Sewing bug

After sewing ... zillion masks, I felt like doing something different. I took a look around online and found these little baby bloomers in Spain, the U.S., and Germany, so I just went for it. The good thing about them is that they aren’t made of jersey—I don’t dare try that (yet), especially since I only have a regular sewing machine.
It was a bit of a struggle at first, but I’m getting better. I think my first project after the masks turned out pretty well.

They’re totally cute, and you did a great job making them.

Too bad my grandkids are already way too big for them.

Those pants are so cute… you did a really great job on them.

Do you have someone to give them to, or was it just for practice?

I’ve heard about the “sewing bug” from a friend. She’d never done any crafts in her life.

When masks were needed at her workplace, she asked me what kind of sewing machine I had. I have a pretty simple and inexpensive one from W6 that I get along with just fine. Four days later, she had one too 😀. The first few days, she sent photos of all the stitches she’d tried out, and she’s constantly watching videos. Some of those stitches are ones I’ve never even heard of. I’m fine with just a zigzag and an elastic stitch.

Yesterday she asked me if I’d ever embroidered with the machine… uh, I didn’t even know it could do that 🙄

It’s totally funny how obsessed she’s become. I think, in a week at the latest, she’ll be sewing her first T-shirt and embroidering something. 

The pants turned out totally cute, Petra!

And as for jersey—I didn’t dare try it for a long time either. I only have a regular sewing machine, too. I started out with simple T-shirts. And now sewing with jersey is almost my favorite thing to do. There are so many great things you can make with it, especially for kids!

And with a little practice and a few tricks, it works out just fine. It’s really important to use special jersey needles. I still don’t dare to try straight hems, though. I always use cuffs as a finish or those wavy hems with a very tight zigzag stitch (I don’t know what they’re called).

Those pants are adorable—you did a great job!
If you ever want to sew with jersey, use the zigzag stitch—that’s always the safest bet.

I think your bloomers are really cute too, Petra. You did a great job. When my son was little, I had that sewing bug too. Now I’m more into knitting or crocheting. But who knows... maybe I’ll get back into sewing someday.

Hi everyone,
thank you so much for the nice comments. I’m going to stick with cotton for now so my sense of accomplishment doesn’t fade too quickly. I received my fabric order today—it’s already hanging on the clothesline, freshly washed.

Another question: Do you have a cutting mat and a rotary cutter? Are they worth it? I’d appreciate any tips.

Best, Petra

Hi Petra,
a cutting mat, a rotary cutter, and a patchwork ruler (mine is 60 cm long and 16 cm wide) are indispensable once you’ve bought them ; )
I find it’s just easier to cut straight edges with them than freehand. When elastic was hard to come by for the masks, I cut 1.5 cm wide strips from jersey scraps to use as a substitute. It worked great with the ruler, the mat, and the rotary cutter!
Warmest regards and welcome to the “Sewing Addicts Club,” haha!
Petra

Hi Petra, thanks for your tip. I think I’m going to get something like that for myself now, too.