I got a sewing machine for Christmas. I don't know how to sew. I did a little bit of sewing with my grandmother when I was a little kid, but don't remember really.
What should I sew? What's easy? What's good to learn by doing? What's actually useful?
TTC with PCOS since November 2009
IUI#1 Femara/Ovidrel (cd 3-7) = BFP, m/c IUI#2 Femara/Ovidrel (cd 5-9) = BFN IUI#3 Femara/Ovidrel (cd 3-7) = BFP! beta #1 11/23 = 270, P4 = 75 beta #2 11/28 = 2055 Our daughter E was born 7/29/2012! Surprise, our 2nd daughter P was born 5/22/14!
I would start with something like wipes or napkins just to get used to your new machine. They would be good practice for sewing straight and getting the hang of things again. Plus, they are still functional if you mess up.
I would start with something like wipes or napkins just to get used to your new machine. They would be good practice for sewing straight and getting the hang of things again. Plus, they are still functional if you mess up.
This! Definitely do not start with diaper covers. I've had my sewing machine for years and love to sew. However, my recent attempt at diaper covers has me temporarily abandoning my machine because it was just not worth it. I did find pail liners to be pretty easy (although elastic can be a bugger)
I started with PJ pants also, and they were super easy. If you want to do diapers I would go for fitted diapers or doll diapers first. PUL moves funny through the machine and can get frustrating. I would try a wet bag first to get the feel for PUL in the machine.
I voted snuggie bc who doesn't need that high fashion garment in their lives?! But then I remembered that you'll probably have a much easier time learning if you start with a non-stretchy material. Pajama pants would be a great option. Pillowcase dresses for E would also be easy and fun, although I know she has a big wardrobe already.
Purses, pillow case dresses, skirts, pj pants. Those are all easy things to start with depending on the pattern. I just made a ring sling. Easiest sewing ever.
Mama to a little girl born July 2011 and a little boy born April 2014!
When I was in middle school, we were required to take "Home-Ec." and learned to use a sewing machine. We sewed pillow cases, gym bags, and simple teddy bears. If 12yr olds can be taught to sew those, that seems like a good starting place. Or PJ pants, because who doesn't love those?
And because our kids are the same, if you make something for E, you should give her some warning because apparently surprising a 2.5yr old with a cute new pillow case already on her pillow in bed is a terrible mistake that results in tears.
PJ Pants are easy. Actually if you have a Joann's near you they have a class where they teach you to sew a pair of PJ pants. I highly, highly recommend taking it. I started with that and it was a great starting point. I am still a novice, but I have learned to sew some other stuff using that knowledge. Pinterest is a great place to find tutorials. For me it was crucial to pick easy projects, master those and move on. If I picked something too hard, I got frustrated and gave up. Good Luck!
If you can find a local class and have time to do it, definitely sign up. My machine came with a class that just covered how to use the machine, basic troubleshooting maintenance, and all the different stitches. After that I felt much more comfortable just trying stuff. Pillow cases are easy. PJ pants are super fun too. Those baby tag blankets are easy and quick too. Then you'll never be without a baby gift again.
I haven't sewed in years but the first thing I made with my machine was a pair of pj pants for my little brother and a drawstring bag that I used for dance shoes. I think they were fairly simple projects that helped me get started.
PJ pants were my first project. I didn't even buy a pattern. I found a tutorial on a blog where you just copy a pair of your kid's existing pants and add in a seam allowance.
Wipes or a wetbag would be good choices too though.
Ooooooh. I have all this fleece I was going to use in my wrap and then I opted not to. I should totally make myself PJ pants! DH got fleece PJ pants for Christmas and I'm so jealous of them!
Re: NCDR: Sew What?
"Annnnnnd you win the award for best SN evar." -LindsRockies
IUI#2 Femara/Ovidrel (cd 5-9) = BFN
IUI#3 Femara/Ovidrel (cd 3-7) = BFP!
beta #1 11/23 = 270, P4 = 75
beta #2 11/28 = 2055
Our daughter E was born 7/29/2012!
Surprise, our 2nd daughter P was born 5/22/14!
Suddenly my life doesn't seem such a waste,
It all revolves around you.
Suddenly my life doesn't seem such a waste,
It all revolves around you.
Have fun! Its addicting if you enjoy it.
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Then if you want to do PJ pants, this tutorial makes some super-easy, super-quick PJ pants. It's great for PJ pants for the littles, but there's a lot of fabric waste if you do them adult size.
https://mycottoncreations.blogspot.com/2010/07/christmas-eve-pajama-pants-tutorial.html
Oh, and be sure to wash your fabric before you use it. Otherwise your final product will likely shrink unevenly and be ruined.
**Follow your heart, but take your brain with you**
And because our kids are the same, if you make something for E, you should give her some warning because apparently surprising a 2.5yr old with a cute new pillow case already on her pillow in bed is a terrible mistake that results in tears.