Getting Started

There are so many things to do in life, that sometimes it can be hard to find the time to learn things our mother's just seemed to know.

If you want to get stitching, here are a few things I find invaluable, although not all absolutely required. 

Firstly, how to get started?

I clean my house first, that way I feel good that I have done a chore, before settling down to something for me. Also it means that I have clean surfaces for where my work goes & less distractions.

Then I have a coffee & something to eat:

then wash hands - always try to have clean hands before starting.

Inspiration can come from many places, including blogs, websites & books... 

A couple of things I find, just make the job easier are a good iron & ironing board cover. I don't overly like ironing & mostly have one for sewing, so why not Pink?

my ironing board cover came from a home & garden show & is super thick - makes ironing even easier!

Sewing machine... I got my first sewing machine when I was about 4 or 5, it was plastic & really worked... until the needle broke :(

Then for my 21st (I think) my Mum bought me this one, which was second-hand & fully reconditioned. I don't use it often, but it still goes & fairly well - not too fancy, does what I want it to do.

And as I am a chronic multi-tasker & mostly organised person, these zip lock bags have been great to keep almost a whole project together.

   

As you can see i have the above project on the go... but for Easter my amazing mother gave me this:

looking forward to starting.. although there are parts which have me scratching my head... but I'll get there - the woman who made this kit, has a blog - which I will link to, & is a member of the North Otago Embroiderers Guild (with my Mum).