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Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Learn to Use My Sewing Machine: 30 before 30

I don't know what it was, maybe the frugal DIYer in me or the new mother status, but I've been itching to learn to sew.  I'm kicking myself for never taking Home Economics in high school (because when would I ever need that! *eye roll*).  You live and you learn.  
When did sewing become so taboo that we stopped passing this handy talent down to our children?  My grandmother could sew, my aunt could sew, my mother and mother-in-law could sew.  Was it the feminist movement that ruined it for us?  
Well, I say women can have equal rights and use a sewing machine.  
Why not have one more thing we are better at than men?
/rant over/

After a couple of self-taught trials in in using my sewing machine, I figured that this shove-some-fabric-under-the-needle-and-push-the-peddle tactic I was using wasn't really going to work out so well.  And in hearing my frustration, my mother signed me up for a sewing class.  
Boy do I miss classes.  Someone who knows more than you telling you what to do?  
Please, step right in and guide me.  

Here's the thing.  I was late, I was unprepared (as in NO supplies on hand).  The worst student ever.  
But, I was eager to learn (so maybe not the worst).  Thankfully, my teacher took pitty on me and offered me some of her tools and some free fabric.  I brought along my machine to use so that I could learn how to use the tools I had available to me at home.  *best idea ever*
We were to be making a scarf. (yes, a scarf.)
The class was three hours long and we spent the better part of two hours talking about what we were going to do and then finally cutting and pinning fabric.  We didn't actually get out our machines until the final hour.  crazyness.  I was itching to ask a million questions about this thing.



Our instructor was amazingly informed and knowledgeable about every machine in the class (even ones dating back to the 1950s).  She was patient and helpful when we had the same question over and over again.  When the simplest thing stopped us in our tracks and when our machines began to eat our fabric under our novice fingers, she calmed our fears.
 I was so encouraged and delighted when my final product actually looked like the picture on the board.  Elated is an understatement.  Who would have known that an ugly little scarf could bring me so much pride and joy?  

I'm looking into more classes because I really want to continue with this and I'm not totally secure in my own knowledge of the skill.  
Here's hoping Isla June will EVENTUALLY get a hand-made from momma pillowcase dress.

4 comments:

  1. Okay, I'm buying a sewing machine and taking a class. I've been thinking about it and now I'm jealous that you did! Now to find the time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Do it, Amy! My mom found mine on Craigslist for a steal and it came with a table. It definitely is a find the time thing though. Good luck!

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  2. I have a machine and need to learn to use it. Where was the class held?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Heather! The class was in Chapel Hill, but if you google sewing classes and your city, something should pop up. Good luck!

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