Thursday, March 24, 2011

Sewing Projects

Tim got me a sewing machine for Christmas last year. I have been wanting one for a while but always talked myself out of it because I wouldn't know what to do with it once I got it. I brought it up again this past Christmas since I am a stay at home mom now, I figured I would have some more time to figure things out. A few weeks after Christmas it was still sitting in the box. I think Tim was a little disappointed that I hadn't made him a three-piece suit yet. So I opened the box, read the manual and signed up for a beginning sewing class at Joann's. The class was really basic but I learned a ton and it gave me the confidence to start trying things on my own.

Here's a pic of my machine and the little bag I made at my class. I made a slightly larger bag for my niece and sister-in-law and then another one for a baby shower for diapers and wipes. Fun practicing. I also made some bean bags for the boys to play with. No pics of those though.

With those little projects under my belt, I thought it was time to search the internet for little things I could make. I have been wanting placemats for our table but really haven't found anything I liked. I mentioned possibly making some to my mother-in-law and she sent me a link for some tutorials. Here's how they turned out.

I chose this tutorial here since it seemed easy and would work nicely with our plates. Here is the main site that will link you to tons of free tutorials.

Then I decided I wanted to make a rag quilt. I found another tutorial online and went to work. There are so many tutorials out there and each one is a little different so no links. You can pretty much just google "rag quilt" and a million come up. And here is my first rag quilt.

I made it really big for cuddling up while watching tv. It's nice and cozy. Although, after making a second one, there are a few things I changed and I like the second better. I made this next one for a baby shower I am going to on Saturday. I don't think Amy reads this blog, but if you do, surprise!

I made the squares smaller on this quilt and placed an additional layer of flannel in the middle of each square to make it fluffier. I also didn't wash the flannel before sewing. I seriously wish I was pregnant right now with a little girl so I could justify keeping this quilt for myself, I love it so much. Oh well. My time will come soon enough.

Okay, last sewing project (for this post anyway), I promise. I found the cutest spring scarf here and figured I would give it a try. It turned out pretty cute if I do say so myself. This site links you to another site where you can download a pdf tutorial. I searched around that site and found a couple other things to make as well. But those will have to wait until the next post. Anyway, here's how my scarf turned out.

This has been a super fun present and I am loving every minute of it. Although, with as much money as I have been spending on fabric, I think Tim wishes it was still in the box!

2 comments:

Lu said...

those are some cute projects. I used to hate sewing, until I had kids to sew for. It makes it so much more fun.

Mom said...

You are fantastic. Love everything. So glad you decided to start sewing.