What do i do with my sewing machine?

Beth
by Beth
I have just learned how to work my sewing machine but ive hit writers block trying to think of a project. I dont want to make tote bags, pencil cases,pot holders ect... I want a good way to use my sewing machine

  10 answers
  • Kathy Inman Kathy Inman on May 27, 2018

    I recently made some fantastic custom curtains for my kitchen windows. Curtains can be as simple or as complicated as your abilities allow. It's a great way to learn how to sew and can be a great project. I also made a 2-fabric cover for my ottoman. Where the 2 fabrics meet I used a decorative trim to cover the seam. This can be added with hot glue. Works great! I did not reupholster the ottoman, the cover just slips down over and hangs to the floor. I love it!

    I like to use my sewing machine to improve my home. I just made a white fur cover for one of the throw pillows that came with my sofa. Very simple to make. I did not change the original pillow at all, just covered it. The fur can be removed at any time.

    Some friends and I got together this past year with our sewing machines and made simple shoulder-tie dresses that we sent to Thailand with a mission-trip group from our church. We also made elastic-waist shorts for the boys then purchased T-shirts to match. This was a very rewarding project. If you check out Dress-a-Girl online you can see the type of dresses we made. You can send the dresses to Dress-a-Girl and they will forward them to a third-world country. We decided to go through our church instead to get the dresses distributed. We got together once a month to sew. Had some great girl-time and still were able to accomplish a lot! This was so much fun!

    I hope this gives you a few ideas! Sewing is quickly becoming a lost art! Have fun and enjoy your sewing time!

    Katy

    • Gra33482001 Gra33482001 on May 27, 2018

      Ten years ago, my granddaughter was pregnant with my first great grandchild.

      I decided to make crib sheets that were one of a kind. I purchased various designs of baby print fabric at JoAnn's Fabric store.

      The fabric was just te right width for the sheets.(45"/50" wide)

      1. For the length, measure up one end of the mattress, accross the top and down the other end, add 1" to allow for a 1/4 hem on the raw edges. Purchase fabrics in the lengths needed.

      2. Making sure the ends are square, turn edges under to form a 1/4" hem.

      3. Center the mattress on the fabric. Use a speed square to draw a diagonal line from each corner of the mattress to the corresponing corner of the fabric.

      4. Lift off the mattress and cut on the lines drawn, being careful not to cut too far in. This will be the corner of the crib sheet.

      5. Fold the fabric so that the outsides meet, beginning with the cut you made and lining up the edges.

      6. Stitch down from the cut edge to the bottom edge, forming the first corner.

      Repeat steps 5 & 6 for the other three corners.

      To create fitted sheets, cut four 8" pieces/strips of 1/2" seam binding in coordinating colors for each sheet. Sew each 8" length of seam binding around each corner. Thread a length of 1/4" elastic through the pocket made with the seam binding. Stitch one end to an end of binding and pull taught through other end, stitch in place. Making ure the corner will fit over the corner of the mattress.

      Last week, I was ridding my blanket box of old blankets i wanted to repurpose, and ran accross several of the sheets I had made for my great grandson, Hayden. They had survived 2 great grandchildren and 2 great nephews. They are now in a used clothing room at our church, ready to be used again.

      Sharon S. Ohio

  • Shuganne Shuganne on May 27, 2018

    Beth, do some exploring on Google for simpler sewing projects.


    Would you like to make your own clothes? As the third girl in a hand-me-down family that was the only way I got new "new clothes"!


    A fabric store will help you with simpler patterns to get you started and even suggest more forgiving fabric choices. (They will also suggest beginners/Intermediate sewing classes.)


    To do "something good" with your machine, you might like to look up Georgia Bonesteel on the internet, too. Second hand clothes from the thrift store and any of Georgia's quilting ideas could be combined to make lap quilts for nursing home residents.


    Furry teddy bears for fire/police officers to give to the scared little ones during their line of work would be a cherished gift.


    Your machine has no limits! Be sure to share with us!!

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on May 27, 2018

    Make a patchwork quilt or a throw or wall hanging or Applique on to some cushion covers. Make a Skirt or Blouse or Place mats or Curtains or Tablecloth or Apron Pinafore.etc........

  • Ginny Ginny on May 27, 2018

    JoAnn Fabric surely has patterns for cutesy things that you mention. Go to the store, look around, and I bet you some out with an inspiration. Go to a craft show and ask crafters how they got started on their project.

  • Make curtains! Or how about a quilt or bedspread? Placemats, table runners, mantle scarves. Back in the day, I used to make a lot of my own clothes. Think about what you might want to make as gifts?

  • Fay Huffaker Fay Huffaker on May 27, 2018

    not sure what you’re asking. Do you need a project ?

  • Fay Huffaker Fay Huffaker on May 27, 2018

    there so many things you can do. New bathroom curtains. Hemming,....

  • Emily Emily on May 27, 2018

    I think if you really loved to sew you would think of projects. If you don't really love it that is o.k., a machine is a very handy thing to have for when inspiration does strike. You used a metaphor applied to writers. Writers block is not that the writer doesn't know how to write or has not an idea what s/he is writing about, but knows his subject, just not how to develop it or start. You don't know your sewing subject.

  • Ceola Shaw Ceola Shaw on May 28, 2018

    Skirt would be easy, with an elastic waist.

  • 17335038 17335038 on Dec 08, 2020

    'Not sure what exactly you mean by good.

    Are you wanting to sew things that will help others?


    Many hospital maternity wards accept donations of baby clothing for preemie babies, (patterns are available) and clothing suitable for photographing stillborn babies. I also know that some maternity wards, especially those located in disadvantaged areas, accept donations of infant blankets and layettes for mothers who are not in a financial position to be able to purchase their own.


    Check first with your local hospital to see what they are in need of or what type of donations they accept.