40 Before 40 - Learn to Use My Sewing Machine

 

 

So this is my sewing machine that my mom got me for Christmas a couple of years ago and this is the first time it's been out of the box! I have desperately wanted to use it, but hadn't a clue how to use it! Neither did my mom! So, it sat in the box, I had a baby, and had no time whatsoever to sew. I am going to make that last part change. And that started with a drivers ed sewing class I took a couple of weeks ago!

 

I have huge aspirations in the sewing world. I would really like to start making clothing, using patterns that my mom and I have purchased over the last several years instead of letting them collect dust in the sewing closet at her house. And, I would love to be able to make Halloween costumes for McKinley instead of spending a fortune on something he will wear only once. And, there is always Project Runway in a couple of years....

 

As you can see below, I am apparently terrified of my machine....

 

 

This is me and my lovely teacher Elaine Johnson. She owns Harper's Fabrics, where I took the class, and was absolutely wonderful!! She was so patient, kind, thorough and above all, my first step in getting this machine up and running!

 

Here I am learning how to thread my machine.

 

Now that we have the machine threaded, I am learning to sew a straight line. I need to clarify that I actually do know how to sew. I took sewing in middle school and I've used my mom's machines off and on over the years. But there is so much more I need to know than just sewing a straight line. Like, learning how to change each foot that came with the machine, how to change the needle and how to wind a bobbin.



  

I'm starting to get the hang of it!





 

Now I'm learning how to sew in a zipper. That was a little difficult!

 

Here are the notes I took. There are three things to remember: Quality of Thread, Using the Right Needle, and Proper Threading of the Machine.

 

This is me after the class with my sewing machine that I can't wait to use! I am going to start with a pair of shorts. My mom and I bought a pattern almost 12 years ago, or more, and she made me this skirt. From that pattern, you can also make pants and shorts. We purchased fabric from Harper's earlier this summer for the shorts, but haven't gotten around to cutting it out. It's the easiest pattern we have and I think it's the perfect start!

 

Number 11 is officially complete and one I'm super excited that I finally tackled!