I'm declaring November "Sew Something Month"

How do you like that? Just like that, a public declaration.
Tapping the mic and clearing my throat- ahem... anyone out there?

Squinting at the bright spotlight in my eyes... ahem, like I was saying, November is officially Sew Something Month. 

You can tell your friends, spread the word. Even if you've never sewn a stitch in your life, I want you to do so, this month. If you took home-ec in school but haven't picked up a needle since, this is your month to get your Martha on. If you have a sewing machine hidden in the back of the closet in the spare bedroom and you made your own drapes with duct tape and drop cloth last month (you know who you are, I'm not naming names) this is the month you are going to find out how easy it is to just sew a stitch already!

That last group, that's who I'm really trying to reach.

I started this blog, nearly four years ago, after discovering some amazing sewing blogs. I was fairly new to sewing and trying to teach myself. I scoured the internet for tips and techniques and was amazed by the talent out there and by the wealth of information that could be found with a little searching. I've made lots of friends and feel like the crafty blog community is a family of sorts.  Recently I've been in nesting mode and this has led me to discover another branch of the blog family tree, home decorating blogs. There is some overlap here and there, but for the most part, it's been like visiting two different sides of the family or like high school days, two different cliques. You know, the jocks mostly hang with the jocks and the band folks mostly hang with band folks. 

Where am I going with this and when will I get there??? I'm getting there, I promise and I hope I don't make anyone mad along the way. What I've noticed the authors of these home dec. blogs are some amazingly talented and wildly creative women- here's the part I'm worried may offend- but they seem to go to great lengths to avoid a sewing machine.  There, I said it. I read post after post about using iron on hem tape or duct tape, and while both are great tools to have in your box, I've used lots of each myself, sometimes it's not so bad to just sew a hem.  I can say I've done it both ways, I've pinned and stapled and taped something within an inch of its life and dared anyone to look too closely. Then if it needed to be washed, it was back to square one.  I used to be the very one who avoided the sewing machine at all costs, until I actually took the time to get to know my machine and found she wasn't so bad. I actually liked her. This month I want to challenge some of those amazingly talented women to find out just how creative they can get if they overcome their fear, or dare I say it, loathing, of sewing. I'm telling you, I avoided really learing to sew until I was in my 30s. I can honestly say it has changed my life. I may still duct tape some fabric under my mattress and call it a bedskirt, but I'm not afraid to tackle making my own duvet cover, because I  know it just involves some straight stitching and I can so do that.

This month I'm going to share some easy home dec sewing projects, that anyone with a basic sewing machine can handle, like pillow covers, simple window treatments, embellished dishtowels... November is officially Sew Something Month! Care to join me? 

Comments

[Beth]

I'm in!

[AnNicole@OurSuburbanCottage]

Squeel! I love this. I used to sew (with my mom growing up); I generally know how to use a machine; I want to sew things, I even own a sewing machine - I just haven't gotten around to it because A) I need to make a place for the machine in the house, and B) I somehow forgot how to thread the machine (any tips there?).

So needless to say, I'm excited to learn more this month. Thanks for the push!

[Kristin]

Yes, this used to be me. Not so much fear of hemming perhaps, but trying to sew clothing from patterns had ruined me. I sewed if I had to, but it was definitely on my want-to-do list next to scrubbing toilets. I started making quilts once I had kids and that was better, but I still wasn't hooked. Then like you, I discovered the world of online tutorials. Wow did that open a whole new world to me! Now I sew every week, often almost every day. I have an embarassing fabric stash and spend way too much time sewing, thinking about sewing, buying stuff for sewing, etc!

[Kira =]]

I'm glad you aren't naming names, but seriously that me! I'm in. I need to know window treatments. please help.

[Dani]

Good for you! I love to sew and often shake my head when people use alternate methods.

[Aunt LoLo]

I can't be too specific since I don't know who reads your blog...but, this month, I need to complete four or five sewing projects. They're all identical...and they'll all take a lot of straight lines. I'm in!

[beki]

Hey Autum, I've been making my way through the decorating blogs as well, I'm surprised I haven't bumped into you :-)

[Jennifer]

I'm in I haven't sewn in awhalie and I want to get back into it! Great Idea!!

[Cheryl]

YAY! I am so in!
I know what you mean about sewing home dec stuff. If I am going to make some curtains, I am going to sew it. Yeah, I know I could probably do it the shortcut way, but I know how to sew, so, I prefer to sew it. I don't think you will offend any of those ladies.
I am looking forward to what you will share. I am hoping to make some roman blinds for my master bath windows and make a slipcover for a wingchair in my living room. I just learned how to do piping, so I am eager to make more things with it.

[kelly]

can I just say "amen" to your post... nothing wrong with a little time at the machine. I'm just sayin'... :) Count me in. I need some time with my new machine this month!

[Bridgette]

Count me in! I'm on my way upstairs to my machine right now.
Baby blanket, burp cloths, onesies.

[Kathy]

Ohmygosh! What happened here!. You redecorated everything...your blog? Now, Autum...I am still grieving over the loss of your divine front porch blog banner.

Anyway, I drive my Janome more than my Toyota, so I am with you.

[cindy]

I'm in....I've already lined up projects at the sewing table. Some new linen pillow covers, some cushion covers, curtains, and possibly a new slipcover for my sofa. Oh, and new stocking for my kiddos. Can't wait to see your tips!

[Gena]

Yay! I'm in, too! My oldest daughter and I used to sew, sew, sew all the time. Now, she lives on her own, but every time she is back at home, we are sewing again! I have many things to make, repair and design. I also have two younger daughters that need to learn their way around the sewing machine.

P.S. I have always thought it was easier to sew than to iron on hem tape, or use that odd glue. That's just me, but still... seems like so much work and it might not hold.

[LaurieC]

you go Autum - I'm totally with you on this and can't wait to see what you're going to sew!

[Lynne in NC]

Let's do it!

[Tamara]

I'm in! Not for me because I will definitely be sewing something this month (I have a wardrobe to finish before the 30th) but I am in it for my daughter. I got her machine all set out. We have been talking about wanting her to start but we just haven't done it yet. This month she WILL start learning how to sew!

[Elaine]

I'm in...I'm finishing granddaughters Christening Gown this week as she's being baptized this coming Sunday. Then I'm going to be doing some machine embroidery...three aprons, a hand-towel, guest towels, cocktail napkins/coaster/glass covers...for Christmas Gifts. Pretty sure I'll be doing some turtlenecks or some article of clothing with a Christmas Design on them for the grandbabies...

[jan]

Have you advised Hallmark of the "November Sew Something" month? I know they would want in on this...

In the meantime, I've gotten my machine out, fabric all sitting there in nice neat little squares, everything ready to go and I'm complete blank...(HELP)

OK -- so I'm going to see what you're going to sew and maybe that will give me my inspiration!

[Kim]

I won't be able to sew anything this month, but I can say that it is you & your blog that made me enjoy sewing & not afraid of it. :)

[cheryl]

Oh Yay!! I think I'm signing up for this one!! I've been collecting things to sew for the past two years, but still haven't managed to get any of it done. What the heck! Count me in!

[Alexis]

Count me in! I have a ton of material that needs to be sewen up and would like to use some of my christmas fabric for a holiday apron. :)

[Karen H]

Looking forward to it!

[Elena]

Count me in!

[steph]

i just cleaned and oiled my machine so i am definitely ready to start my sewing machine engine !