I went to week 2 of sewing class last night and I thoroughly enjoyed it again. Unfortunately, we took a detour on the way there (again). This time I knew where I was supposed to be going, but I was on automatic pilot and I started driving home after work which is in the opposite direction to the sewing class. Oooops.

We were asked to bring along a project for this week, so I took my McCall’s skirt pattern. I bought some fabric from Fabricland – a navy lightweight cotton with a cherry print for the main fabric and a red lightweight cotton for the contrast fabric. Also, I got matching thread, lightweight interfacing and a 7” zip, as instructed by the pattern.

Fabricland is the nearest fabric shop to me and they have some bargains – the navy cotton was £3.49 a metre and the red cotton was £2.20 a metre. I don’t want to spend too much on fabric whilst I’m learning otherwise I will be paranoid about messing up.

I had no idea what I was doing, but the tutor showed me how to read the pattern instructions and cut out the pattern pieces. I pinned them onto the fabric and then cut out the fabric pieces. Gulp. As we have only three weeks left on the course, I’m going to tack the fabric pieces together at home so I can use the class time for more complicated (for me) things like fitting adjustments and inserting a zip.

It’s so great to be sharing this sewing journey with my lovely friend. The other people in the class are nice too. One woman is making what looks like a full length satin dress with a net underskirt. The tutor asked her if she was making it for a party and she replied, “oh no, for wearing down the pub”. And why not.

The tutor asked last night if any of us would be interested in a follow up class after this one has finished (we all were) so she’s going to enquire if she can set one up. I would definitely sign up. I’m so excited to be learning this new skill. I want to absorb as much knowledge as I can.

Incidentally, I ordered a skirt from a high street store last week. I checked the size guide on their website carefully and made sure I ordered the correct size for my measurements. When it arrived, it was so tiny I could barely fit the skirt over one of my legs. In the past I would have been miserable and berated myself for being fat. However, sewing is giving me a new perspective on clothes sizing. So I packed it back up and I decided to spend the money on fabric instead.

ETA coincidentally, the excellent Retro Chick has published a blog post today on clothes sizing in high street stores. It is a very interesting read if, like me, you struggle to buy clothes that actually fit.

Image credit: Fabricland.