I finally did what was on my to do list like the one Blue Booby has except I haven't written mine down but will do in March.
I took a sewing class!
I have only ever sewn holes in socks for fun as a kid.
I went to a school called Sew over it.
But it was on the northern line which had to be the most infuriating line in London. It almost made me whimper last year and
it's rarely a simple journey.
I had to change lines twice and it was eerily quiet as
it was early Sunday morning.
As I was exiting I saw this red balloon.
It was so neat.
I wanted it but I was running late so took a quick snap and ran.
I was told to pick a fabric as soon as I arrived as we were first going to make a cushion.
I'll skip the technical bits like pin everything and cut and sew in a straight line.
Blah blah blah...
While I love learning I am not a good student.
Then this is what happens when you underestimate straight lines.
Bit wonky but I now know how to make a cushion!
I just went with the flow but some people took it so seriously and were nervous.
I had to ask someone why they came ( in the nicest manner ) because if I was going to panic like that I would have just slept in.
I just wanted to say, "It's not the SAT's - it's a cushion."
I also made a tote bag which was perfect to take my cushion home.
It was a two full day course and the next day
I made a make up bag with a zipper.
It looks like my brothers dog had a go at it.
I have a whole new respect for zippers now.
The last section was to make or alter something so
I decided to learn to sew straight on scraps which my tutor looked upon nicely but pityingly while one of my fellow students
brought in a cardigan like they were on project runway.
I decided to learn to sew straight on scraps which my tutor looked upon nicely but pityingly while one of my fellow students
brought in a cardigan like they were on project runway.
It was a great course because it gave me a sense of capability so
I decided to make use of their sewing cafe where you can go and use their facilities charged per hour.
Beautiful buildings on the way to the sewing café in Angel.
I made a cushion using the fabric I got on sale at Colefax Fowler.
It's in one of my favourite toile patterns - Bengale.
 |
| The front side |
Could be better, could be worse.
The lady at the café thought I was "brave" using this fabric considering I just learned to sew.
I still have to put in the zipper.
Wish me luck.
 |
| Reverse side that was supposed to be a slip in but I once again miscalculated so now I have to put in a zipper |
I have been meaning to hem the curtains in the top floor for ages. But as is custom in London the hemming was going to cost around 100 quid and take around at least a week.
Putting in fabric tape was another 150 on top...
I could now not only save money but
I was going to do it here and now.
Not only did I hem but I thought I would also add some fabric tape.
"Brave."
What's the worse that could happen?
Look crap.
The curtains were from Ikea so I wasn't too nervous.
My self esteem is not tied to my sewing.
Could be better, could be worse.
But I had a load of fun doing it.
I would have like more of a pooling or puddling of fabric that hit the floor but I forgot that hemming involves folding over twice so
I miscalculated...At least they aren't highwater curtains.
I think I definitely have caught the sewing bug because I saved the cut leftover fabric from the curtains and am thinking of
practicing / gifting to my friends some cushions with braid!
*This is not in anyway a sponsored post and I paid for this class myself.*
Fabulous Naomi! A great idea and inspirational. I wouldn't know one end of a sewing machine from the other but you're inspiring me to thinking about finding a sewing class later this year. All that fabric languishing in boxes!
ReplyDeleteFunnily enough we lived in North London at one stage when husband was doing some research at the BM and Public Records Office. At Harringay. It wasn't even on the tube - we had to take the main line to Finsbury Park and then change at least once more to get most places. I read the whole of the Forsyte Saga on the Central/Circle Line on my way to and from work. We were living in incredibly cheap rooms (through the Univ. of London Lodgings Bureau) in what had been the servants' attic in an old house. There was even a bell high on the wall outside our bedroom that must have been used to summon the staff. Pammie
Those rooms probably cost a bomb now though bc that area has gentrified like nothing else! You definitely should take a class bc I sm the least likely person ever to do this stuff but I love having the option of doing something myself and not being at the mercy of others. Plus it is very soothing. Plus like you I have all this fabric... Next course in spring will be Roman blinds!! Ps I do hate the northern line - odd thing but it is just the most aggravating snd I have told me csw I couldn't live in an area only serviced by it!
DeleteThey look great. Everyone has to start somewhere. If the curtain length bothers you, lower the rod by 2 inches. It will make a big difference....
