going sew-lo

My dear, generous hubby gave me a pretty amazing sewing machine for Christmas. I'd been wanting one forever and had been itching to try my hand at projects that didn't involve knitting needles, crochet hooks or a keyboard.

My pretty little Janome sat in its box for a good month while we made the move to Toronto and then got our new home in order... and then it sat there for another two weeks while I tried to source the perfect sewing desk on Craig's List. After driving all the way to Newmarket to view a desk that turned out to be a dud, I realized that I could wait forever to use my new machine, and that it was time to just sit down and use it—perfect desk or no.

I've sewn an item or two in my day, but always under the helpful guidance of my Momma or auntie. So the other night, I set myself up at the dining room table (not suggested if you are having company in the week ahead) and taught myself how to sew all over again.

I ran through all my stitch settings on a piece of scrap fabric. I threaded a bobbin for the first time. Then I unthreaded and rethreaded it properly. And then, I embarked on my first solo project. I turned some old scarves into a wee pillow case.

The end result is too ugly to display here, but it was a start!

And to reward myself, I am indulging in some of my favourite sewing blogs and websites :)

Today I'm loving Colette Patterns for good vintage inspiration. She also has a free pattern for an adorable pair of mini bloomers, which I'll be making as soon as I get my printer up and running.

I also love the smock-y APC inspired clothes at Wiksten-made. Really, simple designs like these are what made me want to sew in the first place. I love this stuff.

And lastly, always the best spot on the web for sewing 'shareware' (did I totally misappropriate that term?) is BurdaStyle. How many patterns have I bookmarked here for future reference? I've lost count. Enjoy!