Learning to Sew

One of my first projects with my new sewing machine was to make shorts for my two nephews, aged 6 and 3. They are big fans of the movie Cars, so I bought some fabric with various Cars characters on it.

I used Butterick pattern 3475. That pattern has a few different items in it, but these shorts are letter “D.” My nephews are not nearby, so I had to have their mom measure their waists for me so I would know what size to make. They ended up being sizes 4 and 7, which meant I had to buy two patterns. Eventually I hope that I will get to the point where I will be able to just adjust a pattern to a different size, but I am not there yet.

The pattern was pretty simple and it was not the first time I had made shorts (I made a pair 16 years ago in junior high home economics), so I did not have too many problems. The difficulty with making clothing for someone you don’t see often is getting the fit right. Luckily the nephews came to town and I was able to measure for an exact waist/elastic measurement and they were able to tell me how long they wanted the shorts.

I think they came out pretty well. I re-learned how to hem and how to put in elastic, which are two big skills that I will continue to improve on.

Jo-Ann Fabrics is having a Labor Day weekend sale which starts today, August 29th and runs through Monday, September 1st. The sale is for both in-store and online, but the coupon I have for all of you is online only.

The online sale includes clearance items up to 60% off, as well as the following online and in-store sales:

40% off sewing and quilting cutting tools
50% off anti-pill fleece solids
$2.49/yard cozy flannel solids

Those are just a few of the many sales that they have this weekend. Check out all the sales at Jo-Ann Fabrics at their website.

COUPON:
You can receive an additional 10% discount of your entire purchase for online sales only by using the code EGD245 at check-out.

For my most recent birthday, my husband got me a Singer sewing machine.  I loved sewing when I was younger and had been expressing an interest in picking up the hobby again.  I was excited when I got the machine and have been trying to re-learn how to sew.

I am finding, though, that it is not as simple as I remember.  I think that is in part because my perfectionist nature interferes with my ability to relax and enjoy the experience.  Sewing and perfectionism are a tough combination because everyone is bound to make mistakes.  My seam ripper is my newest friend.

This blog will be a place for me to share my sewing projects: both the disasters and the successes. I will also discuss various sewing notions and other products I have tried and give reviews about which I think are worth the money.  I also hope to provide links to coupons and sales so that you can continue to enjoy sewing as a hobby, without breaking the bank.

Check back often as we learn to sew together.