Biting the Bullet

I've had some patterns and fabrics sitting in my bedroom and living room for awhile now, waiting for me to make them. Honestly, I've been scared - once you cut, it's cut, unlike knitting where you can just unravel. I found, while looking through some other things, a length of white muslin. Just what I needed! I decided to make a pair of pants - I've signed up to sub again this year and pants would be more practical for school. After matching my measurements to the pattern envelope I cut the muslin. In a little while I'll sew it up and see how it looks. The pattern calls for a zipper, though, and I don't have any, so I'll have to take a swatch of my fabric to go zipper shopping. At least, I think it's the fabric I want to use. It's dark red with little gold designs on it. I have a bunch of it (I think it's from ebay a long time ago) and thought about using it for a dress but changed my mind. When it's all done I'll post a picture - if any of these housemates of mine will take a decent picture. I grew up with sewists around me. My Aunt Carolyn had a dressmaking business in her house. I remember going in her sewing room in awe that she could make such pretties - even wedding dresses. My Aunt Laurie actually taught sewing at a college and sells handmade pocketbooks, beautifully made ones. My mom even did some sewing for us and made my sister's prom dress out of some fiery red satin. I don't really know why none of the skills were taught to me. I don't remember ever being offered the opportunity to learn. I've tried to learn on my own - much easier now with the availability of online knowledge sharing, but I'm nervous about it. There are details that I have no idea how to do that make the finished garment look so much better. I want to get some books to help me. My knitting books are a huge help for me and I know that a sewing library would be so useful. I did make a lining for my messenger bag, though, by remembering things I've seen and taking measurements. I guess I wan't too worried about it because the fabric is some inexpensive quilting cotton from walmart. It turned out pretty good. I know it's not perfect, but I like it. I added pockets to it and decorated them with some vintage rick rack from my grandma. It's very cheerful and fun. I want to use my bag as a purse - and just might. (I've seen people with some gigantic suitcase-like purses!) So, I'm going to get sewing on some clothes. Besides, I need a reason to buy some pretty new fabric! I just need to pracice zipper insertion.