Not too long ago, Obsessive Beauty started taking sewing classes at Judy’s Sewing Center in Capitola. And we were in stitches over the experience—the owner, Judy, is a remarkable teacher. She takes newbies—complete beginners in the world of sewing and can transform them into early seamstresses. In the matter of four months of classes with Judy (as well as last year spent learning the bare bones basics of my sewing machine, how to wind a bobbin and so on), I’ve learned how to sew a pillowcase, pajama bottoms, tote bags and button up shirts. Henceforth, Obsessive Beauty will also be doing frequent sewing blogs on our experience as a new sewer—tips and tricks for our fellow newbies, philosophical thoughts on the art of sewing, and why you shouldn’t go into this—as a beginner—with some naïve illusions that you’re the next Project Runway protégé or that your new Etsy store will bring you a few million dollars. Sewing is a patient and meditative art, a long lost craft that is making a comeback with the help of places like Judy’s Sewing Center. Start with the basics, and a simple love of the craft, and maybe down the road, when you can really sew, you can launch that Etsy store and reap the rewards. But step one—learn how to wind a bobbin, then a straight stitch, how to read a pattern, and from there on out, enjoy your stitches. Note: Here’s one of our first projects—tote bags.
.Sew It Up
