I have always loved crafts like scrapbooking, knitting, and sewing. Jonathan bought me a SINGER 7258 Stylist Model Sewing Machine for my birthday this year, and I have been carving out time for fun projects. I recently finished my first piece of clothing, a dress for a little girl! I used the free pattern and video on Nancy’s Notions that says, “In this short video, Nancy shows you the steps to making a simple summer dress for a little girl. Sew two—one for someone special in your life and another for a little girl in Africa.” The video accompanying this free pattern really helped me figure out what I was supposed to be doing, and I will soon start on my second dress. I decided to make the Dress with Bias Tape Ties. The great things about this project are that it is for a good cause, and it is very easy to follow for a beginner. Also, the pattern is set up for yardage of fabric or as a pillowcase dress.

My sewing machine features 100 different stitches, adjustable sewing speeds, and is quiet enough that Carina can nap nearby while I sew. I have not had a chance to use all of the great features and stitches yet, but I’m excited for when I do!

I have found that it is extremely important to have a couple of pairs of good scissors, like the Fiskars Softgrip Pinking Shears and the Razor-Edged version, along with a Seam Ripper. I also have used my 96-inch, flexible vinyl tape measure and my large Clear Acrylic Quilting Ruler on almost every project that I have attempted so far. Along with the rulers, using one of the Water-Soluble “Mark B Gone” Pens on the fabric before cutting has helped me avoid mistakes.

I like using Quilting Pins because they are longer and easier for me weave through layers of fabric. I also bought a huge package of different sized Safety Pins at the dollar store. There are many pretty pin cushions, but I am going to wait to buy one because I may make my own. It’s a good idea to have extra Bobbins on hand so you can quickly change your thread. I am using a Wood Sketch Box to organize all of my thread, bobbins, pins, and other supplies.

I buy a lot of my sewing supplies online, but as a beginner, I like going to the stores to see what I’m buying, to feel the fabrics and compare them, etc. I visit Hancock Fabrics and Hobby Lobby the most:

Hancock Fabrics
323 South Mason Road
Katy, TX 77450-1746
(281) 578-3638

Hobby Lobby
6811 South Fry Road
Katy, TX 77494
(281) 395-0080

Hobby Lobby
1787 Fry Road
Katy, TX 77449
(281) 578-7750