After only breaking the sewing machine once during the process, I give you – My Sewing Odyssey Project 1 – a Mega-Tote!
The Machine
The Fabric
The Plan
To make a mega-tote to store my yarn and crochet projects in. When I saw the super-cute crafty fabric, it just called out to be made into a tote – with a ruler-fabric handle!
So, after having my plans to get the machine serviced before I used it thwarted by the floods, I dove in and gave it a go. This machine was my grandmother’s, and she gave it to me a few years ago as she no longer sews… and I’d pretty much forgot I had it until Nick reminded me!
Here you can see me putting the finishing touches on the tote – the handles. I sewed the bag itself using the ‘pillow tote’ method – i.e. put the right sides together, sew along side and bottom, then turn right-side out and sew the last edge – then tuck one half inside the other.
At one stage the thread started breaking and bunching up, and after getting increasingly frustrated, I was saved by my Knight-in-Threadless-Cotton – who took the bottom plate off and cleaned it out for me – it was full of lint and a broken needle! After that, it was back in business.
And here we have it! Bar the curtains I made for The Luggage, and stuff sewed in Year 8 Home Ec., here is my first actual sewed project!
I have to say, even though I love the tote fabric, my favourite part is the fabric I used for the handle – as soon as I saw it I knew what I would be using it for…
So now, I have a nice roomy tote to store a whole lotta yarn in!
Next on the agenda is something using an actual pattern… but I think I’ll need to set aside a whole day to get started on that! Which pattern should I try first?
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Love the ruler-handles on it Jess!
Kudos to you for giving sewing a go.
Wow, that sure is a mega tote! I love the strap so much, it’s perfect!
Well done!! I love that ruler fabric – looks fab!
Aw yay Jess!!! Well done sweetie, you’ve done a great job. 🙂
Oh squee!!! I just recognised the necklace you’re wearing, he he. 😉
Yes!!! Everyone – the necklace is a cool watch necklace from the lovely Deb – Two Cheeky Monkeys – I love it!
(She lives here – http://twocheekymonkeysdesigns.blogspot.com/)
And thanks all! Now, to tackle a pattern…
Super cute Jess!
I would try the skirts on the right first:) I want to make that middle one as a dress… hmmmm might have to do that this weekend!!:)
Good job:) It’s good to learn and new skill:) And is the ruler fabric accurate? Because that would be so awesome!
You know, I think it is, Alanna! And thanks – I might see how a sewing queen goes with that pattern before I do it!
Great idea to use a tote for your first project. Love the handle too! Really like the middle pattern for the tunic, looks very sweet.
Love it Jess. The ruler handles are great. I’ve gotta get my sewing machine serviced so I can take up sewing too, kinda looking forward to it.
Very cool!
I once knew how to sew, but I hated to. I would run out of bobbin thread, I’d sew off the fabric, I’d bunch it, I’d just…. well, you get the idea. So I buy things made by others now! 🙂
Lori – you’re speaking my language! But I’m hoping to conquer my unco-ness with the sewing machine… or at least give it a good go!
You should be so pleased! (I am also tragic on the sewing machine…) The ruler/measure fabric is perfect on the strap as well. Well done, creative adventurer. 🙂
I just bought that measuring tape fabric this week! It’s so awesome, hey?! Not sure what I’m going to make with mine yet, but yours looks fabulous!!
Thanks Laura – and Talia – look forward to seeing what you make!