Growing up my aunt and mom sewed all the time (they made all my Halloween costumes and my aunt even sewed my mom’s wedding dress) but whenever I tried to learn on my mom’s machine I broke it. Not just jammed it or temporarily messed it up, I legitimately ruined it (at least six episodes ended with my mom carting it off to the shop and paying lots of money to get it repaired). And then I wasn’t encouraged to use it quite as much if you catch my drift. I don’t blame my mom at all. I was clearly cursed.
So in an insane turn of events, I recently purchased a nice affordable beginner sewing machine of my own with high hopes of DIYing a quilt and a fabric flag banner for Clara’s first birthday (using all of the fabrics that we picked up for her weekly photo project to create them). I figured it would come in handy for things like pillow and curtain making as well.
And I specifically picked something with great ratings (4.5 stars and over 150 customer reviews) on amazon.com (a Brother XL2600I) because I wanted something good for a beginner devoid of any “natural ability” whatsoever. Of course it didn’t hurt that it was around $100-200 cheaper than most fancy machines (on sale for just $89 – down from $149 – with free shipping). You know just in case I irreparably maimed it within a week of use. Which would not have surprised me. Hence the I’m-not-going-to-splurge-for-anything-great-just-yet approach.
So it arrived a few weeks ago. It has been testing me. Oh my goodness has it been testing me. Like, walk-calmly-into-the-bedroom-and-scream-into-a-pillow testing me.
I even had a hilariously miserable and desperate text message exchange with Katie B where I basically asked her to come over and peel me off the floor and wipe away my tears and spank my disobedient machine. Yeah, she didn’t come. But she did make me laugh by comparing me to Martha. I suggested that perhaps I was Martha’s uncoordinated lesser known sister (who I dubbed Bertha) and by the end of the little iPhone fest Katie had me smiling. Gotta hand it to that girl for providing some much needed comic relief when you’re dealing with this sort of ugliness:
The actual issue was that I was having all sorts of tension problems (broken needles, loopy tangled underside stitches, etc) and then after two nights of despair and at least five solid hours of sheer misery I realized that I was using an unsanctioned bobbin. Seriously. After five hundred attempts at rethreading the needle and rereading the manual and googling around for ideas and texting my poor friends (who all had better things to do than listen to me whine I’m sure) it was my stupid one tenth of an inch too tall bobbin that was sabotaging me. But at least I got the root of the issue, which ended up being hilariously easy to fix (hilarious in that you-laugh-but-kind-of-cry-at-the-same-time-because-it’s-so-pathetic-and-embarrassing way).
But at least at that lowest ever point in my sewing career I figured it could only get better from there. So I kept on keeping on. Slowly but surely I’m getting to know “Oh Brother” (my sarcastically pessimistic nickname for the sewing machine slash bane of my existence) and I’ve actually made some decent progress in the world of novice sewing. For example, I made this little fabric flag banner for the bean’s big one year birthday par-tay using small triangles that I cut out of various weekly fabrics.
I’m not going to say that it was easy. It was harder and more annoying than The Situation’s abs. In fact, I refer to the debacle that was me attempting to sew that fabric banner as “The Real Situation.”
It took me waaaaaay too long and I probably legitimately cried ten times (we’re not talking whiny fake crying, we’re talking actual frustrated hot tears that you swipe away before anyone looks at you like you’re crazy for sew-crying). Give me a sledgehammer or a paint brush and I have no fear. But give me a robot with a motorized needle and I will show you the definition of misery. It’s just not something I can even remotely pretend to be good at. Oh well, I’ll learn. Or I won’t and I’ll get another hobby. Haha.
As for exactly how long it took, I’d guess that cutting each of the flags out took me about forty minutes in front of the TV (I used a cardstock template and placed it over the prewashed – so it was preshrunk – fabric). Then I hemmed each of the three sides of the triangle with Oh Brother, which took me well over five hours.
