An ongoing sewing adventure... Episode 1

When I was growing up my parents made just about everything for me when it came to costumes. They would join forces for costumes; Mom would sew everything, Dad would do any construction necessary. Of course, I didn't have problems with the whole costume part. Dad did tend to take things to a whole new level.

I was a butterfly one year for Halloween, and Dad made wings for me. Umm, ya, these things were HUGE. So big, I had to walk through doorways sideways, and I remember getting tired from wearing them.

Then there was Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer costume... I think it was for a Christmas pageant. Again the costume was great, but Dad's addition actually freaked me out at the time. Mom wanted to put red lipstick on my nose, but Dad wanted to make my a light-up-blinking nose to wear. It really did scare me. I think I ended up whining about it so much he gave up on trying to get me to wear it.

But looking back on everything, I'm glad I had homemade things. I even think the GIANT butterfly wings were really cool. I mean, I didn't know any other kids that had GIANT butterfly wings. I'm a total nerd now, and the attempted light up nose is a cool idea now. It just scared me something weird when I was little.

And most of you know, my day job is working in an art department. I've learned to love very well printed books, magazines, postcards, etc. When I came across this book called Stitch by Stitch, I couldn't not get it. I mean this book has great printing, photography and the page design is perfectly retro and modern all at the same time. Forget what the book was actually about, it just looks amazing! Today I took some time to sit down and read it, instead of just randomly going through the pages and looking at all the pretty pictures.

Stitch by Stitch: Learning to Sew, One Project at a Time by Deborah Moebes

I think this is the perfect book for me to start my official sewing adventure. What I've done so far is learned about the author, who seems pretty cool so far. I've also learned a bit about myself. Before really getting into the book she wants the reader to answer a few questions:

Sewing History:

1. Where'd you come from, and what took you so long to get here?
   • I've always had someone who would sew for me. Unfortunately no one seems to be readily available for me to bother. So, I thought I'd better start sooner than later.
2. What's been keeping you from sewing?
   • The time it would take seemed daunting, plus I didn't have a working sewing machine for a while there.
   Was it a bad experience?
   • Nope.
3. What's your worst sewing nightmare?
   • Making something that wouldn't fit or being completely useless.
   What fear(s) has prevented you from adding skills before now?
   • There really hasn't been any fears, just a lack of motivation.

Inspiration:

1. Who most inspires you to get creating with needle and thread? Is a mother or grandmother, or having your first child or sending your kids off and having more time to sew for yourself?
   • So many things inspire me. Family members, friends (many are parents or soon to be parents), and future possibilities for myself: dresses and home décor.
2. What gets you itching to use that machine?
   • Seeing something really cute at a store or in an old movie or TV show. And I'm a sucker for polka dots

Goals:

1. What are you sewing goals? What skills would you like to learn? What would you like to see yourself sewing regularly, after you have the skills? At what level do you expect to see yourself in a month? Three months? A year?
   • I'd just really like to be able to make clothes that actually fit. Make costumes, and help friends with their projects. I hope I can inspire others :)
2. List the three things you'll like to be able to create by the time you've completed the lessons in this book. They can be projects (like a pillow for the sofa or a skirt for yourself), skills (like learning to make pleats or adding piping) or experiences (making something I'm proud to give as a gift or have three garments for myself hanging in the closet).
   • I'd really like to learn how to make a nice utility totes and possibly a matching wallet, a pair of pants that fits perfectly. Or maybe just a really nice outfit in general.
3. Let's say time, skill and money are no object. What is the one project you most want to create?
   • Oh, dang! A whole new wardrobe! Complete with dresses for every occasion!

The next section is Get the Goods: Tools and Materials

We'll save that for Episode 2 :)

Cheers!

**update** Thanks to E for being my new editor :)