The fruits of my very first sewing projectIt was a "homemade" weekend around my casa.
First up, there was the sewing class with Miss Aimee on Saturday where I made the above purse. I can’t begin to adequately describe the satisfaction that came from creating something of my very own… But it was hard. I have a touch of the OCD -- I’m wired to want to get things exactly right the first time, so sewing was rather humbling.
It was even more humbling that prior to the class I was confident, all full of vim and vigor only to be transformed into a discouraged perfectionist five minutes into the project, while Aimee, who was far more nervous about the entire enterprise than me, had a blast from start to finish. Toward the end of the project (after a major attitude adjustment), I started to have fun -- that is until I realized I’d sewn my strap on twisted. It’s a “design element” the teacher assured me. Umm... OK. I think I’m just gonna need to mellow out and go with this one.
Next up, I set out to tackle two recipes from Molly’s book on Sunday afternoon – cream braised cabbage (which knocked my husband’s socks off) and banana bread with chocolate chips and crystallized ginger, which was the equivalent of the twisted strap on the purse.
Things started out fine… I was grooving to Vampire Weekend and Audrey was sampling the batter with smacks of hearty approval, then into the oven went the bread, and I set to work preparing the cabbage. About 5 minutes later, I turned around to find the bowl of melted butter (6 tablespoons in all) intended for the banana bread still sitting on the counter. There was much swearing, and desperate to salvage the bread, I took it out of the oven, dumped it back into the mixing bowl, added the butter, gave it a good stir and started over, hoping for the best. That maneuver pretty much turned it into chocolate banana bread as all the chips were melted and now mixed into the batter, which turns out was also a “design element”... but a pretty freakin great one.
First up, there was the sewing class with Miss Aimee on Saturday where I made the above purse. I can’t begin to adequately describe the satisfaction that came from creating something of my very own… But it was hard. I have a touch of the OCD -- I’m wired to want to get things exactly right the first time, so sewing was rather humbling.
It was even more humbling that prior to the class I was confident, all full of vim and vigor only to be transformed into a discouraged perfectionist five minutes into the project, while Aimee, who was far more nervous about the entire enterprise than me, had a blast from start to finish. Toward the end of the project (after a major attitude adjustment), I started to have fun -- that is until I realized I’d sewn my strap on twisted. It’s a “design element” the teacher assured me. Umm... OK. I think I’m just gonna need to mellow out and go with this one.
Next up, I set out to tackle two recipes from Molly’s book on Sunday afternoon – cream braised cabbage (which knocked my husband’s socks off) and banana bread with chocolate chips and crystallized ginger, which was the equivalent of the twisted strap on the purse.
Things started out fine… I was grooving to Vampire Weekend and Audrey was sampling the batter with smacks of hearty approval, then into the oven went the bread, and I set to work preparing the cabbage. About 5 minutes later, I turned around to find the bowl of melted butter (6 tablespoons in all) intended for the banana bread still sitting on the counter. There was much swearing, and desperate to salvage the bread, I took it out of the oven, dumped it back into the mixing bowl, added the butter, gave it a good stir and started over, hoping for the best. That maneuver pretty much turned it into chocolate banana bread as all the chips were melted and now mixed into the batter, which turns out was also a “design element”... but a pretty freakin great one.
One for two's not bad, right?
17 comments:
I think that purse looks great... twisted strap and all. Did you take the class at Make in the Bishop Arts District? I am a beginning sewer too and have been looking for some fun classes to take.
Hi Lucy,
I did take it at Make in Bishop Arts...it was great. I'd highly recommend it. I'm going to do a sewing II class and make a skirt with a zipper next.
Looks great Joslyn!
I'll have to start using the "dsign element" when ever something doesn't go the way I plan. (Misspelling "design" was just my little design element in this comment.)
Oh! I know how you feel. I went to a jewelery and silversmithing workshop on Saturday and my beautifully designed flower earrings didn't really turn up like I expected! But I had fun and will be trying again.
what a freakin' blast huh! i love your bag. xoxo
I've made that banana bread too! I ate the whole thing almost all by myself - and within 24 hours.
1) I guarantee no one will notice your sewing screw-ups but you. This has been proven by science, I am sure.
2) Banana Bread With Chocolate Chips And Candied Ginger?? I've just died and gone to heaven. Making it this weekend. xo
slightly off topic, but I absolutely love your frames!
I took a lovely, little sewing class about 2 years ago...where as coincidence would have it, we sewed a bag. I bought a sewing machine, continued to sew and then had a sit-down with mr. french....he told me that it was probably better if I put my sewing hobby behind me. He called me "the angry sewer"...sadly, he was right...my perfectionism was out of control...I couldn't stop until I finished, which led to bedtimes around 2 am...and many frustrating hours ending in projects I hated.
I hope sewing is a much more pleasant experience for you...if not, maybe we could start a support group or something....
xo
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Congrats on your sewing project! I admire anyone who can sew. Truly.
A skill I would love to have.
I'd love to see more. Especially if you tackle those cute clothes. ;)
nice work! im with you on the perfection - i inherited my moms sewing machine. after a trip to the store i was all set with a (way to complicated) pattern and my fabulous fabric...and was immediately frustrated that i couldnt create this amazing garmet.
and so the unfinished dress sits in the cabinet
I've thought about taking a class at Make... I just need to find the time... sounds like the two of you had a blast. So fun to take it together!
You are so cute! This post made me laugh! I love that you conquered both projects, yes, both! And you learned so much too!
Sewing is where my inner OCD knocks up against my lack of patience and stubbornness. It's a tough battle, but it gets easier as you go along.
If you start looking closely at professionally made garments, you'll see imperfections in most of those, so don't be so hard on yourself!
Bravo to you for taking the time to create something beautiful!
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