Yes, you read that right. Let’s just say there were a lot of do-overs and seam ripping and more tension issues but in the end I was left with around a dozen perfect enough triangles that I wouldn’t die from embarrassment if a teenage Clara looked closely at her beloved birthday banner (I hope the banner becomes a tradition for every b-day until the bean is too old to indulge me, so I don’t just want it to look not-terrible I want it to last for a while and look halfway decent). So although you see about 27 flags on the table above, so many of them were just garbage when you got any closer, so I picked my favorite dozen and tossed the rest unceremoniously into my rag pile.
Then in a stroke of desperation (or genius, you decide) I actually broke out some iron on hem tape to complete the project in about another half hour (for a total of 5.5+ hours spent).
It helped to lay out the remaining not-terrible flags on the floor to play around with order until I liked what I saw. Then it was just about firing up the iron and using my trusty hem tape to attach them to the blue ribbon that I already had laying around.
I’m pretty sure it would have easily been 10+ hours if I sewed each flag to the blue ribbon that I used for the top. But heck, I’m starting slow. I’m just glad I was able to sew those flags and not chuck Oh Brother out the slider in the sunroom (the problem with ranches is that you don’t get to dramatically drop things that you hate out of second story windows so you have to improvise). And iron-on hem tape is washable so it’s all good. And look at my little helpers. How cute were they to hang out in the kitchen while I tested my not-cursing-or-throwing-anything limits? They were some much needed sweetness for a pretty darn annoying personal challenge.
The banner looks fun and festive and it’ll be washable and hopefully will last for at least a decade or two, and best of all it was free except for the expense of Oh Brother (thanks to already having purchased each of the fabrics on clearance throughout the year for Clara’s weekly pics and using iron-on hem tape and blue ribbon that I already had).
But I’m still hoping that the sewing machine purchase will end up being worth it as I attempt more projects like a very very very simplified quilt for the bean and other house-related things (a few throw pillows, maybe some curtains, etc). I’m definitely going to start slow.
So there it is. The truth. I’m no Martha Stewart. I’m terrible at sewing and it makes me curse, sob, and scream into my pillow. But who knows, this could be the beginning of a beautiful relationship with that terrifying mechanical needle. Stranger things have happened…
Sayward says
I’m so with you. My mom got me a beautiful sewing machine for Christmas this year and I was so excited to learn. However, I’m HORRIBLE at it. I’m crafty and handy in so many ways, including sewing by hand, but I cannot sweet talk this machine into obeying me. I have definitely sew-cried and even sew-bled (twice). Totally embarrassing and I hate wasting my mom’s generous gift, but I haven’t had the heart to try again in months. Maybe this weekend I’ll work up the courage to give my machine, who I will now name Kid Sister (after Oh Brother and the 80s toy) another shot. I just made a banner for a bridal shower and I iron taped the whole thing. Keep up the inspiring efforts.
Gretchen says
Ah, the joys of sew crying. I too have been there. I come from a long line of master sewers and had a rather inexpensive Jenome. I think that I created new profanity while using it – my thread nests put your to shame. Finally, I got a Viking (which cost more than a mortgage payment, embarassingly enough) and I now love sewing. It’s sad but true: inexpensive sewing machine –> sew crying. For your next machine, I suggest getting an older used machine that’s been refurbished. Bernina (not Bernette) and Viking are two names that generally you can’t go wrong with.
Abby says
This post made me chuckle. I consider myself an intermediate sewist, and have still have my fair share of sew-crying fits. Happens to the best of us!
Colleen says
Thank you for posting this! I received a singer two years ago for christmas. I took a class that involved enough sew-crying that the machine has been relegated to the closet ever since. I’m glad I’m not alone! Maybe now that I’m a few years older (and perhaps more patient?!) I’ll give it another go :)
Kristin says
Not to be Debbie Downer, but you may not be able to quilt a quilt with your machine. However! Good news is that often you can find someone local who can quilt for you. Then all you’d need to do is piece the quilt yourself, which isn’t hard at all.
