Monday, May 10, 2010

Tote Bag Tales

As you remember, a few weeks ago I started taking a sewing class in which I learned how to make a tote bag. Well, I finally finished it! Six weeks and many hours of hard work and I have a beautiful, functional bag to show for it. Not only that, but I gained a wealth of knowledge and feel ready to tackle another project.


Here's what I learned during my adventure:
1. Fabrics are expensive.
2. Patterns are hard to read and almost impossible to understand. (This was a general concensus of my entire class.)
3. Sewing is time consuming, but rewarding.
4. Having a whole new appreciation for the contestants on Project Runway.


What I liked about the experience:
1. I now know how to use my sewing machine. Yay!
2. A boost in confidence knowing I can make something for myself.
3. Listening to my husband brag about what I made to his friends. (I love it when I can make him proud.)
4. Meeting a great group of people in my sewing class.
5. Having a new skill that will come in handy when making gifts for people.
6. Having the ability to custom make things to please my picky tastes.


What I didn't like about the experience:
1. Removing tailor tacks. Errr!
2. Not being able to afford the fabrics I really wanted to use.
3. Lack of fabric selections and supplies at the sewing stores. You'll have more luck finding exactly what you want online.

Overall, I had a lot of fun and will most likely take additional classes to keep learning all the secrets, like altering garments and making clothes. Watch out Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn, I'm your next fashion designer in the making!

Even Abe approves!

1 comment:

Aubre said...

WOW. I'm SO impressed with this tote bag! WAY better than the tote bags and boxers we made in 6th grade home ec! Seriously, the bag looks totally professional. Amazing job!