *easier.* After 3 years, I haven’t had any problems.
Meanwhile, though, kudos on your awesome project and very special birthday present for Clara!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Lilly!
xo
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