Actually doing something now!

After A LOT of procrastinating I've finally started work on this project, I've always worked better with a deadline looming and I now have one month to make this teepee.

I've read quite a few blogs where the authors have made this in a couple of days but they actually know how to sew so have a distinct advantage!

Armed with a shiny new pair of scissors Mum turned up for my first sewing lesson. Where we quickly discovered I know absolutely nothing, Mrs Campbell's home economics sewing class 15 years ago has failed me completely.

After Mum repeatedly telling me she would help me but would not do it for me it was time to pin the pattern to the fabric, one pin in and I've already done something wrong. According to Mum there is a certain way to put a pin in 

This is wrong:

This is correct:

Really?? What's the difference?! Both hold the pattern to the fabric so why does it matter if it's pointing to the corner or not. But Mum has the knowledge so I carry on pinning the way she tells me (feeling like a little child again!)

Scary moment now! Time to start cutting, 

Mum: "stop pussy footing about and just cut it"

So I did, apparantly my hand was in the wrong place and didn't make big enough cuts each time but I got it all cut out, 3 brown panels, 2 green and contrast panels for the doors. 

Before removing the pattern from each piece of fabric Mum informs me I need to do tailor tacks to mark the points on the pattern

Me "tailor tacks?"

Mum "yes, just put in tailor tacks"

Me "repeating it's not going to make it any clearer, what the hell is a tailor tack"

At which point I think Mum is really regretting agreeing to help.

One quick lesson later and I'm busy putting in my tailor tacks. By the last panel my pattern has become really weak and is starting to come apart in places but I get there. 

So I've now got the entire pattern cut out and tailor tacked. Now I just have to sew the teepee (and learn how to use a sewing machine) easy?!

On a more positive note how cute is the hedgehog fabric!!