fabric dolls :: handmade christmas

Last year I saw this adorable fabric doll pattern from Make It & Love It.  I had just begun my exploration of the sewing machine as I was tasked to continue the family tradition of handmade stockings that my grandmother had begun.  Unfortunately due to lack of time and the chaos that becomes the holidays I was unable try my hands at creating the doll.  

When this year rolled around I remembered the pattern and knew I just had to give it a try.  I wasn't sure how it would turn out as my knowledge of a sewing machine was minimal but I knew it would be a great project to help me brave the blues.  So I dug in. 

This was a great project for a beginner like me.  There is nothing to complicated and it is so satisfying to see something come to life.  

I became and expert at filling a bobbin and threading my sewing machine.  I was able to switch out my threads in a flash thanks to the help of my trusty side kicked who showed me how to do it and sewed his very first piece of fabric together.   It was exciting to learn something new.

I had intended to make the dolls each with different clothing, but there were some mishaps along the way and beginner mistakes of not choosing the proper fabric.  Legs and arms ended up never finding a body and a misfit doll had a face that just didn't seem right.  

Along the way I celebrate the small moments like seeing shoes on the feet.  I was sewing, yes I was sewing.  And in the end it all came together.  I had two adorable dolls made with love for my two nieces.  

am so glad I took the risk and gave this project a try even without much knowledge of sewing.  It was fun to do and even more fun to see the two little girls hug their dolls.  I am looking forward to creating more with my sewing machine.  

sew crafty

This weekend I pulled out my sewing machine and decided to jump on in.  There was one particular project that I had to finish up from last year, yes last year --- when my sewing machine broke and I couldn't figure out how to fix it.  This particular project needs to be complete before Christmas, so now is as good a time as any to get it done. 

I am LOVING my new machine.  It is so easy to use and was set up in a flash.  I wish I would have taken it out of the box sooner.   My living room is filled with bits of fabric, pins, and all sorts of sewing goodness.  It is an explosion of color.  Not having much space to lay everything out makes it a little bit challenging, but I am still enjoying the process.  

There is something magical to me in watching my creations come together.  In seeing the pieces that I cut out actually take form.  I do have much to learn about tension, stitch size, and fabric but these little works of love are a fun experiment.  

I wish I could show you more images now but these pieces are gifts for some very special folks and I don't want to ruin the surprise.  I will share more after they receive them.   

Sewing was a great way to help me brave the blues.  Yesterday it was windy and cold outside.  I went for a short walk but knew I needed to do something to prevent me from laying on the couch and drifting away into a bluesy nap.  So out the machine came and instantly my spirits were lifted.  My creative drive revved up and I even made two trips to the craft store to pick up somethings I didn't have, and then somethings I forgot.

Working with my hands soothes me.  I love how I can physically see nothing turn into something.  I think that little sewing machine is going to get a lot of use out of me.