Hand Sewing for the Cat

So this week for my learning project, I decided to start with the very basics.  I’m ignoring the sewing machine until I can learn to fend for myself with a needle and thread.  I’m going to be honest, I began this week not even knowing how to thread a needle.  However, I persevered and learned on my own; turns out, it really isn’t very difficult and my clumsy fingers were able to handle this minute task.

My cat, Jax, being the destroyer that he is had ripped a

The attacked toy in question

seam in his toy and I could no longer allow him to play with it and tear out the stuffing to his dismay.  Originally, I thought, “I’ll take this to my mother and she can fix it!” but with my new task of learning to sew, I took it to her house and said “Mom!  I need a needle and thread and I’m going to fix this!”  I actually watched a video on threading a needle (yes, this is how armature I am) and then also watched a video on fixing a tear with hand sewing.  Both videos were very easy to follow and I am going make sure to check out Stitch My Style for other sewing videos.  She has a lot of cool projects that maybe once I am more versed in this sewing world I can tackle!

My mom was also a great resource as she helped to make sure I actually was completing the stitch properly and actually completing my mission of fixing this cat toy.  I had great success!!  Not the cleanest stitching exactly, but it will last until Jax decides to tear it apart and I can fix it again!

Messy but Fixed!

Feeling incredibly confident in my new-found stitching, I decided I should try some button work.  I used thread, a needle, an old tea towel and button.  I watched a couple of videos (this one was the best) and had my mom’s assistance waiting on deck but I was successful again!  This may not be as hard as I originally thought!  However, my mother then informed me that the stitching on the back of the button should be neat.  This is what mine looked like….

Trial 1

…so I cut the button off, and tried again.  This time trying to keep the button straight and my stitching neat and tidy.  This was the second result…

Trial 2

So far, YouTube has been a great source of videos as I learn much better from following someone else then just reading directions.  My next task will be to tackle the sewing machine and learn the basics for threading the needle and perhaps even just turning it on!  I found a fantastic blog called The DIY Dreamer with a lot of links to other blogs and I think it will be very helpful with the sewing lingo as well as some basic sewing machine tips!  More to come; stay tuned!