Do Heart Life: Sew It Begins!

With my life pretty much in complete total chaos (okay me being overly dramatic), I decided I needed a hobby to invest myself in. I’m surrounded by people that have all kinds of creative outlets; dancers, artists, cooks, bakers, photographers, musicians and the list goes on. I wanted and needed a creative outlet too! If, for not anything else, when I was asked what are my hobbies, sleeping wouldn’t be the first and only thing that came to mind. So, what would I like to do besides extensive napping and lounging????

My friend and I were browsing on ETSY, and we seen this cool onesie embellished, with what I know now, an appliqué. So cute! Here I go declaring that would be so easy to do. Nevermind the fact, I hadn’t sewn anything, since Home Economics in the 9th grade (I only did 2 sewing projects, a small pillow and a vest) or even remembered how to. But, as random as I usually work, I decided to pursue learning how to sew.

I called around for sewing classes. Hancock’s and the University of Central Arkansas were offering classes, so I signed up, for both! Classes were set to begin in September and October 2009, actually overlapping.

Now to get a sewing machine, which I knew absolutely nothing about. I purchased a Brother 6000 CSI, because it had the most stitches in my price range. SIDENOTE: Out of a total of 60 stitches, I’ve used 2.

I was emailed a list of sewing supplies I needed for class…..WTC!!!! The only item I recognize on that list was thread! Seam ripper, seam gauge, interfacing…etc. The ladies at Hancock’s were super friendly and babysat me, as I aimed to fill my supply list.

I entered the sewing class all big and bold, with my sewing machine still in the box, nothing had been removed, I was kinda afraid of the darn thing. The instructor got me all set up and from the first stitch, I…. was…. In…. love! I absolutely love sewing! It simply amazes me, it’s so random and I totally love it. Who knew! I’m determined to become good at it, if not great! I can’t get enough. I have a long wish list of items I’m desiring, coverstitch/chainstitch machines, embroidery machine, pattern design software, books, magazine subscriptions, classes with Creations by Cristiana, so so much! I have a long ways to go, but I'm determined to learn it all!

I’ll be starting a segment in which I’ll show you the fabric and notions that will be used for the project and the resulting project once complete. You can guess what the item will eventually become and you can possibly even win your own!

Oh fabric fabric what will you become?

A bag? A dress? Surely something awesome!

Don’t look to me my lips are sealed.

Let’s wait and see what is revealed!

So let me begin by showing you all the projects I have done thus far.

OMIGAH! Can I tell you how proud I was of my first project! People I was beaming!

This is a table topper, never heard of such a thing until this project.

It was proudly displayed in my home throughout the Fall.

My first bag! Tacara adopted it as her own.

My first apparel item! Fleece pajama bottoms for Tacara!

This is when I knew I had to have a serger.

I also made another pair not pictured.

My final class project, a towel wrap for Tacara. She loved having her name embroidered on it.

I was on my own after this.

My first solo project! I gifted all Sean's birthday guests with personalized appliqued shirts.

Shopped various fabric shops for fabric remnants and the shirts on sale from Old Navy.

.........and here's the bib I made for the party....but I didn't do the embroidery, a friend did it for me.

This is when I realized how I just had to have an embroidery machine.

The Christmas Tree skirt I sewed.

Though it was way too small for my tree, I still used it.

I was too proud!

And my so cute stockings! Once again embroidery, not by me.

A simple knit shirt.

... another knit shirt, but with a bubble bottom. Pattern by Simplicity.

A simple knit dress.

This is also the first time I used my new serger,

I got for Christmas.

Random owl I made from fabric remnants. Once again seeing this in a magazine,

I declare that's simple! I can make that!

The following are 3 shirts I appliqued by request. The colored t-shirts that were purchased limited my color options from my remnant pile, but I think they turned out fine.

This is a highchair seat cover I made for a friend. I also made an additional high chair seat cover and a shopping cart seat cover that's not pictured.

The following shows 2 baby shower gift collaborations with my creative friends. My contributions were the stuffed owls and the stuffed lady bugs.

Some of the bibs I made from a $2 Wal-Mart towel. I made a total of 12 from one towel.

and coordinating bag

A jumper I made for Tacara, of course ignore the fabric and the unmatched stripes LOL! I practice with inexpensive fabrics. She loved this and had 2 more requests from friends for one.

First time I did pockets.

This is where I sew....in my dining area.

.....and for all who wonder how I do this with an active 1 year old around....well he's never too far away as you can see. He let's me know exactly when it's time to pack it up! I don't mind one bit, for after all he's my greater passion!