I definitely sympathize with your frustrations re: machine tension. It seems the general rule with sewing machines is that you get what you pay for. I made the mistake of buying 2 $100 machines, and then finally splurged and bought a *really awesome* Janome for about $800 *cringe* But only because I love to sew. It’s my main hobby.
There’s a group on Flickr called Fresh Modern Quilts that I think you’d like, for piecing ideas. Check it out at http://www.flickr.com/groups/freshmodernquilts/pool/. It’s got some great quilts. Also, if you need help sussing out the piecing sitch, http://www.ohfransson.com/ has some amazing tutorials for quilt patterns and blocks. Her mixtape quilt was my very first quilt (made for a friend) and it turned out great thanks to her pattern :)
Hope your future sewing endeavors are a bit easier!
Anne with an e says
Yay, Sherry! Way to start conquering the Brother. I got that same machine for Christmas and it took me till March to get up the nerve to figure out how to even thread the thing (meanwhile hoping that my in-laws, who were generous enough to give it to me, didn’t ask about it!).
The banner you made is adorable – plus you can think of all that time spent as valuable practice :) I’m terrible with sewing in a straight line, so I’ve been doing lots of practice on scraps – a banner would be a way more fun result than my random folded & sewed fabric pieces.
Jennifer says
Sherry,
Your banner is adorable! I love my sewing machine(s) and hope you grow to love yours as well. Here’s a super easy way to alleviate some of your “tension” headaches with your new machine–in addition to using the bobbins that are made for your machine–make sure that when you are threading the machine from the top that you have the presser foot lever lifted UP. It seems natural to have it in the down position because you don’t want it in the way when it’s time to thread the needle….but when you do that, the thread doesn’t end up between the tension discs inside the machine. That’s often the cause of the thread nests. So remember, put your presser foot up until just before you’re ready to thread the needle. I think you’ll be pleased by how many fewer tension issues you have. Have fun sewing!
YoungHouseLove says
Wow- that’s something I never learned in all of my manual reading and googling. Thanks so much for that “underground” tip!
xo,
s
Kate says
Sherry,
I feel your pain with the sewing machine! I have had the exact same experience. I too bought a beginner machine in hopes of tackling some little projects but all I did was end up with knots and tears! HA! What is it about sewing machines that can bring you to your witts end!?! Thanks for the confindence to try again though!
Rebekka says
The banner looks amazing! I give you major credit for even going near the sewing machine! I wouldn’t dare, but thanks to you, I’ve been brave enough to do some projects with no sew hem tape! I love it!
Katie says
I totally feel your pain. I decided, due to where I live, to try the online Home Ec course offered by the Freckled Nest (http://frecklednest.typepad.com/la/). My mom sews, all my aunts sew, so really, shouldn’t I know how? I was thinking “I’m an engineer…I got this.”
Needless to say I did not make it out of the “lets make a pin cushion” pre-course in one piece. I was using silver thread and made a rather fantastic spiderweb-looking thing all around my machine. I figure that takes some level of talent. Turns out sewing isn’t my thing. :)
Charity says
I have to second the tips on ironing and taking a class! My mother sewed a bit growing up but I was always bad at it. I took a beginner’s class plus a tailoring class and a skirt class that really helped me improve over the past 3 years. (Now I feel confident to tackle things like making purses on my own.) Often I find it helps to have an instructor that I can just look at and say “Okay, I am a dork. This isn’t working. What do I do?”
Ironing makes everything you sew look much more professional. And take it easy on yourself when you get into quilting. Go with a very SIMPLE block or quilt pattern as it can get pretty tricky and frustrating at times. Sew Mama Sew blog, Moda Bake Shop, and some other quilting blogs like Quilt Dad are some good resources for you!
The banner looks lovely by the way!
Lisa in Seattle says
There’s something vaguely menacing about “unsanctioned bobbin,” like the Bobbin Feds are going to show up on your doorstep and haul you off somewhere. The banner is super-cute. I wouldn’t blame you if you left it up year-round, considering how hard you fought for it!
