The class was amazing! Not only did I have so much fun, it was exactly what I needed to stop the thoughts that are constantly playing in my head, like a broken record. It was two and a half hours of bliss. No feelings of anxiety and absolutely no stressing about work!! Just me, a sewing machine and two other ladies who were refreshing their sewing skills. Here’s the final result. Every stitch my own work. A Norwich City Football Club inspired cushion, before the derby tomorrow against Ipswich Town:
I am told that this is called an ‘envelope’ back cushion (because the back resembles the back of an envelope) and I am extremely proud of myself. I must admit, I did think I would be the first person in the history of Makeplace to leave without completing a project. As it turns out, I took to sewing much quicker than I imagined.
During the class, we used top-of-the line, computerised, Juki sewing machines. I’d never heard of the brand before, but I was told the majority of the clothes we purchase in shops are made on a Juki. Apparently, they are industrial sewing machines and even make an appearance in the factory on Coronation Street, ‘Underworld.’ I’m no sewing or television soap aficionado, so fact-check away with those pieces of information. What I do know is that the sewing machines had so many buttons and settings that they practically make the garment for you.
All I have to compare these machines with is my mum’s ancient Singer, which she adores and refuses to change. It’s the type that requires lubrication, and inserting the bobbin, threading the machine and getting the machine to work requires PhD level knowledge of sewing machines. In short, it’s never made me want to take sewing up, but instead had the opposite effect and made me never want to go near a sewing machine.
I saw and used an overlocker for the first time. It’s a complicated looking machine with lots of thread going into and coming out of it. It can cut the fabric whilst stitching the edges to avoid fraying. The overall look is neat and professional. It was like a miracle machine. It made my work look amazing. Note to self – learn more about overlockers. All in all, a successful class and I’ve left feeling inspired. More importantly, I’ve caught the sewing bug. So much so, I’ve booked myself in for another class next week to make an apron.
This will be project number 2 and I absolutely cannot wait. In the meantime, I think I’ll start looking into purchasing a sewing machine. There’s no point learning a new skill without having the ability to practice it. I’m aware that there are lots of different brands, price ranges and types to choose from, but surely finding the right sewing machine for me can’t be that complicated? Time to find out. Let the search begin.
SEWING 4 SELF CARE 