Welcome to A Beginner Sews, a new series here on the blog! And Hi! I’m Belle, a new team member at Megan Nielsen Patterns – but probably a familiar face if you’ve checked out our Curve pattern range (or not, it’s okay, I promise I won’t get mad). I’m many things—a Masters student, a writer, a movie buff, a Capricorn—but one thing I’m not is a dressmaker. Don’t get me wrong, I know how to thread a machine and sew a straight line or two, but that’s where my knowledge ends. Starting work here was like getting thrown in the deep end: words like baste, bias, overlock (huh?). I was in way out of my depth.
Of course, I did the usual high school projects (still have that handmade pillowcase!), and I remember hand-sewing a few felt Christmas ornaments during the holidays growing up. But as I’ve gotten older, and much savvier with online shopping, I put my fancy fabric scissors down in favour of cheap, fast fashion pieces. But when I started at the Megan Nielsen Patterns studio, I was so envious of how beautiful my co-worker’s handmade clothes were: from the fit to the fabric, everything was gorgeous. And what made it even better was the fact that they were clothes like no one else had!
If 2020 has shown us anything, it’s that picking up a hobby can be a lifesaver. So, I’ve decided to set myself a challenge: sew myself a brand-new wardrobe using our patterns and (hopefully!) learn a new skill along the way.
I began my journey by putting together a kit of basics. There were of course the obvious pieces: a sewing machine and a decent pair of fabric scissors. Other things like proper sewing pins (complete with glass heads so they don’t melt while ironing!) and a seam ripper were also added to my kit. Top it all off with a tape measure, and there’s your basic sewing kit, baby! Just because I’m fancy, I also grabbed a rotary cutter (which is going to be a lifesaver when cutting stretchy fabrics!) and a laser cut ruler. If you have anyone in your family who sews (like I do!) then you might already be familiar with these items; if not, don’t hesitate to check out some of our previous blog posts (like this one where Holly shares all the things in her sewing kit) or drop a comment below with your tips!
So here we are lovely readers, diving headfirst into the wonderful world of dressmaking as a complete and total novice! Blog posts detailing the highs and lows of my adventures in sewing will be coming out regularly in 2021, so make sure you stay subscribed to the blog and tune in to our social media pages for updates!
Well done Belle on setting yourself such a great personal goal for 2021. I am sure you will be enjoying your own me made wardrobe in no time. The best bit of advice I can give you is to keep in mind mistakes are not the end of the world just a lesson in what not to do! And hey what’s the worst that can happen? It’s only a piece of fabric after all. Enjoy your journey and I look forward to seeing your posts.
Hi Christine! Thank you so much for your beautiful comment. I’m so excited to jump into making my new wardrobe! And I completely agree, mistakes are a part of life and the wonderful thing about sewing is that thread can be unpicked and you can just start again! I can’t wait to share more of my journey with you Xx Belle
This is going to be amazing!! Best of luck and can’t wait to see your progress!! I’m on a similar path (though I have a sewing background- just haven’t made many clothes).
Hi Nicole! I’m so excited to see what you make! We can be beginner clothing makers together :) Xx
I’m excited for you Isabelle! I believe sewing is such a useful skill to have. Looking forward to your future posts ?Question: is the top you’re wearing in the pictures in this post a ‘me made’? If so, what pattern please? Thank you!
Hi Ji! The top I’m wearing is our Olive Curve pattern (specifically View C!). I didn’t make this one, but there may be an upcoming Olive Beginner Sews adventure soon… ;) Xx