I don’t have a domestic bone in my body. Not one. Ask me about the ill-starred cooking incident in which we learned the difference between a *clove* of garlic and a *bulb.* Recipes should not assume a person already knows these things. We had to throw out a bunch of Tupperware.
Amanda S. says
If it makes you feel any better, every person who’s ever operated a sewing machine has been there. It gets better, promise! :) An intro sewing machine class would probably make you feel like you own the machine instead of the other way around too!! :) Super cute banner and good luck on your next project!!
Rachel says
Just curious– can John sew/has he shown any interest in trying out the machine? If he’s better at that, then maybe he should make Clara’s stuff. :) (Which is NOT to say that the triangles didn’t come out well! Just interested in the division of labor here.)
YoungHouseLove says
Nope, he won’t get near it. Motorized needles scare him. It’s like killing bugs – here in our house that scary stuff is my job. Haha.
xo,
s
Wrenaria says
Ohhhh sewing machines. I’m sure it will get easier. And like Ruth said in an earlier comment, it’s fun to say you made whatever is being complimented.
But I know how you feel. I’m scared to death of the serger my grandma gave me. The thing is way too damn complicated to thread. If it ever comes unthreaded I don’t know what I would do. So mostly it just sits in my closet, haha.
Stephanie Sampson says
where did you get those super cute ABCs for Clara on the fridge? Did you make those too?
YoungHouseLove says
They’re a fun Etsy find. Here’s more info for ya: http://blogs.babycenter.com/life_and_home/not-your-mothers-magnetic-letters/
xo,
s
anu says
good for you for trying! i HIGHLY recommend you take a beginner sewing class where you can bring your machine. i literally took mine out of the box at the class (which kind of surprised the teacher, but she went with it). i think it has saved me hours of tearing my hair out, and my first project was actually a completed quilt.
Bia Silveira says
i had that same problem with the cursed machine. took me almost 20 years to get it right, but eventually i did and we have a somewhat peacefull coexistence now. hang in there!
Laurie says
I’ve been debating buying a sewing machine but I also have issues with using a sewing machine. I really want to make roman blinds for my daughter’s bedroom but I’m too scared to try.
A funny story, when I was young(er) I wanted to make a Christmas Stocking for my boyfriend (now spouse!) and it was a patchwork style. So, one weekend when my parents were away I decided to start making it using my Mom’s sewing machine. I had all the fabric cut out and I got the sewing machine all set up and I started sewing. But, I couldn’t figure out why it would only go backwards. My sister came along and was looking at the sewing machine trying to figure it out, too. Then along came my older brother who looked into the room and declared, “Well there is the blind leading the blind!”
I ended up hand sewing all the patches together and my hubby still uses the stocking each Christmas!
Stef says
You just made me feel so much better. I cried over photoshop this weekend- I am a new user and have no idea what I’m doing. I have big ideas though and not being able to execute them even after reading my book, looking at class notes, and googling made me want to toss my laptop out the window.
Karen says
You did a great job on the banner.. it’s so cute! It will be cute hanging in the playroom or Clara’s room after the party.
FWIW…. sewing small items like that… especially heming them… SUCKS. It’s tedious work for even an experienced seamstress… so don’t be so hard on yourself.
When you get ready to do a quilt… I’d suggest doing a simple patchwork one. Once you decide on the size squares you want, all you have to do is sew each square together into long strips the size you want your quilt to be, then sew all the strips together. Add your batting and a backing fabric and put the whole thing together. That’s the easiest way to do a beginner’s quilt.
Good luck with your sewing and don’t give up in despair. You’ll whip that machine into submission in no time and believe it or not… sewing can be relaxing. :)
Sara says
This looks great! What kind of machine did you get? I’m looking to get one of my own and, although I’ve had success using my mother-in-law’s before, I want to go with something cheaper in case I lack your patience and throw it out the window!
YoungHouseLove says
It’s a Brother XL2600I from amazon.com. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Asta says
Good for you. You go girl. You won’t regret this!
