Stylin Brunette's Sewiversary
A look back at the first few days of me learning how to sew. Read along to see how I transform a vintage pair of Lilly Pulitzer capris into pockets for my very first sewing project!
The sewing machine I use and bought mostly for the color.
When I bought the sewing machine I barely knew how to turn it on. I signed up for a an intro class at Joann’s and they taught us how to sew a pillow and use the machine. Here is my pillow. I have not sewn a pillow since.
Before I took my sewing machine out of the box, I was already buying and collecting vintage sewing patterns. Here are some sewing machine loading failures…..all user error.
For the first 6 months of my sewing adventure, I sewed on our formal dining room table. Boy it got messy fast!
The first piece of clothing I decided to sew was a one size poncho from a 60’s simplicity pattern. I also used a pair of vintage Lilly Pulitzer velour capris to help bring my first creation to life. The capris were never going to fit me and the fabric was stunning!!! In the spirit of re using the fabric for something I could actually wear, I decided to use the capris to make outer pockets on the poncho. I am still very proud of the poncho and I wear it quite often. I have been meaning to create another poncho with another fun vintage pocket. The fabric I used for the poncho was a cotton poplin, 97% cotton 3% spandex. It is still my ABSOLUTE favorite fabric to sew with!
I sewed the poncho in the afternoon and by evening I was wearing it out bowling! I love it and the length as a tunic. I added the rick rack down the middle, I am sucker for rick rack!
It has only been a year since I have started sewing, but it still brings me just as much joy and excitement! This week on my instagram I will be sharing easy sewing projects to help encourage anyone interested in sewing Follow along and I would love to connect with any fellow vintage pattern enthusiasts and sewing friends! If you all would like a blog post on how to buy vintage sewing patterns let me know!
Thank you so much for reading and re-living my first week sewing! I truly hope I have inspired you all to “Do It Yourself or Treat Yourself!”
- Stylin Brunette