First Solo Sewing Project

I finally learned how to sew 100% alone!  I feel so proud of what I accomplished.  At first I was really struggling because I could not seem to get the sewing machine threaded correctly.  It was very tricky.  But luckily, after celebrating my neighbor's birthday at their super-fun birthday BBQ, one of my good friends Crystal came over and taught me how to do it correctly.  There is no way I would have ever been able to accomplish my sewing project if she didn't take the time to teach me.  You're the best Crystal! 

My friend Kayla is having a baby, and so I decided to host a baby shower for her.  I wanted to try to make her a nursing blanket/cover-up.  Every time I see them online in Etsy shops they are are $30 and up!  I thought I for sure could make one at a much more reasonable price.  I found directions on a blog called Little Birdie Secrets, which was so awesome.  Then I went shopping for materials.  I wanted to choose a fabric that was fun and catered more to mom than baby.  I ended up choosing a really loud print that I fell in love with.  I was nervous that Kayla may not like it, but everyone I asked seemed to think it was great and it turned out really cute.  (If I find out she doesn't love it, I'll just tell her to pick a fabric of her choice and I'll make her a new one! hehe).  Here is the print.

After hours of trying to figure out what in the world I was doing, and many character flaws later, I finally completed my first solo project!  Here are some pictures of the finished product.  I'm trying to show how it is used, haha.  AND it's like 3 AM when I'm taking these pics (I was waiting for Kory to call after he arrived in Asia).

After all is said and done, I now understand why these things are so expensive!  The materials add up and once you include time and labor expenses I think the price they list them for is reasonable.  However, I thoroughly enjoyed dedicating my time learning how to make such a functional and personalized gift for my friend.  Now I know how to make one for me in the future too!