sew what

Meet my new darling Natalie. I'm not sure where the bug came from because for years I've sworn off sewing. The machines were intimidating. The terms incomprehensible. The fabric selection too big. Then I had to give away the machine I was using (it was FarmBoy's mom's and his sis wanted it). I wonder if there's some truth in wanting what you can't have ;) The itch got too big one day and I jumped in the middle of the pool and bought this modest beauty.

I fell in love and realized how much fun I was having learning it on my own and being okay with my projects being far from perfect. Cowboy got a kick-butt (ha) aqua lobster pillowcase. (I know you're jealous!)

The girls got a few miscellaneous dolly pillows and such. Then I decided I was ready tackle something a little tricker and made myself a tote bag. Pros: No pattern - everything on one piece of fabric that had to be cut out and sewn to specs. Cons: Specs were cryptic as heck to someone who was just beginning. BUT! I figured it out and only had to tear out one seam. Woot!


My latest project was this little basket. I think it's so cute. I learned a lot doing this baby too - about being really careful with cutting and keeping seams straight but I love the mistakes on it. When I make another in a few months, I expect I'll be able to see how much I've improved.


I had so much fun that I just had to share. Erin - if you read this, could you tell me a little about the paper piecing you've done in the past? I even went back to your post today to look at it again. :)