[kananaskismama]

I just received a new Janome sewing machine for my birthday and can't wait to use it to do a project.
I know how to use the machine and have hemmed all of my pants, darned holes in clothes etc. but I've never done a project! I'm good at repairs.
I'm wondering if you have any advice for a first project.
Ideally I'd like to find everything I need in one place: fabric, pattern etc. (like an online shop).
Any ideas?

 

[MittensKittens]

If you wear them, wrap skirts are easy to make.

 

[Think of Winter]

Do you have any interest in quilt making? It's really fun, and if you have a nice quilt store nearby, you could take a beginner class and buy the pattern and fabric in the store. I made a crib quilt top in one day at a class. It's a good way to get to know your machine and get practice with careful, even stitching.

If you're looking for a garment, I really like the Kwik Sew patterns, and the Amy Butler Barcelona skirt I'm making now is cute and easy.

I personally enjoy looking at fabric, so I don't know of one store that sells everything you need, except Joann. You could find a pattern online, then purchase that and the fabric and notions in the store. They sell Simplicity, McCalls, Butterick, Vogue, and a few others. If you do that, I'd look for an easy or beginner pattern.

 

[sapphire_chan]

http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=177482.0
Make a reversible bag! The bonus aspect of this project is that even an imperfect one will be useable.

 

[Timmie]

I teach sewing & I offer a one-time class for the student to get to know the basics & stitches they will use the most. In this class I have my student make a simple, reversable totebag with a button closure (so they can learn to make the buttonholes). When we are done they can use their machine without me standing over them, & they have a nifty tote bag they can use instead of plastic bags when they go shopping. I think the bag is a great starter project.

 

[grniys]

Tote bags are super simple. Craftster has a zillion tutorials on how to make them.

When I taught a friend to sew I had her first project be a pin cushion. They're very, very easy to make and are a great starter project and take very little fabric. Plus, every sewer needs a pin cushion!