Losing My Fear of the Sewing Machine

I've always thought being able to sew was a good and useful skill to have. My mother made sure I had basic hand sewing skills, and certainly let me try her machine - but somehow the machine and I never got a long well. My sister has had trouble with it too, so I'll hope it's not just me. I've made a few things over the years - mainly simple curtains and even a very basic dress once. But it's always something I have felt uneasy about trying - not at all sure I'll succeed.

Last year, one of our good friends moved to Europe and left us many of his electric appliances, figuring they probably wouldn't last too long with the difference in electricity there (he was right - the few things he took burned out fast despite being good quality). This included an old sewing machine he had inherited from an aunt and seldom used. So now, instead of borrowing my mom's sewing machine, which doesn't like me anyway, I can use his equally old but somehow much more friendly machine. So far I've done just a few little projects, but I have had absolutely no problems with it.

First, I made a little pillow to support my pregnant tummy. I already had the fabric (actually recycled from an old piece of clothing) and the stuffing, and I like the small size - the ones you can buy in the store are pretty big. The fabric I picked goes with our bedding, so I actually leave it out as an extra little decorative pillow too.

Next, I decided to use up more cloth from recycled clothing and some of the dried lavender I've had for way too long. I guess I must have stored it well, because it still smells wonderful. I made little sachets for our bed, and it really does help make our bedroom even more relaxing. Natural scents are definitely the best.

Inspired by Anne Marie's plans to work on using her craft supplies (rather than buying more), I'm going to try to do the same this month. I need to make some pillowcases for the daybed in the baby's room. I need to finish our travel scrapbooks - I'll need some new supplies for this, but will do what I can with what I have first. I am gradually working on my painting skills (mostly oils and acrylics), and I have lots of supplies I can use for that stuff. I've had some oil pastels sitting around for a while that I haven't really given a fair try - definitely on the list for this month. I have fabric for at least two simple skirts, which I really should make as soon as possible. (Edited to add - I keep forgetting the baby blanket I really want to have done before the baby gets here. It is a beautiful - but slow - cable knit pattern. I really need to get going on that too!)

I definitely feel like I'm slowing down a little as I approach 30 weeks, so staying home more and having fun with what I already have is just my speed!