Spring means......

Every year, about this time, I start getting the urge to crochet. I know, it's weird. I'm a Knitter. But, I was a crocheter first. My Grandma and Mom both crocheted. I learned from them. But, after I taught myself how to knit in 1999, I rarely picked up a hook except to pick up a dropped stitch in my knitting. I mean, I would occasionally crochet something, but not much. But there's something about this time of year that makes me want to crochet. As the weather gets warmer, it's what my fingers want to do.

But not this year. I have no desire to crochet this year. None. What do I want to do instead?

{deep breath}

{gulp}

Sew.

There. I said it. I want to learn how to sew. I don't feel a burning desire to make clothing. But I keep seeing really great bags and boxes and altered store-bought clothing on Pinterest, and I want to make them! I have a huge weakness for bags anyway, so the idea of making my own is enough to make me giddy with excitement. My current arsenal of sewing skills is pretty limited to straight lines. I can make a curtain panel A couple of months ago, I made curtains for our great room (kitchen window, patio door, and living room window).

The lovely and absolutely perfect burnt orange fabric was actually tablecloths and napkins I picked up on clearance at Target! The print fabric, which I love, love, love!, was from JoAnn's. So, I had to measure and cut and hem and seam. But it wasn't hard.

I think my goal for the spring and summer is to expand my sewing skills. I have a couple of bag projects I want to tackle this weekend. I'm planning to make this Little Boxy Pouch. It uses a small amount of fabric, and I've never set in a zipper before. I figure this will be a good way to learn. I also want to make a couple of these Grocery Bags. So much prettier than the ones from the store! I also wouldn't mind having a couple of these Drawstring Bags for small knitting projects. I think the fact that it has a lining will be a good learning experience. I have a lot more I'd like to make, but I think these three projects will keep me pretty busy this weekend, on top of the usual house-cleaning and laundry.

Do you sew? What kinds of projects do you recommend for someone looking to expand her skills?