ramblings from an optimist: August 2009

My Grandmother made all of my dresses when I was a little girl. I never wore a store bought dress until I was around 10 or 11. I was always amazed at how good she was at sewing. I watched her all the time, learned a lot of the terms and what different machines did. She would let me help when I could and showed me how to do a lot of things. All that said I have always had a high interest in sewing. I sewed a little in my high school Home-Economics class, and when I got married, my parents bought my first Singer sewing machine. I purchased a how-to book on sewing and made some really cute curtains for our den. After that I basically piddled around with a few projects, but I never got really into it.

Sewing is something that you have to practice, practice, practice to get really good at (a little family history helps too). I was way too impatient to realize this when I first started sewing on my machine. After a lot of failed attempts at a few projects I put my machine up. I just got really frustrated with fact that I wasn't good to begin with.

I read lots of blogs, and recently came across some really great sewing blogs that gave me some inspiration. I got my sewing machine back down because I really love to sew. I would love to be able to make my daughters clothes and other things for her. I just have to get that practice. I recently came across this great blog with a nap mat tutorial. Jenna really needed a new one so I gave it my best shot, and it turned out great!!

My most recent projects were for a good friend of mine who is having her second little girl in October. I made bibs, burp clothes, and a taggie blanket from tutorials I found on the Internet because I still need a little guidance before I go at it on my own. Here are some pics of the finished products.