Tuesday 14 October 2008

Hoppo Bumpo Is My Homegirl

So last night was the first night of the rest of my life. Or at least, the first night of sewing classes. Either way, I was nervous, as I am when I start something new, butterflies brewing in my stomach, it felt like first-day-of-school jitters!
I arrived at 7pm with a young girl, her mother and her brother. She would have been around 16. I realised then that the night ahead could be filled with teenie boppers, and I decided right then and there that I was just going to deal with being an almost 30 year old novice sewer. I had to be ok with it.

Then a couple of women my age turned up. Phew! I didn't have to pretend I knew who the Jonas Brothers were. Or what shade of chapstick I was going to wear so it didn't clash with my braces. Or who I was going to pash at the back of the school oval the next day, like, like, ok? Something like that.

I pulled out my pattern (big ups to Hoppo Bumpo who hooked me up with the right pattern - Simplicity 8493 - kids pjs - awwww yeah!). Thank goodness for this recommendation. Hoppo Bumpo is the goods. This pattern was right up my alley - and a good starting point. The Doctor and I had fun choosing some fabrics (though where I'm more prone to spots and yachts, he's more prone to diggers and dumptrucks - yikes!). We settled on a selection with the pattern in my hot little hand.

Back to the class - it was when I was cutting out my pattern that I decided that I was going to ask questions. Loads of questions. I wasn't to care if people ogled me thinking 'jeepers' this kidult is only just learning to sew' - nope. Not me. I was above that. I was starting out. I had let it be known. I've revved a sewing machine to sew myself some scrunchies back in the day, but that's the extent of it. Ok, ok, I'll confess again - my sister used to do my school sewing projects when she came home from uni, ok?

So pattern cut, fabric cut. Pants sewn, pants overlocked, and the teacher tells me that next week I will be finishing the pjs altogether. A little disappointing for The Doctor who thought he was getting them today (though I gently tried to warn him that mummy was wearing an L-plate for a reason). He also tried to tell me that he should come with me to sewing. And when that wasn't working, he told me that 'Daddy and I can be your teachers mummy, you don't have to go.'

Yes.. And how would that be for my mental health. Not so good. But sewing class - awww yeah, strictly for the hardcore. And Hoppo Bumpo is my homegirl.

13 comments:

Liesl said...

Go Potty Mouth Mama! Once you've eased those sleeves and done a bit of button-holing, there will be no stopping you baby!

(As an aside ... I made up a couple of pairs of 8493 in a lovely cosy flannelette before actually reading that there big red FIRE warning on the packet. Ooops.)

Georgie Love said...

That's so awesome that you are learning to sew! It's been on my list of things to do for about 10 years. I haven't touched a sewing machine for literally... hmmm..18 years? Year 8 textiles. TRAUMA.

Pecos Blue said...

Cool. Hope they turn out great. I did not learn to sew till I was 36!

CurlyPops said...

I can't believe you got to play with an ovelocker on your first class..wowee. You'll be a pro in no time!

Jo (sparkly green knickers) said...

I bet everyone else was listening in to every question you asked!

I picked up a very similar pj's pattern from an oppy - Simplicity 7407 (pj's, nightshirt and robe). Might have to give it a go.

Jessica Lonard (The Crafty Librarian) said...

Sounds like I should go to that class! I'm sure your jammies will be terrific!

Jodi said...

oh yeah, you did it. You've inspired me to enrol in a class or two. Chronicles of sewing clesses...can't wait for week 2

Cindy said...

Feel the force Luke, come over to the dark side. There is no stopping you now, Look at those lovely lines and overlocked edges. You are like, so like doing great or whatever.

Sarah said...

You should so totally, like I mean totally, like now keep practicing, because you are so going to be so good at sewing. Sewing is so cool Jaime! So cool you could sew for all your sponsor children....
totally. And get Jonah to help, miss.

LisaAnn said...

I have the same trepidations when I take a craft class. Just wait you will be sewing nonstop!

Kirsty said...

I hope the doctor's not too upset.

I'd have liked to know who you were planning on pashing.

Cathy {tinniegirl} said...

That's very cool. I haven't attempted anything brave like clothes yet. I admire your gutsy all-in approach.

Bellgirl said...

Excellent pattern choice! PJs are my most-made item, becuase they're only worn indoors in bad light. ONce I sewed a pair with the pattern upside down, and my friend and I decided that this was a positive innovation because when I looked down at my knees while seated i would be able to see the pattern right-way-up.

PJs and friends are good that way ;)