Sewing Machine

For over a year, I have shut the closet door on my desire to sew. Yet, the sewing machine keeps calling my name. And believe it or not, I have finally let it come out of the closet.

My grandmother's sewing machine was graciously given to me when she passed away. I hold my grandmother in high regard for many things, including her ability to sew. I often wonder how I grew up without ever having even ONE sewing lesson from her. That lesson would have made my life a lot easier.

The sewing machine intimidated me. I didn't want to break it. I pulled it out a few times for practice - when people with sewing knowledge could guide me.

Unfortunately, I always ended up putting the machine back in the closet.

The thread would break.
The fabric would bunch.

I was incapable.

Or so I thought.

I decided to try again. The machine was yelling too loudly for me to ignore.

My first project I wanted to tackle was making aprons for both the kiddos.
They are swallowed by my aprons, but they love wearing one.
What better gift than a toddler sized apron?

I hung out in Jo-Ann's one day to find the perfect fabrics for each of my babies.
I purchased 1/2 yard of the main fabric and a quarter yard of the second fabric. I wanted to be sure I had enough for sewing screw-ups.

Once at home, I starting cutting, ironing, pinning and sewing. I did not use a pattern. (How brave of the person who doesn't know who to sew.) Instead, I used my imagination and got to work.

Meredith was VERY interested in what I was doing and wanted to jump into my lap to "help". Richard thought she was super cute!

Sewing the ties was definately the hardest part for me. I made them quite thin, possibly too thin for my virgin skills. They turned out okay though.

Helping mommy thread the needle.

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I decided to do Lucas' apron first.

I wanted him to try it on before I put on the finishing touches.

I was able to get him to agree.

Here he is modeling it after day 1 of my sewing adventures.

I still need to sew along the edges to prevent puckering, add the pockets to the bottom, and a dinosaur.

I am super excited about the fabric I found. The fabric I used to make the ties and pockets is green with a half circle squiggle across it in rows. It looks an awful lot like dinosaur scales, which will make the perfect dinosaur for the chest!

I think it looks pretty awesome for my first try at sewing anything. I was even able to sew the ties on the inside of the fabric, so you can't see the seaming!


I still have to make Meredith's apron - and I will be sure to include photos of the finished products! I will try to include instructions with photos when I make hers!