When I was about 12, my mom thought I needed to learn to sew. With her help, I made a pair of white cotton shorts. They fit fine, but I didn’t love the process and didn’t sew anything else after that. For the next 20 years or so, the only sewing I did was sewing on buttons. Even when the girl wanted to learn to sew, and got a machine and all the tools, I was happy to sit back and let her learn from her aunt and grandmas.
But then I started crocheting and knitting, and I made some bags that needed liners. The knitting SIL, an accomplished sewist herself, walked me through the basics and I used the girl’s sewing machine to make a couple of simple linings, which I then hand-stitched into the bags. Then I got tired of that, and a few months ago, got rid of my fabric scraps because I didn’t have the inclination to sew more.
Oh, but then the evil pandemic began. First I knitted masks and hand-stitched linings in them, but that was a long process. I saw the simple pleated masks and figured I could manage those. It took me a while to remember how to use the machine, but I made a few with fabric ties. Then I made a few with elastic from hair ties. It was fast, and kind of fun. I ordered brightly-colored cotton and made a few more with elastic. But I hadn’t realized how much fabric two yards was, and I wondered what else I could make with all this fabric.
I remembered the little knot bag that Sarah Jane gave me a few months ago — it seemed pretty simple. She sent me the link for the pattern on Etsy, which is awesome and has three sizes. Since Sarah Jane made me a small one, I decided I’d try the medium size. A few hours later, I had a new bag, and it’s even reversible!
This is a perfect pattern for beginners, nice and simple, and I can’t wait to make another one. I might make another small one before I tackle the large size, which also has a pocket. And pretty soon I might need to start getting some fabric, because I only have three solids and I’m gonna need more than that!
bonnyknits 
Love the new reversible bag and it’s bright cherry colors
I’m impressed that you made it so quickly. I can’t wait to see what you make next.
I really want to do pajama pants!
I also have rediscovered my sewing machine during this pandemic time. I also have been making masks and some project bags. I just love the one that you made! Thanks so much for the inspiration.
It’s so much more fun than I remember it being before! Now I need to figure out what my next project will be.
I actually ordered some patterns online to sew simple summer dresses to wear around the house on hot days. I have yards of batik fabric in my stash that I plan to use. It will be fun!!
Very cool! I am a disaster with sewing machines myself, so I am in awe of everyone who can machine sew 🙂
Thanks! This is pretty basic, though–not worthy of awe yet! 😉
🙂
Nicely done! I enjoyed sewing projects in the Before Times (especially bags, those are fun), but I haven’t yet fired up my machine during the pandemic.
I had an idea I’d learn to sew once and bought a sewing machine. I never touched it, and ended up giving it to my mom after she’d been “borrowing” it for months, so now she does my mending for me in return. Someday I’d like to try it again, but I’ll probably get a new machine so I don’t have to leave my mom without one.
Forgot to add that the bag is super cute!
Or you could take it and give her an excuse to buy a better one! 😉
I love it! So pretty!
You’re really good! I recently learned sewing but I don’t have a machine and unfortunately I don’t have a lot of fabrics either 😅
Thanks! I don’t have much fabric either…yet!