Day Off = FINALLY playing with my sewing machine

Wahoo! Perks of being a school teacher always include random days off. We get today, a Tuesday off, because of voting. Yes, first thing this morning I went to vote. Was in and out like a flash. Really enjoyed going...especially since I had to drive less than a mile to my church to vote.


I got a FABULOUS Singer Athena sewing machine from my grandmother for Christmas. I haven't really sewed since the summers of my youth (funny phrasing) with her but with the Pinterest movement I knew I wanted one.
Today I have officially tried it on this coaster tutorial from Sew Many Ways.

 Here's my first attempt! Not bad...my stitch around the edge was a little crazy and I actually didn't grab all the material the first path around. Whoops. Remember, beginner sewer trying to do more than she can. It was super fun though. I actually adding some backing to the bottom/underneath the whole circle (see tutorial and all I did was add it to the bottom of the stack before sewing and turning inside out). Did this for more cushion.

So, before I moved onto a bigger project, since I'm so obviously ready, I did another one! Check out my awesome machine. Coffee. And messy desk area. Happiness.

 Now, I was impressed with myself - I thought I did MUCH better on keeping a 1/4 inch around the edge on my second try...at least I went slower and thus think this means more accuracy. If this fabric looks familiar it's because it's  left over from our fabric flower wreath making in this post. Yep, girls I used up some of our stuff.

Here they are together. I think super cute. I will definitely make more in the future. Fun gift and I love the idea of having different colors for a small party gathering to i.d. who's drink is who's.

Look who thinks they're a professional. Hahaha.