"Make in an hour!"

That's what the directions read...HOWEVER, that's not at all what happened...

I began my journey in sewing with an intro class at an absolutely adorable little sewing shop. Saying I was clueless is an understatement! I did read through Hope's manual prior to class but I might as well have been reading German. 

So, along with four other first-timers, we ventured into new vocabulary and the the ins and outs of beginner sewing.

I was teased a bit for taking pictures but I truly didn't think I would remember how to do things when I got home (I was wrong :))

After two and a half hours of class...voila! I completed my very first sewing project. A cute little wallet made from fabric that took me forever to choose because the store is just so full of neat fabrics! It is far from perfect...notice the crooked flap...but it is all my creation and that feeling is quite amazing!

I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE the fabric!

After this I wanted more! I invested in a few necessities, including a $22 pair of scissors...never in a million years would I have ever thought I'd pay that much for scissors!!! Yikes!

You bet I took a picture...they were 22 bucks!!!

While shopping (my FAVORITE thing to do :)) I also picked up a DIY apron sewing project...on clearance of course!! Let me tell you, this new hobby of mine is pretty darn expensive! 

An hour?! Yeah right...

So after almost 4 hours of work (I'm not an idiot but the directions weren't clear enough for a newbie :)) ...including a point of frustration that required me to go to bed and return to it in the morning...I have a finished project that I'm proud to say, resembles the illustration. As long as you don't look too closely at the stitching and assembly, don't wash it, don't pull it too tight, or tug too hard on the pockets, I think it's a great homemade apron

Work in progress...notice the daylight through the window.

Obviously quite a bit later if you peek out the window...the directions lied to me! :)

DONE!!! I think this fabric is adorable! :)

Not exactly a Project Runway model but it will do in a pinch :)

AND it's reversible!!!

It felt so good to finish the apron. Now I need a reason to use it! Hmmm...I do believe #24 is take a cooking class. :)

My weekend sewing bender did not stop there! I felt inspired! I found some cheap fabric and covered a couple of pillows in my living room to add a bright splash of color.

It's a simple project that most 8 year olds can complete but I LOVE how it turned out and it feels great knowing I did it!

Unfortunately after finishing pillow #2 Hope decided to throw a curve ball at me that I haven't quite figured out how to fix. After messing around with the machine for a bit, I decided I needed a break. What better way to reward my hard work than with a meal from my favorite sandwich joint...

I heart you, Vito!

So as I finish up for the night and look around at the mess my new found hobby has created, I can't help but smile.

I'm kind of a neat freak so having all this stuff everywhere is a little tough for me :) Notice I made Hope a little piece of flair (although not nearly as cute as the bows my cousin makes...check out Lolly Loves Bows) to brighten her up. :)

I am proud of my work. I'm no where close to being as amazing as my mom but I like to think that maybe someday I have a slight chance. :) A year ago I never would have attempted this...

Embracing life today...


Heidi

"Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else." ~ Judy Garland