Two of my favorite things: Christmas and sewing! I thought I’d share with you how I taught myself to sew and some of my favorite sewing must haves, including my sewing machine. Many women my age have commented how they wish they knew how to sew or have asked me to teach them. But guess what, you can teach yourself! I have two kids, a husband on night shift, and chronic back pain. If I can do it, so can you! And now I’m making home goods and have an Etsy store where I can give back by buying massages for moms!
When I was pregnant with my second baby, I purchased my sewing machine during Prime Day, 2017. It has always been something in the back of my mind, but anytime I saw a project that was ‘no-sew’ I jumped on that because I didn’t know how. If I would have known sooner how easy it can be once you learn the basics, I would have looked into it sooner. For instance, one of my first projects was a window seat cushion cover, not necessarily the easiest thing but I did it!
As a kid, I watched my mom hand sew a lot of things and even thinking about sewing a button on seemed daunting to me. I really feel that sewing is going to be such a valuable skill for my kids to have. They love to help and Savannah is even in charge of putting the pins in my old tomato pin cushion. When I am working at home on sewing, I don’t feel as much mom guilt since they are learning valuable life skills. Right??
Sewing is not easy. But with practice, it can be. There are some basic things to know about a sewing machine and the process:
- There is a lower and an upper thread. These two threads hook together to form the stitch.
- Some of the newer machines are so much easier to use than your grandmother’s old sewing machine (trust me, I’ve been there)
- There are a few terms you need to know: tension, bobbins, and backstitching.
- When sewing different types of fabrics, you need to make adjustments on your machine.
- Keep your sewing manual handy. I still refer to it often.
- The internet and Pinterest are your friends. Search and explore different projects that you are interested in and make it happen!
So consider this Christmas, asking for a sewing machine. What a gift that can keep giving! Think about all the fun things you can make and save money on; custom curtains, pillows, and clothing. And even make some of your own gifts for your family! All while teaching your kids a life skill they can take into their adulthood.
Here are a list of items to get you started! All found on Amazon, so go ahead and create your wish list 🙂
- Brother Sewing machine
- Sewing gauge
- Seam ripper
- Pin cushion
- Pins
- Fabric (have fun with this!) If you are here in Lexington, I like to shop Joann Fabrics, Hobby Lobby, and the Thomas Sewing Center. And then I shop various online stores.
- Cutting mat and tools
- Iron
- Scissors
- Thread (match to your project)
Go into the New Year with a goal to learn sewing! And make sure to tag me on social media so I can see what you are working on!
Thanks for reading!
Kim
I wanted to share more of my story and what steps I have taken to get to a much better place. Not healed, but able to deal with it. It is going to be an ongoing process for a while, if not forever. Because, just a reminder, your health is a TOP PRIORITY!
Every pregnancy is different and leading up to 39 weeks, the anticipation was building. Not knowing how or when I would go into labor left me just waiting for the moment. My entire second pregnancy was different from the first (and not sure if it was because we were having a little boy vs. a little girl). Savannah was born pretty much on her due date and this little guy decided to come early at 39+2 days. So here’s my birth story:
I labored at the hospital until I got my epidural around 7 or 8am. Once the epidural kicked in, I was much more comfortable. The nurses kept coming in and rotating me because Owen’s heart rate kept dipping. And they had me wear oxygen to help regulate his heart rate as well. They came in at some point and broke my water. This would help move labor along.
We say he came early to catch the tournament. GO CATS!!
Thanks for stopping by and peeking into Owen’s room. We will keep you posted once he gets here!
I have this Martha Stewart robe in black and white and it is so cozy, even a year later! It’s warm enough but not too thick. This robe is my go-to for being a stay at home mom on those lazy, coffee drinking mornings.
Here is my little baby model in her cotton plaid t-shirt dress from Old Navy. It’s soft and will last throughout the winter, not just the holidays. You can dress it up or down too! She paired it with these cute Target Cat and Jack brand leggings.
Our very first B & B was in Savannah, GA where we stayed in a beautiful historic house overlooking Forsyth Park. At some point, we decided that for our anniversaries it would be fun to stay at different B & B’s. Our stay at Ashford Acres Inn was our third one, despite being married for 5 years now. Life gets in the way: things like deployments and babies 🙂 And I forgot my nice camera so excuse the less than perfect quality photos with my Iphone. I was really looking forward to bringing it, bummer!
Our main reason for choosing Ashford Acres Inn was its close proximity to Lexington (about 50 miles) and the pictures and reviews online. Once arriving, it lived up to our expectations plus more. The main house was gorgeous and our little honeymoon suite was no exception. We stayed in a little detached house, our own little private retreat. This was my first night away from Savannah so it was much needed but at the same time I missed her.
Upon arrival, Caroline checked us in and showed us around the property. Tucked away on a beautiful tree filled property, we felt at home and very relaxed. I made sure to turn on the Keurig in our room and enjoy a coffee (toddler free!)
We then headed out to downtown Cynthiana for dinner. We decided on Bianke’s, a historical little diner style restaurant that had been the staple there for 122 years. For you UK fans, we saw the mural of Joe B. Hall close to the restaurant.
In the morning, we were greeted at the main house with a 2 course breakfast which included a strawberry parfait and apple cinnamon pancakes. We then walked around the property enjoying the historic and beautiful nature of the house. 
My favorite area in the house was this quaint little sitting area: Magnolia leaves adorning the fireplace, all the mason jars and books, and the big comfy chairs.
And here we are right before checking out. My pregnant belly and all! I would highly recommend this B & B for a quiet, relaxing retreat. Not much else to do in Cynthiana but there are beautiful country roads getting there. And maybe next time we will try to do the ghost tours. And the creator of The Walking Dead is from Cynthiana too! Very SPOOKY!!! (That’s for you Brooke!)
(Above photo by 
The day to day makes it often hard to keep everything in perspective. Being pregnant and chasing a toddler is not the dream job, but somehow it suits me. And I couldn’t do it without you.
(Above photo by 
I see you driving me to the hospital on your Sunday off when we have a small scare so I am not alone. (although I thought I would be fine) I see you chasing our daughter so I can relax and get better.
(Above photo by 
Image courtesy of 
We are also thinking of integrating sports into the design. LOVE these simple vintage baseballs. I’m sure I can find a mason jar laying around here somewhere (wink, wink). And if you know Dan, we will have some UK and basketball stuff too. So stay tuned for more updates as we get the nursery finished.
Savannah & Co. 
