No, it’s just one massive beanbag. Also known as my first sewing project.
Go ahead — I’ll give you a minute to laugh. Be sure to take a good look at that final closing seam on the end. Nice, huh? I thought you’d think so.
In my defense, and I’m {pretty} sure I’m the only one who would defend that awful excuse for a beanbag, I didn’t really set out to make a beanbag. Rather, I was simply making seams in old swatches of fabric to test out the new machine — seams and stitches that might resemble those required to make a pillow. When I had three of the four sides done I thought, “Well, I should turn this into something.“ Hence, the abnormally large, zebra-printed beanbag was born. G doesn’t care too much for it — I can’t decide if it’s just way too boring or way too heavy. I think it weighs ten pounds. Perhaps, it’s a combination. I’m sure when he’s older he’ll have no shortage of concoctions for its destruction.
In full disclosure, I was definitely a “fish-out-of-water” when I sat down to my machine for the first time. I hunkered down {with a glass of wine, of course!}, went through the quick set-up, bobbin-winding, etc, etc, read the entire manual (because that’s what I do) and then…stared at it. I just stared at it. I had NO idea where to start, thinking, “Well, this is certainly not how it played out in my head.” Ha ha ha.
For your enjoyment, here are a few snippets from a text conversation I had with my mom throughout the process. No, I didn’t make these up…
Me: “I don’t even know where to start. It’s all threaded and ready to go. I guess I should just start making some practices stitches… Oh, and, apparently, not all stitches are decorative. Most of them have a purpose.”
Mom: “Yep, just get a scrap of material and start making a few seams. Sew two pieces together. Check out the tension.”
Me: “Seams? Who said anything about seams?!?! I’m just talking about running the dang fabric under the needle! Ha ha ha.”
Mom: “Go for it. Send me a picture.”
Me: “Okay, so I lowered the foot and needle and then raised them back up. I can see the threads hanging out. Is this how they should be when I insert my fabric or do I need to start over?”
Mom: “No, you’re fine, just pull them straight back.”
Me: “Okay, so when I get serious do I need to backstitch? I think I have a backstitch button. I press it and it only makes one stitch.”
Mom: “Yes, you backstitch at the beginning and the end to knot the thread. If you hold down the button, it will keep backing up.”
Me: “Ureka!”
Me: “Can you sew right over pins or do you need to remove them as they come up?”
Mom: “No, you can sew over them. Just make sure they are horizontal and not vertical.”
Me: “Got it!”
You get the idea. Reading them back to myself, I got a pretty good chuckle from, “Okay, when I get serious…” Oh, my. So much to learn.
My first stitch:
So, where does this leave me and my new adventures in sewing? Pretty amped, actually. Sure, that beanbag is hideous, but it’s just the beginning. I do know, however, that I’ll be leaving the purrrrty pillow fabric off to the side a bit longer. This gal needs some P.R.A.C.T.I.C.E.
And maybe a class…or two!
I got a good laugh myself Sarah. You are so funny!
That is the sexiest bean bag I've ever seen. Keep up the good work!
Well, at least you read the instruction manual! I think I just jumped in when I began. I assumed I knew some info from watching my mom sew all of those years-WRONG. Good job on your first project!
Yay! Sarah, you're going to get addicted! I LOVE to sew, and that is the same machine I have!
) Just keep practicing! Shoot, I've been sewing on and off for about four years and I'm still practicing…
YAY! Great work
!! And not to worry, I had the same fear when I sat down in front of B's mom's 35 yr old sewing machine with no manual. I had used mine, but I knew for sure I was going to bust hers all to pieces…