Learning to Sew

I took Home Ec in junior high. It was a one semester class; the first quarter we were taught sewing, and the second, cooking. I passed the class, but only because of the cooking section. I never even cut out a pattern or threaded a sewing machine during the first quarter — I’m not sure how I spent my time, but I assume I was socializing.

My mom is a fantastic seamstress, and over the years, she’d make my kids a Halloween costume or a dress for me, but I’ve toyed with the idea of learning to sew. Several years ago, I decided I wanted a bunch of beautiful aprons, and Doodle made me a couple as she learned to sew, but I wanted to be able to exercise my creativity with needle and thread and machine.

A couple weeks ago, to celebrate a milestone in my life, I bought myself an inexpensive sewing machine. My first project was to re-purpose a pair of overalls into a skirt, like something I’d purchased at a thrift store years ago. That taught me the basics of my machine, and then it was time to learn how to use a pattern. I started with a tote bag, and finally got a chance to sew it today.

There are a ton of flaws, but instead of focusing on them, I’m focusing on the fact that I actually made something with a pattern! And that I learned so much. I can’t wait to sew my next project (another tote bag – I haven’t decided whether to use the same pattern again or a different one).