When I think about learning to sew, I don’t actually remember learning. I remember “helping” my mom from a very early age. I also remember making a few things on my own when I was about 7 or 8. It was one of those things that my mom was always doing and I was always watching. It’s kind of like cooking. My mom was always cooking and baking, and I was helping, watching, and learning. So, if you asked who taught me to sew, I wouldn’t tell you that I took a class or that my mom sat down with me and taught me once a week… she just taught me by sewing all the time at home.
Long story short… I’ve never taken a sewing class. If I have a question about something sewing related, I will call my mom, look up the answer online, watch a YouTube video, or even look it up in one of my sewing books. I read a lot about sewing and own many books. I’ve also watched some great Craftsy videos on new techniques.
So, last week I decided I wanted to take a sewing class. Yes, a real live sewing class. I found an inexpensive class at Pacific Fabrics in Everett and signed up! The class was on making pillow cases, using a “burrito method” and a French seam. I had no idea what a burrito method was and although I have done a French seam before, I couldn’t tell you how to do it again. I thought this would be the perfect class for me.
And here’s my finished pillow case!
I was a little disappointed because when I showed up for the class. I was really expecting a few people to chat with. Nope. I was the only person in the class. Although it was nice to have one on one instruction, I was kind of hoping to chat with a few new friends. The class was scheduled to last 2 hours. Since I knew what I was doing, when it came to seam allowances, cutting with a rotary cutter, and pressing, it took 45 minutes (including the time I needed to shop for the fabric).
I’m kind of glad I took the class because this was one of those projects that I probably wouldn’t have followed if I had just read the directions. Did I really need to take the class? Well, no. I think a YouTube video would probably been good enough. So, when I got home, I decided to make a more complex version of the pillowcase. The complex version wasn’t too hard either, but I think it’s cute!
The instructor didn’t have any written directions (which I think every class should have). I’m thinking I should write them up and send them to her. (Too bossy?)
While I’m on the topic of sewing, I thought I’d show you my steam iron. I bought it specifically for quilting and I love the crisp seams it helps create. It’s quite a large contraption, but I like the results. We still have a regular iron in the house, but I really love this one when I’m doing a lot of ironing at once or when I’m sewing. I have no idea how the different brands of steam irons compare. I did a little research online, picked one, and bought it. I’ve never tried another one, so I have nothing to compare to.
I have a few more pillowcases to make, so I’m glad they were easy. Oooh, and it was a great “mail day” today too. An organic fabric company contacted me and asked me to review their fabric. Three yards of a beautiful percale (perfect for pillowcases) arrived at my door today. I can’t wait to try it out!
Happy pillowcase making!
