So after this weekend, I think I've decided that every person who is learning how to sew should take some time to first destroy some old clothes first. Whether the to-be-destroyed clothing is from the thrift store or just some items you don't wear anymore, I found it really informative to break down the clothes that I did this weekend. You just don't appreciate the level of detail and just how intricate a stitch can be until you actually sit down and take it apart piece by piece.
I took apart dresses, t-shirts, skirts and other various items of my husband and mine that we simply don't wear or we wanted to get rid of. I learned so much about hems (such as the ribbon hem on the tulle underskirt of a dress I deconstructed) as well how the collar areas of shirts are put together. (That's going to be a complicated task in the future, I think!)
And, the best part? Not only are you learning, but then you have a great stockpile of fabric to start practicing on for free! I still have a pile of clothing I need to pull apart, but I think I might actually face the sewing machine I've yet to use out of fear I'll break it. (I know that I won't, but it's so pretty I'm kinda irrational about it).
I feel a little silly starting with "beginner" projects since I do have a significant amount of sewing experience, but I also feel that it's important that I brush up on the basics before I dive into creating something elaborate. I have three beginner projects I'm considering right now, two from Martha Stewart and one from About.com:
Martha Stewart :: Hanging Sachets
Martha Stewart :: Mouse Toy
About.com :: Paint Brush Holder
I have other links that I've saved for projects, but these are the ones I'm looking at starting with. Does anyone have any suggestions or ideas for other projects I could work on to brush up on my basics?
