Basic Skirt

Here is the FIRST skirt I'd ever sewn. Ahhh brings back memories from my Intro Sewing Class. It's a basic straight skirt. It's so small that it doesn't even fit my size 8 dressform. I think I found this fabric at Walmart for $1/yard. I bought most of my fabric there since I didn't want to spend too much on projects that were for learning, and most likely wouldn't be worn by anyone.


Even if someone were to fit into the skirt the fabric is too thin and shear. Their panties would be seen, which I'm sure most girls do not what happening.

Here's a kick-pleat at the back of the skirt. At the time I didn't know what a kick-pleat was and had the hardest time sewing it into the skirt. For those of you who don't know what a kick-pleat is for, it's so that you can move your knees (basically walk) in the skirt.

I also learned how to sew a lap-zipper and a hook and eye the close the waistband.

If anyone wants a tiny see-through skirt, let me know.

Baby Clothes

This is a really old project. I think this was the 3rd item we did for my first sewing class. It's a little baby dress with bloomers. I think I found this fabric at Walmart for $1~$2/yard.


I didn't really want to sew baby clothes at the time. Buy now looking a back I realized how much I learned from this one project.

1. Invisible Zipper - I had to sew it on several times before it was "invisible".
2. Gathering
3. Stitch in the Ditch
4. Setting in Sleeves
5. Yokes
6. Collars
7. Curved Pockets
8. Elastic
9. Overlocking a curve - I had to do the bloomers twice, because I didn't curve with the overlock and ended up cutting my first pair of bloomers. I was very traumatized at the time.

I found out recently that they don't do this project anymore for the Intro Sewing class. I'm sorry to hear that since you do learn a lot from something so small.

Star Tote Bag

This is one of my first projects for sewing class. I found lots of brown corduroy fabric in the garage and decided that free is always the best option. Little did I know, or understand, the difficulties that lay ahead. Apparently one of the characteristics of corduroy, while being sewn, is to not align correctly. A battle of wills, between the basic nature of corduroy and my desire for perfection, ensued and I can proudly proclaim to be the victor of this war, though not without losing a few battles. Not exactly something a beginning sewer would want to experience, but a good lesson none the less. I also found a blue and white stripped fabric to line the inside of the tote bag for $1. I was super excited to implement a star design throughout the bag.

I placed a frayed star patch on the front pocket using the lining fabric. You can't see it here, but I also lined the front pocket, which wasn't necessary for the class but I thought it would be nice. I went through a lot more trouble than my classmates and took longer, but well worth it.

The back of the tote bag I sewed double stars .

This is the inside of the bag. I placed a frayed star patch with the corduroy and also lined the straps. Everyone asks if this bag is reversible. Unfortunately, even if the inside is pretty, I didn't consider the possibility in the beginning and was too late. May I will do it if I sew another tote bag.

This bag was one of my proudest achievements. I really really liked it, which doesn't happen with me very often since I can be somewhat of a perfectionist with sewing (my sewing classmates can attest to this).

I ended up giving this bag to my friend since I'm not a big tote bag user. She was the one that really got my excited about it anyways. Since she's had this tote bag, several people have threatened to steal it and many others asked if one could be sewn for them. I'm deeply flattered by the theft threats. As to doing another tote, I currently have too many other projects on my mind right now to want to sew something I've already done. Maybe sometime when I'm inspired by a fun pattern or design to place on a tote bag I'll do another one.