I just picked stuff that I wanted to make. For the most part, there are usually pretty easy patterns for most simple things. So I'll go through a fabric store and look for odd fabrics and figure out what they'd work well on. I've made Hawaiian shirts, vests, fleece pullovers, puppets, a faux skunk hat, curtains, costumes, kites, and so on.

Most of those were from fabrics that spoke to the project or were on sale.

Tips - buttons can be machine sewed on - usually with the machine set on satin with stitch with the widest zig zag. Tape the button down with Scotch tape, hand crank the needle to make sure it aligns with the holes, then let it rip.

Sewing machines are awesome. Go to craftster and look through the forum projects - you'll luvvvv it and find lots of great stuff to make.

Also watch Hello my name is Heather

Oooh, fuzzbean, good for you. I love to sew.

Be sure to visit sewing.patternreview.com.

Pajama bottoms are easy and fun. Or an apron. There are a lot of easy handbag patterns out there too.

I love Kwik Sew patterns. The instructions are fabulous and the patterns are printed on heavy paper.

I'm so envious. I'd make weird handpuppets as my starter project.

Skirts are an easy starter to making clothing.
I love my sewing machines!
Granted, they've turned me into something of the official seamstress of my social circle, but hey, I charge people in drinks and food, and everyone's happy.

Stuffed bunnies, of course.
If I had a sewing machine I would be knitting lots of little cosmetic-sized bags and lining them with silk or something.