Steve's been telling me for month's about some sewing machine he keeps seeing and almost buying for me........
I read Princess Spanky Pants post of what she wanted to buy on Black Friday which included a Brother sewing machine at Wal-Mart for $59.99. I told Steve about it, and he really did buy it.
He gace it to me last night, and all night in bowling talked about all the things that I can sew now. Little does he really know how little I know about sewing machines. We had one for years that was once my mom's and every time I needed to use it I had to call my son (yes, my SON) over to thread it for me! That machine got ruined when our house flooded in May of 2007.
I have just sewn by hand for so long...and I don't make big things. However, I have been going to sewing club at church and learning how to quilt. A friend at work gave me 2 bags of material scraps so I really do want to start on a quilt with those.
I won't have time right away to mess with the machine (and wish he had waited until Christmas to give it to me). I need to finish up what I have started crocheting and stuff for presents. Then, I will have to completely read the instructions to the machine.
I am excited though as I may be able to come up with some other easier type projects to make and sell on my website now.
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Comments: 27
I remember I always had to thread the needle on my mother's sewing machine. I wonder what happened to hers.
I can't sew from a pattern at all. I just get lost, and give up. I can't begin to tell you how many useless scraps of fabric I have that were cut wrong, or started for a pattern.
Some of the easiest things to make are squares. Just cut the square, and sew 3 sides together inside out, then turn it the right way, and fill it- stuffing for pillows, uncooked non-instant rice for a heating pad, thin batting for a pot holder, etc.
Scarves & winter hats from fleece are also very easy- again, straight lines are all you need to know how to sew!
For the scarf, take 2-3 long strips of fleece, and sew a straight line right down the middle. Then cut the edges into a fringe. Very fun! Teens love them. You can make 2-3 scarves from 1 yard of fleece.
For the hat, here's a link with directions I made. Now, for these, I go to jo-Ann Fabrics and ONLY buy fleece remanents. They are almost always on sale 50-75% off the lowest marked price, which is already 50% off what it would be to get the same cut of fabric from the bolt. So, if they have half a yard of fabric which is normally $5.99/yard, then the remanent of it will be $2.99/yard, or $1.49. Then, the sale price on it will be $/38 to $.78 cents for half a yard of fleece!
You can't beat the price- a boring stocking cap at Walmart is $1 or $1.50.
Here's the link on how to make the hats:
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?memberId=96905&grpId=-1&articleId=281474977175494
Here are a few other articles I've posted on scarves and what not:
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?memberId=96905&grpId=-1&articleId=281474976830114
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?memberId=96905&grpId=-1&articleId=281474976830121
Good luck, Marsha!!
When you see your first completed quilt.
Heather has some great ideas. I have made simple curtains, blankets and a few quilts. For quilting, I still like to do most of it by hand though. There are so many easy projects online any more. They will inspire you to go for it, I'm sure.
http://happypeople.gather.com/
DOnt forget to tell someone you love them!
There is no promise for tomorrow
Maybe you could do a set of Christmas placemats to impress Steve:)
You can get so creative with your fabric choices - anything from a wild print to simple cotton to something sparkly to red velvet ......
If you use a wild print just sew a double edge
if you use plain cotton - do a scalloped edge or choose to applique something like a pointsettia or a star or an angel in the top corner and then sew along the oulines of the angel or flower
Do a cool border - use sewing tape to iron on a design in the lower right corner - sew on some jingle bells
endless possibilities - iron on - embroidery - fabric paint - fancy borders, you name it.
Maybe a table runner for a rectangular buffet or long table -
and pillows - don't even get me started on those - dog pillows - kid pillows - accent pillows - go modern go crazy - go fancy - go country and cozy - do a plaid dog bed or a purple velvet cat throne pillow with a little gold crown in the corner.
Beds for pets are in - let your creative juices flow:)
Maybe I should see if I can find a decent sewing machine.
or a throw for a chair or a cool Christmas tree skirt.
Enjoy your new machine.
I have an old Kenmore that I got through freecycle, but I am having such a hard time threading it as well. Last time I had my husband's aunt help me, but she moved to Orlando recently. The other day my husband actually brought home an old Singer sewing machine that he found left over, as someone had left an apartment he was cleaning up. I have not had a chance to try it out, but very soon I will.