Anyway, I have borrowed a friends sewing machine and have been trying my hand at some basic sewing.
I found some diaper fabric made in America for $6.99 a yard at our local Joann's, which to me, doesn't seem like a bad price. It's the same kind of material that the napkins I bought off of etsy are made of, only I don't have a serger. So I have been practicing using the different stitches on the machine and also making hems to see which I like better. I am considering making the napkins to give as gifts for future gift giving.
I'd also like to spruce up my own dining room, but don't really have the extra money to go out and buy all new things.
So, I was at the Salvation Army store and I was looking for a flat sheet to try to make an apron out of. I figure a sheet is a lot of fabric and much cheaper than buying it on sale and often times flat sheets don't wear out, while fitted ones do.
Anyway, while looking for a flat sheet to make the apron, I found what I thought was a window curtain, but is really a shower curtain, and a flat sheet that almost match in color. I am thinking about using the shower curtain, which is mostly cotton to make napkins and then use the sheet to either make a table runner for the table and the sideboard and perhaps even valances for the window. Quite an undertaking for me. Those two items cost me roughly $7.00. I will have TONS of napkins.
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| These are the sheet and curtain I hope to do the napkins, table runners and valances out of. |
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| This is the small floral print I will try to make the apron out of. |
Then I went to a local antique shop because one of the stands has all kinds of old sewing stuff in it. I got the edging and sewing thread for about $5.00.
Then I found two flannel receiving blankets for .99 cents for the two of them, and they looked brand new. I bought them too and I am not sure what I am going to do yet, but I am sure they will turn into something handy.
Wish me luck with my sewing adventures. I am sure you will see the outcome soon.
My first sewing machine that I had only one stitch-straight. I also did what you are doing now-made my first apron from a set of sheets that were given to me. I just traced around another apron and went from there.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter #2 lives in small city, and she is always going to Value Village to purchase sheets to make curtains and to use for the back of her little quilts that she makes for her little wee ones.
I am looking forward to seeing your finished projects.
Thank you for your comment. I am struggling a little bit with the apron. The strap for around the neck is one piece and I can't seem to get it traced well. I don't sew enough to know how to shape it on my own. I'll have to think on it a bit, or just go to plan B, which I haven't made yet!
DeleteOh you are hooked now;-) Love the sheets!!!!!!!!!!! Look forward to seeing everything. I think I might make up some nice napkins for Thanksgiving....maybe, if time. I have the fabric picked out, and it may be as far as I get.
ReplyDeleteI agree with shopping. I don't mind thrift shopping as there usually aren't many folks, but the malls....I avoid them like the plague.
blessings, jill
Be sure to come back to read about my wool blanket, I got the idea from you about putting the crochet edge on it. It's taking forever, but Dear Darling is going to love it when it's done!
DeleteI buy sheets from the thrift store to use as yardage ALL THE TIME! I really love the vintage ones, but they are hard to find (especially the 100% cotton ones). It's a very frugal way to get fabric :)
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