novice sewing projects

[severnofnine]

I'm after some easy sewing projects to get stuck into
I got a sewing machine off ebay and have so far made cushion covers, and roman blinds plus a hogwarts cape for world book day. but i'm a bit stuck what to next as we really dont need any more cushions!!
Ive looked at some clothes patterns for me ... but all the ones i like seem very complicated. I only have DS's so no chance of making pretty girls summer dresses. I'd prefer to make something from a pattern I think
I was thinking maybe a bag?? but dont know if that would be too tricky. any ideas?

When I began I threw myself into girls dress patterns but there are boys things that should be simple enough - trousers or shorts? How about an apron if they like to help with cooking (not sure on their ages!).

It takes a bit of practise to get used to a pattern but it's good to learn.

I find some of the most useful kids' patterns (and I have DDs...) are very basic trousers, the pyjama-style ones with elasticated or drawstring waist. They work well as lounge pants and summer board shorts as well as PJs. A good skill to pick up is how to trace a copy of a pattern rather than cutting it up, as it's the sort of thing you will use again and again and in different sizes as your kids grow.

Your problem with DSs is that tops are either shirts with buttons and plackets and stuff (complex for a novice) or t-shirts, and jersey sews differently and is very hard to get hold of decent quality stuff.

Bags are as complicated as you make them. I have made highly successful reusable shopping bags using an Ocado bag as a pattern and that's incredibly simple.

Shorts are very easy as a starter, as are summer skirts for you, or kaftany things. Look through a pattern book for things labelled very easy or 1 hour makes

I'll have a look for boys clothes... I have to admit I was a bit put off as ( terrible sexual stereotyping coming up) they are quite rough and tumble and get grubby very quickly ( aged 2,4, and 8) and I thought it might depress me if i spent hours making something for them to trash it. maybe some shorts would be good for the summer. we already have a collection of different sized aprons
I might have a go at a reusable carrier bag though-smaller one for town than my massive bags for life would be good

Just a quick tip, patterns can be expensive. They do often have them in charity shops but they you'll have to ask as they're no normally on display.

tonicoward.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/long-boards-new-boy-pattern.html
waiting for this one to come out, her patterns are easy to follow.

www.scientificseamstress.com/catalog/Adulteasyfitpants.html i have made pyjama bottoms with this pattern, they do a child size pattern as well

www.scientificseamstress.com/catalog/LoueyBoxer.html
www.fabricland.co.uk/ have some boyish cottons prints for boys at the moment.

www.thefabricfairy.com/the-inside-or-outside-pocket-pant-infant-todder-downloadable-sewing-pattern-by-fishsticks-designs.html

I have done this one as well, nice and straight forward.

I've got lots of free tutorials on my blog which are easy to make (and hopefully easy to follow!)- some of my more recent ones are a tote bag, a notebook cover, easy shift dress

Let us know what you decide to make!