Why I finally learned how to sew…
When I turned 25, I set out on a mission to learn how to sew. It had been a goal of mine for years upon years and turning 25 opened my eyes to how quickly the years were flying by. I wanted to make my new baby girl her 1st birthday dress. However, I still didn’t know how to sew and that realization shocked me. I always assumed that when I had a daughter, I’d already be a seamstress. However, life had other plans for me which I happily welcomed.
With a new baby, and her very 1st birthday right around the corner, I asked myself “If not now, then when?” I didn’t have an actual answer to that question so I went into my closet and pulled out the sewing machine my dad bought for me when I turned 18.
I asked myself “If not now, then when?”
My dad knew I wanted to learn how to sew way back then when I was 18. Unfortunately, there weren’t any sewing schools in my area at the time so I bought some sewing books and he bought me the sewing machine. The sewing books assumed I knew more than I did & in reality, I didn’t understand any of it! I had never actually seen anyone sewing or observed their workflow so it was quite overwhelming trying to wrap my mind around it.
At 18, something as simple as threading the bobbin seemed like a huge task and I just didn’t have it in me to keep going. I didn’t have the foresight to see that threading the machine was a basic part of sewing & because I had way too many questions, I gave up. Typical 18 year old! Giving up way too soon… and thinking I had all the time in the world to learn.
Life passed by quickly from 18-25, and disappointment consumed me at 25 when I realized that I was letting a dream of mine die without giving it a real chance. That fueled my determination to try again. And to never. ever. stop!
It’s almost 5 years later & this is where I am. I’ve been sewing birthday dresses for my oldest daughter since her 1st birthday back in November 2012, and I’m still learning and improving. Below is a picture of her most recent birthday outfit that I made for her 5th Birthday.
Most recently, I’ve ventured out into making my own handmade wardrobe while continuing my education in pattern making. It’s all a process as I’m also quite busy homeschooling my 3 kids. We’re all about home-learning – for me & for them! After all, I think we learn best when we’re truly curious about things… and homeschooling allows us all to explore life and the world around us with our curiosity leading the way.
Please bear with me as I get this blog up and running! I’m doing it all myself and trying to figure things out as I go. However, I promise as soon as I figure this all out, you will be reading a lot more from me. I am excited and looking forward to embark on this journey of sharing my lovemade & handmade life with you all!
In the meantime, check out my Instagram @ lovemade_handmade (follow me and I’ll follow back) & I’d love it if you’ll like my Facebook page @ www.facebook.com/lovemadehandmade to stay connected.
Hope you stick around, leave comments, tips, or advice… and we become friends if we aren’t already. I’d LOVE that!
Karina,
About The Author
Karina Moran
I’m a homeschooling mom of 4 & I love creating HANDMADE garments and things! Follow my adventures at www.lovemadehandmade.com.
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Leave A Comment
Jessica Bradshaw | 13th Mar 17
I so badly want to learn how to sew. I haven’t taken the plunge yet because “I don’t have time”. Thank you for sharing your story.
[email protected] | 14th Mar 17
I hear you, I seriously think the days are getting shorter! Your best bet is probably taking a sewing class at a sewing studio – it’ll cover a lot of information quickly and you can ask questions and observe. Thanks for taking the time to comment. Appreciate it! 🙂
Catherine | 14th Mar 17
My mom could have taught me how to sew when I was a kid, but I never wanted to sit down long enough to learn. I wish I had, now!
[email protected] | 15th Mar 17
It’s never too late! 🙂
Jill @ Kentucky Makeup Junkie | 14th Mar 17
Karina, this is beautiful. I actually went to college for Fashion Design and learned sewing there, but I can tell you it’s always something that you will learn and grow from and having a degree doesn’t make you good, having the heart does. I’m excited to see your adventures! XOXO
Natalia | 14th Mar 17
Love this! I want to see som cute dresses for my bella too, and convert some old dresses into new for mama 🙂 followed you for more inspo!
Elie | 14th Mar 17
I’ve been wanting to learn how to sew for years now. I am slowly starting to learn. “If not now, then when?” ..I’m glad you took the plunge.
Latisha | 14th Mar 17
I can’t wait to see all of our creations on your wardrobe!! I’ve been sewing a lot recently and I’ve fallen in love with it! I’ve shared a few pieces on my blog & Instagram (@agirlnamedlatisha) too! Keep up the good work girl!
XO-L
http://agirlnamedlatisha.blogspot.com
Elizabeth | 15th Mar 17
Learning how to sew is on my list! I think it’s such an important skill and I could definitely get better at it. Better yet, I want to learn how to use a sewing machine too.
xo, Elizabeth // txelizabeth.com
robin Rue | 15th Mar 17
I took sewing all 4 years in high school and really enjoyed it. I had a sewing machine for a while, but never kept up with it. I wish I had.
