Threads of Creativity: Learning to Sew and Sharing My Favorite Projects

Crafting is enjoyable for me because once I finish a project, the sense of accomplishment that I feel is amazing. I had had very little experience with sewing, I think I made a pillow in an elementary school home economics class that my mother still has to this day. Through the help of blogs and YouTube, I was able to teach myself how to use my late grandmother’s sewing machine and read patterns.

My sewing journey began with a freehanded bag. I think I bought the fabric because I was really into Doctor Who at the time. Or maybe I saw it in the remnants section for cheap and had to have it. Either way, it’s been an on-and-off hyperfixation of mine for about six years. This post is not sponsored by anyone and the opinions expressed are my own!

Once I completed this Doctor Who themed bag, I was hooked. I started going to Joann Fabrics and smaller quilt shops looking for fabric to add to my stash.

One of my all-time favorites was this quilt shop exclusive Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland themed fabric by Camelot Fabrics that I can’t find anywhere anymore. This book sleeve is perfect for those occasions where, if you're like me, you throw a book in your bag and worry about it getting beat up.

Since then, here are some of my favorite makes:

This dress was one of my first wearables and I don’t think it came out too bad (plus it has pockets!). If I had to do it over again, I probably would have chosen a different fabric since this one is quite busy on such a large scale project. I got this Harry Potter Book fabric from It’s Sew Creative, and to the best of my knowledge, they do reruns of this print, but it’s best to join their Facebook group for updates.

Coffin Wallet Pattern by Seamingly Wicked

This was my second attempt at Seamingly Wicked’s coffin wallet, and my second time sewing with vinyl. It was recommended that I paint the sides rather than leave the edge raw, but it’s my nature to be impatient and I wanted to use it right away. It held up for quite a while despite those raw edges! The only reason I switched to a different one was because this one doesn’t fit conveniently in a diaper bag ;)

This Mr. Chillingsworth tote is nice and roomy with a pocket on the inside. I’ve used it as a project bag for my crochet, a go bag for the hospital, or for the shorter trips we’ve taken that I haven’t felt the need to overpack for. I used fusible fleece for this so it isn’t very sturdy, but you could probably use a heavier weight interfacing like Decovil and still create something awesome. I only used the pattern for the size measurements and assembly since this fabric was a panel.

Patterns for Pirates’ Walk the Plank PJ Bottoms are super cute and so versatile. I made these shorts for my friend’s son and used extra fabric to make an applique for a t-shirt. This is a pretty good pattern for a beginner or someone just starting out making wearables. They also have a lot of fun (and free) patterns on their website! I continuously use this pattern for making shorts for my son who is growing like a weed these days.

Raleigh Romper Pattern (freebie if you subscribe to the newsletter!) by MellySews (Blank Slate Patterns)

I finished this Oogie Boogie romper for my son the day before I went into the hospital to have him. It was the first time using the buttonhole function on my sewing machine! I had to watch a video tutorial, but once I got the hang of it, it was a breeze. I will say that I should have done snaps (and have done since then) since they were for a newborn and I certainly did not appreciate trying to button a squirming little worm into these at the time, but they did look so adorable!

Charlie Romper Pattern by Linen Grey Patterns

Another romper I made the few days before having my son and I have since made at least six more in different prints, for my son and for gifts. The pattern is well-written and easy to follow. I cannot for the life of me remember where I bought this Baby Yoda panel and print from, but I know it was one of those custom fabric groups on Facebook, so if anyone does know, please let me know so I can give credit!

Lastly, I threw this Raleigh dress together for a friend’s niece and used snaps instead of the buttons that the pattern called for. Experimenting with different stitch options on my sewing machine, I added the curly vine stitch to the hem of the dress. I thought it complimented the Beauty and the Beast theme so well!

Let me know if you try (or have tried) any of these patterns and what you think of them! More of my makes can be found on my Instagram :)

Thanks so much for reading!