I finally pulled out my brand new sewing machine this weekend and went to work. While I was indeed a bit rusty not all was lost. I did however realize that I needed a few more tools.

I got busy on Saturday with a very simple project, the T-shirt bag. All you do is cut the sleeves and the neck off an old T-shirt, turn it inside out and sew across the bottom. Some shirts may have to be shortened depending on the size of the shirt. My son picked out a Mario Bros. shirt that no longer fit him, but was in decent shape. It turned out well. He carries books in it now. Great way to be green as well. I’m all about recycling.
My awesome son, Gavin with his Super Mario Bros. T-shirt bag.
These T-shirt bags can be used for anything. My 3 year old carries hers around like a purse and fills it with any and everything she can fit in there. I plan to use the old “parent” t-shirts we’ve collected over the years from school and soccer for grocery bags. I highly stress taking your own bags to the store.

After feeling good about myself having been successful with the bags, I turned to the purse kit I bought before Christmas. It was meant to be super easy and I suppose it would be for anyone who has touched a machine in the past 15 years. I didn’t have many problems with it. The only thing was that I am one of those people who make the easiest things complicated because it would be ridiculous for something to be THAT EASY. So after sending my mother a few pictures over the phone and taking a step back to not mess with it for a few hours I tackled it again. And I did prevail.

Needless to say, my daughter believes it is hers and she carries it around along with her T-shirt bag. I think I will find a big button to make a closure for it. Who knows?
Hobo purse
My plan for this weekend (if there is time, Wonder Woman has so little, you know) is to make another project. I’m stuck between three choices so we’ll see which wins. Or which will be easiest.

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JESSICA M. MACHADO is the Pleasanton Express Webmaster. She may be contacted at jmachado@pleasantonexpress.com