I’ve recently started taking sewing lessons. Online sewing lessons and I love it. When I want to learn something new, one-on-one lessons intimidates me. I really dislike when someone is looking over my shoulder, watching me – quick to point out that I’m doing it wrong.
It all started when I learned to crochet, nearly 15 years ago. I was at an arts and crafts store when a crochet teacher approached me while I perused the yarn aisle and kindly insisted I take her in-store crochet class that was about to start. I was the newest member to her class and I knew the least. The entire process was a struggle. From holding the hook and yarn to understanding the importance of keeping the tension, I just couldn’t figure it out, it was frustrating for sure.
But when I got home, it was a whole new story. I scoured tutorials on YouTube and eventually I found an instructor that made the process easy for me (not all instructors are the same). It was not something I could pick-up overnight, but I really wanted to learn so I put in the time and effort. After understanding the basics, I could read a crochet pattern and understand the lingo in no time.
Fast forward. When I decided I wanted to learn how to sew, I knew I wanted to take a similar approach to when I learned to crochet. So I looked on YouTube. I even created my own lesson plans based on what I believe to be most important. My first task, learn to sew straight lines (see that clip here). Once I felt confident with the straight lines it was time to make my first beginners project.
I decided to sew a lined Velcro pouch. I found the tutorial on YouTube by Rosery Apparel, here’s the free printable pattern template she provides on her website. It was easy to follow but as a newbie I did struggle with the curved flap (evident in the top photo), which I hope to improve upon this week. I may even attempt to try this pattern again and share the changes.
