9.14.2010

Operation: Start Sewing

As of today, Operation: Start Sewing is a success!!!

My bestie, Melissa, has been trying to get me to sew for...well, quite a while. She even gave me my first sewing machine! For some reason, when I got it, it decided not to work. You may - or may not - remember my post from April about my epic fails in sewing. Anyway, while Melissa was visiting this summer, we took the sewing machine to a Singer store here on the island. Apparently, the timing was off {which totally made sense once the lady said it} and we were told that it would be about $140 to fix it. *sigh* You can buy a brand new [decent] machine for about that much.

After hearing the news, I asked Joe if I could get a new one. He said yes, but I seriously procrastinated just never went to get it. =P Since then Melissa has ever so gently reminded me about once a week that I need to get one. Well, this weekend we came up with a project for me: a baby quilt. =) She took a trip to Hobby Lobby and photographed a whole lot of fabric possibilities. We decided on 3 different ones, but Joe didn't approve. Back to the drawing board for the besties. In the meantime, I decided that it was time I actually bought a sewing machine. =)

I went to good 'ole WalMart today and picked up this bad boy:

=D And yes, that is my hubby's PC (patrol cap) hanging on the chair. 

I only stopped myself from immediately opening the box because I knew I'd want to document this historic moment for all of you. ;-) You're welcome. 

Out of the box and begging to be put to use!!
1 problem: How do I thread this thing?!

Luckily, Melissa was home and able to Skype with me through the entirely too long and complicated threading process. =) She has one similar to mine, which was REALLY helpful!! Once we got the bobbin wound, securely put in its place and threaded the needle, it was time for a little practice!!


Ok, so it's not a huge deal, but I was pretty excited that I was able to sew this little square of fabric together. Crooked stitches, selvage and all. =) It was just for practice. 

Doesn't it just look so pretty on my desk?!

Now, I know you guys read the words "baby quilt" and said, "what?" So, to answer your questions: No, I'm not pregnant. Yes, the quilt is for me. I will have babies at some point, so it's not like I won't use it. =)  It will be good practice and I think it will be quite nice to say that the first quilt I made was for my kids. And until I can start on that project (fabric needs to be ordered from Etsy =)), I'm going to make a cover for my sewing machine. 

I am really excited about this! I just hope that I will eventually be able to at least sew in a straight line. I've totally given up on being able to cut a straight line. Maybe there's still hope for sewing? 

P.S. Thank you, Melissa!!!! =D

12 comments:

  1. Now I am going to have to go read about your epic fail at sewing. I have had a few of those. I finally figured out my problem - all of the pieces that hold the bobbin in place are meant to be left alone! I tried making my daughters Halloween costume last year and ended up sewing most of it by hand. I did, however, make a cute 4th of July dress for her :-)

    Good luck!! And I am glad you explained the baby quilt ;-)

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  2. I love sewing... just an FYI sewing can explain my blog disappearance. I have been sewing up a storm!
    I would seriously recommend a rotary cutting tool. Quilting will become so much easier! Straight lines are so much easier!
    There are many sewing blogs out there and they offer a lot of advice.

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  3. Yaaaay! I'm so glad you got one and you figured out how to use it! Maybe this will motivate me to finally get mine out of the box!?! I've been on a very crafty spree lately :-)

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  4. Good luck, I'll live through you, cause I have a broken sewing machine in the basement, and well its still there after 18 years of it being broken...lol.

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  5. Go you! Motivation is, like, 99% of the formula! :)

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  6. Yay!! Good luck with the sewing! I've always wanted to learn.

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  7. Awesome! You are gonna love it. It can be quite addicting :)

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  8. I have always been intimidated at he thought of getting a sewing machine. I'm excited for you and look forward to seeing some of your projects!

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  9. I hope that isn't true cause I want to take up sewing but for now it will have to wait. I have just eased into the world of scrapbooking and I think J would kill me if I said I wanted to start sewing as well!!! But you make really want! I can;t wait to see what you come up with

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  10. Yay! I get excited when someone starts to sew! I have bee trying to do a little every day- which usually means I stay up too late! Hubby is gone- so I can do that, lol. Baby blankets are a great start (and they make great gifts). I have a sewing blog- but I am having issues getting pictures of my projects on it (plus it would help if I posted more often.)
    Can't wait to see your projects!!

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  11. I started sewing recently, too! I looooove it! It's so much fun. I need to get a little table for my machine, though. Yay!

    lindseyl0ve.blogspot.com

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