Jessica says
LOVE the title of this post (laughed out loud at work). Best wishes on your sewing endeavors. I also know nothing about sewing, but hope to learn so maybe I can replace a button on a shirt (yes, I know n-o-t-h-i-n-g) and maybe someday tackle something a bit more creative. It’d be great to see a sewing machine “how to” guide on this or future sewing projects.
Also, I like the candle holder with the corks on the kitchen table. Did you find or buy a bunch of corks somewhere or just slowly amass a collection?
YoungHouseLove says
My wino mom saved them for me. Haha. That sounds bad, but she saved them up over about two years so it wasn’t anything crazy. Haha.
xo,
s
Lisa says
Too funny (in a now that it’a all over kind of way.)
This is conveniently timed as I recently broke out my sewing machine (which I have never previously used) with the intention of sewing a curtain for our forthcoming child’s room. I made some nice looking stitches on a piece of scrap fabric, but now I need to either buy a new bobbin and load it up with white thread, or sew with white thread up top and keep the existing blue thread on the bobbin. Oh, the humanity! (There’s also fact that I own zero straight pins and no ironing board – ha!)
Alternatively, I may just make a nifty hem tape curtain! :)
Kate says
Where did you get (or did you DIY) the felt magnet alphabet letters for the fridge? My little one would love those!
YoungHouseLove says
Those are an Etsy find. More info here: http://blogs.babycenter.com/life_and_home/not-your-mothers-magnetic-letters/
xo,
s
[email protected] says
The other day I was telling my husband it will be so great if I can sew so I can save some money buying curtains and throw cushions. Also, I can choose whatever fabric I liked.
Problem is, I tried learning how to sew from my mom (many years ago) but I can’t even remember the few steps to even thread correctly. So, my husband suggested that I go watch some YouTube how-tos. I did watched a few but I ended up going to Amazon looking for sewing machines after feeling so inspired. I was equally impressed with the same Brother machine you bought because of the rave reviews.
Anyway, have you tried watching the how-tos from YouTube? It might help, you know.
By the way, despite all the dramas you had with your sewing machine, you really did a great job with the flag banner. I really love it. I guess with machines, you just need more practices, sooner or later I am sure you will sew like a pro in no time.
Sherry, your determination were so inspiring. If it were me, I already gave up long ago. :)
Jessie
Ivette says
I think the pennant banner came out great, and Im sure when the beanette is older she will look back at the banner and it will mean alot to her.
I too have issues with the sewing machine, but I bought myself one for my bday this year and I determined to win this fight. Now…..if I only bring it in from the garage to upack it and read the instructions….hehehe
Briel K. says
I applaud you for sticking with it and trying to learn! My mom always tried to teach me how to use her machine but I never really gave it a go. You are one step ahead of me! :)
Amy says
Ok, you have officially gotten your baby center blog into my reader! I could have known about those letters months ago??? I MUST buy them! They are fantastic!!
I have a different Brother machine but I’m a novice too. It’s going pretty well though. My downfall was knitting. But let me warn you, if you have issues with sewing DO NOT try to smock with elastic thread on a Brother machine!!! I battled it this weekend and it’s apparently an issue with their machines. That will send Oh Brother flying through the window for sure.
Steph says
I have been there. Hang in. The more you do it on your own, the more you learn. Also, I’ve gotten lots of good tips by just talking to the ladies at the fabric store. They’re very informative.
I made my first quilt about 5 years ago and it was a disaster, but my best friend still uses it on her bed every night. The best advice I can give you is iron every seam before you sew one row to the next. It will change your life and for a person who doesn’t seem to mind ironing, you’ll be fine.
Cassie says
You’re not alone Sherry, I’m a sew-crier too!
Katherine says
Way to go! I have to say this post made me laugh out loud. It all sounds too familiar. I think I will forever be a beginner sewer but at least now I’m not afraid of electrocuting myself when I lick the thread and stick it in a turned-on machine and I don’t think I’ll sew over my finger anytime soon. I’ve gotten over that. Still have a loooong way to go.
