Purse Creation

In my last post I took a basic sewing class, which taught me, literally, the basics of sewing.

I went back last weekend to experience a new class "making hipster bags", where I was successful! I spent an hour before class started walking around trying to find a fabric I could commit to. The outer fabric was a little easier to find than the lining. For the lining I chose a solid blue, which turned out to be difficult to match with the navy blue design on the outside while still staying in my price range. After an hour of browsing I opted for my navy blue design (outer fabric), solid blue (lining fabric), a large red button (to close my purse), and red thread to stitch with for added color.

Once class started I realized I was the only student, YES! This meant one-on-one for me, which I was very excited about. We began by cutting out a pattern to use- a variety of rectangles, with different widths and lengths.

Steps:

1. Assembled the strap.

2. Attached the interfacing to the outside fabric.

3. Put together the outside fabric of the purse.

4. Created the inside pockets and attached them to the still separated inner lining.

5. Attached the pieces of lining together.

6. Sewed the button by hand to the outside of the purse.

7. Attached the loop that closes the purse and the strap to the inside of the outer fabric.

8. Stuffed the unfinished outside of the the purse into the lining and sewed them together.

9. Pulled the purse through and finally, created one more decorative stitch to reinforce all the making of the purse!

DONE! 3 hours later!

This weekend, I am looking forward to getting my own sewing machine. I am excited to see what, and IF, I can create on my own and share!

I Conquered!

My Supplies!

outer seam

Walking into the classroom I noticed such a variety of people.  It amazes me how people who seem so different have the same interests.  As we settled in, my teacher (who was a little intense) spun around the room getting last minute items together.  When class finally started the first thing she taught us were the fundamentals of the machine and the measurement increments and how to thread them. Once the actual sewing began we learned a basic stitch. First, we were shown where to place our hands to help direct the fabric through the machine. We practiced our basic stitch four different times before moving on to "finishing" our seam edges, which keeps the fabric from unraveling. The first technique we learned in how to finish our edges was by "pinking"- using zig-zag shaped scissors (called pinking scissors!) to cut along the very edge of the inside seam. The second method was by using a finishing stitch, which is a basic stitch but much closer to the edge of the inside seam.

My Machine

Moving right along we learned a double stitch, which is a sturdy seam used on items such as jeans and jackets. Our toughest venture, or so we thought, was learning how to put a zipper in! Personally, I was VERY excited to do this. We followed these steps:

• To put in a zipper you need a "zipper foot" for your machine and a seam to put it in. 

• Lay the zipper face down in the wrong side of the fabric in your seam and sew the zipper in using a basic stitch and pivoting. 

• Once your zipper is completely sewn in, use your seam remover on the right side of your fabric to pull out the original seam you lined the zipper up with.  

I think mine turned out pretty well, and I was surprised to see how it is actually done.  We also quickly learned a zig-zag finish, another durable finishing and a blind stitch.  

I think the basics are pretty simple, but I'm glad that I am now aware of what kinds of seams different items require. I had a really good time and even signed up for another class next week making purses! Whoo-whoo!



Pinking!



 

Second Finishing





Double Seam




My ZIPPER!

Inside stitching of the zipper



Zig-Zag Stitch



Sewing Machine?

I look around I see all these adorable crafts that look manageable and I think...if only I knew how to sew.  I've done a little bit of sewing between school and home where a friend of mine and I use to make boxer shorts, though they never fit quite right. So I thought, I can do this, with a little help of course. I know Joann's holds all kinds of classes so this weekend I went and signed up for a basic sewing class. My first class is Today from 6pm-8:30pm.  Below are a few of the pieces I've seen and loved. They are the reason I am getting off the sofa and behind the sewing machine!

This first piece, a clutch, is probably the most inspiring for me, I love the detail of the button and the fabric pattern inside!

       

These Curtains are GREAT! All of her stuff is very unique.

customizedliving.blogspot.com 

 These two bags I'm completely in love with. The top one's style and the thought that you might be able to adjust the length of the handle with snaps! LOVE IT!

http://www.aplacefortwiggs.com/

The color and style are adorable! I don't normally like shoulder bags, but I'd defiantly sport this one!

http://www.aprilbern.com/blog/2011/2/24/featured-handmade-artist-betsyandbess.html

How can you not love the idea of creating your own heating pillow with cherry pits!niftythriftythings.blogspot.com

So Lets see what I can DO!!

From Dressers to Chairs!

The color of this dresser spoke to me so loud I couldn't shut it out! I kept revisting this picture cause there is just something I love about it. I'm not sure if it's that color green, the style or just the creators personal touch.  It lead as inspiration to visit a few chairs we had just received from my husbands family. 
http://knackstudios.blogspot.com/2011/02/introductions_21.html


Below are some pictures of the chairs from beginning to end. I was very impressed with how turned out and it gave me drive to keep going. A little paint goes a long way!

          The Chair as we first got it.

          Sanded by hand, finally!

Took off the black vinyl cover and replaced with a fun fabric from Joann's, good for indoors and outdoors.

        Painted with a white satin finish and the new seat attached!

I love this new chair, only 3 more to go! I cannot wait to get our back porch together and ready to enjoy!

Now if only I could come up with a way to shade our back porch from the setting sun...

My First Post

I would like to welcome you to my page! This is brand new for me and will take me sometime to get use to. However, I'm doing this to watch myself grow and hoping you can grow with me! Lets explore!