Is it possible to move from nervous anxiety about your sewing machine to a love of that gentle whir in one night? I think so!
I did a little experiment last week with my college roommate Amber and her friend Allison. There are plenty of sewing classes that you can take and come away with an elastic waisted skirt or a tote bag, but still have a fear of your machine. Sure you've mastered one small project, but you're still not sure what to do if your needle breaks on another project or why you would even need to change your needle in the first place.... oh yeah, and what the heck is tension?!
I really wanted to teach them more than just how to sew, but how to be comfortable with their machines and hopefully play match-maker for a new love of sewing! We talked about the basics... what's a pressure foot and how to change it, winding a bobbin, threading your machine, but we also talked about the fact that every time you put your needle to the fabric you're acting as a designer. You don't need an expensive pattern to design great things for your house, it just takes a little bit of understanding.
We started with some threadless practice on paper, then moved to the fabric. Two and a half hours later we emerged with two envelope pillows and a new excitement for sewing! What a blast!
That sounds like a ton of fun! I must admit, though, that even though I've been sewing for years (and am quite in love with it, btw) I still have a small panic attack in the few seconds it takes to realize what happened when my bobbin thread knots and I can't figure out why my machine won't go. : )
ReplyDeleteSounds like a lot of fun. The ladies did a great job on those pillows! Tell them to keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteThat is what scares me about sewing...the machine. Great idea and the pillows are CUTE!
ReplyDeleteI wish I could have a sewing lesson from you!!!
ReplyDeletethis is great! I am just now getting around to getting to know my sewing machine. I have spent nearly a year very intimidated and afraid to learn how to thread it and use. After a little inspiration, I decided to give it a try. I just learned to thread the machine last night, and I managed to sew a semi-straight line. But I am still very intimidated by the machine. I don't feel like I know how it all works, and I am hoping to find someone to sit down with (a sewing mentor!) and do exactly what you did! Great job!
ReplyDeleteHow fun! I would love to take a class like this! I messed my sewing machine up and had to take it in to get it fixed for....$89. I would love to know how to fix it myself and love to sew as much as my Mom did!
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