ramblings.

Welcome to “Sewing with Kim”, boys and girls. Today we will teach you how to make a simple skirt from a pattern!

First things first, I’m sure that many of you reading this, like me, have a reasonable amount of competence with freehand sewing. I’d like to inform you now that this is very, VERY different. You will become frustrated. Don’t give up! No one needs to know of your failures, unless this is for a school project or unless you plan on posting them in your “web-log”.

Step one (1): Select a work enviroment!

Ideally, your work enviroment should be cleared of all clutter and hazardous materials. Ideally. However, I know that you’re probabl almost, if not just as slovenly as I am. Shoot for clean, or at least well-ventilated. As I said, due to frustration, you might want to put the sewing machine as far away from any windows/fireplaces/etc., as possible. You don’t want to be destroying your sewing machine in a fit of rage just yet. By the way, you need a sewing machine. This will be covered in the next section. So, get a clear surface, a receptacle for the oodles of fabric you’ll probably waste making stupid mistakes, and some cheerful music so you don’t become angsty and start playing the wrist violin with a seam ripper.

On to…

SUPPLIES! What you will need before you begin
Of course, every seamstress has supplies. What will you need?

- A sewing machine. This should be obvious. One that works would be ideal.
- A pattern. Not necessarily something you like, as it probably won’t end up looking anything like it.
- Thread. Matching colours please!
- Fabric.
- Scissors would be nice, as would a seam ripper, ‘cos you’re going to make mistakes. Don’t use the same scissors to cut fabric as you use to cut paper. That’s just dumb.
- Pins, needles, measuring tape. Gluing your pattern to the fabric is not allowed.
-Tailor’s chalk (or regular chalk) or a dressmaker’s pencil. Sharpie is not an adequate substitute.
- Anything else your pattern says you need.
- A large bottle of bourbon. Just in case.

Look out for the next instalment: Pinning and cutting.

Sew safe, kids!