Learning to sew!

It has been a while since I've blogged and I really have no excuse! But this week has been so exciting that I really wanted to share it with you all. I have finally learnt to sew! My soon-to-be-brother in law has inherited an old sewing machine and has lent it to me until they find some room for it. It hasn't been used for years so was really temperamental when I first used it - it kept stopping and starting for no reason. It really did have a mind of its own! But now, after a bit of coaxing and some TLC, it seems to be behaving much better.

I can't remember the last time I used a sewing machine so it was all very new to me. I bought lots of books, did lots of research on tools and equipment that I would need, spent a lot of money on eBay buying fabrics, interfacing, rotary cutters, cutting mats, pinking shears, bias binding (which I have yet to figure out how to use!)...etc. Phew. And then finally it was time to sit down with the machine!

And look what I managed to make! Little zipped purses - perfect as a make-up bag, pencil case or in my example, as a bag for storing all my ribbons!

This one is my favourite. I love the ribbon attached to it. 

I am really enjoying making these and now can't seem to stop! Luckily Christmas is just round the corner so I have a great excuse to make loads as gifts!

What should I try and make next? I'm thinking cushions might be my next project...