I learned to sew in lockdown

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 2020 brought the world to a standstill. Changed many lives and brought many people to change many things about their lives. This isn't a doom and gloom post, I just wanted to write about the possibility to use time wisely. I was (and still am) in an incredibly fortunate circumstance and I was able to actually enjoy time to spend as a family, to learn new things and to contemplate the situation around us. 

I decided to learn a new skill as we had time, so I turned my hand to sewing. I hadn't used a sewing machine in 20 years but I knew I wanted something practical, useful to life going forward and something creative ans sewing seemed to fit the bill perfectly. 

1st problem.....no sewing machine. Right off to google and YouTube to find a good, simple to use model as this is a new field for me. I spent a few hours reading reviews, yes thats right, HOURS, I found Janome as a good brand for beginners then I was off to Facebook marketplace. Within 3 days I found my now Janome 2200XT. I can confirm that this model is GREAT for beginners. It has all of the features you need and it so simple to experiment with when you become more confident. The only thing missing from it is a stitch width adjustment, but for the sewing I've done and will be doing in the future, I was more than thrilled. Especially when it only cost me £50 and I was able to collect it from a neighbour locally to me and she gave me a little bundle of scrap fabrics and thread to practice with! 

2nd problem....no idea what to do with my new machine. Once again, a visit to my old faithful and sewing tutor extraordinaire, gave me the tools I needed to get going. 

3rd problem.... what am I going to make now?! I needed some inspiration. So of course, BACK TO YOUTUBE! A great idea for beginners is a pin cushion. It gives you the skills to cut pieces of fabric to the correct size, bagging out as a technique (a LOT of sewing projects use this technique), sewing a hole closed, used of elastic and stuffing. 

Throughout this process, I actually knew what to do to achieve my goals of learning to sew. I was very proud of myself. There were issues, I solved them, made things and felt proud of myself. 

Since the initial thrill of actually making a simple pin cushion, I've gone on to make trousers, tops, dresses, bags, a toy dinosaur (with only 2 legs instead of 4), dress up outfits for my son, hair accessories, key fobs, blankets, hats, lanyards and many other things. I will not stop. I now have a skill for myself and family. I have fixed many things along side making things which has saved us money, I can say yes to my son when he wants a particular outfit for a school event, I don't have to throw away an item because its broken or ripped, I an at least try to mend it first. I have even sold things I've made! 

Would I recommend sewing? Absolutely YES! But, fair warning, it does come with its own bouts of frustration. Many questions like "Why? Why are you doing that?" Being shouted to the universe in the vein hope someone or something can actually answer the question or better yet, actually fix the issue.

Here are some of my creations over the last 3.5 years. 

(Yes this little guy has only two legs, buty son loves him and that it all that matters)

(Last minute World Book Day outfit as a TA. Used a single bedsheets to make this. I was very happy with it) 

If you feel like you want to try a new hobby then go for it. It can be a minefield of information and will take time and money. I would recommend breaking it down to one problem at a time and solving that. Everything else can be done slowly if needed. Take your time and for everything else there is YouTube! 

Until next time Xx

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