Ever since I got my sewing machine, I've been pretty obsessed with it. I have become quite the hoarder already--books, machine accessories, patterns, fabric. I started out doing some starter projects to familiarize myself with my new hobby, such as this reversible tote:
Then, I decided to move on to skirts. However, I did not start with the super easy elastic band A-line skirt that all new sewists are supposed to start out with. I was feeling crazy ambitious and began with a pencil skirt--complete with interfaced waistband, darts, vent, invisible zipper and all. I actually had to convince myself *not* to do a lining this time around. Don't ask me what I was thinking. If there was a sure way to discourage myself so early on in my "career" as a sewist if the end result was horrific, this was it.
It was a little challenging for a total newbie who had never used and cut a pattern or put together a garment before. It took me about four weekends to finish it mostly because I was feeling extremely overwhelmed at times. But I learned that the key is to really take your time. The western culture, particularly Americans (no offense intended), constantly demand instant gratification: I want everything NOW and not later. Sewing is definitely not one of those hobbies that will give you that. It's very much a process that requires care at all steps of construction. If you want a really professional looking garment, you really need the patience which I sometimes do not have. I will say this, however: There is something oddly therapeutic about sewing. Who knew?
A few of you saw it on Twitter already, but here is my very first skirt:
And it fits too! LOL. Well actually it's a smidge tight as you can see by the bit of pulling across the front, and a bit too high-waisted. I didn't use ideal material, I just used the best I had that would work for this particular project. The cotton is very thin and therefore it definitely needs lining, but that's OK, I don't intend to wear this out in public anyway. My biggest pet peeve about homemade clothes is that they tend to actually *look* homemade. I think this falls into that category.
Vent and invisible zipper up close:
Not bad for a noob, huh? I made a few of errors, but I'm pretty proud of how it turned out considering it was my very first garment. I'm ready to try something else!...But probably something a little easier. =/
Have you ever tried to sew a garment yourself? How did it turn out?
P.S. Happy 2012! I was thinking of posting a slightly more elaborate first post of 2012, but I guess it's going to be my second post of 2012 instead. :P
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