The frustrations of a beginner sewer

Originally uploaded by Old Shoe Woman

So I have been sewing all day today and it hasn't really amounted to anything.  As a beginner sewer I know that it is a gamble if the thing is going to work or not.  I've been making a skirt for the past week or so and  been going along quite nicely.  I made darts.  I made pleats.  And then today....Well, today I was on the home stretch.  I inserted a zip (all be it not as neatly as it could've been) and then realised there was no way the thing was going to fit me.  It was much too small.  Worst of all was that the instructions for the facing were so cryptic I couldn't make any sense of them!  I tried.  I consulted my sewing books.  I tried again.  I tried to the point of giving myself a headache and giving up on the whole thing.  It's taken me a few hours to be okay with that.  I'm really frustrated that I got to the point of almost finishing the thing only not to!  GRRR!

So I would like to put out a world-wide plea to all the pattern makers out there.  PLEASE make your instructions easier to understand.  If the pattern is labelled 'easy' or 'for beginners' then it really should be.  Put in some more pictures.  Explain those terms that pro-sewers already know.  I'm sure it seems easy to you, but remember when you did it for the first time.  Remember how frustrating it was to not understand. 

I'm going to chalk this one up to experience and move on.  Thank god for sale fabric from Spotlight, that's all I can say!

I would like to learn how to quilt

Orginially uploaded by Red Pepper Quilts

I would like to learn how to quilt funky, contemporary, not-neccessarily-floral quilts. That being said - how does one learn how to quilt? I've tried various internet searches with no luck. There doesn't seem to be classes. I've tried looking for kits but they are...not my style.

It seems that the only way to learn how to do these things is through a relative or friend.  Presumably an older one (because they are wise and worldly).  Sadly my relatives do not craft, live too far away, or do not know how to quilt.  So I have come to the conclusion that I need to adopt a Nanna (I miss my Nanna!).  A crafty, clever, quilting Nanna who lives close by.  And cooks (just for kicks).  I think that would be fun.  She could teach me the art of quilting while we sip tea and reminisce about "The Wheel of Fortune".

Maybe I should start a nation-wide Adopt-a-Nanna scheme.  If you're lucky enough to still have a Nanna you could always adopt another one.  The more Nannas the better, I say! 

Who's in?

Too much stuff?

 My promise to make 2010 a year of doing things is certainly coming along nicely.  Although now I just need to quit my job so I have time to do everything!

As always my crafting dreams exceed the amount of hours I have in each day.  So far:

• I'm knitting a very cute monkey (twas a birthday present he was!)
• promising myself I WILL insert a zip sometime soon (I'm a little scared)
• I've just signed up for the "Granny a Day" challenge on Pip's blog over here (you should join in too!)
• I would love to join the Melbourne Burda Sewing Club in their sewalong (i.e. making a whole outfit over a few months)
• I'm half way through making a birthday present which needs to be finished before Australia Day
• I have a skirt pattern and fabric all ready to go

However do you find the time?  Really.  I'd love to know!


JW<3

I want this!

Cookie Jar With Miniature Cookies Necklace - $17.00USD

And pretty much everything else from from Cute Ability's Etsy store.


JW <3

It's my New Years Resolution, baby!

Photo by Ommphoto

So this blogging thing is my New Years resolution.  Actually, my New Years resolution is more vague than that.  It is simply:

 "2010 is the year of doing things instead of just talking/thinking about doing them"

I don't usually make resolutions, but this year I felt that I really needed some motivation.  A goal.  It also seems that since having decreed the year so, I've been having similar conversations with lots of people.  They are planning holidays they've always dreamed of.  They are changing careers.  Going out more.  And maybe it's just the gleam of a shiny new year that makes us all think this way, but I have a feeling that this year is going to be awesome!  Because I'm going to make it so.

So for me, this year is about writing more.  Exercising.  Not being so lazy.  Joining a craft group.  Taking some sewing lessons (and end my fear of inserting zips).  Reading more.  Travelling.  And whatever else may arise.

It all starts in 51 days with a trip to Japan (that we had been talking about for months and months no less).  The flights are finally booked and our plans have begun.  It's exciting.  It helps to build this motivation and keep me on track with this resolution. 

I hope your 2010 is going to be awesome too.


JW