I am so excited that all of you want to sew with me.
Only a little freaked out.
I am so scared that my unconventional way of sewing, combined with my random A.D.D. brain will make no sense whatsoever.
But I really hope that you will fall in love with sewing as we venture together.
First off, I encourage you to grab a friend to sew with you.
Especially if they already know how. They can be there to rescue you when your machine acts crazy or you get stuck.
How great would it be if you asked your mom, your aunt, your grandma to join along. They might not read blogs, but they can be a part of the fun as well. Plus, if you don't have a sewing machine or some of the supplies I bet they would be happy to share with you.
Secondly, I learned much of what I know by watching videos on YouTube.
You would be surprised how many choices come up just by searching
"threading a Singer sewing machine."
So if you don't have an instruction manual, or don't understand it, grab a cup of coffee and watch some videos. I am a visual learner and I need to see things done to be able to understand them. That is why I struggle so much with paper patterns. My brain shuts off about two minutes in to reading them. I plan on having very picture heavy posts so each step is illustrated to help.
Here is the schedule of events:
Week One:
Gathering supplies and making friends with your sewing machine.
Week Two:
Cutting fabric and assembling scarves.
Week Three:
Finishing scarves and adding trim.
Want to know what you need to start?
Here we go...
Rotary Cutter
Ruler
Self healing mat
Pins
Thread
A new needle for your machine
(A new needle always is a great start to a new project.)
Seam ripper
(It's not pictured, but please buy one. If you know that you can safely rip out any mistakes, you won't be so sad when you make them. Because you will. It is inevitable.)
Meet the rotary cutter.
Your new best friend.
I don't know about you, but I am not the best at cutting straight, precise lines.
A rotary cutter, ruler and mat solves that problem.
They are a bit of an investment, but they are worth every penny.
If you use a 40% Joann's or Hobby Lobby coupon you'll be able to save quite a bit.
I recommend that you buy a mat that is no smaller than 17x23 inches and a ruler no shorter than 24 inches. You will struggle lining up your fabric on anything less than those sizes.
You might want some pins.
I don't normally sew with them, but they might make it a bit easier while you learn.
As for thread, I love Gutterman.
Don't know why. Just do.
You will only need one spool.
If you would like to get a coordinating color, feel free.
I am lazy and hate to change colors so I usually just stick with white.
Now to the good part.
Fabric!
Trim!
Consider this your warning.
Once you start buying yummy, scrumptious fabric you won't be able to stop. It's bad. But a good bad.
You will need:
9 coordinating fat quarters
(a fat quarter is a 1/4 yard of fabric that measures 18x22 inches. Here is a helpful diagram to show you what they look like.)
Each scarf will have one piece from each of the nine fabrics. Get creative with color combos. Add in a print that is a bit unexpected. Putting together fabrics is my favorite part.
1 1/2 yds. fun trim.
I am using pom poms, but there are so many fun choices in the trim aisle.
Fringe, marabou, lace, feathers.... go crazy!
Now I know that you will ask...
where is this amazing fabric from?
The line that is not even in stores yet?
Yes, yes and yes.
But I won a fat quarter bundle and she sent it to me. Herself! It was the first piece of mail that we got in our new home.
Holla!
So what I am doing?
Making scarves with you, of course.
What else?
Randomly giving them away....
Wait and see my friends. Wait and see.
But although you can't get the fabric that I have, Stephanie from Material Gal has lovingly put together some gorgeous bundles specifically for this fun Scarf Along.
She will take the scariness out of combining fabrics and the hassle out of fabric shopping.
I promise that I could buy every single one.
Even the purple ones!
They are that delicious.
Plus, since she is RAD! She is giving all of you a super secret deal. Hop on over to her shop, pick a bundle and put JoysHope in the notes to seller box. She will refund you $2 from your purchase. But go quick. She is shipping the same day, but I want you to have your fabric in time for next weeks lesson.
So I have some homework for you this week.
Are you ready?
Get out your sewing machine. Get out the instruction manual.
Thread it.
The go to your dresser.
Get out that pair of pajama pants that you and I both know that you have no business still wearing. Those leftover from college, when you thought it was okay to wear them to class. It wasn't okay, by the way. The time has come. Sacrifices must be made.
Cut them up into squares. Use them for practice. Turn knobs. Stitch stitches. Sew pieces together. Rip them apart. The more you sew the more you will learn your machine and the more comfortable you will feel. Figure out how to backstitch. This will be huge next week. Don't be afraid to mess it up. It is only ugly pajamas. If you get stuck or frustrated, check your manual or YouTube.
So how do you feel?
Still scared?
That's okay.
You will make it through.
You are already 1/3 on your way to making 8 stunning, happy, handmade scarves.
Can you believe it?
Be sure to grab the Scarf Along button to decorate your sidebar.
(Thanks Shealynn!)
Let the world know you are brave and crafty!
Practice, practice, practice!
