Book Blog Bonanza 10/07/10

I started sewing around the age of seven on a little Singer sewing machine with a hand-turn wheel. I'm 65 and still have it! Fortunately my mom soon let me use her Featherweight machine to make doll clothes, which I also still have!

My first memory of sewing is sitting at my great grandmothers treadle sewing machine and stretching my legs down so I could push the peddle and make the needle move. These days, I make sure the machine is threaded and has some fabric to move through it. :)

My first sewing memory is my mother bringing home a sewing machine when I was six. She did this because she couldn't sew and needed me to do the mending! By six, my grandmother had already taught me to do some basic things using a machine (and other hand-sewing techniques) and I haven't stopped sewing! I'm always coming up with ideas and ways to re-purpose items.

I don't remember any sewing in my childhood. I think my first encounter was home ec, but I actually really enjoyed it!

My first sewing memory is of my Aunt Carol, who at now 84 years old, is still a wonderful seamstress, teaching me the basics of sewing the summer I stayed at her house for a week. I am so grateful to her for doing this, as I've had many enjoyable moments over the years creating things, all due to her.

This book looks like it has some supper cute projects! I learned to sew in 4-H and all those first thing are running together. I think the standard first project was a needle book made of felt and a pincushion. I don't think I ever used either. Mom's much more random method (ie a big mess) was easier.

My first sewing memory is of collecting the scraps of fabric as my mom cut out a garment. I would use the scraps to sew clothing and such for my Barbie dolls by hand. I am sure I began collecting the scraps at a really young age, but I think I began sewing by hand at around 6 years old. I have been sewing ever since, and I still love the scraps!

I learned to sew with my mom. In the summers when I was about 10 we would make drawstring or elastic shorts out of all sorts of crazy fabrics. I don't think I was very patient back then, but I love to sew now. And I know that it was because my mom had the patients when I was younger to teach me an invaluable skill. Thanks mom!!

My first experience with sewing was when I was about 13 or 14 and received my first Singer. I made a pillow, but of course, not having a job couldn't afford fabric. So I sewed very little until I was 19 and pregnant with my first daughter. I'm 20 now and have been sewing non-stop ever since, making quilts, and toys, and clothes for my little girl.

I guess my first crafting memory would be of my mom trying to teach my younger sister and I how to crochet when we were about 9 and 10. Neither of us ever learned how to do more than make a chain. I taught myself how to crochet as an adult, a few years ago, and learned how to knit last year, and now I love doing both!

I don't think I can remember my first sewing experience. I do remember my Aunt Amy teaching me to knit when I was 5 or 6. I have been sewing as long as I can remember.

I always remember wearing the clothes my Mom had made for me and watching my Nana make me barbie clothes, so I come from a long line of crafty women. My personal memory was when I got a "my little sewing machine" for my 7th birthday. It ran on c batteries and was made of purple plastic. I was very excited about it and ripped apart my favorite night gown thinking that I could use it for a pattern to make a new one from my Mom's remenants. Needless to say my first sewing adventrue was a big flop! I have come a Long way sense then!

I've loved patchwork most of my life. My first project was a peasant style skirt made entirely out of scraps from my mother's sewing projects. I remember it fondly.

My first sewing memory: I was 8 or 9,(46 years ago)we had just moved to a small town in OK. I joined the 4-H Club at school and our sewing project was to make a napkin with frayed edges. We didn't actually sew anything, we took a square piece of fabric (someone must have cut the square for us) and we pulled stings along each edge until we had equal frayed edges on all sides. I was so proud of my napkin. Then we graduated to using a needle and thread and got to hand hem the next project a handkerchief. I still can't believe I made a purple paisley pantsuit in high school Home Economic class. Some things you never forget. I still love paisley prints.

my first memory of sewing was with my Granny. She taught me first how to take care of a sewing machine and then (with little patience) taught me how to sew a straight line and pivot. I remember her lovingly 'plucking' my nose when I did it right.

I love those coats in this book....!