ReplyDeleteThank you! I can't move it though bc there's no space plus there's a whole Pahlava about the rods and my husband is ordering new supports...but also I might unfold one when I can get around to it!
DeleteWell done! Zips are my nemesis too. I tend to avoid anything that involves a zip as it's never a pretty ending. Buttonholes are a close second (because my machine does not do an automatic buttonhole, it is my Mum's old Steel Pfaff from the early 80's).
ReplyDeleteLove the cushion, and the curtains are great. Wish I'd heard of that Sewing Cafe when I lived in London. I tried to find somewhere that rented out sewing machines for a few days so that I could alter some blinds for my flat in London, but couldn't find anywhere (pre internet days of old). xx
It seems everyone secretly knows how to sew! I wish I learned earlier though now. All that money on alterations and hemming. I love the sewing cafe because people are telling me I should buy a machine but then that means buying all the gadgets to go with and that means more clutter! So I like that I go to a place with a new music playlist and I just concentrate and get work done! You can make blinds?!! That's my next course!! xx
DeleteVery well done Naomi! I can tell you have been liberated and are no longer in fear of the sewing machine. I remember taking Home Economics at school (in Kent) and one of the projects was to sew a skirt. My father (being as he was a tailor) had the most fabulous camel colored cashmere fabric laying about that he gave me for the project. It was by no means the straightest pencil skirt in the world, but I was so proud of it and wish I'd kept it.
ReplyDeleteI've just completed an up-coming sewing related post, so reading your successes with the curtains and pillows is very timely.
Oh, and I agree about that dreaded Northern Line. Whenever I'd visit my grandmother in Camden Town, and had to take the train there, I'd hate the journey. Not an easy line by any means.
I did Home ec but it was just baking. So useless. You must have so much second hand knowledge from your father! Does he freehand chalk on fabric? I love that. I can't wait to read about your sewing. I am very interested now in how I can take charge where I can rather than being at the mercy of waiting times etc. Northern must have been great 100 years ago just not now!
DeleteHello Naomi,
DeleteDad was a dab-hand at the chalk lines. I still remember his chalk as the image on it (a pair of hands in a handshake) was always intriguing to me as a little girl. Oh, and the sewing post I'm working on isn't actually about a sewing project, although it is sewing related (sorry to disappoint!). I'm actually quite useless at serious sewing projects (I can handle a ham, button or straight line and that's it!).
I still look forward to it either way!
DeleteGood for you! I haven't sewn in 20 years but am feeling the urge and this is egging me on!
ReplyDeleteYou could make your own clothes and pencil skirts Wendy!
DeleteNaomi, you will have an etsy store up and running in no time.
ReplyDeleteThe sight of that Janome just made me feel nauseous.... donated mine some time ago and no urge to buy another.
Ha! That just made me laugh. I could go to all the fabric sales buy it out and eke out lopsided cushions. That got me thinking! Is Janome bad? But then makes sense bc like a car you are supposed to drive a banger so you can really learn. I had to thread the machine but apparently there are self threading machines now.
DeleteI am in awe!
ReplyDeleteI don't take order just yet Lisa!
DeleteThat's my girl! You shall be sewing pillows galore...even with a bit of fringe and a zipper here and there. Great job love.
ReplyDeleteThanks darl - you might be getting a wonky tea towel with slanted sewing if you are not careful!
DeleteAnd i will love like no other :)
DeleteI have my little Janome out on the table as I am reading this. I'm making a quilt for my new granddaughter who will be arriving in a few months. I learned to sew as a kid and really enjoy it. Picking the fabric is still the best part though. Congratulations on learning something new. You look like you are a fast learner.
ReplyDeleteI thought quilt was handsewn? Or is that just the Amish? How wonderful you are working on a project infused with happy expectations and lovely thoughts! I may have only learned to sew last week but I have been picking fabrics for yonks! hehe Many thanks for your encouragement!
DeleteThe patches for the quilt can be machine sewn, but the actual quilting is usually hand done.
DeleteBrilliant well done, I can't wait to see what you make next, and the most inspiring bit is that it is OK that it is not perfect!
ReplyDeleteYes exactly - I think a few in my group were alpha females who must be good at everything so they were being very hard on themselves! I dont' think I will get into dressmaking and be a contestant on the great british sewing bee but if you want a wonky cushion cover let me know!