Dawn says
You are doing better than me yours was much more complicated issue than mine.
I sat in tears for awhile trying to figure how to get the machine to se. I could not get the thread to come up from the bottom. I even watched a You Tube video. Then a lighting bolt hit….I had to thread the needle for everything to work properly. Yea, not sure where my brain was, but I did read the entire manual and no where did it say thread the needle. Guess they thought I would use common sense, they thought wrong.
Sarah S. says
You can do it!! Don’t give up!! I got a sewing machine for Christmas (that I had to buy myself because my husband didn’t think I’d really use it),which of course made me put on my ‘well, I just show you!’ hat and I’ve been slowly but surely getting better and better. My biggest struggle was just getting a straight line! And once I figured out that you don’t have to shove the material at the needle, it will pull it all on it’s own, I’ve gotten much better and was even able to make a few gifts I wasn’t ashamed to admit I made. If you’re feeling brave, check out the book ‘One yard wonders’. It’s got loads of neato things you can make with just a yard of fabric. Good luck! I know you’ll be great at it…eventually! :)
Shaye says
I’m laughing because I was having a very similar experience at the same time!
We have some mismatched wood furniture, that I decided to re-purpose as occasionally-outdoor party furniture. (It will live in our shed, aka my son’s playhouse, when we don’t have people over.) I’m sanding and painting it all the same off-white, then I thought I’d try to make some throw pillows for it so it would look more cohesive.
This person (http://www.cluckclucksew.com/2011/03/tutorial-sprocket-pillows.html) said that sewing these adorable sprocket pillows would be easy for a beginner.
Harumph! ;)
Sarah S. says
And your banner is adorable! You did a great job and don’t give yourself too hard of a time. Sewing is hard at first!
Lori @ Richmond, BABY! says
Looks great! And I think others have said this, but fear not…you will get it! Tension issues and using the correct needle/thread/fabric combination is usually the culprit of many issues. Also if something is not sewing right, I let the machine sit for a day and miraculously it works the following day. It is so weird, but I’m sure I don’t have to tell you this…sewing machines have a mind of their own!!! Once you get the hang of it, you’ll have to try to sew some Amy Butler bags. They are easy and super cute.
Angie says
I have two words for you:- “Beginner Class”. You need to walk…no run…to your nearest sewing store and sign up for a beginner quilting class to help walk you through the quilt you want to make for Clara. You will learn so much from experienced ladies. What takes you hours to figure out will take them 1 minute to spot! I took a 2 beginner classes and they were worth every penny! I learned so much and I had instant, experienced help when I needed it! I know that you thrive on being a “DIYer” but really, why put yourself through this pain and frustration when a little help would go such a long way!
Donita says
YES I do agree…..they have MANY helpful tips for beginners and quilters. I took a small class and learned many helpful tips. The FLAT head *yellow or pink* long straight pins are a must too.
Donita says
OK I’m sorry, BUT I laughed out loud on this one. I LOVE to sew and have for years, so it is hard to believe when others either hate it or find it hard. SO THANKFUL for a mom that started me at age of seven.
One MUST have for making quilts……a rotary cutter, mat and WIDE clear plastic ruler. Put stick on felt pads on the ruler, first thing, to keep it from moving around on the fabric. You can get all three items, package deal, 40 – 50 % off, with a coupon, from Joann Fabrics. You will forever thank yourself for the purchase. I use mine almost weekly FOR SOMETHING. We even use it for paper, just keep the old blades *that go dull after time, from cutting fabric*. I mark them with a felt marker “PAPER” and we use them for a long time. Hope it helps!!! hee hee
P.S. GREAT JOB on the banner, very cute, what a great thing to use year after year and keep in Clara’s keepsake box. LOVE THE IDEA!!!!
Kristin says
Oh gosh, I totally relate. I am currently on a 6-month hiatus from my machine after starting out with a few beginner projects that made me cry way more than I’m willing to admit. I’m hoping when I go back it will get easier, because there are so many things I’m dying to make!
