Unsolicited

I am going to go on about my recent sewing class, but here’s the important thing.

I made this bag below, and it looks awesome! And not just to my friends who have to tell me looks nice. I got 2 unsolicited compliments on it so far! You’d think I won a Pulitzer about how excited I am about my bag.

It's hard to tell in these pictures, but the print is this cool Asian-esque floral scene with a woman on a boat.


Anyway, since I’ve been doing less travel this year, I’ve been using my time in town to take on new interesting projects. Projects like this sewing class.

I’ve always been attracted to the idea of sewing since it’s creative and practical. I remember my mom making curtains and dresses when I was a kid. And hey, I could do with some more curtain options in my still fabulously-new kitchen since everything I find is A) god awful ugly B) nice but obscenely expensive or C) doesn’t fit.

So I’ve been thinking about theoretical curtains for months. Last week, I finished my beginners sewing class. The class was fantastic. I would highly recommend any of Leslie’s classes.

In 3 3.5 hours classes, we became intimate with the sewing machine and learned basic techniques. Ironing is apparently one of those "basics."

I choose fabric for and made a round pillow with a zipper, and the previously mentioned handbag. Leslie really had us focus on the details of cutting, pining and stitching. And it really shows on my bag. It doesn’t look a beginner made it. That is partially because I took care in sewing straight lines, and mostly because Leslie provided a great pattern and the details of how to put it together.

My 10.5 hour taste of sewing has me excited to get a sewing machine at home. Even the boring parts of the sewing (i.e. the ironing) were OK. There is payoff shortly thereafter when everything is put together and looks good. And it’s a different type of experience for me. It requires patience, and using my hands, and that feels really good. I spend a lot of time using my hands to type and that doesn’t have nearly the contentment as creating something from pieces.

I’ve been eyeing all sorts of things around my house that I could maybe make. Like dinner napkins - I never find ones that I really like that don’t cost $10 each. Or more bags! Or a duvet cover of some fantastic luxurious fabric that would cost me $400 to buy at the store. And of course, gifts!

First up is to get a used sewing machine and find just the right fabric for these kitchen curtains. And see how I do without the ever patient and skilled Leslie looking over my shoulder. When I find the right fabric, I’m going to buy some extra… just in case.