Ok, truth time. The Beginner Sewing class I signed up for a few weeks ago, is kicking my butt. Apparently, the ‘easy’ projects I had schemed come up with, weren’t so easy after all. I think the analogy my instructor Karen used went something like this: ‘It’s like your are taking a beginner’s painting class and you are trying to paint a scenic mural….with three colours.’ Ouch! I needed to hear that though. Besides, it helps me feel better knowing that the reason why I am not doing awesome in the class is because the projects are a bit out of my depth. That is so much nicer than thinking “Wow, I really suck at this”.
One of my (not so) easy beginner projects: cushion covers. It turns out that I made the project ‘advanced’ when I decided that I wanted piping, velvet and an overlapping flap in the back.
Some of what I’ve learned so far…
1. The directions of the pins actually matters: if you have them with the head pointing towards you, as you sew, you can easily pull them out (as opposed to being stabbed by them)
2 & 3. There is a world of sewing tools out there: like the point turner/seam creaser which will help you get out corners on a project like pillows
4. Another new-to-me tool, pinking shears will help minimize the fray on a unfinished edge of fabric
Oh and also learned, check with instructor before rushing off to buy fabric (and developing thoughts of grandeur.)
My new velvet cushion covers (with flap in back and minus piping)…
…and up next: chair covers!
But think of it this way, now that you’ve tackled something more advanced you have learned way more in a shorter time than doing something really simple. Right?
I consider myself rather good in sewing and still I had never even seen the tools 2&3 😀 I sometimes place the pins horizontal to the edge of the fabric, this way I can usually sew right over them and remove all in the same go later.
Oh I may have to try that with the pins- thanks Leena!
I couldn’t sew a button if my life depended on it, so I’m very excited for you. Your work looks so professional! Hang in there and show us what you are capable of 😀
This is a great skill to have and as with everything, you’ll only get better! The pillows look great!
Those pillows look awesome! I’m going to try and sew a little clutch this weekend…we’ll see how it turns out.
So good! I love how ambitious you were about adding piping and using velvet, though. They turned out wonderfully! And there’s the extra satisfaction of knowing you made it yourself, too.
I never thought to make sure that the pin heads were facing me so that I can take them out easily! This is why I should take a class instead of just assuming I can mend and repair my clothing 😡
I took a beginners sewing class, but I couldn’t even begin to figure out how to make a chair cover! Your pillows are so pretty!
i make pillows for a living. . .if you ever have a question, santa, you can email me : ) there are so many little sewing tricks that make such a difference. i know i am still missing out on many of them – but pillows i have down ; ) and those look fabulous!!
That’s right, I have a pro in my corner- thanks Christine (may definitely be reaching out to you soon!)
well i say you look like you are off to a fabulous start! but of course, anytime let me know if i can help : )
Soo good . the pillows look fabulous
saludos angelica
Wow velvet – challenging at best! Your pillows are great! I’m glad she gave you that pinning tip – my high school students are always sticking themselves – because they don’t pay attention when I give them that rule! Lol Have a great weekend – I can’t wait to see those chair covers!
WOW! Santa you did a great job! I didn’t know that you could sew on top of your re-upholstery skills!
Santa, your pillow covers came out so good! You underestimate your talent. 😉 I took a beginners sewing class once and we were tasked with making an apron. I never finished it! I want to see your chair covers when you’re done.
That is so exciting! You’ll only get better and it will get much easier, really. I tend to make easy projects more difficult as well by using obnoxious fabrics and details that are more advanced but, as with most things, you can learn a lot from your mistakes. I can’t wait to see the chair cover!
Oh no! Constructive criticism is tough but good I guess:)
Wish I could take a class. Those pillows are fantastic!
Good job, I would be terrible at this, so I am very impressed with your effort. Good luck with the chair cover. x
Cushion covers is a beginners project? Yikes! I would have thought something like darning socks could be a beginners project!? You did a fantastic job and I am loving your tips because I could definitely use them!
Well, in the instructor’s defense: the ‘beginner project’ was actually a simple drawstring bag which I totally botched up. The next project (the pillow covers) was my choice 😉
The came out great! Which reminds me I need to learn how to use my sewing machine soon…I should really work on my chair pattern before Thursday but feel like it would be a good no power required project if we’ll loose it, so I’ll keep browsing the web for now 😉
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The more u practice the better faster greater u will be (<– sounds like the theme song intro to the Bionic Woman / remember that TV series?). I have come to terms w/my sewing … I DISLIKE IT (w/a passion)!!! I love the transformation part of it, but goooodness its a LOT OF WORK and then there's the clean-up. That reminds me I have to STOP buying clothes where I say "i can hem that' or "adjust that' … bec I DON'T 🙂