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Wednesday, 8 October 2014

Sewing lesson 1

I had my first sewing lesson on Monday evening.  I was a bit nervous, but Sue, the tutor, was very nice and I soon felt relaxed.  She asked me about my sewing experience and my aims and then took me through the basics of the machine I'd be using (which is quite similar to mine at home), trying out different stitches and trying to sew straight lines (much more difficult than I thought!)  My sewing has always been a little wiggly and I discovered that this was because I was watching the needle and not the edge of the foot. 
 Once I had sewn a double turned hem and a seam, we went on to make a pincushion, using scraps of material.
I was very pleased with mine - simple but useful!  I am going to make a tote bag with a lining and pocket next time I go and then the next time after that, I'll be starting the tunic dress.  In between lessons, I am going to practise with my machine and improve my stitching lines.  Sue also suggested I make a tunic dress with her and then go and make one by myself as well.  After that, I shall be making the A line denim skirt with a zip (at long last!)
I really enjoyed the lesson and am looking forward to the next one!
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12 comments:

  1. Thomasina Tittlemouse8 October 2014 at 20:33

    How exciting Ellie! Always lovely to get expert technical Input and tuition and your pin cushion is delightful! Looking forward to seeing you go from strength to strength! E x

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    1. Ellie Foster9 October 2014 at 09:04

      Dear E
      I hope that by the end of the lessons, I'll be much more confident in my sewing skills and able to make clothes that fit!
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  2. Amy at love made my home8 October 2014 at 22:34

    It looks as though you had a great first lesson and learned lots! You will be off making all sorts before you know it! xx

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    1. Ellie Foster9 October 2014 at 09:05

      Thanks Amy. I did enjoy the first lesson and am looking forward to making the tote bag. I do need to practise on my own sewing machine though.
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  3. joy9 October 2014 at 07:23

    Sewing, especially making one's own clothes, is a wonderful skill to own. Good luck, looking forward to watching your progress x x

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    1. Ellie Foster9 October 2014 at 09:07

      Thanks, Joy. I am really looking forward to being able to make clothes that fit (!). I need to have a practise on my sewing machine before my next lesson - more pincushions, perhaps?
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  4. Unknown9 October 2014 at 09:24

    Very well done Ellie-I love the pincushion, it looks so professional and great colours! Alison xx

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    1. Ellie Foster9 October 2014 at 15:49

      Thanks, Alison. I was pleased with how it turned out and I can use it in my next lesson - the tote bag!
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  5. Mii Stitch9 October 2014 at 12:23

    This is a great idea to take part in lessons :) You are soon going to be a real whizzzz with your sewing machine skills :) Your pincushion looks lovely. This is also the first item I made when I acquired a sewing machine, and I have been using it ever since.

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    1. Ellie Foster9 October 2014 at 15:51

      Thanks, mii. I was really pleased to be able to complete the pincushion in the lesson. I am sure it will be very useful as I progress - you can never have too many pincushions! I am sure my skills will improve too.
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  6. crafty cat corner10 October 2014 at 16:18

    So you've already got one tip on the sewing straight, that's what's good about going to classes instead of muddling by on your own, you get lots of little tips.
    Looking forward to seeing the next project.s
    Briony
    x

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    1. Ellie Foster11 October 2014 at 11:44

      Thanks, Briony. I think I'm going to find the lessons really helpful. I am planning some sewing machine practise this afternoon. I'm really looking forward to starting on the tunic dresses but tote bag will be first so I need to find some material in my stash.
      Have a good weekend.
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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