Hey, I’m back!
Okay, let me catch you (you who are reading this) up on my lessons real quick. In my last session with Mai, we started to work on our first project. A small tote/book bag. They taught me about warp and weft threads, how to make patterns, seam allowance, how to cut fabric well, and how to backstitch (which truthfully, I need some more practice on). I also figured out how to change the bobbin myself, through a series of errors and instruction manual reading. It was fun ironing all the pieces of fabric and cutting and sewing them, though I will admit, I ran into more technical difficulties than reasonable and necessary in my opinion. Oh well, it was for the sake of education. I’ve added some pictures of what I’ve accomplished with Mai’s help at the end of this like I’ll always do. I’d say that even though I’m running into problems, I’m advancing nicely, which makes me really happy.
For the most part, I think the mentoring sessions with Mai are going well. Mai’s very patient with me and even though they’re teaching me remotely, they’ve found many ways for us to be able to work well. Every time they teach me something, they show what they’re doing and explain it, and then send a photo of how it should look to me. Then they’d wait patiently and clarify the steps as I did it myself. Mai always prepares any needed reference materials I need and always replies to any questions I have when they get back from work. Of course, with such a great mentor, I need to hold myself accountable as well. While I wouldn’t say I’m going above and beyond as a student (sorry I’m not doing the extra credit this time Mai I promise I’ll do some in the future!) I do always read over all the materials I’m sent and finish all my sewing homework before our lessons, so I don’t rush and do a lousy job. I iron out pieces of fabric prior to our lessons and check the thread I have (speaking of which, I need to buy some more). Of course, as good as our lessons sound, we do have some problems. Mai sometimes has a hard time showing what they’re doing, even though they always try their best to show what’s happening (their fiancé brought them a tripod halfway through a lesson but it’s still not the same as being able to watch in person). I’m also working in a terrible backlit area, so it’s hard for Mai to check my work, so it’s really up to me to compare the two pieces to make sure everything is going well.
It’s only been two lessons, yet I feel like I’ve already learnt a lot! Quite obviously not enough to satisfy me, but it’s been a fun time. My next lesson is this Sunday, and I can’t wait to finish my bag with Mai!
Signing off once again,
Athena
P.S. We went over how to use grid rulers. THEY ARE AMAZING. Literally the most helpful tool ever.
Please welcome the photos taken at my very messy sewing desk:
