Did you receive a new sewing machine for the holidays? Have you discovered a new-found interest in sewing? Or maybe you’re revisiting a long-lost interest for one of your favorite old hobbies! Whatever the reason, the New Year is the perfect time to dive in and try your hand at beginner’s sewing projects. Here are just a few ideas from the crew at Cathey’s Sewing & Vacuum:

Sew a Reusable Coffee Sleeve

Not only is a reusable coffee sleeve handy, but it’s also a quick and fun sewing project for beginners!  A coffee sleeve will help keep your coffee, cocoa, or tea nice and toasty in chilly temperatures. This beginner’s sewing project can be a terrific first project and makes a great gift for teachers, friends, and family. This little sewing idea can also be a fun way to use scrap fabric you may have lying around the house.

Try Sewing an Easy Fleece Blanket

This sewing project is perfect if you have little ones or just need a little extra warmth during the winter months. Sewing an easy fleece blanket can be a fast and fun sewing project that can help you fine-tune your beginner sewing skills. Fleece blankets are something you can create for everyone in the family, and in a variety of colors and patterns. Everyone will love having his or her own customized fleece blanket for television viewing, couch napping, reading, or for extra comfort while sleeping at night.

Create a Super Cozy Cowl Scarf

A scarf is a quick sewing project, even for beginners, and will help keep the chill at bay all winter long. The stylish and warm cozy cowl scarf is a fun project you can do over and over again. Plus, it can make a great gift for friends and family members, especially those who may have birthdays and other celebrations during winter months. This pattern also transitions into a spring sewing project as your sewing experience grows. All you’ll need to adjust to a spring cowl scarf is lighter fabrics with bright colors—making it the perfect transitional sewing piece between seasons.

Make a Reversible Shopping Bag

Suited for sewing any time of year, this reversible shopping bag will enable you to carry far more stuff than the average grocery store bag! It’s also washable, depending on the material you choose–making it easier to handle a little spilled milk along the way. It’s also Eco-friendly, as you’ll no longer need all those plastic bags from the store. Sewing a reusable shopping bag on your own allows you the freedom to choose the fabrics and patterns you’d love to show off, rather than paying for pre-made, branded ones. Chances are you’ll love to sport this bag around town, as these bags are useful for carting around far more than just groceries.

Sew a Few Envelope Pillow Covers

If you’re someone who likes to decorate your home for every season, you can’t go wrong with these easy-to-sew envelope pillow covers. They slide off and onto your pillows with ease and are so simple to create that you might as well make a set for every season or holiday. They’re “sew” much fun that you’re sure to find yourself making pillow covers for every room in the house!

Before beginning any of these simple sewing projects for the New Year, be sure to invest in a solid sewing machine and learn a base set of sewing skills. Try taking one of the many classes for beginning sewers at Cathey’s Sewing & Vacuum here in Tucson, Arizona. Once you’ve gotten a few simple projects under your belt, you’ll be ready to move onto some of the more advanced projects and classes! We’re excited to see you get started!