Happy!

Remember my indecision regarding a new sewing machine? I finally made a decision. Or rather, this machine made the decision for me. Seriously. I wasn't even considering the Aurora 440 as it was way out of my price range. After calling a few dealers however, I found a great deal on a gently used 440 that I just could not pass up. She was delivered on Christmas Eve.

We've been slowly getting to know each other. Here's my first attempt at free motion sewing using the BSR foot. In case you're starting to think that I'm a natural at free motion sewing, the smaller letters were made using the built in alphabet stitches.

I still can't believe I own this beautiful machine. I'm very much looking forward to sewing with her and learning everything she can do.

Merry Christmas

28

Today I turn 28. I think it's going to be a good year. I was thinking of a list of 28 things I'd like to do while I'm 28, but really it all came down to this one thing: enjoy life more.

Indecision!

Folks, it's time I bought myself a new machine. I've been saving up for one, it's my birthday soon, my current machine isn't cutting it anymore - I have a ton of reasons. The problem is, I can't decide which one to buy! After several trips to a local sewing machine dealer, I'm now torn between these two options:

The Bernina 1008. This mechanical machine is supposed to be a real workhorse. When I tested it out in the store, it sewed so smoothly. But, will I miss all the bells and whistles of a computerized sewing machine?

Another option I've looked at is the Activa 230 PE. It's at the top of my price range but has everything I want/need. Though, I'm not sure I could quilt a full size quilt on this easily.

I just can't decide - and I'm sure there are even more options out there that I haven't even looked at. Does anyone out there have any suggestions on the machines above or other options? I appreciate your help!

ETA: Both the Activa 230 and 1008 are about the same price when I throw in the extra feet I'll need. So really my decision boils down to whether I want a longer throat plate for easier quilting and more of a workhorse (the 1008 is supposed to be pretty indestructible), or do I want more stitches, buttonholes, bells and whistles. Have I ever mentioned how indecisive I am???

Wow!

Yesterday was so much fun. I am completely amazed at how many people played along with Sew Mama Sew's giveaway day, how many people commented here, and the great suggestions you all gave for getting into the Holiday spirit. I read through each one and I so wish I could thank each one of you for leaving your comment. Just reading your comments made me joyful for the season. Thank you!

Without further ado, it's time time to announce the winner of the holiday scarf. Drum roll please... I used the random number generator and entered in the number of comments (204!). The winner is commenter number 12! So, Maggie, will you please send me your snail mail address so I can send you your prize?

I hope you all have a great weekend. I'm off to New York for a winter wedding.

Holiday Scarf Giveaway!

Christmas has always been one of my favorite holidays. But, I just don't feel the magic of the holidays quite like I used to. Is it still possible to get all fluttery with holiday joy? What do you do to get yourself in the holiday spirit? Is there a special decoration you like to make, a certain holiday soundtrack you listen to, a favorite hot chocolate recipe you sip? Any and all suggestions are welcome!

Comment on this post for the chance to win this holiday scarf made of oh so soft olive fabric with some festive sparkle. I'll randomly pick a winner tomorrow. I look forward to all of your holiday spirit suggestions.

Be sure to check out all the other giveaways going on today via Sew Mama Sew!

I just couldn't buy her another Vera Bradley

When I knew I could make one myself. Not that there's anything wrong with Vera B...


This was a much belated birthday present for my Mom. That zipper was so much more fun than I thought it would be (but I still need to perfect it). Seriously!

Now it's time to work on Christmas presents! Be sure to stop by tomorrow, December 3rd, as I am participating in Sew Mama Sew's give-way day.

I am so thankful

For family, friends, love, silly pets, the readers of this blog who are so motivating and encouraging, inspiring crafters/sewers/makers of things, curiosity, celebrating good times, getting through bad times, the power to be happy, a great year. I am so thankful.

Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Raesha sent me this beautiful doll quilt way back in the summer. I keep it above my sewing machine.

Well it's about time!

I have a finished object too show you, finally! This is New Look 6729 in a knit I bought from Fashion Mart last year. I bought a little over two yards intending to make it into a dress. I decided it would be better as a shirt afterall.

It's a good thing I had over two yards because the long sleeve version of this top really requires it! As you can see, I sewed the ties as the pattern calls for by just hemming the strips. Several sewing.patternreview.com reviewers recommended cutting two extra ties and just sewing them together so the wrong side doesn't show. Unfortunately I didn't have enough fabric so I made do with what I had. I actually don't mind the wrong side showing on this knit since it's not too much of a contrast with the right side. The front middle, right below my bust line, is sagging a bit too much. I'm not sure if this is a pattern flaw or if I sewed something incorrectly. It's nothing that a little hand sewing can't fix.

Overall I am very pleased with this pattern. I might just wear it to my high school reunion this weekend...

Event planning

I'm trying to come up with a reason (excuse) why I've been so absent from this blog recently. First it was Bali, then it was the move, and well, now it's this:


Who knew how much time it would take to plan a wedding? Not I! Though I'm sure many of you are nodding your head in the affirmative. I've been very busy trying to find a place for our outdoor ceremony and reception that has everything we want within our budget. We looked at a place that looks promising and I am keeping my fingers crossed that it will all work out. Then I can start with the fun stuff: dresses, decorations, favors, oh my! I'm not a very good planner, so the thought of planning a wedding was a little overwhelming at first. Fortunately, this is all turning out to be so much more fun than I thought (though still a little overwhelming I must admit). The downside is that I feel like one of those people who always talks about weddings now.

