Remember when I played around with Inkodye last week? Well, here's the project I created from it; an apron! Up until last week I hadn't used a sewing machine in at least ten years! And I had never used our industrial sewing machine at the shop. It's sort of intimidatingly big. But our sweet seamstress Leanna was kind enough to give me a lesson, so I made an apron. Now, I am not a sewing expert, at all! But I wanted to share my project with you because it's exciting to try new things. Here's what I did:
1. I used a large piece of paper to cut out a pattern for my apron front. I trimmed it quite a few times and held it against myself in a mirror until I got the size exactly how I wanted it. 2. I cut out the front piece and three long pieces for the straps. I pinned the neck strap in place so I could make sure I could easily get it over my (big) head but make sure it wasn't too long. 3. I made another little pattern for the front pocket, I didn't want to cut into my dyed fabric until I knew what size I wanted. 4. I took a deep breath, and stitched up all the ironed edges using the industrial machine.
Dude—I sewed something! It's not perfect, I have quite a few little crazy stitches in there. But I had made it a goal this year to learn to use a sewing machine properly. Since learning to use it last week I have already made two other projects that involved a little sewing. And I have a new appreciation for all the lovely and talented seamstresses we have had the pleasure of working with here at our shop. Yay!
How about you? Have you tried anything new lately? xo. emma
awesome project! congrats emma :)
Posted by: Barnicles | April 26, 2012 at 10:13 AM
Cute! I'm with you Emma, everything I make has crazy stitches! People who know how to sew make it look so easy, right? The last thing I sewed we're actually invitations for an ugly sweater party I'm having. I'm looking forward to making fun decorations from sweaters too, like sweater bunting, and sweater candle cozies, and table runners. I have a picture of my invites on my blog, sadiewade.blogspot.com, I hope the rest turns out too!
Posted by: Jenny | April 26, 2012 at 10:15 AM
Pretty sure I'd have jagged stitches all over the place - don't know how to thread a sewing machine, although I have occasionally used one with my mom's help. It's on my list of things to learn someday.
Posted by: Leah | April 26, 2012 at 10:21 AM
I sew on a little, itty bitty sewing machine I like to call the "Mini Monster." There's no foot pedal, so it gets pretty crazy. I've sewn a few dresses that way! I hope to graduate to a standard sewing machine soon.
As for trying anything new...hmm. I don't think I have!
www.thatzannigirl.com
Posted by: Kat | April 26, 2012 at 10:38 AM
Where do y'all get all of those awesome doilies from?? I have some, but they are handmade from my great grandma and cannot bring myself to craft with them.
Posted by: Shannon McBride | April 26, 2012 at 10:40 AM
That's awesome! :)
Val
www.valentinaduracinsky.blogspot.com
Posted by: Val | April 26, 2012 at 10:49 AM
This looks great for a first sewing project! It took me awhile to get the hang of it but once you do, it comes a lot easier :)
lisaintheevening.blogspot.com
Posted by: Lisa | April 26, 2012 at 11:15 AM
Oh, this is that striped fabric that you guys showed us last week. Nice application! :)
xoxo
http://natashafatah.com
Posted by: Natasha Fatah | April 26, 2012 at 11:22 AM
That is so funny. Way to go. My oldest daughter wants to learn to sew and it will be fun teaching her.
Vintagehoneybee.blogspot.com
Posted by: Rachel | April 26, 2012 at 11:53 AM
Great result!
Posted by: Miss K | April 26, 2012 at 12:42 PM
Nice! My sewing machine and I are becoming very good friends.
Posted by: Christen DeGonzague | April 26, 2012 at 12:46 PM
Love the stripes!
Posted by: Laura, la Mona | April 26, 2012 at 12:48 PM
It looks great and you'll love it all the more as you made it with your own fair hands.Rx
http://sandersonsmithstory.blogspot.co.uk/
Posted by: Rachael | April 26, 2012 at 02:26 PM
adorable, adorable
grace
http://herumbrella.com
Posted by: grace | April 26, 2012 at 02:32 PM
It looks great, don't give up!
http://pinkscriptblog.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Essie | April 26, 2012 at 02:48 PM
Good work, Emma! You go, girl!
New things I've done lately? Ummm ... I got facebook.
Haha! Yes. It really did take me this long to get it. Shocking, right? ;)
Posted by: Inna | April 26, 2012 at 04:11 PM
Super cute!
xo Emilie @ http://www.hungrydelights.com
Posted by: Emilie | April 26, 2012 at 04:48 PM
Nice work Emma! I'm taking sewing lessons this summer...and am so excited to be able to make things myself!
Posted by: Kelsey from {ps:heart} | April 26, 2012 at 05:50 PM
Aww cute! I need to learn to sew, too :-P
xo Heather
http://ahopelessnotebook.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Heather Belle | April 26, 2012 at 06:47 PM
congrats! my mother-in-law recommended an apron as my second sewing project (i can rock out a pillow and that's about it) and this might just the kick in the booty i need to go pick out some fabric and get to work! xo.
http://blog.tarapolly.com
Posted by: tara polly | April 26, 2012 at 07:21 PM