I have this love-hate relationship with sewing. Really, I’ve always thought of myself as sewing-challenged. Maybe not anymore.
My mother was a wonderful seamstress. She made most of my clothes. She made my sister’s clothes too. Often they would be matching so when Sis grew out of hers, they were passed down to me and I was again wearing the same dress. I say dress because back then we wore dresses even to play in.
In high school Mom would buy a dress pattern and make me at least five dresses, all using different fabrics. As you can imagine, I always had lots of clothes. She also made my formals. Before sewing those beautiful dresses, we’d go shopping. I’d try on lots of them until we found the perfect one. Then we’d go home empty handed. Before long mom had gone to the fabric store, came home with fabric and notions, and made her own version of that dress. It was always prettier than the one I had tried on. Another thing too, none of the other girls was wearing a dress like mine.
During those years growing up I’d talk about sewing, but mom was insistent that if I really wanted to sew I’d have to learn on my own. Her mother, my grandma, was a great quilter who never taught her to sew. Mom felt that if she could learn on her own, so could her daughter.
So I’ve spent quite a few years trying to sew. My first sewing project was shorts. They never did fit. After college I took a class on altering garments. I don’t remember much about my results. I also tried to quilt, but couldn’t quite get that 1/4 inch seam and all of the perfection.
In the past several years I bought a couple of machines – a Brother sewing and embroidery machine and an Elna serger. It funny that when I sit down at the serger, I don’t have any anxiety. The sewing machines make me so nervous.
However, just in the last year I have been sewing more and feeling more comfortable. I love sewing those clothesline bowls that I make on my old Elna. I’ve also sewn some journal covers in the past. Recently I signed up for the Craftsy class, The One-Zip Way, with Joan Hawley.
First of all, I am an online class junkie. I learn best with videos. Also, I am not being paid to review or give any good feedback on this class which I paid for. I wanted to tell you about it because I think it was one of the best Craftsy classes I’ve taken.
When a class motivates me to makes something, then I know it’s a good class. Joan is a great teacher. Her instructions via her videos are easy to understand. We make three different bags and the carrying strap in this class. She is available to answer questions, and when I posted pictures of my finished projects she commented almost right away.
First I needed to buy some long zippers and zipper pulls. I love all of the beautiful colors.
Then to make the bags. I decided to start with the largest bag – Becca. I love this bag and attaching the zipper this way, was so easy. These were both made with my ice dyed fabric. I love the carrying strap.
This is the Small Becca. This is made from my soy waxed fabric that I ice dyed over. This will go in my purse.
This last one is the Sweet Pea made with my marbled fabric on the outside and ice dyed on the inside.
What a fun class. It’s sure a great way to get practice adding zippers. I highly recommend this class to even beginners.
That’s all of the zip bags I’ll be making for awhile. I need to take a break and work on some other projects.
Do you like to take online classes? Do you have any favorites? Here is a link to a couple other online classes I’ve really enjoyed.
Love your bags, and I have bookmarked the class… may have to give that a try, since zippers have always been an issue for me! As for fave on-line classes, your Icy Delights class tops the list for sure!
I am so anxious to get back to the sewing machine after all these years I have worked. I have sewed very little in the last 27 years, but this time, I don’t plan on sewing things for others. Don’t plan on making any drapes or wedding and bridesmaid dresses! I hope to learn more about quilting and your inspiration of dyeing is just exactly what I am excited to learn about! Hope that doesn’t sound selfish, but when you’ve worked a lot for others, maybe it is time for fun for myself! You have done beautiful work, Lynda! I am counting down the days until I can actually have fun!
Love the different color zipper/pull combos!
Judy, Yep, zippers always are so scary. This class was so neat. She also has another zipper class that she uses zippers normally which I might sign up for. Thank you for the compliment on my class. You are way too sweet.
Deb, That was one of the things that drew me to this class – using the zip pulls as a color statement. Loved that. Thanks for dropping by.
Belinda, No you don’t sound selfish at all. It’s time for you to take time for yourself. And once you start making stuff, you can always give them for presents or donate some for auctions, etc. In fact, I’m working on getting a couple things ready for an auction right now. Thank you for the kind words about my work and that I’ve inspired you. That’s really my main goal of blogging is to inspire others. Time goes so fast and it won’t be long and you’ll be playing too!
I’m in the same boat. I watch and love Jenny Doan’s videos and made some bags with the scary zippers. Love your bags and the straps. I think it’s so fun to find something useful to make with all of the art fabric.
Darlene, I’ve never heard of Jenny Doan. I’ll have to check her out. Thanks. Yes. So nice to make something that can actually be used!
I’ve never taken an on-line class, but I love your zipper bags. The colors and luscious.
Sherrie, Thanks. Makes me happy to do something with some of my fabrics.
Not only is it impressive that you managed to push through your insecurities of sewing but it’s doubly impressive that you did it with zippers! (a little secret – don’t tell anyone – *whispers* My biggest sewing fear is sewing in zippers. – shhh, don’t tell anyone!) You did a great job! These bags are awesome!!! I am very impressed! I need to check out this class.
Lisa, Thank you! Wow! I’m surprised that you have fear of zippers. Well, either of her classes would probably cure you of that fear. I really enjoyed using them for this class. And I’ve still got a bunch to use so I’ll be making more in the future.
Thanks for posting about the bags, Lynda…I don’t really sew except straight lines and would never attempt a bag or zipper…but after reading your post I signed up for the class and am happy to report that I made the Becca and Sweet Pea without any problems. I couldn’t believe how easy the zippers are when doing them her way. Thanks for letting us know about the One Zip Way class!
Barbara, So glad you took the class and made the bags. Yep, the zippers go in so easy and she’s a great teacher which helps. Thanks for letting me know. Happy sewing!
Lynda, I share so much of the same background in sewing. I took Home Ec in the 7th grade, where I stitched a couple of things. Beyond that, I’m self taught, even though my mom sewed. I enjoy sewing and learning new techniques and expanding my horizons. A lot of your story resonates with me and sounds like my personal experience. I’m so glad you are enjoying the class and your creations are beautiful. Great job!
I just LOVE Joan Hawley’s patterns!!! She writes patterns so well and her Craftsy classes are the BEST! Your bags are beautiful! I LOVE LOVE LOVE your hand dyed fabrics! Do you sell them? I’d buy some if you did! Keep on sewing! 😉
Laurie
Fellow Lazy Girl
Joan, Sure wish I could have taken home ec – we didn’t have that in our school back then. You’re self taught? Amazing! Then there is hope for me!! Thank you for sharing your talent. Thank you for your kind words about my bags.
Hi Laurie, I don’t sell my fabrics. I teach an online class on how to make them though – Icy Delights at lyndaheines.com. However, I do have a lot I don’t use so I may think about selling them in the future. Thanks for your kind words.