I feel your pain, but thank you for sharing it because you made me feel like I’m not alone!
Diana says
ok, I am sure I am like the thousandth person to say this, but – its the machine. The cheapy plastic machines of these days are nothing compared to what your mom and aunt used. If you had a decent machine, and maybe a lesson, you’d be sewing happily.
Please don’t take your experience with this machine as what sewing is. Go to the local sewing shop (not Joann’s), see if you can find a solid metal machine from the 60s, 70s, or even early 80s. and take a lesson.
Hope you find some sewing success :-)
Leanne says
The banner turned out so cute. I love the fabrics you used. I feel your sewing machine woes. I didn’t want one more crying episode over the sewing machine so I made a super easy no-sew pillow cover. Saved me a few hours of crying. I’m still trying though and getting a little better each go around with the machine. Good Luck!
Lisa says
I recently dove back into the sewing world myself after a few miserable attempts years ago. I purchased Diana Rupp’s, Sew Everything Workshop book from Amazon, which has made my return to sewing a rewarding experience. There is even a simple quilt project in the book that would use up a lot of your scrap fabric. Good Luck!
Amber says
Thank goodness I’m not the only one who despises sewing! I cannot cut a straight line to save my life. Yet, I still keep trying, like one day it will just all click.
Best of luck to you in your sewing adventures!
Meredith says
If straight-line cutting is an issue, get a rotary cutter set! I’m a horrible cutter, and it’s super-easy to use and speeds up cutting a LOT.
Nicole R. says
That crap happens even with expensive machines! I had a plain Singer for 20 years I used for little projects like napkins & table cloths, then my mom gave me her really nice Bernina machine. I thought I would then I become a WONDER WOMEN of SEWING. Not so much. I have helped friends make cushion covers, but I had to call in back up last weekend to help me get my newest project off the ground. The banner looks great and its ok to hide the projects that are a flop. I won’t tell, if you don’t tell about the half sewn Amy Butler pattern & fabric halter I have in my desk drawer.
shannon says
I love you for this post.
A few years ago I got a good sewing machine from someone on Craigslist for $50. I’ve “used” it all of twice. My mom had to come show me how to use it, because they way they explained things in the book didn’t work for me. (I guess I’m a visual learner.) I learned to sew a straight line and never brought the thing out again, because I knew someone would have to show me again how to even thread the thing. Also, I almost sewed over my fingers multiple times.
Fast forward a few years, and I come home to find that my husband (who is not so much the crafty type!) has made a couple of video-game themed pillows for his man cave out of old t-shirts. Made them. With the sewing machine. Say what?! I was in shock. I guess I’m still learning things about my spouse. Like, maybe he could start sewing for me…. :)
Amanda says
The first time I used a sewing machine I managed to sew the same sleeve on wrong 3 times in a row. Like in side out
egt729 says
you did a great job! i can understand how you got upset over something so simple….i find that the easiest tasks tend to stress me out the most – i guess because i feel so inadequate and as if it should be easier! i have been looking around for beginner sewing machines so perhaps i’ll give this one a whirl!
sidenote: do you get frustrated when us posters ask questions that are easily answered in your actual posting or in the comment section? i always see that happen in these strings and i feel bad that you have to repeat yourself! i’m clearly not as patient as you so i give you credit for always giving such pleasant responses! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Nah, I know I use way too many words and babble so incoherently that things get lost from time to time. Haha.
xo,
s
amyks says
you are clearly not alone in throwing sewing machine temper tantrums…I have thrown a few myself. You may want to take a basic sewing class? There must be an “Adult Education Center” in Richmond, it may help you with trouble shooting and provide you with a bit of support and know how. Just a thought, especially if you want to start sewing pillow cases, adding button holes and/or zippers or even making dresses for Clara. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Yup, I definitely plan to take a class or two to get my bearings. Goodness knows this doesn’t come naturally. Haha.
xo,
s