It's National Sewing Month- GO SEW!!!

September is National Sewing Month!

In case you didn't know this is the month set aside to celebrating all things sewing! Most fabric shops will have sales and sewing machines will be discounted... It was this month last year that I found a really great deal on my Singer machine that I've used and loved! I'm so thankful I chose to make that investment in not only my business, but also in my own love of the hobby. Because of that purchase I've been able to push myself to try new things, and challenge my productivity level. I've grown as a person because of it! I've attempted (and succeeded!) at projects I never would have dreamed of before last year, I've overcome my intimidation of learning how to use a sewing machine, I've sewn hundreds of tie shirts and produced countless other custom orders, new products and clothing + accessories for myself and my family!

My Baby! ;)

Me and my new craft room in February! I wish it was this clean right now! haha

My sewing machine has also been freeing for me! Not only have I pushed past intimidation and the levels of my ability, but it's opened up a whole new world of possibilities to me! I no longer am a slave to giving Walmart gifts! My gift giving is only limited to my creativity! Not being a naturally giving/generous person, my sewing machine has allowed me to experience the unique joy that there is in giving a handmade gift- one that's thought through, with time spent, some sweat and tears (and hopefully no blood!) poured into it, and love sewn into every stitch. It's freeing because I have the option to use my ability to meet needs that my family and my home has when it comes to clothing and decor at a cheaper price (most of the time) but always being exactly what I have in mind in the end!

my little man in his Easter outfit- made by MOI! :)

I'm already excited to keep pushing the "boundaries" of my sewing abilities in this next year, because my boundaries are only what I allow them to be! With a baby on the way (and a GIRL, at that!) I'd love to attempt a simple quilt, make crib sheets, curtains, blankets, burp cloths, dresses etc... :) But sadly, my boundaries are also determined by the amount of time that I have in a day! :)

I know many of you would love to learn to sew! Let me challenge you to use this month (and all the sales that are going on) to push yourself toward learning something new!

Laura and I at our first craft show in May! We've come a long way!

~Start Sewing! Borrow a sewing machine from a friend, buy a machine second hand, buy a discounted machine during all sale this month!

~Read the manual through... take an evening to figure out how to thread it and wind the bobbin and practice sewing a straight stitch! Find a simple project you can do sewing straight stitches!

~Sew a new project! Buy a cute pattern or better yet, find some tutorials online (there are TONS of free tutorials online for anything you can think to make!)

~Borrow sewing books from the library or use Google to learn all the "how tos" of different sewing techniques

~Decide to make something that would otherwise be intimidating to you (a piece of clothing, something quilted) or learn a new technique like how to sew on a zipper or use cover buttons or make a ruffle! Even those who sew get in sewing ruts (I've been there!), so try something new!

What better month to set some goals and challenge yourself, whether you've never threaded a machine in your life, or sew everyday for your living! There are so many sales going on this month at craft stores and fabric shops! If you're in the market for a sewing machine, now is a great time to look for the best prices. Here are a couple options under $100:

~Brother LS2125I Easy-To-Use Lightweight Basic 10-Stitch Sewing Machine- $75
~Brother XL2600I Sew Advance Sew Affordable 25-Stitch Free-Arm Sewing Machine- $85
~Singer 2277 Tradition Sewing Machine- $99

Alot of craft stores also sell patterns on sale from time to time, and usually have some bargain ones all the time. For fun and simple projects, why not try some pajama pants or an apron? You can also buy kits that having everything you'd need for a project- fabric and all! Also you can shop for downloadable patterns on Etsy for a lower price!

Some of our favorite spots for tutorials are The Cottage Home, Dana MADE, and Little Birdie Secrets but there are literally thousands of blogs with tutorials! We even have a few here on our blog!

I LOVE FABRIC! Fabric is the most fun part of sewing for me! It holds endless possibilities! I love to pick out an exciting print or texture! And because there are always SO many choices, you have a great chance of snagging something at a great price!

Hobby Lobby ALWAYS has great deals on fun fabrics, and Joann Fabrics is always having sales on different fabrics. But always go with coupons to Joann's because that's where you save money! (I actually WANT fabric to be regular price so that I can use my coupons! haha) Sign up for their mailer, sign up for their e-newsletter, download their App for iPhone or Droid phones and you'll always have coupons rolling in!

But we also love to buy fabric online- Etsy is a great place to find fabric! And several fabric stores online- like Above All Fabric and Hawthorne Threads- have great shipping rates! Above All Fabric even keeps a Value Wall for discounted fabric!

Okay so this post has turned out completely different than how I planned, but I'm totally inspired now! I want to keep pushing myself and learning new things, so that next year I can look back on even more progress in my life!

I want to challenge you to do the same- and this month is a great time to do it when it comes to all things sewing! We plan to offer some basic sewing how-tos this month, so hopefully we'll be able to help any of you who are also inspired to learn to sew, or to try something new!

Is there anything you would like us to address in our Sewing How-Tos? If you have any questions for us about sewing... or ANYTHING! then drop us a line at blueladybugboutique@gmail.com! I promise we'll write back, and maybe even include it in the blog to help others!

Are you inspired to sew?

What do you want to learn to do?

What project will you attempt (and succeed!)?

What’s the next step?