molly irwin

Oh happy day

Aside from the green and blue cotton floral wrap dress that I made in 9th grade home Ec. class, my hands have produced nothing with a sewing machine.  So you'll forgive the little pucker in the heart above, won't you? 

I made three of these cushions, and with each I felt improvement. The second heart had no pucker and the third was even better (after untangling a big glob of threads under the throat plate, caused (i think) by a dwindling bobbin.) 

These are modeled after the lavender filled hearts, by Sycamore Moon, that I've been staring at since last February in Home Companion.   So simple and such a great project to get me back on a sewing path.  And there was no shopping; all of the materials are things I had on hand: some ticking stripe, scrabble letters, electrical wire, and some bits of ribbon.  They came together quickly even for a newbie like me.

   

I couldn't be happier and cannot wait to surprise the kids after school today, and see them find their notes and chocolates in the pocket.   Even more exciting to me though ... I can't wait to make something else.   I didn't have that same sense of satisfaction with my sundress in the ninth grade.

Sew Everything Workshop

Last night I finally got around to opening a box that had been sitting here for a couple of days.  Inside, this delightful gift from my Mom, who was instrumental in finding my sewing machine.  Let's just say I cannot put this book down.  It is a step-by-step primer for operating your machine and learning the basics, but it is so much more.  Diana Rupp, is witty and interesting and there are projects.  Simple, fun projects.  But before I get to the projects, I'm following the lessons ... just my speed.

Oh, and Diana Rupp's studio is called MAKE studio.  Make ... my one little word, imagine that.  Coincidence?  I think not.

Tonight, I study!

 

Sew Everything Workshop: absolutely perfect; love it!  Thank you, Mom.

Basics

They're here! I was so happy to get my very first fabric order via mail today and the quality is lovely.  This is a lot less expensive, not to mention more convenient, than going local. 

These are all different colors and weights of linen.  Most people are probably phasing out linens now heading into fall, but we live in a warm climate.  Plus, this is not for apparel.  I have a project idea in mind and decided linen is the way to go.  I've been inspired by so many of you talented ladies here online.  So I'm dusting off my hand-me-down sewing machine (thank you Ann) and jumping right in.  Hopefully with a little advice from my expert Mom, my design will come together.

The others I'm keeping on hand with the notion of having an inventory.  When I'm ready to try out a pracice project I'll have something beautiful to work with.  So excited to start!