In my 27 years, I've never properly learned how to sew using a sewing machine! I know this isn't
totally uncommon, but when you have a mother who, while growing up, sewed everything from curtains to matching outfits for me and my sister, to pillows, to doll clothes...you would think I might of picked it up somewhere along the way (I blame my ADD - I never had the patience to sit down and pay attention...). Well, yesterday was
sewing school 101 with my mom. It went pretty well, but instead of whipping up a new apron in the (sort of) cute strawberry fabric I bought, I ended up with a scrap of pink fabric full of practice hems in black thread. But at least now I know how to get the machine all set up (it's not a foreign contraption anymore) and I understand how to get started on the basics!
My cat Oliver - as soon as I set up shop on the dining table, he was all over it, knocking spools of thread on the floor and getting cat hair all over my fabric! He just happened to pose so innocently in this shot...don't be fooled!
My experience at JoAnn fabrics was less than thrilling...the only apron pattern I could find was a little matronly (and the models on the package couldn't be any cheesier), but I thought we could figure out a way to alter the design a bit. And the fabric I chose was cute in a kitchen- kind-of-way, and it was on sale. The old ladies who worked there couldn't have been more un-friendly, bitter and SLOW. The whole experience gave me a new business idea: open up a super cool, super chic fabric store, where everyone who works there is (by requirement), super nice and happy to be there. Is that too much to ask? I'll keep you posted on my next sewing adventure - part 2 - where hopefully I'll have something to
actually show. Hey, before you know it, I'll be selling aprons like crazy on
ETSY! (A girl can dream, right?).
My cat Oliver - as soon as I set up shop on the dining table, he was all over it, knocking spools of thread on the floor and getting cat hair all over my fabric! He just happened to pose so innocently in this shot...don't be fooled!
My experience at JoAnn fabrics was less than thrilling...the only apron pattern I could find was a little matronly (and the models on the package couldn't be any cheesier), but I thought we could figure out a way to alter the design a bit. And the fabric I chose was cute in a kitchen- kind-of-way, and it was on sale. The old ladies who worked there couldn't have been more un-friendly, bitter and SLOW. The whole experience gave me a new business idea: open up a super cool, super chic fabric store, where everyone who works there is (by requirement), super nice and happy to be there. Is that too much to ask? I'll keep you posted on my next sewing adventure - part 2 - where hopefully I'll have something to actually show. Hey, before you know it, I'll be selling aprons like crazy on ETSY! (A girl can dream, right?). 
I have to say, I've *never* been to Jo Ann's and I think the primary reason is just how terrible a time I always hear of others having. And there are so many small fabric shops in my area that whatever I can't find online, I can usually find there.
ReplyDeleteOne of our cats seems to think the ironing board is a great place to perch when I'm in the middle of sewing. Go figure.
Omg, Oliver! What a bad kitty!!
ReplyDeleteYour new sewing endeavor is so exciting! You will get the hang of it in no time and make beautiful things! I love your strawberry fabric, which is totally perfect for an apron. Your story about JoAnn's is hilarious!