Okay, I got into sewing a few weeks ago, and I have to say, I am loving it!  It gives me something else to do after my child and husband goes to sleep or when I don’t feel like blogging or cleaning.

I have had a sewing machine for a couple of years now, but it has never been used by me.  This was probably because I just felt intimidated by it (by the way, I have met so many other mothers who feel the same way).  I love hand-made clothes, especially for children.  But, they can get costly!  Dresses for $30 a pop, top and pant sets for up to $50, but these are obviously are made by experts and professionals, so the quality is also very good.  So, when my mother comes over to visit, she takes the opportunity to sew clothes for her grandchild, so that her child doesn’t have to buy hand-made clothes.

Last year, my friend Kalle made Savannah this cute dress and I loved it so much that I wanted to replicate it.

My first attempt….

I made a long-sleeved tunic.  Notice the one sleeve is longer than the other? hahahaha  I fixed it though.  I guess that usually happens if you don’t have a pattern.  :/

Time spent: 3 hours   Cost: Less than 10 bucks,

Second attempt….

A little bit better!  I used a pattern and it worked out well.  I have to add, though, I was too eager to start sewing that I didn’t even READ the directions!  I just started to cut and sew everything together.

Note to self: if you don’t want to have to make so many adjustments or have to take it apart and put it back together again, READ THE DIRECTIONS!

Time spent: 3.5 hours.  Cost: less than 10 bucks.

Third attempt:

I made the same dress as above, but it went much smoother since I knew what to expect.

At this point, I was getting addicted to making clothes….  Something about making clothes for your children….it just makes me happy!

Time spent: 3 hours.  Cost: less than 10 bucks.

After that dress, I felt more confident, so I ventured out to making something else besides dresses.  I wanted to make a top and pants!

My daughter likes to pose for the camera.

Time spent: 3-4 hours.  Cost: 12 bucks

Last night, I made my daughter’s Christmas dess.

Time spent: 3 hours. Cost: less than 5 bucks

Anyway, the point of this blog post is…..don’t be intimidated by the sewing machine!!!!!  Get it out of your closet and make something fun!  Making clothes is easy and cheap!  And, if you have questions, there are lots of people at the fabric store that are very knowledgeable and are happy to answer your questions! 

I am still learning, but I think that I am hooked!  Right now I am working on another top/pant set.

Speaking of fun crafty things, check out this bow making video.  I used this to make a Christmas tree bow.

(click here or on the photo to take you to the video)

It's not the greatest, but it turned out ok....

Large bows at the store: over $40.

My bow:  Time spent: 15 minutes.  Cost: $10