Wednesday, December 29

made

blog-friend Gina does a bunch of hand stitching. it's quite impressive.

me, I've never hand-stitched anything aside from little nylon christmas stars. and bits of embroidery, if you can count those. I've almost always been lucky enough to have access to a sewing machine, and that makes sewing projects much quicker. if I don't have a sewing machine, I generally don't really sew anything.

except, this last month I had the brilliant idea to make a bag as a gift for friend Shara. I measured a bit and cut the pieces (from old khakis--the same ones I used here, actually--and also a cute pillowcase. my clever sister would be so proud), and pinned things together. and then I debated with myself. should I start calling in favors from people I know who have sewing machines? if I asked Shara's parents would I still be able to keep this project a secret? hmm.

making phone calls seemed almost like more effort than sewing by hand... so I set to work. very secretively, squirreling away all my scissors and fabric and thread every time my roommate came home, I stitched this thing together: first the pillowcase lining, then the khaki outside, then the handles. I chose a lovely blanket stitch for all the edges, not trusting myself to sew a decently straight length of top-stitching by hand. maybe if I had years of practice or were a pioneer housewife... but I don't and I'm not.

anyway--pictures:



see? it turned out very nicely. I had it done in plenty of time for Christmas, and I did not have to beg anyone for use of a sewing machine (thought I almost did, and Bekah's sister was very willing to help me out there. thanks anyways.) I didn't get to see my roommate open it, but she called the other day and said she loved it, which makes me happy. I just hope it doesn't fall apart or anything.

5 comments:

SBIESI said...

It hasn't fallen apart so far. And I love it! Thanks again. My sisters and mom were impressed too.

Amelia Chesley said...

I guess if it does fall apart, I can always restitch it somehow. :)

rebekah said...

It's so cute! I'm way impressed, too. I'll have to take a look at it in person.

We Krazy Knuts said...

isn't she amazing? you are! that is so good and so much work. good job!

Amelia Chesley said...

aw, thanks. :) it was fun. I may have to hand-stitch some more stuff now.