Some simple projects for a newbie?

You can make simple felt plushies, like a heart shape with a smiley face. Just draw the heart shape on paper a cm larger than you want it, cut two felt hearts with the pattern, sew them together inside out, leaving a small gap. Put it the right way around again, stuff it and sew the gap shut. =]

I normally use my sewing machine to make things so when I have to sew something by hand I struggle.

sock creatures!

try making a simple tote bag maybe? i started off making them when i was younger, then as i got good i got a bit more adventurous

make friends with your sewing machine - it makes a world of difference to what you can make. They're basically friendly things, just get some scraps of fabric and play until you're confident with it. Then start on some straight line projects - as Claire A says tote bags are a great starting point and there are hundreds of tutorials all over the internet - and plenty to start with on here!

Thanks you guys, I'll try the tote bag idea first, I saw an adorable Pikachu tote.. I wanna stuff shtuff into his brain like the creator =D

You could also try pincushions as a variation on the plushie idea and maybe try a bit of embroidery. If you can already do blanket and whip stitch, you've a good start. You could learn some new stitches like satin, split and french knots and use them to decorate your plushes or totebags.

Ah, thanks for the tip Libby. Yes, I know how to do the simple stitch, blanket stitch and whip stitch, but I've never heard of satin or split.. I'll have to try them =)

One thing I love to to that is kinda easy for some is soft sculpture. You cut some fabric in a general shape of what you want to make, even sometimes breaking it up into feasible pieces so the jointing goes together well, then you sew it together, stuff it, and use a needle and thread to "sculpt" it bit by bit into what you want. You will see that the results are pretty cool, and if you don't like the way it goes, just clip your sculpting stitches and re-do it. I remember that I wanted a stuffed dragon really bad when I was a kid that was made of gold lame' fabric or some other metallic. I searched everywhere for a couple of years, then arrived at the conclusion that I had to make it myself. I made about 6 metallic lame' dragons. It was loads of fun and I was happy after about a couple of hours after I started sculpting them. I recently made a golden snitch from Harry Potter and I gave it to my son, he loves it! that was easy, 5 equal sized eye shaped pieces and wing shapes (2 for each side because they have to be stuffed too.) and I sculpted the wings so that they looked awesome. There is also working with gold paint, ping pong balls and plastic from soda bottles to make a golden snitch too. I have made dozens of them for party favors. (yes I am a Harry Potter Geek)I am planning to post some of my soft sculpture stuff on here soon, anyway.

Sara, that's really interesting.
It's never occured to me to approach it that way.... I always try to work out a pattern or cut each piece in a kinda trial and error fashion. Your way sounds much easier!!

I like your design Sara, that sounds a lot simplier then working out patterns like I always do. I will definitely have to try this!

Thanks! I learned about soft sculpture browsing a library, there was the usual questionable items, then there were wooden frames that the sculpture was made around. One was an amazing mermaid that was the support for a glass tabletop. I still want to try soft sculpturing furniture items, such as pure fabric and batting chairs and the table support idea, except with a different creature or creatures. You do not have to use wood, pvc is a good framework too.

Hey Anne, here's a link to tutorial showing the basic embroidery stitches:

http://www.sublimestitching.com/howto.html

If you stitch on felt you don't need a hoop to keep the fabric taut, but it is a bit tougher, so make sure you use a sharp needle.