I started sew around 7 years old. Those were the best of times and worst of times. Probably the biggest fights my mother and I ever had as to me it was "good enough" but according to her I had to rip it out and try again...! I'm always so thankful that she taught me how to sew and I'm every anxious to teach my children. My son just turned 7 yesterday. Hmmm, I think he may need some new pj pants....that's a good beginning project!

My first positive sewing experience was in Home Ec class in high school. I had a wonderful teacher who when I wanted to give up (after a sewing disaster) worked with me until I could feel the sense of accomplishment sewing gives you. She asked me if I could make something I really liked would I continue on. She then helped me after school and other times in class to make a beautiful skirt. I did take the class the next year too and was soon making pants that fit and alot of other clothes. That was 45 years ago and boy have thing changed in the industry. One sad note is that they no longer have Home Ec in the schools. I have thoughtt of that teacher many times when I have been sewing.

Mom forced me to take home ec in high school (so I could get the sewing and cooking instruction she never got from her mother). Absolutely hated it, until I discovered I could make sleeves long enough to cover my long, skinny arms!

I used to sit on my mother's lap when I was 3 or 4 and help her cross stitch. She'd push the needle up from behind and let me pull it through the front and put it into the next hole. A couple years later I started making Christmas ornaments and small projects, which led to larger and larger projects. It definitely kicked off my crafting lifestyle. Thanks Mom!

My first memories are with my Grandmother. She was an excellent seamstress. I wish she could still teach me more. I actually only have one sewing book and it's from her, so it is very old. I just picked sewing back up and am ever so excited to keep it going!!!!!!!!!

My first craft experience was decoupaging metal waste baskets w/colorful magazine pictures and letters to make words/names. The baskets were personalized and so pretty, AND appreciated!

My first sewing projects were about at the age of 7... i used to make blankets and doll clothes for my Penny Brite doll. I lined the old fashion plastic green tomotoe crates. Perfect size for Penny! Still sewing and quilting to this day!

I first started sewing back in grade school when my mother taught me how to make vests that my friends and I needed to wear in a talent contest. The vests turned out quite well and we won second place! I have been sewing ever since.

My first sewing memory is when my mother helped me to make an apron for my cooking class in high school. It wasa the prettiest apron there!

Doll clothes were my first creations. I had the best dressed Barbie in the county!

My first sewing memory is from elementary school. I was a Brownie in Girl Scouts, Mom was the troop leader, and we were making a patchwork quilt for a badge. I was a tomboy so I was miserable and whined the entire time that I'd rather be camping or learning to use a pocket knife (and only did enough to get the badge, to my mom's dismay). Little did I know that I would be in love with sewing 15 years down the road!

I first remember crafting with yarn & plastic canvas. Plastic canvas kleenex box covers, anyone?

My first efforts at sewing were in high school home ec. Disaster. I had to take my suit home and have my mom help me (SHE was such a good seamstress!!) Fortunately, my mom made me an A in home ec! after I married I started sewing for nieces and have taken breaks from it at times, but I am fired up again now. If I could I'd have every book and idea in the world lining my sewing room! You can't have too many ideas!

I was around 8 when i got my first sewing machine. It was a little brother you hand cranked...wished I still had it now. I made doll clothes for my barbie doll.

I remember making an apron with a heart shaped pocket at school, It was pink and all girl-y :D
Thanks for the chance!

I picked out a pattern for a cute dress in my size, got it all sewed up, and could barely get it over my head! I didn't know that pattern sizes and off the rack sizes were different.

My mother was a seamstress who made most of my clothes as I was growing up. I don't remember sewing with Mom, though. I think my first projects were probably in Home Ec. class in school. Sadly, I don't think most schools have sewing classes anymore.

Sew Serendipity is "sew" up my alley! When I was in my first year of sewing in High School, I decided not to use a pattern to make a skirt. (My first ever sewing project to boot.) The teacher didn't chide me or anything, she asked me how I was going to make my hips fit into that. And I've been thinking how to make things work ever since, without a pattern. Though I definately use patterns equally as often as I 'freestyle' it, I joy in the creativity of Just Doing It!

I remember as a little girl making a bikini bathing suit with out any kind of a pattern and hand sewing it together. I do not ever remember wearing it but that was the beginning of my sewing experience.

