A Beginner's Attempt at Sewing

So, over the summer, I made a decision that with my money from Ai-Kon sales I would buy a sewing machine and learn to sew!

My decision to do this was inspired by the fact that I love to cosplay, but the cost to buy cosplays is rediculous. (For more information on cosplay, go here and here)

My little sewing corner! I moved the mirror, though.
Ignore the nerdy pillow my grandma got me.

I've had the sewing machine since August, but it's taken me a while to actually put it to use. I also spent some time trying to figure out what I should have as my first projects.

First up, I have Batwoman, for Halloween and hopefully Comic-con. I bought the cat suit - as there was no way I was making one of those on my first try - and planned to make all the accessories (gloves, belt, batsymbol, boot covers) using red vinyl.




Last night, I actually started! But, alas, it did not go so well. Although I have sewn a small amount in the past, I have never done it without someone with me.

So, I decided to start with the belt, because I figured it would be the easiest. So I cut out my first piece, measuring myself for the length and making it five inches wide (for seam allowance!). But, some how, I got my measurement wrong and made it waaaay too short. I didn't want to waste my vinyl, so I decided to just cut out what I would need to make it the right length and sew it together.

This part worked out fine!

As you can see the thread is not the right colour.. I forgot to change it from my test thread before hand, but it didn't matter anyway because it won't be seen! I did change the thread and the bobbin to red after, though.

From there, everything went down hill.

I pinned everything, and that went fine, although it was a little awkward over the seam I made. It was went I tried to start sewing that where the problems happened.

It wouldn't go. It kept kind of getting stuck in the vinyl.

I kept trying and trying, but the basic needle that was in the machine just couldn't handle the vinyl. It broke. D:

 

 

So, I decided that I would have to wait a little longer to finish my Batwoman costume, as I would need to get a thicker needle first.

 

 

A tip for those learning to sew as well: If you're sewing a thick fabric, look into it - you'll probably need to do something different.

 

 

 

Bye for now, readers!