Guess what I got last week (hint: I told you in this blog’s title)!!!
My sweet mother-in-law recently got a new sewing machine…. Which means the one she got 20+ years ago that is still perfectly fine (but doesn’t do embroidery) needed a home.
After taking down our Christmas tree, we had the room (still near my creative workspace) to keep the sewing machine….
It’s one of those amazing sewing machines that lives in a table. I don’t really know how else to describe it…..
{note to self: I need better lighting in my house}
Having a sewing machine ALSO means I get to dig into the 3 sewing books said mother-in-law has given me over the last couple years.
Pictured above, I have:
- Amy Butler’s In Stitches: More Than 25 Simple and Stylish Sewing Projects
- The Sewing Bible: A Modern Manual of Practical and Decorative Sewing Techniques
- I Love Patchwork: 21 Irresistible Zakka Projects to Sew
ALSO …. Now that I have a sewing machine, I can finish the apron I started for Andrew way (way) back in fall 2008. Yes, that’s right. I don’t finish things. Now you know my deepest secret.
ALSO …. now that I have this I can eventually make the Green Gal’s patchwork coasters or this adorable quilt from Quilting in the Rain!
So excited!
Are you a seamstress?
Any tips or project links I need to see??
note: I don’t even know how to thread the thing, so don’t expect any finished quilts on the blog any time soon …
I love my Sears Kenmore!! I bought it 36 years ago, when I was 18. Not a week goes by we don’t connect, even if to reinforce a seam… or hem a dress. My favorite thing to do is repurpose garments… take a quality vintage garment from my local thrift store and redesign it.
The best advise I can give you… learn to condition your machine yourself. I clean and oil my machine yearly, so that it purrs like a kitten and runs like a champ.
You will find the diagram in the manual… on how to oil, clean and condition. It’s one of my most favorite and gratifying things I do to ensure the longevity of my beloved machine.
i got a sewing machine as a gift when i graduated. i don’t use it enough, but it is lovely to have when the mood strikes. i’m off to thrift shop today to find a little project to do, so maybe we’ll be reunited soon!
Gosh Amy, so much I could share… but I thought of something else.
The size of your needle makes a huge difference. Seriously, if you’re sewing with canvas, denim, etc use a large size needle… delicate fabric, use a small size. Also finding the right tension for each project is key. Always sew rows of stitches on scraps of the fabric that you’re going to use, all the while adjusting your tension to make sure the stitches are good on both sides.
Bottom line… know your machine real well before embarking on any project.
oh how exciting! congrats on the (new)sewing machine! that was very nice of your mother in law
i would check out burdstyle. they have free printable patterns. i have made two skirts from there…both the same skirt but i love it so much that i am going to make more! super easy patterns too! have fun!!
xo,
cb
want it!!!
Boyfriend bought me a sewing machine when I graduated from undergrad…nearly three years ago. I don’t have any space for it yet, but when I do, I’ll be picking up those books!
Ooh! That looks just like the (old) Kenmore that I just bought second..er..third-hand. They’re solid machines, and pretty quiet, too.
If you don’t have the original manual, then check for it online – they’re pretty accessible. And there are some good Youtube videos about it, too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1j8e8FvwUlQ&feature=related
Enjoy!
TEACH ME HOW TO SEW!! Dude!!
Also…my mom tried (again) to get me to take the ancient sewing machine (that also lives in a table) that was willed to me by my grandma…
Also…teach me how to sew.
xooooo