I love this book and its adorable styles. My very first sewing memory is when I was about five years old. I wanted to use my mommas sewing machine and she thought I was to young to operate an expensive sewing machine. She gave me a piece of fabric with large flowers on it and told me to hand stitch around the edge of the flower. When I was able to stitch using the tiniest stitches possible she would allow me to use the sewing machine. It was not very long before she had to let me sew with the machine.

My first sewing project was in High School. I made a skirt, top, and jacket......I was a little much for the first project...grin. I did wear it.

Thanks for the giveaway.

Billie

I love to sew. My mother taught me when I was 9 and it just stuck with me and I'm glad it did! I have an Etsy shop so I sew almost every day to make things to keep it stocked. I'm taking some time now to make myself a cute little leopard print capelet as I love the looks of them and I really want something for myself for a change. I'd love to have this book...never can have too much sewing stuff!

I remember learning needle point from my gramma and knitting/crochet from my other gramma.

Sorry submit got clicked too soon on my previous comment (perils of a 1yr old on my lap!)
I've been eyeing this book for a while!
My first sewing memory is of my grandma teaching me to sew in 4th grade by helping me make a bag for my sister for her birthday.
Thanks for the giveaway.

Making a lion costume with my mother for an elementary school play. It put all the others to shame!

I'd love this book! The clothes in this pattern line look so comfortable for every day wear. I appreciate these giveaways!

My first sewing experiences began when I was about 7. I was in Blue Birds, and made a skirt and vest. I also learned cross-stitching about that time. I started teaching sewing to my daughter at a young age (through 4-H projects). One mistake, though, was I let her pick out the pattern, which she completed and got a blue ribbon for, but the difficulty level was really too much. I should have chosen some simpler patterns and let her choose from those. It would have saved some frustration.

I learned to sew in 4-H. I am now starting all over, making quilts, wall hangings, and table runners. I find it very relaxing and challenging. Thanks to my friend Sherry, it is a great pleasure.

I had a Steiff teddy bear and was really into the Little House on the Prairie time period. My mother let me use the sewing machine for the first time and I made the bear a general store owner's outfit. Apron with pockets, a visor, and elastic on his upper arms. No seams turned, just raw edges exposed but pretty detailed and the visor turned out pretty neat.

I remember sewing a comforter with my grandmother as my first project. I also just remember spending a lot of time at the foot of my grandma's sewing machine as she made dresses for my cousins and I. It was always relaxing for me.

Seriously I can still remember my first sewing experience. It was last year. I bought four machines that never worked in my mind because I had issues with threading the bobbins. I didn't find that out until I bought the most expensive machine. But once I could get a line of stitches without jamming the machine, I was unstoppable.

I just starting sewing this summer, and I started with a cute little taggie blanket for my baby girl! I have probably sewn 50 or so projects since then- I love it!

The first project I remember making was a pillow I sewed while I was visiting my Grandmother one summer. I think I was six or seven.
Thanks for the chance to win--I would love to make that adorable skirt on the cover!

My first sewing memory is of my mother, measuring me and my siblings for our matching holiday outfits. She was both overwhelmed and elated while making them!

As a 7-year-old girl in my home country of Brazil, I remember watching my mother make outfits for my sister and I out of the parts of her dresses that were still in good shape. Because there was very little money available to buy fabric, she would just use certain parts that were salvageable from her own very simple dresses, and combine them to create such pretty outfits for my sister and I that people would ask her where she got them.

I remember feeling very proud of walking around and going places in those little outfits, which greatly helped my self-confidence and allowed me to NEVER feel that we were underprivileged.

Her guiding principle was: "It's not how much you make that matters the most, it's how much you keep."

I am very thankful that she taught me how to save money and not be wasteful. Also, even though she did not have much, I remember her never denying a heaping plate of food to ANY poor person who was hungry and begged for one. Those are the principles that have allowed my husband and I to progress in our careers and personal lives to the point where, today, we are the ones helping over 100 children financially! I am very thankful for this.

