Stitches, Seams, and a Hardcore Sewing Machine

I started my first ever sewing class on April 17th. I don't think I have ever in my life used a sewing machine before now, I have only ever sown by hand. I have been wanting to take a sewing class for quite sometime now, and was ecstatic to actually find a class starting up for a reasonable price. I jumped at the opportunity very quickly, I didn't want this chance to pass me by.

As of now, I have had 2 classes and have learned a ton. The first night of class Rebecca (the teacher, who is my age and has been sewing since she was 8), took me over some basics like threading the machine and simple stitch stuff, then she had me make a little purse/bag thing. If you know me, you know this bag is not really my style, but it's the only materials she had for me, so of course I overlooked the granny style of it all and enjoyed sewing a purse! It was actually really easy to do. Of course I needed some guidance but overall I had it figured out. Here are some pictures of the ugly yet still awesome purse/bag I made:











































As for my 2ND class I learned the following:

How to sew a,

• Basic Seam
• Stitched and Pinked Seam
• Zigzag Sean Open
• Surged Seam ( you use a totally different machine that is crazy fast)
  
• French Seam (for Shears, Satins)
• Flat-Felled Seam (Denim-Jeans)
• Top-Stithed (Casual Apparel-Jeans)
• Rolled Hem (Blouses, Formals, Lining)
• Hand Blind-Hemmed (Dress Slacks, Formal wear)
• A Zipper - (My favorite, but tough)
  

This isn't as easy as I wish it was though... their is so much to learn, though I learned a lot, that was only the tip of the iceberg. This following week I will be learning buttons and how to make PILLOWS! I am very excited about the pillow making, because it is one of the main reasons I even wanted to learn how to sew. I can never find the decorative pillows I want for a reasonable price, so why not learn how to make them myself. I get to bring in whatever fabric I want for these pillows ( I think I will be making two, with zippers). I looked at fabrics at WalMart but didn't find anything great, so my next stop will be Joann Fabrics, I am pretty sure I will find what I am looking for there.

I am also saving up to buy a sewing machine... I have my eye on one that's oh lets say, $200 something dollars. That's OK, eventually!

I hope one day I can make you some pillows too! I'll keep you updated on how this adventure goes. :)

-eMVie-