If you know of any diy wedding sites, please pass them along. In the meantime, I promise that my next couple of posts will be crafting related (this is a sewing/craft blog afterall) which will help me take my mind away from wedding stuff, for a little while at least.

Top inspiration

A little bit of inspiration from Anthropologie goes a long way. All I want to do this weekend is sew, sew , sew!

The short list

I'm trying to get my sewing mojo back. I finally had some time to myself after several weeks devoted to unpacking and settling into the new place and what did I do? I stared at my fabric and blanked. I'm just not that excited about sewing winter clothes. So I closed the door and came back after a few hours. Instead of looking at my fabric the next time I entered my sewing room, I pulled out all my patterns for a little sewing inspiration. I then pulled up sewing reviews on Pattern Review and created a short list based on interest, need, and fabric on hand. Here's what made the short list:

Simplicity 4076 in a black, yellow and white knit,

New Look 6729 in a pink multi-stripe knit,

New Look 6807 in a black and grey knit,

and finally Vogue 8420 in a purple cotton knit.

Can you tell I need tops? And that I have a lot of knits in my stash? I'm looking forward to my new winter top wardrobe. I just hope I finish them before winter is over!

Pet Bed Tutorial!

It's here! I might add that although it's a little later than I intended to share with you, it's just in time for the Holidays. Make it for your pet or your friend's!

Download the Pet Bed Tutorial!

Please let me know if you find any problems in the instructions. Also, please share what you've created using this tutorial. I can't wait to see what you all make!

ETA: The link should be working now!

I'm waving a white flag of surrender

Remember this pet bed? Remember my promise to share it? Well guess what? The tutorial is done. It's actually been done for quite a while. The problem? I cannot figure out how to freakin' share it with you. Do any of you know how I can share a pdf file on blogger? Pretty please? Anyone?

ETA: Thanks for all of your suggestions. In the end, Peter figured it out for me. The tutorial is on it's way...!

Thank you thank you

Thank you all so much for the warm wishes on our engagement. You all are too sweet. I was definitely taken by surprise when Peter popped the question. We're both very excited! Now the fun begins: planning a wedding. I'll keep you in the loop. Ideally I'd like to make some of the decorations. I've gotten a lot of questions about whether or not I'm going to make my own dress. Well, the jury is really out on that one. On the one hand, how great would it be to say, "I made my wedding dress!" and get a look that is exactly as you pictured. On the other hand, I'm not really sure I want the stress. We'll see.


Completely unrelated, here is an apron I made for my friend Ali. I used JCaroline's apron tutorial for the basic pattern, with a few modifications. This weekend I'm hoping to sew a lot for the house, as decorating for our new place continues. We're hoping to have most of the place finished this weekend. Maybe I'll have pictures to share next week. Fingers crossed!

I said yes

A little souvenir from Bali!

Waiting

My sewing machine has been waiting a while to come back into my life.


But it doesn't have to wait much longer. Kathy is currently on her way over and we have a full day of sewing ahead of us. I can't wait!


Here's a little pincushion I whipped up for her birthday. I love that little blue button. It's from a stash of vintage buttons I found before vacation. I'll have to show you the other little lovelies from that stash another time.

Birthday girls

Before I left for Bali I made my niece this dress for her fourth birthday. I used the Oliver and S tea party sundress pattern and some denim and Ginger Blossom fabric I had in my stash. Other than adding length (note to self: add length to the pattern before you cut the fabric!), the dress fits Corinne wonderfully. The Oliver and S fall patterns are adorable too. I wish they came in my size!

You can see a picture of Corinne wearing the dress on her first day of school over on her mommy's site. Today happens to be Kathy's birthday, so be sure to leave a birthday wish for her while you're there! Happy Birthday big sis!!! (Kathy, you're going go have to wait until next week to see your present - no sneak peeks here!)

I'm back!

Well, kind of. I'm writing this post with one hand and keeping my fingers crossed with the other hoping that our internet is really on for good now. Oh how I've missed having an internet connection! Yes, this is probably a sign of addiction but I've accepted it and moved on. Moving on.

I still don't have pictures to share. We actually were productive during our weeks of no internet and no cable, but it was more productive in the unpacking boxes sort of way rather than the uploading our vacation pictures way. Apparently we have no use for the computer unless it's connected to the internet. Who knew? So the house is mostly unpacked (including the sewing room!), Flair is currently drying after being wet blocked, a new scarf is almost off the needles, and several sewing projects should be in the works soon.

The Big Move

This should be the last pictureless post I make for a while. We're moving to a new house today and have been busy packing and getting over jet lag. Goodness, my body doesn't adjust well to time changes! I'm ready for the moving process to be over already so I can get on with life and sewing and knitting and all those fun things. My head is dizzy with decorating ideas for the new place. Or maybe that's still the jet lag...

I hope to be back soon with pictures of our trip and new place and new projects!