Her love of crafts also rubbed off on me and, later, on my daughters, which has greatly enriched us emotionally.

Keep saving by being creative; it's not only fun, but as my mother proved to me, it can make a big difference in what you accomplish financially throughout your life.

My mother taught me to sew. I completed my first cross stitch at 5. It was a small owl picture. At 8 or 9 I made myself a dress under my mother's oversight. Since then I've sewn many things. I love sewing of all kinds. I'm especially fond of heirloom sewing, creating reproduction vintage clothing, quilting, and sewing for myself. Now, I'm just waiting for a little girl to sew for and to pass on the love of sewing.

I can remember making my first sewing project in Home Ec. It was a light blue floral dress with big puffy sleeves. I worked so hard on it and was so proud of how it was coming out until it was completed.
For some strange reason I chose to line the sleeves with a pink satin (I think to match the flowers) and it showed through the dress fabric and looked quite tacky. I was soooo disappointed, but I did wear it once and then kept it for years as a keepsake. Thankfully, I have come a long way - lol and I just absolutely love to sew.

Love making skirts & purses! Would definitely love to have this book!

My first sewing memory was my mom making my clothes as far back as I can remember! For many years I had no clue my friends' moms didn't wake up every morning and make their clothes for the day like mine did!!

My first sewing explorations were about 5 or 6 yrs old when my dolls needed clothes too :)

My first sewing memory was my mom sewing costumes for the community plays she was in. I loved watching her turn the colors and fabrics into magical creatures. I always felt like I was watching something amazing. Sewing is like a little bit of magic in an ordinary day.

My first sewing memory was cutting out fabric pieces while helping my Mom sew a beautiful wardrobe for my Barbie, complete with a wedding gown. I had the best dressed Barbie in town!!

My first memory is making a small keepsake pillow for my grandmother which involved sewing and some crosstitch. I didn't have a sewing machine back then (high school) so it was all hand sewn and essentially the job of an amateur. But my grandmother loved it nonetheless!

One of my first sewing memories is of sewing an apron by hand in Brownies ... and sewing it to my skirt! My mother and grandmother both sewed, and I loved rummaging through the scraps of fabric and trim and assembling them into bags or little animals.

My first memory in hand sewing a small Cliford the big red dog in reading class in my elementary school. I was so proud of it.

melodyj(at)gmail(dot)com

I remember "helping" my mom make a doll for me when I was really little. I was in awe of how she could sew on the machine, and I dreamed of the day when I could sew too!

I first learned how to sew at 18 in college. We had to make our own hula costumes and a nice lady at the dorms clubhouse taught me how to thread the machine and where the pedal was, and that was about it. Needless to say, 4 hours later, it wasn't the funnest experience and I didn't want to ever have to sew again, but I remember it felt nice to get something done!

I started sewing when I was about 8. I got a set of printed panels for Barbie clothes. I just cut them out & sewed them together. I still have the wedding dress I made. All hand sewn. After I got my first machine when I was about 12 - I never hand sewed again unless there is no other way. For years I was the only person that sewed in my family

ADORE the skirt on the cover of Sew Serendipity!

Anyway, my favorite sewing tale is when I started back sewing about 15 years ago, I was making a pair of elastic waist pants to wear to work. I had messed up a couple of previous waists, but magically, this time, everything worked beautifully--the casement was a perfect fit for the elastic, no crooked seams or messed up stitches, it gathered perfectly. Then when I went to hem the pants, I found out I had put the most perfect elastic waist in the left leg of the pants. It took about 10 minutes to quit laughing. I still have them--to remind me to enjoy the process, not stress over it.

My first sewing experience was an apron for 4-H when I was young. Got to show it at the county fair too!

My first machine sewing project was a black and white princess shaped skimmer, complete with vertical darts and a zipper. I knew nothing about matching the checks or finishing the end of the darts. I'm pretty sure it was a mess, but I wore it proudly.

My first sewing project (and the only for a LONG time) was an apron I made in home-ec class in 7th grade. It was all straight lines and had a heart or something embroidered on one pocket. My mom still has it, I think.

