A new skirt!

This past week, I have been working on this Simplicity 2286 Learn to Sew skirt.  I found some old fabric in the closet and started sewing.  I haven't finished it yet, but it is almost done!  I made view A.  All that is left to do on my skirt is the hem, the ribbon, and the bow.  I plan to make the other views too.  The instructions were easy to follow and View A had only 3 pattern piece to cut out!  I like patterns like that.  Plus, because it has an elastic waist, there were no fitting problems.  I'm very excited and can't wait to finish the project.

Also, after that jacket, I wanted to make something easy and fun!  :)

Arielle

Sewing Bag

Using the same pattern for the owl purse, I made a larger size.  It went together quickly, even with adding a magnetic closure.  The fabric has sewing notions on it, so this would be the perfect bag for carrying hand work or knitting projects.  It is very big inside and the bottom is flat, so it would hold a lot.  I used a heavier fusible fleece, so this bag is very durable.--Deb

Owl Purse

I bought a purse pattern at a quilt store long ago, but like many of my good ideas for projects, I never got around to making it.  But here it is now!  It is supposed to be a 2-hour purse but it took me longer than that.  Still, it would be great for a beginner to try because it is not difficult at all.***Deb

The front of the bag

Inside the bag

Back of the bag

Unique Purse

Liana made this project last year. More people have commented on this unusual purse than probably anything she has ever made. Everyone wants to know where she got it. It was not difficult to make and would be good for a beginner. All those little strips of cloth would provide a lot of machine straight-stitching and pivots. This one has boning in the handle, but I wouldn't recommend it for another purse. A softer handle, one with cording in a casing, would be more suitable.

Easy Outfit

Liana's first year of 4-H when she was nine, she started with the pre-requisite elastic-waist project. She made these cute pants with cuffs. But she wanted to make a top to go with it and did a great job. She even learned to put in a zipper. The outfit earned her ribbons at the Fashion Revue and the 4-H Fair.

Learning to Sew

When the girls were younger, they learned to sew on the machine by doing some simple projects that were fun to make. These pillows gave them practice on sewing straight seams with some added curves and pivots. A variety of designs can be used, so the creative child doesn't feel stifled by restrictions. Arielle and Liana made these two pillow that are totally different from each other. Their fabric choices are also a reflection of their personal tastes.

If children want to sew clothing, a simple elastic waist pajama pants or a skirt is a good choice. Arielle made this one her first year of 4-H. The gathered flounce made it a little more challenging, but it was not a problem for her.

The girls made these skirts at home just for fun.

Quick and Easy Envelope Purse

We love to make purses!  Arielle and Liana have made several types of bags during their time in 4-H.  The easiest of all and great for beginner seamstresses is the envelope purse.  The girls have made these to match their outfits and we made several to give as gifts.  They use very little fabric and are quick to make.