Sewing class

I needed a complete refresher on all things sewing, because I hadn't touched a sewing machine since my adolescence. I took the Teen Sewing 101 class at Jo-Ann Fabrics. I picked the teen class because you make a skirt as opposed to the regular 101 class where you just make swatches and practice squares.

We measured & cut lining & fabric, pinned and stitched seams, and embellished. I feel up to speed on basic sewing machine operations, except for loading the bobbin.  The skirt came out fine, and I gave it to an actual teen.

Now I need a refresher on working with patterns, pinning, cutting, blocking, etc.  A friend is coming over tomorrow to help me practice.  I would cross my fingers, but I don't think I'll be able to sew very well like that.

When last we left our hero

I have actually been crafting, just not blogging. But since, I want to better measure my progress this year, I decided to re-start the blog. I may leave it here, or move it to my own host. But in the meantime, here's what's been going on.

I've expanded my jewelry repertoire to include more wire work. I also have been experimenting with more materials and feel pretty comfortable with a lot of cord, thread, tiger tail, memory wire and more. I'm using more tools, including a wire jig, and making pieces more quickly. I've signed up for a 101 class, but I would really love to find a class to help me with design. Currently, I've got 6 pendants that need to be hung from something, 2 earring ideas, and an idea for my first ring.

I've taken a basic sewing class, and made a skirt.  I've signed up for a second class to help me work with patterns. And I have a few (supposedly) very simple patterns I want to try out. I have theoretical knowledge of sewing, but this is really the first time I've tried to actually start making things. I'm planning an apron and a wrap skirt.

I'm still crocheting in straight lines. I've made a lot of scarves. I just found some great resources on stitch patterns that are still straight lines and don't deal with increasing and decreasing or making rounds, but can vary the look of the piece. I'm looking forward to my first large piece using one of these. I'm finishing up an infinity scarf and a "sharf" then deciding how the next set of projects will go.

I've pretty much given up on scrapbooking and quilting. I may take up knitting again.

For some reason, blogger changed the dates on the entries I just went back & tagged.  I'll go back & fix them eventually.  Probably.