I learned embroidery and hand sewing from my grandma, and learned machine sewing in home ec. At various periods throughout the years I have sewn most of my clothes or my kids clothes. Right now, not so much, but hoping to get started sewing again. For me, for the grands. Ah, sewing.

My first sewing project was in HomEC class in 7th grade, I made a pink with blue flowers gathered skirt. I got to the hemming of the skirt and just wanted to quit. I finished it but the hem was not even, those were the days when girls couldn't wear pants to school. I ended up teaching myself to sew after I got married and went on to make lots of clothes for my children and mastered the even hemming.

My Mom taught me to sew. My 1st project at 8 yrs old was an elastic waist skirt made with a patch pocket made out of red gingham. No pattern, just measuring,cutting, and sewing on the gingham lines. I was so proud when I wore it to school-especially when one of my friends couldn't believe I'd actually made it. That was almost 40 years ago and because of my Mom I still have it! She gave it to me after I had girls of my own!

My grandmother taught me how to sew at the age of 5. She taught me the craft partly because I enjoyed running around her house and getting into things! My first project was a yo-yo doll blanket from cotton scraps from her making quilts. After sewing 9 large yo-yos together, I stitched it to a muslin square, and trimed the borders with lace. To this day, I still have it. At 12, a retro floral print top and skirt combination made from polyester knit. I thank my Grams for teaching me how to sew, and for me being the "old lady" through out my schoolastic years,lol.

My first sewing memory is with my mother. I was 9 years old then, and we went to a huge fabric warehouse in Houston and spent hours looking at fabrics. She picked out some fabrics and patterns to make me some summer clothes, and taught me how to run the sewing machine, she even let me use the scraps to practice with. I tried making a tank top for a cousin and it turned out too small, it worked better for her baby doll.

My name is Larena, I am brand new at sewing. I might be too late, but i just saw this drawing and thought it would be the perfect opportunity to get some knowledge by winning a book! My first sewing memory is of me trying to quilt a baby blankie and all the squares didn't match up and it looked like a preschooler did it. I also used a very silky material that wouldn't stay put - it was terrible and I learned quilting wasn't my thing but I just started pillowcase dresses and am having a blast w/ them!

I have enjoyed sewing for others many years, and much of what I learned came from other seamstresses and well-written instruction books. Thanks for the chance to win a new book. Cordially, Nehmah

love the bustle. It reminds me of the dress I wore for my sisters wedding. Tons of fabric. I think I got exhausted just wearing it.

My first sewing memory was in Junior High. I attended a Catholic school and we would have days that were non uniform.I remember making an A-line dress for my very first non uniform day. It was all the rage! But the best part was saying " Thank you, I made it!" I love this book by Kay Whitt!
I wish the fabrics in the book were still available, because she has such a great eye for color, but no matter, the fabrics I will choose will have them raving again! I have the skirt from this book's cover on my Christmas list for three of my friends and for myself. Thanks again for the opportunity to share sewing memories!

My first sewing memory is my Barbie wedding dress I made from a pattern and sewed up by hand - I think I was 12.

My first sewing memory is of my mother sewing me a matching outfit for me and my doll, a simple sundress of cotton lawn, that I still have somewhere. My Cabbage Patch doll got an identical one, and I loved it!

My 1st sewing memory is sewing cards-the cardboard with the yarn or shoelaces. I must have been 3 or 4 years old. My first real craft project was a stamped cross stitch sampler that I think came from Kresge's.

Home Ec class in 7th grade was my first exposure to sewing. We made an apron. I only made Cs in sewing.

I learned to love sewing first thru necessity... maternity clothes, then cute children's clothes. I made many neat little jon-jons for my sons. They always looked cute and tidy in them.

Now I have added quilting and home dec items to my skills. Life would be so boring if I didn't have my "hobby"!

Suzanne

I asked my aunt to teach me to sew. She sewed lap afghans for the VA hospital to give to the patients. I thought it was a great idea to learn so I could help also. After about 30 minutes of me fumbling my way around, she told me (talking through her teeth) to move away from the sewing machine and she would finish. It was several years before I tried sewing again.