Sew... First sewing class tonight, we basically filled out forms and the woman running it is "as mad as a box of frogs" but she is a creative type, so I am being patient and not letting my scientific side dominate.  Let's just go with the flow and let her be as scatty as she needs to be.


I have decided to do a quilt as my first project.  I am going to do a marine/nautical theme and keep it simple.  I will upload my design when I decide on it, but I think it will just be cot bed size (120 cm x 150 cm).  I'm reckoning 12 30 cm squares with a 15 cm panel on each edge.  Then I'm hoping to do some fish appliqued onto it.  I may also do a matching cushion.  I'm going to go with red, white and navy blue colour scheme.


My second aim for the course is to make a dress for work.  A basic one, but a dress all the same.  I need to start hunting for patterns that I like.... and fabric.


I will update you as and when I finalise the design for the quilt and keep posting about the dresses I'd like to attempt to make!


Nikki
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Got my new sewing machine!  V. v. excited.  I was very unsure, but I went to John Lewis and they were very helpful.  It's a Janome DC 3050 and a good all rounder that will last me for a long time I suspect.  I checked that I'd like to do quilting in the future and it's all geared up for that.  I suspect I'll have to buy more feet etc, but it's grand for now.


This is what it looks like:

Source:content.janome.com

I'm not posting my own pic of it, as I haven't even had time to open the box yet (we are having an Ebay listings weekend, selling some of our inherited Edwardian postcard collection - rock and roll...).

It does, like, 50 stitches, I'll probably never use them all, but they're pretty funky:

Source: mysewingmachinereviews.org

I am very excited as I was told by the woman in the store that the machine I'm currently using is "for teenagers, I normally recommend it for 13-14 year olds who aren't really interested in sewing".  I now get why it's been such a pain in the arse.

Asta la vista old machine.

RIP Betty, I suspect she may get reincarnated in a free Ebay listing this weekend...

Nikki

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Ok, I have my sewing course project.  My sewing course starts on the 31st Jan at Aberdeen College, I am v.v.v excited.  It's an awesome fish quilt.  As I am, by original trade, a marine biologist this is perfect!  I won the pattern on eBay for 99p, nice price.

What do you think?

I think it will look awesome with the fish in a plain background with a busy background, or vice versa.  It may be a bit complicated for my first quilt but I'm sure I'll manage, it will bea good way to learn.  I'm really excited about learning applique.

I am halfway through an elephant at the moment for a friend's little girl's birthday.  Will post some images tonight when it's done.

I have also discovered Pinterest over the weekend - addicted is not the word!

Nikki

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Sew (ok, bad joke), I confess.  I am a blog virgin.  But I am ready to now partake of this virtual world, mainly because I now feel like I have something to blog about!


So here we go...
son asleep, check, 
cuppa, check, 
snack, check, 
mental capacity, sort of.

Excuse the naff Sports Direct mug, but it was free and holds a decent sized brew.

I am mainly going to be writing about my sewing projects, things that inspire me and things that I'd like to make.  So far I have been plodding along teaching myself, with some success, but I am due to start a sewing and textiles course next week and I really wanted to document my progress, for myself more than anything.  I'm sure I'll also end up blogging about being a mum, a university teacher and the million and one other things that I am to myself and other people!  I am also very thrifty, so I'll be sure to put up some of my useful hints and tips on things I've reused etc.


I'm already thinking about my next post, I'll be sure to get that on soon.

Nikki 

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