Notice the snow on the ground behind us! That's probably why we are wearing pants with our letter sweaters instead of skirts. We had to trick-or-treat in a blizzard one year. My mom drove us house to house. My favorite costume was my poodle skirt. I wore it at least four years in row. I still love that costume.
She even sewed our Christmas dresses and robes. Clearly I was thrilled about this one.
My mom taught me little things about sewing when I was younger, we'd make a pillow here and there and when I joined 4-H, she helped me make a skirt. Okay, she probably sewed the whole thing while I watched but I did learn!
I finally bought my own sewing machine on Overstock last week (just a beginner Brother XM3700) because I have a growing list of things that I wanted/projects that needed to be done and it's just ridiculously expensive to pay someone to sew for you. I wanted table runners for Thanksgiving, drapes in the dining room, ottoman slip covers, a roman shade, stockings...I would have spent a fortune buying things on ETSY or I could try to do it myself.
Luckily, it's coming back to me. Last night I made a little runner for a chest in the dining room. (Craig's List find!)
I sewed the first ruffle on backwards and when I tried to cut a rectangle for the top- well, let's just say it's a good thing that linen is forgiving because it's no where near a straight line.
I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out! I think I'm going to get started on the drapes for the dining room today.
I also changed the header on my drapes in the living room. (The rings don't match, I know.) When I had these made, I asked for a rod pocket. The rod pocket was too casual and I didn't like how the drapes hung (before pic of them from Christmas: here) so I sewed some pleater tape across the top and inserted the hooks. They look so much more tailored now.
The best part is being able to complete little projects that have been lingering. I want to host Thanksgiving dinner this year so I've got to get going on those drapes...
Everything looks great! I need to break out my machine...tried to take lessons last year, but only made 3 of them. Good luck on the drapes, can't wait to see pics!
ReplyDeleteSo much like my mom! She sewed all our Halloween costumes and Easter/Christmas outfits! And I too had the poodle skirt one year! You've inspired me to give sewing a try now too! Your runner looks fab!
ReplyDeleteThat runner looks great! My favorite costume growing up was a poodle skirt my great-grandmother made me; I wore it with saddle oxfords four years in a row, too. (And a tiny Care Bears boom box playing "Chantilly Lace" on a cassette tape. Simpler times.)
ReplyDeleteI would love a sewing machine! I learned to use one when I was in my 7th grade Home Ec class and I've wanted one ever since. Such a handy thing to have!
ReplyDeleteSo proud of you! Great job, lady. I can't wait to see what you stitch out over the next year! PS You might want to invest in a ruffler foot for your sewing machine? They are bizarre looking and a bit hard to figure out at first (I could send you an iPhone tutorial), but save a TON of time on sewing ruffles and pleats of all kinds!
ReplyDeleteI have a rufller foot! I bought it before my sewing machine even came and was convinced I'd never figure out how to use it. I did manage to get it on the machine and even get it working but I can't say the results were pretty. When I made those ruffles I just pulled the thread. I think I just need to get the hang of the ruffler.
DeleteI can't wait to see what you create!
ReplyDeleteI love how your ruffled table runner turned out. I am completely new to sewing. So far I have made a camera strap cover and two pillow case dresses for my daughter. I would love to make pillow covers, table runners, and maybe some curtains for the house eventually. My mom used to make my Halloween costumes too. She made me a poodle skirt when I was in elementary school. I remember wearing it to school all day. So fun!
ReplyDeleteLooking good! I haven't been able to sew in nearly a year. You're bringing back the sewing itch!
ReplyDeleteI love the runner, so cute! This post is good motivation for me to pull my old sewing machine out of the closet. We just put new drapes up and they need to be hemmed but I've been lazy about taking care of it. We're hosting Thanksgiving for the first time this year too and I would love to have at least ONE room finished!
ReplyDeleteI had a similar experience with a sewing mother. I did make several tabers for a Knight & Princesses b-day party six years ago - but they were pretty rustic. :) I have been thinking about dusting off the machine and seeing what I can do. You have totally inspired me!
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