plunge

when i was 11 my mother tried to teach me how to sew. these little sessions were not fun because i wanted to be outside playing or in my room reading or fighting with my brothers over the remote. anywhere but in the basement learning how to stitch a hem or wind a bobbin.

in highschool i made a couple pencil cases and my mom was quietly thrilled from the sidelines as i finagled a zipper in place. i also tapered a lot of jeans, breaking needles like crazy as i put my mom's kenmore through its paces.

for one of my brithdays in my early twenties i asked for a sewing machine. i pull it out from time to time when i need to sew things quickly but largely it has languished in the background.

since i've been on mat leave, i've trawled the 'net for crafty inspiration and have found the most amazing, talented bloggers. i'm always thinking, i could do that. i secretly dream of having a craft room with a big table and lots of organization.

today i took the plunge. the wee monkey and i headed off to the local len's mill store and i pawed through some fabric. (len's mill is really indescribable. it is the messiest, craziest, dirtiest store full of crap that is really all about flukes and bargains. cheap yarn, cheap fabric, cheap everything. you just need patience and the ability to maneuver around piles of crap. it makes thrift stores look like chic boutiques.)

i bought a cutting mat and rotary cutter, snap pliers and snaps, thread, a couple zippers, a fabric pencil, and some fabric. i am so excited! if everything goes well, i'll have pictures soon. if not, i'll have some gently used snap pliers, a cutting mat, and rotary cutter for sale...