This week, I’ve been taking stock because it’s six months since I started sewing. Six months ago I knew absolutely nothing about sewing and I was scared of sewing machines. Since then I have learned:
- to love my sewing machine;
- to thread my machine, wind bobbins, adjust the stitch type/width/length/tension, change needles and feet;
- to do tacking and seam ripping;
- to do straight stitching (still need to work on this!) and zigzag stitching;
- to do staystitching, understitching and top stitching;
- to do a basic seam and a french seam;
- to do a double fold hem;
- to do gathering;
- about cutting fabric, grainlines, selvedges and cutting on the bias;
- about reading patterns, pattern sizing, flat pattern adjustments, tracing patterns and transferring pattern markings to fabric;
- about my body shape;
- to do darts;
- to do buttonholes;
- to do slash pockets;
- to set in sleeves;
- to insert a centred zip and an invisible zip.
I’m not claiming to be an expert at any of these, but I’ve had a go at everything on the list above and I hope, with practice, to get better.
In six months, I have made:
- two envelope cushion covers;
- three sock project bags;
- two denim Ginger skirts (here and here);
- two Jasmine blouses (here and here).
My ambition was to make (at least) one wearable skirt by the end of the year, so I’m pleased I have achieved that and more!
In the next six months, I would like to become more confident using my overlocker, finish my ‘Peony’ dress and sew more wardrobe staples (skirts and blouses for work).
I hope this post doesn’t seem boastful, but I was feeling a bit frustrated with myself. I’ve seen so many amazing projects in the sewing blogosphere and I knew that I wasn’t good enough to make them. However, looking back over the last six months, I can see how far I’ve come and I feel heartened to carry on improving my skills. It’s been a steep learning curve, that’s for sure.
ETA I checked my maths this morning and I realised that I’ve been sewing for five months, not six months. Derp!
29 comments
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June 18, 2012 at 9:04 pm
Melizza
Those are great achievements! Look forward to seeing your upcoming makes.
June 19, 2012 at 9:02 am
agirlinwinter
Thank you!
June 18, 2012 at 9:09 pm
Samantha Halford (@samanthahalf)
Not boastful; making me feel like there is hope if I keep trying! Well done; love the tops particularly.
June 19, 2012 at 9:02 am
agirlinwinter
Thank you! If I can do it, anyone can. The top is ‘Jasmine’ by Colette Patterns
June 18, 2012 at 9:22 pm
pillowsalamode
Beautiful work! You have a right to be proud!
Thank you for sharing and inspiring everyone! 
June 19, 2012 at 9:05 am
agirlinwinter
Thanks!
June 18, 2012 at 9:27 pm
stirandstitch
wow, you’ve come a long way in 6 months – amazing!
June 19, 2012 at 1:41 pm
agirlinwinter
Thanks for your comment!
June 18, 2012 at 9:28 pm
Sadie
I think that’s fantastic progress, and you deserve to blow your own trumpet a bit! I think you’re already slightly further on than me, and I’ve been sewing a year and a bit so far – I have yet to manage a wearable top!
June 19, 2012 at 1:42 pm
agirlinwinter
Thanks! I think tops are slightly easier for me, as I don’t have any, ahem, boobage issues to contend with
June 18, 2012 at 9:57 pm
gingermakes
Great job, girl! You really have come a long way! Sometimes it’s really easy to forget that– I get bogged down in what I can’t do, or what I’m struggling with, and I forget that, HOLY CRAP, we’re making wearable items out of flat pieces of fabric! So cut yourself some slack and celebrate your achievement! I can’t wait to see what you’ll be making in another six months!
June 19, 2012 at 1:42 pm
agirlinwinter
Thanks! I was doing just that – getting bogged down in what I couldn’t do. I thought it was time to remind myself of the things I *can* do
June 18, 2012 at 10:22 pm
Stitched Together
I would say that you have far outstripped me on the clothes making front and you’ve only been sewing 6 months. Personally what you have achieved is amazing. You should be so proud! Keep going, I enjoy sewing vicariously through your blog, cos I can’t sew at the moment.
June 19, 2012 at 1:43 pm
agirlinwinter
I sympathise. I can sew in short bursts (maybe an hour) and then I need to put it aside and rest. I find it takes far more energy than knitting. I hope you get back to sewing soon x
June 19, 2012 at 1:13 am
evelyn
You’ve achieved so much in such a short time! Cheers.
June 19, 2012 at 1:44 pm
agirlinwinter
Thank you
June 19, 2012 at 3:40 am
Brooke
You have made amazing advances in such a short time! Congratulations on being so determined to learn and for doing it so well – I am in awe!
June 19, 2012 at 1:45 pm
agirlinwinter
Thank you! No small part of my learning is due to your very helpful comments on my sewing posts. I’ve learned so much from your advice. I think my determination is actually sheer stubbornness!
June 19, 2012 at 9:03 am
Kat
Wow – amazing progress! You have learnt so much – I don’t know loads of those things and I have been sewing over double that time. You should feel so please….here’s to the next 6 (or 5!) months! xx
June 19, 2012 at 1:47 pm
agirlinwinter
Thanks! I hope the next 6 (or 5!!) months won’t be quite so challenging, but I’m looking forward to learning new skills x
June 19, 2012 at 1:03 pm
Stephanie (foggyknitter)
Well done! It only being five months makes it more impressive you know. And you’re inspiring me to get a bit bolder on the sewing front and actually have a go instead of just thinking about it.
June 19, 2012 at 1:45 pm
agirlinwinter
That’s great! You should give it a go, it’s really fun
June 19, 2012 at 7:43 pm
Handmade Jane
What a wonderful achievement! And you’ve learnt some tricky techniques along the way too, just remember, your skirts have invisible zips and your tops are bias cut. That’s very impressive in 6 months of sewing! Just think what you can do in the next 6 months! x
June 25, 2012 at 10:42 am
agirlinwinter
Thanks
June 22, 2012 at 1:00 pm
Sophie (monbouton)
congrats! you have achieved a lot in so little time
so don’t be too hard on yourself next time something goes wrong, take a deep breath and look back at your progression!
June 25, 2012 at 10:43 am
agirlinwinter
You’re right, I need to step away from the sewing when it’s going wrong and think about what I’ve achieved instead
June 24, 2012 at 10:29 pm
Jacqueline
You have achieved a lot in your five months of sewing. You, and others, have inspired me to start sewing again. I sewed in school (30 years ago!!), but have made very little since. The past month I have made two sorbetto’s, with sleeves, and an a-line denim skirt. So, thank you for your inspiration, and I hope you go on to make many more skirts, blouses, dresses etc etc.
Jacqueline
June 25, 2012 at 10:44 am
agirlinwinter
Oh that’s great! I must have a go at a Sorbetto, I’ve seen so many lovely versions. I hope you continue to enjoy sewing
July 7, 2012 at 5:43 pm
Cuckoo Chanel
From one newbie to another (I started in February 2012) happy sew-iversary and congratulations on your beautiful accomplishments! Isn’t it a crazy and beautiful world we got ourselves into? Keep up the great work!!