Recently, I bought a new sewing machine. I spent quite a bit of time researching sewing machines, and through this comparison shopping experience, I discovered that the world of sewing is a brand new world.
Like many women, I took sewing in Middle School and even High School. I remember going to fabric stores and pouring over Simplicity pattern books. Back then, and now I’m dating myself, it seems like the overall reason to sew was to save money since we didn’t have the plethora of discount shopping options that exist today.
Now days, the rise of sewing, knitting, textile arts, embroidery, and quilt making seem to be more about creative expression, creating beauty and a desire to make things with our own hands.
When I went to take a class to learn how to use my new sewing machine, I confess I was expecting to be in a class of little old ladies. Ha! There were three darling young girls with their shiny new Singer sewing machines. There were a couple of women in their 20′s and around three in their 30s, then me. I was the oldest one in the class!
In Dallas (near where I live), there is a brand new modern fabric store and sewing lounge that just opened three months ago called CityCraft. When I walked in the door, I was blown away by the gorgeous, chic, and stylish fabrics. The young girls who who own it are hip and cool. I can’t wait to sign up to take one of their project classes (with wine!). There is another DIY sewing lounge in the Bishop Arts District of Dallas called Make Shop and Studio.
Apparently, these urban hip sewing lounges are popping up all over the country including the very crafty MAKE Workshop which opened eight years ago in Manhattan’s Lower East Side.
Syllabub Apron at Anthropologie
Retro aprons appear to be all the rage these days. Anthropologie is selling them, and they seem to be a most popular sewing project as well. So, I’m thinking one of my first projects will be to make an retro apron to wear while painting since I get paint everywhere.
I’m just beginning to scour around for sewing blogs which I’m sure will open up yet another universe for me. Any suggestions?
You will have so much fun! Those sewing and craft lounges near you sound absolutely fabulous. And yeah, there are a ton of people sharing their sewing online. In fact, if you find one great blog, there is usually a list of other great blogs on the side. Try visiting these:
http://www.cluckclucksew.com/
http://scrappyshiek.blogspot.com/
Also visit We All Sew, a site that posts GREAT lists of links to sewing blogs online:
http://www.weallsew.com/
Happy Sewing!
Hi Erika! Thanks so much for stopping by. And I will definitely check out these sewing blogs including yours!
Oh my goodness, Silky! Thank you for all of the kind words! Owning and running CityCraft has been an amazing experience for me… Come take our retro apron class! So fun! Thank you again, and I can’t wait to add your blog to the list of blogs we obsess over here
Callie
I can’t wait to come take a class either! I’m really looking forward to it.
Wonderful! I’ve been getting into textile art lately, too.. I inherited my mother sewing machine but last I tried it the tension seemed messed up. I am going to try again and cross my fingers it doesn’t need repair but rather it needs for me to read the manual instead!
I don’t know if you have Joann’s near you, but there’s a 50% off coupon good through tomorrow on this blog:
http://www.survivingthestores.com/2010/01/printable-coupon-round-up-joanns-soft-scrub-8th-continent-more.html
I’m going tomorrow to get some fun fabric. Have fun!
Hi Sara,
Thanks for the scoop on the coupon for Joann’s! Hope all goes well with getting the tension repaired on your sewing machine.
xo, Silky
There are sooo many! Littlebirdiesecrets. Blogspot.com and thelongthread.com are my faves! I have one too– http://www.sewinginthesuburbs.blogspot.com
I live north of Dallas but I am getting out to citycraft this weekend!!!!
Hi Mandy!
Thanks so much for all the great blog suggestions! Definitely go visit City Craft!
Have a great time exploring sewing! I’ve been dreaming of getting back into it, or (re)learning how to knit.
I’ve recently gotten back into sewing as well. Doesn’t help that I discovered CityCraft last month and they are a block from my house. Several projects are in progress… and the bank account is significantly lighter. *lol*