Sewing 101 with Hannah, Increasing your Sewing Self-Esteem

This month we welcome Hannah from from Lily&Thistle (and While They Sleep).

Hi there!  I'm Hannah and I'm so excited to be asked to share something with all of you.

My topic today? How to increase your Sewing Self-Esteem.  Sounds funny but it is pretty important don't you think?

I learned how to sew first in a Home Economics class in high school.  I remember sewing a line and then having to go to the ironing board and iron my seam and then go and show my teacher (who looking back now was just a little bit crazy) to get it approved before I continued to the next step.  Not surprising that I didn't touch a sewing machine for at least 10 years after that class ended!  That teacher had succeeded in making something I had the potential to be passionate about into something I dreaded!  You have to feel good about the process and the end result or you'll never want to to do it again.

I'm sure many of you have already tackled some of Chris' great tutorials and had great success...we are so lucky to have so many resources available on the wonderful world wide web of clear, concise instructions and tutorials that are written in language we all understand (applauding Chris)!

I thought I'd share 3 pointers with you on making even the easiest project look fabulous and thus boosting your Sewing Self-Esteem:

1. Fabric is number one! It's amazing what a difference fabric can make! You can take the simplest of patterns/tutorials and make it into something that will really turn heads.  Here's an example of what you could do with just a simple pillowcase dress tutorial:

Go from this:

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To this:

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Another example of what you can do with a simple legging/pants pattern. The ruffle fabric makes these into something unforgettable:

These:

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To these:

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2. Find tutorials/patterns for things that you or your loved ones will use everyday.  Every time I use a bib or a burp cloth I made for one of my girls or see a friend using a bag I made, I get that wonderful feeling of satisfaction that "I made it".

Here are some things I've done and instructions I'd like to share with you:

click HERE for instructions

click HERE for instructions

click HERE for instructions

click HERE for instructions

3. Teach and share with others and help them discover the joy of sewing!  This is a big one.  I think it's because of the way I (and many of us were) taught.  I want everyone to know that it isn't like the boring Home Ec class in high school. Sewing is SO rewarding and fun and it isn't rocket science.  There are rules that are important but once you get the basics, you can do so much!

And to make you smile today, I'd like to share a FREE pattern with you.  The Better Burpie makes a great gift for anyone who is expecting or has little ones and is SO EASY to make.  Just email me and let me know you would like one and I'll get it right out to you.  You can find my email address  HERE.

Thanks again Chris for having me!  And to the rest of you, I hope to get to see you over at Lily&Thistle - Girlhood Illustrated sometime soon!

Thank you, Hannah!  How wonderful of you to share a free pattern.  Anyone who has a baby shower to attend will appreciate a sweet handmade gift like the Better Burpies to give!