Lisa | 15th Mar 17
I am 36 and just learning how to sew. I can’t wait to see what you come up with!
karen | 15th Mar 17
I tried to start learning how to sew on a sewing machine, but then let that go. But – I want to pick it up again. I just need to find the time. I really enjoyed it when I did some of it, so you are motivating me!
Carlie | 15th Mar 17
Gotta check out your insta! My grandma sews and made all our halloween costumes growing up. Definitely something I want to pursue!
Marcie | 15th Mar 17
Congrats on starting this new adventure! I learned how to sew when I was little, but I now realize that I really don’t remember much. I see all the cute things on Etsy and I wish I could just make them myself!
Jessi | 15th Mar 17
I have been wanting to learn, but I haven’t even figured out threading my sewing machine lol I need someone to actually sit down and show me, because videos aren’t helping.
The Spirited Sloth | 15th Mar 17
I really need to hone my sewing skills. I have clothes with refashion plans from when I was in high school! I’ve been cutting up my clothes since I was little.
Kenya | 15th Mar 17
My daughter can sew! I have a sewing machine but I never put it to use! I need to learn my self!
Bailey | 15th Mar 17
Such encouragement! I need to learn to sew!
Theresa | 16th Mar 17
I’m interested in sewing but like you were at first, I don’t know where to start. My mom owns her own quilting non-profit, and I feel like I should already know what to do. I would love to make my children their own simple dresses. I know it can’t be too hard. Can you recommend any books or videos for a beginner? I look forward to hearing more about your journey!
Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh | 16th Mar 17
I come from a family of women who would sew. My great grandmother and grandmother made quilts, my mother made clothes when I was a baby…Sadly I never learned. I wished now that I would have taken interest in it when they were all alive to teach me.
Terri | 16th Mar 17
I am eager to see your creations! I made my daughter’s first Christmas dress, before I even knew I was having a girl. Loved sewing so much back then!
Sheila | 16th Mar 17
I had wanted to learn how to sew since I was in high school and finally last year decided to teach myself how to use the sewing machine I borrowed from my MIL. I’m still trying to figure out how to do clothes for my son and this year I hope to make him a quilt for when he transitions to a big boy bed.
Debra | 16th Mar 17
I have wanted to learn how to sew forever – I really just need to buckle down and learn.
Cydney | 16th Mar 17
I’ve always wanted to learn to see too! I’d love to be able to create my own unique pieces for my wardrobe and be able to do basic adjustments. I can barely see on a button. Well done you for having the determination to do it.
Mandy | 16th Mar 17
I have dabbled in sewing my whole life since my grandmother sewed everything. But I just never liked the stuff as much as the time it took.
Nadine Cathleen | 16th Mar 17
It’s a great skill to have. My friend even makes her own gowns like that and she enjoys the entire process so much – it’s like her meditation 🙂 I hope you will have lots of fun with it! X
Cynthia @craftoflaughter | 16th Mar 17
I have been sewing since I was a little kid, many moons ago. It’s really great therapy to feel fabric, to see a project come to life, and to gift creations to others
Reesa | 16th Mar 17
Learning to sew was always a goal of mine. I bought a sewing machine and the process is taking forever! Can’t wait to see what you create!
Angela Ricardo Bethea | 17th Mar 17
It’s never too late to learn another hobby or skills. I think sewing is a great skill especially if you are passionate about lovely outfits and dresses.
Krystle Cook | 17th Mar 17
I used to know how to sew when I was in high school. I never did a lot of it outside of school so never really got good. Maybe I should learn again!
Katriza | Mommy Engineering | 17th Mar 17
Sewing is something I learned young and then forgot everything when I needed it 20 years later lol. They have so many things now that make sewing easier but those sewing machines are always confusing me!
Lydia | 17th Mar 17
Sewing is such a great and useful skill to know!! I wish I learned how to sew when I was young!
Kristin | 19th Mar 17
Sewing to me has always seemed so intimidating. I would love to learn how but I dont know if I would be good at it. Good for you! I think it is wonderful to take a passion and go for it at any age. I cannot wait to see.
Tabitha | 19th Mar 17
Sewing is such a great skill to have! I took lessons so that I could make my own wedding dress!
Kerri | 20th Mar 17
How awesome! I do not sew but my 10 year old daughter does and I find it to be a great skill to have. She has even made some great clothing.
Leslie Hernandez | 20th Mar 17
I know a little bit I took two fashion courses while I was in high school ages ago lol…but my sister when to fashion school I bug her when I need to fix some of my clothes lol… Its good to know though its a good skill to have specially if you’re into fashion.
Blair villanueva | 29th Mar 17
Glad that you are now enjoying sewing. I remember my Mom told me when I was a kid that it is good for a woman to know how to.sew. I don’t know what she meant exactly about that, but I do love sewing ever since… Now i realized she is right 🙂