Sewing Machine Cover April 28, 2010

I made this cover for my sewing machine this past weekend.  It was a fun and easy project.  I hadn’t used my machine in a few months, and I wanted a quick project that would also be put to good use.  I was in our craft/computer/junk/spare room and noticed how dusty my sewing machine was, so I thought this would be a good idea.  I didn’t have a pattern, so i guesstimated the measurements and construction.  The cover is a little big, and the corners are somewhat puckered, but overall, I’m happy with the results…it was a learning experience!

The fabric was leftover from a project I did a few years ago, the roll-your-own needle case from Stitch ‘N Bitch by Debbie Stoller.  I adapted the pattern a little…here are some pictures:

***In case you’re interested, one of my favorite blogs recently interviewed Debbie Stoller.  You can read that interview here.

Merry Christmas…to me! December 12, 2009

I bought myself a Christmas present the other day…don’t worry, I did buy gifts for others first!  I have been wanting to buy a sewing machine for awhile now.  I took a sewing class in high school and was hooked.  I was able to use my mom’s old Kenmore sewing machine (from the early 1980s) while I was home visiting from college.  It worked well, and did what I needed it to do.

Then I got an old Montgomery Ward sewing machine as a hand-me-down.  A neighbor was trying to get rid of it, so my mom took it with me in mind.  I don’t know how old it was (maybe late 1970s), but it was interesting.  It made a really loud squeaking sound when I used it, and it would jam about every 10 minutes.  I think I learned what I did and didn’t want in a sewing machine from this experience.

This is what I bought on Thursday:

The Janome Magnolia 7330.  It’s a computerized machine that has 30 built-in stitches, a buttonhole sensor, and other exciting features that I won’t bore you with.  We got a few rebates from other items purchased when we moved.  I put that money toward this purchase so I didn’t have to pay full price…always a plus.  I’m excited and can’t wait to make some new things – happy sewing!

Potential Project? September 20, 2009

I bought these pieces of furniture from the roommate of a friend:

I really like the antique look of the desk and the dresser, but I also think that it would be fun to give them a new look.  I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.  Any thoughts from you 3 readers out there?!?

Knits and Purls August 28, 2009

These are some dishcloths that I made my grandma for her 81st birthday.  The knitted patterns are from Dishcloths from the Heart by Evelyn A. Clark.  I used Sugar’n Cream 100% Cotton yarn.  I have made these a few years ago for my mom and mother-in-law, but I think this book is a newer edition because there were three new patterns that I hadn’t seen before (the peach-colored dishcloth is one of the newer patterns).

I think they are a little cheese-y, but every one seemed to like them!  My grandma kept reminding me to bring all my knitting supplies next time I visit so we can have a knitting lesson.

I think that I sometimes get burned out on knitting, and sometimes stressed, which makes me kind of sad, because it’s an activity that should be relaxing.  This was an easy project to get back into the habit of knitting.  My sister is having a baby in January, so I’m thinking of making her some things.  I like making things for other people, but outside factors (i.e. my mom) are putting pressure on me to hurry up and get some things done, which make a project VERY unappealing!  We’ll see how it goes.