Ever since I was little, I’ve been afraid of sewing machines. Mom would occasionally whip her monster machine out and hem a pant or something, but she always approached sewing the way she’s approached cooking: knows how to do it, but would rather not.
The reason the sewing machine always scared me is that I’ve always pictured that ginormous needle going RIGHT THROUGH MY FINGER. I didn’t know that there’s a guard that prevents exactly that from happening. So I’ve always been a bit afraid of them.
But now, I’m ashamed to admit, TV has spurred me into action. See, I love Project Runway, and I finally stopped thinking, “If these idiots can sew, then I can too!” and did something about it. Last weekend, I took a sewing class at Home Ec. We learned the basics of sewing by sewing a bag. 
It took about three hours, and I came away from the class without any injuries. I think if I can learn to hem my own pants successfully, and even make some basic pieces of clothing, and perhaps a superhero cape for George, it will have been a $95 well spent.
I’m now looking for other easy projects to do; a duvet cover seems like a good idea. A coworker confirmed that a duvet cover really is as easy as sewing two sheets together and sticking on some buttons. And during a stroll in the new neighborhood yesterday, I realized that I’m in what seems to be Brooklyn’s garment district: there’s TONS of fabric stores on Coney Island Avenue!
So now I’m just looking for opportunities to use sewing machines more. I’m going to the Etsy Labs today to see if I can work on something without embarrassing myself.
