Learning to Cut

I spent Monday evening happily ensconced in my mom’s sewing room learning how to layout and cut patterns. Yippy! A real-life sewing lesson!

Although it didn’t seem like it at the time, I actually learned a lot about reading patterns. After cutting out the appropriate pieces for the garment I chose (a Halloween apron), I learned about the construction of fabric (hello, selvage!) and how the placement and alignment of the individual pieces (what up, grainline!) effects the integrity of the finished garment.

I also learned that if you aren’t careful, you’ll stab yourself repeatedly with the 2,300 straight pins you need to secure all of the pattern pieces. Ouchie!

I'm LOVING the book Stitch by Stitch: Learning to Sew, One Project at a Time, by Deborah Moebes. Her descriptions are simply-written and the photography is instructive. Plus it's just an adorable book! I must say, however, that nothing compares to someone sitting down on the floor and teaching you in person. Many thanks to Mamma for staying up late with me!

I still need to whip-stitch the waistband before the apron is 100% complete. Stay tuned for the big reveal of My First Garment!