DeleteLove this Naomi and if you can do a zipper you've got talent! I can sew, pretty poorly but I don't let it stop me, just tea towels usually and maybe a curtain if I'm feeling ambitious. I absolutely agree, perfection is over-rated and it is satisfying to do things yourself.
ReplyDeleteWith your love of fabric (and excellent taste) I can see you having lots of fun making things, it's a good project to sew up napkins out of interesting fabrics too.
Tea towels are hard bc the sewing is so much a part of it! I like the napkins idea and I could experiment that way. I think people should stop worrying about u achievable perfection and go wabi sabi too!
DeleteJust sent you a pin about this.
DeleteI used to sew......many, many years ago :) Was just thinking of taking a refresher class. What a coincidence! What scares me the most are button holes and zippers. I never mastered those. Fabulous work - you are a trooper!
ReplyDeleteOh yes you must do that refresher bc I sm sure you have a dab hand! I haven't even gotten to button holes yet!! A few more courses then I might try upholstery next! But thanks Loi
DeleteYikes a sewing machine - I haven't seen or used one of those since I was at school and had to do textiles, well I tell a lie the last time I saw one was on you Insta account. I wouldn't know where to start with one now and would probably be the one who ends up dripping blood on the fabric. How cool that you made a bag - think of a good marketing name for it and create a story behind it and we might see you exhibiting at the next London Fashion Week! xx
ReplyDeleteI thought it would be up your alley bc you could make your own clothes!! You could also match your bags! Think about it xx
DeleteI am in awe. I hate sewing, not sure why. I learned how to sew in junior high school and even made a skirt a few years later. But it's as if the sewing machine has a life of its own and I am just doing its bidding. I did try an evening pottery class one year. I sucked at pottery and found I did not want to actually do pottery, just drink tea and chat with the other students. Your cushions look great.
ReplyDeleteHa! There were cupcskes on the course which made it nice! I think machines now are super easy and some thread themselves! I might go overboard with cushions but I live I saved time and money plus I sm not perfectionist so small errors don't bother me too much. I think a party class might be up your street! ;)
DeleteWell done! Everything you've sewn looks fab.
ReplyDeleteLast time i used a machine was to make myself a lace handkerchief for our wedding, but my sewing was just terrible and the finished handkerchief was just disgusting. My late mum unpicked it all and sewed it all together perfectly.
My late mum would sew matching outfits for me and my 2 sisters regularly when we were younger and she even made our cousin's bridesmaids dresses. Think her great skill missed a generation as none of us now sew. All I do is the basics like sew ribbons on pointe shoes for my daughters' ballet but even for that I had to watch YouTube video about 10 times. Den xxx
How lucky were you to have a handy mum? Mine is probably the reason it didn't enter my periphery as she was not the most domestic person. But where would we be without YouTube eh? Although hands on teaching gave me something YouTube couldn't bc then it seems like a physics clas!! Don't know how long it will last but I love a cushion so that will soon be my forte :) xx
DeleteThat's really cool! My mum was big into sewing which kinda put me off but over the years I've come to wish that I'd paid more attention because it's an incredibly useful skill.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny bc if a parent is really into something it does turn one off! But it's quite useful plus I love that I sm not beholden to choices in the stores for cushions anymore!!
DeleteSniggering at "elective"! Sewing machines scare the living daylights out of me, I love your cushion and that Bengale fabric is one of my loves too.
ReplyDeleteThat balloon pic is somewhat magical.
Some were sooo nervous!!!! It made me laugh. Isn't that red balloon the coolest? I must check Instagram to see if anybody else saw it on the northern line!
DeleteSo thrilled for you! You are a natural at this!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Not a good measurer but will keep practicing!
DeleteGorgeous! I used to sew a lot as a kid (Vogue tastes and Top Shop Budget made this necessary!) but cannot sew a stitch now. I applaud you for learning sewing (or anything really!) as an adult. I find it so easy to let inertia set in.
ReplyDeleteI am sure it's like riding a bike!! Yes I am noticing it's very easy sitting around...
DeleteI'm very impressed! You're a natural.
ReplyDeleteNext, you'll be whizzing up some curtains from scratch : )
Brought down the hem one fold today! I am learning measure twice cut once the hard way!!! But thank you ;)
DeleteGood for you!
