Hi everyone . . . yesterday I bought my first ever sewing machine !! Yayyeeee !
It is a very simple machine, fairly inexpensive, bought on sale at Spotlight. It has 15 stitch patterns, a 4 step button hole maker, and can apparently sew thick items (according to the maker), oh and part of the bottom bit comes off thus making it a “free arm” to sew trouser legs etc. Not bad for what I paid. The total cost would be considered a deposit for a “real” sewing machine LOL. However compared to my mum’s 40 year old Singer, with its slipping motor belt, bobbin cap that kept flipping off, and stitches that kept missing, this is wonderful!
So I decided to make something using materials that didn’t cost me anything, so really, if I made a mess, it would be ok. I can barely sew in a straight line, and cheered when I got the bobbin working !
Here is my first creation.
It is made from a mohair jumper that couldn’t be frogged because the mohair had felted. So I felted it even further, and used the fabric to make the bag. I cut up an old 50s skirt my mother had made for dress-ups more than 20 years ago for the lining. (Sorry mum, I’m never going to wear it since I’ve had a baby, plus I can’t dance anyway :-).
I lined this by first sewing the lining onto the inside of the wool fabric, and then sewing a hem at the top on both sides, then folding it and sewing the side seams. I then sewed on the strap (which came with the jumper as a waist tie) into the sides.
I don’t know what I’d use a bag like this for. I’m the sort of person that likes big bags or practical bags with lots of pockets. Any ideas?
I really need some sewing lessons and some good, simple patterns. Suggestions are welcome 
on Aug 15th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
Good job! Get stash going and sell them, give them as gifts, you could have a posh nappy bag or a going out nappy bag.
Donate them to kinder or school fete’s (if they still have them). Hang them as a decoration.
I like reading your blog.
Cat.
on Aug 16th, 2008 at 1:13 am
It looks as though you already know a few tips with your sewing machine. The bag turned out so nicely, perhaps you could keep it for your daughter when she gets a bit older. Little girls love bags of all kinds.
on Aug 17th, 2008 at 1:47 am
Yah!!! Had a look at your blog and your first bag is great!!!
I have found some of the best free patterns and tutorials for handbags at http://u-handbag.typepad.com/uhandblog/.
I also started the couch to 5k for the same reason - after two kids. I was very unfit and had trouble even completing week 1. So I just kept listening to my podcast for week one until I could complete it then I moved onto week 2. It took me about 5 goes to do week 2 and then I stopped. I just got lazy and never got back into it. I hope that you do better than me. Maybe when the weather warms up a little I will start again.
Donna
on Sep 18th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
You may find this site useful for sewing tips, simple and free patterns etc.
http://www.burdastyle.com/
Enjoy! *wink*