In high school, I had a blue mini-skirt that I loved. Actually, it was a skort — a great concept, in my opinion. Anyway, the skirt accidentally fell into the washing machine with the white load, which had lots of bleach, and came out with white spots everywhere. Needless to say, my skirt was totally ruined. I was so sad. I kept the skirt in my closet for weeks, hoping I could somehow fix it. And then I had an idea. What if I copied it? It would probably not be too difficult to make a skirt just like it–especially if I used the one I had as my pattern.
My sister had been sewing a lot around that time. She had made herself a dress and a cute handbag — all without ever taking a single sewing class. I admired that about her, and I still do! My older sister has always been the type of person that gets an idea in her head and just goes for it. No hesitation, no doubts. She just does what she is inspired to do. The results are sometimes a little rough on the edges, but that’s why they are artistic! I’ve always wished I could be a little more like her, less worried about the result, or the details.
But this time, I was ready for it. I had a working sewing machine, a sister who knew how to thread it, time, some funds. All I needed now was some new fabric, scissors, and the guts to tear the skirt I’d loved so much apart. (Of course, some sewing skills wouldn’t hurt!) 🙂
I had very little experience with the sewing machine and had no idea where to start, but with a little help from my sister, I was able to replicate the skirt. The new fabric was a little different from the original one, but it ended up fitting like a charm—just as it should have!
And that was my first-ever sewing project.
Well, okay, there was that home economics class in high school… I did not like that class or the teacher at all! So let’s decide to make my sewing stories begin with this skirt and not with the patchwork cushion I had to make in Home-Ec class, which was a disaster. I can still hear my mom’s words vividly after she saw my report card — A in Spanish, A in English, A in Science, mostly As with a B here and there— How could you get a D in Home-Ec.????!! She wasn’t happy. I couldn’t help it. I just detested that class.
Since then, I hadn’t sewn much. Just the thought of having to figure out how to thread the sewing machine tired me out. I always need the manual. (Some things don’t stick.) Probably the reason I love the simplicity of knitting. Your needles, some yarn… that’s all you need!
But then I ran into a friend at my son’s baseball game who told me she was learning to sew at Rainbow Fabrics, the local craft store. I was inspired by her enthusiasm and decided to see if I could make something too. A few days later, I went to the fabric store, bought the simplest skirt pattern I could find and some cotton fabric for easy cutting.
Making an A-line skirt took me a whole day, but it was quite satisfying to finish a garment in less than 24 hours. When you are a knitter, that’s quite unusual—unless you are making a hat! 😂
The finished skirt was wearable (and that was amazing since let’s remember I can barely figure out how to thread the machine.) After that, I was inspired to try the same pattern with better quality fabric.
The second skirt took a little longer. I accidentally cut the pieces a few sizes too big and I had to keep adjusting the fit. Maybe it was because the fabric was different. I’m not sure! Sewing can be fun and quite satisfying, but I recommend taking a class or two before you try it. Better yet, take a class on handling the specific machine you buy, and then work your way up slowly from simple cushions to something you’ll want to wear.
As for me, I am happiest with my circular needles and my yarn. No electricity required. 😉
