Sewing Projects

Just wanted to post pictures of a couple of things I've made recently. I am not a seamstress by any means. I am very much a beginner...these were my very first solo sewing projects. I learned a lot through trial and error, and the finished products are far from perfect, but I'm happy with them.

So, here's what I've made:

When I was 8 weeks pregnant, I saw this tutorial for making maternity bands on the Make It and Love It blog...love that blog! Knowing that I would be in that awkward can't quite button my pants but can't (or don't want to) wear a bigger size yet stage, I was so excited to see this. Despite my lack of sewing skills, I was determined to try this. It looked simple enough and I happened to have a scrap of fabric that I bought a LONG time ago that was the right type and size for the project. Hooray!

So I got really excited about it...and then never got around to making it. My belly kept expanding and I kept telling myself I would start it tomorrow. Fast forward 17 WEEKS (yes, I'm great at procrastinating!) and my tomorrow finally came. I sat down and made myself do it. And you know, it actually turned out okay. It's far from perfect, but all the imperfections are hidden under my shirt.  :)  This was the perfect beginner project. It took me A LOT longer than it should have, but now I feel comfortable enough to try another one and I know what to do differently next time (I want to double up the fabric or use a thicker fabric). I can't wait to make some more! It is so so comfortable, it has allowed me to wear some of my favorite jeans a little longer, and I've been able to add a few too-short shirts back into my almost non-existent wardrobe.  :) Hooray for maternity bands!

 And these are the curtains I made for the baby's room. LONG story short...I wasn't originally planning on making curtains. I just didn't have the experience or confidence for that kind of a project. So, I had bought some brown curtains and just wanted to sew a panel of fabric on them to add a splash of color. I headed to the fabric store, found this striped fabric, and then way-overcalculated how much I would need. When I got home I realized it would be enough to make a whole set of curtains, so after a couple more trips to the fabric store and a lot of research, I started sewing.

I used this tutorial....which ALSO happens to be from the Make It And Love It blog...seriously, you should checkout her blog if you never have! I changed a few things with the design and figured out my measurements, and after a lot of trial and error and a couple more trips to the fabric store, the curtains are finally done. And I am SO happy with them.

I love being able to see these things and know that I MADE THEM. I made something I never thought I could make, AND I even like them!. It's a really good feeling. And now I've got the sewing bug....I NEED to sew something else! Maybe some living room curtains...

27 week belly shot! This pregnancy is going SO fast!