Learning to Sew-2013 Goal

Hello Everyone,

I know it's been a while since my last post, but life has been so busy with wedding planning, full time work & the silly season (Christmas).

I'm so proud to share with you that I have achieved my goal for 2013-to learn to sew!

I was gifted a sewing machine way back in 2009, which had been sitting in the cupboard until July this year when I finally made the time to learn to sew.

I began my sewing journey with a Beginners Sewing Course with the lovely Sonja at Gold Coast Sewing Classes. Before I began the course I didn't even know how to thread a machine or sew a straight line. During this course I successfully made a straight skirt in a teal coloured fabric-perfect for work at the office.

Sonja teaches to a industry standard, so my skirt included a double waistband, invisible zipper, darts, a back pleat, a hem and overlocking for a professional finish:

After completing the Beginners Course I was keen for more-a seed had been planted & my love of sewing had begun!

Next I did a Pajama Pants Class-complete with side pockets, elastic waist and a ribbon tie. How adorable is this kitten print cotton?!

I still have the hem & pink ribbon waist to complete on these-they are a work in progress :P

I then completed a cushion cover class, complete with invisible zipper. I made this cushion out of embroidered bridal fabric:

 I then made this cushion at home. It gets bunny's tick of approval:

I have recently completed an Intermediate Sewing Course with Sonja. I decided to be a bit adventurous and experiment with different fabrics so I am made my dress out of floral black lace from Singapore :-)

It is double lined with poly cotton, which will be cooler in summer than most conventional linings. Working with lace meant double the work & it was definitely different to cut & sew, but the final product was worth the extra effort:

I am loving sewing so much & I know that I would not have got this far so quickly without the patience of my wonderful sewing teacher, Sonja. If any of my lovely readers are interested in sewing-no matter what skill level you are, be sure to check out goldcoastsewingclasses.com
Sonja keeps class sizes at a maximum of 5 people, so everyone gets the assistance that they need. When I started the Beginners Course I didn't even know how to thread a machine, now 6 months later I can make a dress-all thanks to Sonja's patience & guidance :-)

I am so excited about my next project that I'm making over the Christmas break: a 1950s style dress. Stay tuned for that one!

Wishing all my lovely friends & readers a safe & merry Christmas & an amazing new year!

xo miss_tash