Never sewed? Start here.

Several of my friends have actually bought sewing machines but have never used them because they don't know where to start and sewing classes are hard to commit to. So here's my advice if you're just getting started. 

Crib bumpers are likely on their way to extinction because of newer safety recommendations. However, these turned out great and are a good example of a way to make decorative pillows if you don't plan to ever use crib bumpers. So pretend the bumpers pictured above are very long pillows.

Pillows are a great project for a beginner. If you just want to practice using a sewing machine you don't even need a pattern. However, there are even patterns for basics like pillows and they come with step-by-step instructions. Even though it seems like a no-brainer, a pattern with instructions (even if it's for making a plain old square pillow) will introduce you to basic rules and techniques and pattern markings.

Pillows are also a good way to experiment with pattern manipulation. If you've never made changes to a store-bought pattern, this is a good place to start. Like making a plain old pillow, these crib bumpers were just long rectangles. I slashed the pattern down the middle, then added a 1/4" seam allowance to each side as I cut the fabric. There's no need for a full 5/8" seam allowance for something like this...as long as you remember the amount you allowed for.

I'm a fan of mixing things up; I prefer things to not be too matchy-matchy. All four bumpers of the set shown above had the fuzzy dotted pink on the bottom and the floral on the top. Both end bumpers had the pink plaid ribbon running across the middle; both side bumpers had the yellow polka dot. All four had turquoise for the back.

Decorative ribbon is an easy embellishment; just pin it in place and sew it on 1/8" from the ribbon edge, using both hands to keep the ribbon flat and to prevent the fabric from stretching under it. As long as it's sewn along every edge and lying flat, it will do great in the washer/dryer. If you want to sew on ribbons with loose ends (like I did for the bumper ties) and the ribbon is polyester, hold the end of the ribbon close to (not in) a flame to melt the edge and prevent fraying. MOST decorative ribbon is polyester and this will work. If your ribbon is cotton, you'll probably just light everything on fire. If you burn your house down it is not my fault.

Disclaimer: As mentioned before, crib bumpers are now not recommended for babies. Three babies later, I've never had one get stuck in the bumpers but I HAVE had all of them get their legs painfully caught between the slats when the bumpers have been gone. All three have had big, fat pillowy bumpers. I think the babies are soothed by the cozy feeling of being surrounded by crib bumpers. But if you are scared of bumpers, make a cute pillow for your rocker and later use it for the toddler bed.

Long story short:

• Get yourself a very basic pillow pattern. Read the directions, because they will include the basic rules (such as, standard seam allowance--the distance you sew from the edge-- is 5/8") and define some terms and pattern markings.
• Find some fabric cute enough that you'll like your finished product but cheap enough that you won't be worried about screwing it up. 
• ALWAYS pre-wash fabric before sewing. Don't go straight from the shopping bag to the sewing machine--it WILL come back to haunt you. It's worth repeating: ALWAYS WASH FABRIC BEFORE SEWING.