First Sewing Class and the Consequences Thereof

[miss_s_b]

So on Thursday I had my first sewing class, and learned the basics of using a sewing machine. It all seemed to go pretty well, and I made a sampler testing all the various stiches the machine could do, and then I sewed my initials onto it. Then I got told to pick a project from the easy projects for beginners box, so I chose a drawstring bag pattern and got started, following the instructions etc.

At the end of class I hadn't finished my bag so I decided to take it home and finish it off at some point before the next class. I decided I would have a go on the little sewing machine my mum had given me. So I made a liner for the bag and sewed it in, and I just need to get the actual cord for the drawstring to finish it. This all seemed to go reasonably well; the machine was a bit slow, but I was kind of grateful for that in the beginning.

Emboldened by my successes, I decided to sew together a duvet cover which I have had the bits for for a while, but hadn't got around to doing yet. Not long into doing this, I made an important discovery: the little sewing machine that my mum gave me is the worst sewing machine in the world. I finished the duvet cover, but it didn't take me a much shorter time than it would have done doing it by hand because not only is the machine incredibly slow even with my foot right down (yeah, you can tell my confidence went up LOL), but there was all the stopping to rethread the machine when the tension went wonky and the top thread snapped or the bottom spool decided to stick or various other things went wrong.

However, I have chosen to view this as a learning experience. I have now had lots of practise in threading, and buggering about with spools and bobbins, and swearing at the damn thing. Also, when it gets to the point when I decide to but a GOOD sewing machine, I am going to appreciate it SO MUCH...

Also, I am now lying under my duvet in its new duvet cover, and it feels pretty good :)