ReplyDeleteZippers defeat me, I simply overlap the cushion fabric - like if the front is 20 x 20, the back will consist of 2 overlapped pieces, each 20 x 15, and the cushion form slips inside quite easily.
loving your fabric....
Ha! That's what I meant to do until I forgot you fold seams twice so all ulster wrong so ended up needing a zipper. At this rate I sm looking for some nice safety pins..!
DeletePut in a zip first. Before the seams. Easy : )
DeleteSeems like good fun! How did you find this class? BTW, just got back from Amsterdam and I really enjoyed the Rembrandt House and the Van Gogh Museum (didn't have enough time for the Rijks)! Thanks for the recommendations! :-) Emily
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you had fun!!! Hope you got to see some tulips too?
DeleteThanks, I did. I also visited the Hermitage too and that was amazing as well! The visit was too short but I'll take whatever I can get! :-) Emily
DeleteThe red balloon reminds me of that movie, "The Red Balloon" from the 1950s - do you remember it? It is about a red balloon that follows a little boy around Paris. Excellent movie! Love your sewing adventures - great job with the cushion, the tote bag and the curtains!! I was afraid of sewing machines for many years, after struggling to get my family's old Singer machine to work. I have had to overcome that fear asap - no time for self-doubt! Looking forward to seeing what you make next!
ReplyDeleteYou must be laughing considering your skills!!! I have a whole new found awe in what you can do Louise!
DeleteHello Naomi,
ReplyDeleteClever you! These are amazing achievements for your first sewing attempts. You should feel incredibly proud of yourself. We cannot thread a needle between us so we are seriously in awe of what you have accomplished in such a short period of time.
You have such a great eye for colour and detail that we are certain your future sewing adventures will achieve ever greater heights. The tote bag looks enormous fun and the cushion fabric is delightful. One can make such a difference with interesting accessories around the house so we can imagine that your interior decorating is going to take on all together more ambitious plans from now on.......
The red balloon is a magical moment captured for ever.....
That red balloon will definitely be a highlight of 2015:)
DeleteI had a bit of trouble with the idea of sewing holes in socks before I got the idea that you were sewing up the holes! I can no longer thread a needle - the sight of me trying is pathetic. I used to make lots of dresses but HATED curtains, all that fabric. You are doing sterling work! Perhaps I could just about manage a cushion if I had some really fab fabric. I've been watching the not so great British sewing bee programmes. I'm horrified by the things that they make but they are given such unrealistic time in which to produce anything. It must be terribly frustrating.
ReplyDeleteI hemmed and put tape on the curtains and that took three hours. Those people on that show surely must be pros!
DeleteI have been toying with the idea of pulling out my sewing machine again and your recent adventure has inspired me to go through with it. Your projects are lovely and your lines look straight to me! Zippers are a nuisance and I always tried to avoid them. I think that designer fabric remnants, beautiful trim and the ability to sew a straight line (let alone a zipper) are all one needs to decorate the home. Clothes are a different thing altogether..
ReplyDeleteThat red balloon is moving
Won't bother with clothes frankly except for hems for jeans bc they cost about 15 pounds but just need to master cushions!
DeleteThe idea of a sewing cafe is excellent. I have a sewing machine at home but don't use itbecause of the mess I create. Much better to make mess elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteI liked working at the cafe bc it's so inducive to concentrating and no distractions!
DeleteI love that you took this class and that you have the sewing bug! I am having a hard time finding any time to sew these days. I am a better sewer now than I was when I was younger, I really take my time and try to make it perfect. You should see that documentary 'Signe Chanel' if you can get your hands on a copy. It will be so inspiring to you to see those ladies who sew couture. They are amazing. I love watching them work. The talent! The perfection! I hope you will post about sewing again! XO, Jill
ReplyDeleteI saw that and loved it! But how do they get that good? But it seems even their work sometimes doesn't mske the cut! I'd love to see your old stuff you made xx
DeleteO my gawd I have been a failed seamstress since Home Economics in high school a ton of years ago. I kept trying for many years and through some seriously wonky projects. Managed to do a decent job on a couple of kids' Halloween costumes and then sold the Singer for $5 in a yard sale. I tried to give it away but I embarrassed the woman so I said I would take five dollars. It was like finally getting rid of a body I had hidden in the basement. On that note all the best with your new sewing career.
ReplyDelete