The Free Sewing Machine

Apparently my grandmother had a sewing machine that she bought several years ago but never used because neither she nor my mother could ever figure out how to use it. My grandfather offered it to me last month, and I accepted and carried it on over across the street and set up shop in my bedroom.

Now, I'm not completely inexperienced with sewing. My mom's got an old Pfaff -- and by old I mean that her dad bought it for her used when she was 9 years old-- that's getting a bit curmudgeon-y in its old age. It really only sews for Mum, or with her supervision at least, and has a tendency to shock people if they don't wear proper footwear. Nonetheless, I've managed to eek out a few T-shirt quilts and sets of curtains on the thing. But that's about it for my sewing experience and it's basically all been a bunch of squares.

So, now that I've got my very own machine, I decided it was time to learn to actually sew... as in, from a pattern. I took myself on down to Hobby Lobby and found the haberdashery corner. When I found the patterns, I just stared. There it was: a tall, 12-drawered filing cabinet labeled with numbers. Oh God, how do I do this? Apparently all the catalogs sitting next to it have pattern numbers next to the pictures. Easy enough.... except then I had to ask how I know how much fabric to buy.... and what needle to use with what fabric. Oh dear. Eventually I made it home with 2 yards of sweet blue cotton fabric, a new set of needles and a pattern to make my most daring project ever.. A BATHROBE. 


Technically, the pattern was for a full pajama set AND bathrobe, and this is what caused me the most confusion-- just figuring out which pieces went with the project I wanted. And then I still had to cut it out. Fortunately, by that time the hard part was done and, aside from a bit of an altercation with my bobbin, the sewing part was easy for me. Every pattern comes with instructions, but the instructions are really for people who already know what they're doing. I think it turned out pretty well :) I sure have been wearing it around the house enough.

Later, I managed to score half a dozen McCall's patterns for 99c a piece and made myself a sundress, as well, complete with pleats, lining, a drawstring a decorative zipper. Advanced stuff for me, folks. Each of the projects has taught me some valuable sewing lesson to put to use in the next. I'm working my way up to some nicer dresses that I really don't want to mess up because I'd quite like to actually wear them to a nice function. One day... To be honest, sewing your own sundresses, etc. isn't really economical, because if you're going to get any kind of decent fabric it'll cost you more than just getting one at the mall on sale, not to mention the pattern, but I've successfully worn the sundress out several times with no embarrassing wardrobe malfunctions or feeling like it looked amateur or home made, and the pride of that is worth it. I wait until I actually get good.

Finally finished! "Easy 2-hour pattern" took me all day.

And of course I had some assistance.

Ohh, one day. But can't turn 'em down for 99c.

The drawstring wasn't in the pattern. It was my idea, and I love it!