Ahhh, the sewing machine, the sewing machine ...

Gosh it's almost two weeks since I've been here ... doesn't time fly when you're having fun? ... I have, because I've started my sewing lessons at Suzie B's, and a great time is had by all.  My fellow seamstresses are three delightful American ladies, one is a beginner like me, and I'm really glad about that because I thought everyone would be very experienced. The other 2 ladies have sewn lots before, so it's a nice mix.

This is the lovely Suzie ... what she doesn't know about sewing really isn't worth knowing ...

Her shop is an oasis of sewing paraphernalia, mingled with vintage loveliness, intertwined with modern twists, so something for everyone, which is always good!

Suzie's is the sort of place you can just pop into for a browse, or you can book a single lesson, a group workshop, or a course where you can make a different item every week or bring your own project.

Bowls of threads in every colour of the rainbow ... and a fabric room that offers so much choice, I dither about for ages ... just give me the fabric, I'm no good at decision making ...

Sound advice!

Our first project was a draught excluder or a cushion ... more choices! I plumped (sorry!) for the cushion, and couldn't decide on the material ... with hindsight, I wish I'd veered from my vintage rosiness and opted for something modern, because it could have been a gift and the person in mind would have loved a retro design.

This is my very first, real sewing project! I have dabbled in the past, but due to my impatient, impetuous nature, I didn't prepare because I just wanted to get sewing, so the results weren't particularly pleasing.  Suzie taught us how to turn at the corners, and zigzag the seams, and I couldn't believe that I had made something that looked really well made and accurate.

This is our little group (one lady was missing last week) with our plumptious cushions ...

and this is today ... a tote bag was this week's project, and I already had a bag which I bought from Hettie Brown a couple of years ago, which I use all the time and just love the shape and style, so Suzie prepared a template for me and this is the result. That's me on the far right, grinning like a mad thing. I've pinched this photo from Marsha ... I hope she doesn't mind, and I'll apologise for my blurry ones, they are taken on my Ipad because it's so easy, but the quality is poor.

I don't know what we will be making next time ... perhaps a doll, some bunting or a rabbit maybe? Whatever it is, I know we'll have a great time ... I'm really liking this sewing lark! What have you all been making lately, I'd love to see ...

See you soon,

Love, Claire xxx