Sewing 101

I've begun a new adventure in my life that involves a lot of learning and definitely a lot of practice. I took up sewing at my local community college. It's a 24 hour class broken up into 8 weeks. I had my first class this week. Boy am I already overwhelmed!  We were handed a big packet of information, I'm assuming I have to read it. LOL. So finding the time between raising three kids, maintaining a household, yard, and this blog, I  hope I can find a little time to fit this fun new skill into my life.  I've always wanted to learn how to sew throw pillows and drapes for my house, but starting out in sewing class requires that I be able to sew a skirt.  I've always been able to pick a fabric for a pillow that will look good on a couch, but never have I been good at picking fabric that will look good on my butt!  Sorry to be so direct, but picking fabric for your body is completely foreign to me. This is where I would love to have some experience with fashion or wish I had spent more time reading fashion blogs, reading fashion magazines or watching Project Runway. ANYTHING would be helpful at this point. To be honest I've always tried to pick clothes that look good on my body, not clothes that necessarily have a pretty fabric. Plus for most of my life I've chosen neutral colors to wear on my body, like black, white, or gray.  But now that I'm making a custom skirt to fit my body, I want something special. But I am told I can't pick a stripe, sheer, knit, or plaid fabric. I guess they are harder to start out with.  And to be completely honest, I do like wearing skirts, but only a few truly flatter my figure. I'm 5'7" so my height is the perfect height for sewing patterns I am told, but my proportions are not exactly proportional! I've always been okay with my bust, my hips, legs, etc., but after having three kids, let's just say I focus a lot of energy at the gym on my mid-section. I'm happy with my progress on getting back in shape, but I'm not there yet. I have a bit more work to do, and a bit more time is needed to settle into my new Mommy shape.  For my sewing project, I think I will choose a pencil skirt, simply because it's always been the most flattering.  Although these skirts are very inspirational to me.

Seen here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.

Wish me luck as I tackle this new machine in my house, called a sewing machine and hopefully come out in eight weeks with something I can wear in public. :)

xo
Cathleen