2 posts in one morning? Wow She's on a roll

Just saw this (not sure why I didn't see it earlier last night) over at the Sew, Mama, Sew blog and decided to step up to the plate with some info about my sewing machine:

What brand and model do you have? Baby Lock Xscape

How long have you had it? Since April 2008. It was a gift from my MIL.

How much does that machine cost (approximately)? MIL told me it was $500 or so...but she got it for a STEAL when the quilt shop she worked at in NY closed (all the ladies were retiring so the owner closed down the shop)

What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)? Baby legs, clothes for Marisa, hooded towels, burp cloths, trick or treat bags, a blanket(first oe, and it was TERRIBLE lol but I was learning).

How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get? I sew as often as I can. Sometimes once a week, sometimes more. I do not get to sew often during the day. Having an 18 month old child will interfere with that but I do try to sew in the evenings after she goes to bed (though working full time, carrying twins and again, an 18 month old, will wear you out rather quickly)

Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name? I love it. I wish I would get off my butt and read more about what it can do. I have decorative stitches that I tried once, and being a beginner the stitching went crooked, I got frustrated and never EVER touched that feature again. I need to work on that this summer.

What features does your machine have that work well for you? One touch bobbin threading. I just push a button and voila!! Also i love the buutton hole feature. Even my sewing instructor was thoroughly impressed with it last summer :)

Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine? User error. No seriously, any problems I've had are because I've done something stupid.

Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped it on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper?, Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.!)? We want to hear it! I was interested in learning how to sew, always have been, and a couple girls in my mom's club were offering to teach us how to make Mei-Tai wraps. Being ambitious I signed up to learn, bought the wrong fabric, but learned how to do the basics; thread the bobbin, sew a straight stitch, top stitch, etc. I drove home knowing I would never finish the wrap, but so excited to learn how to do the basics. I called my MIL on the way home just to share the excitement. About a week later she called to tell me she bought me a machine. I was BESIDE myself. Who would have thought that after all these years I would learn to sew, at the age of 34??? Not me.

I told Derek that I might as well learn how to use the machine instead of watching it collect dust in the house. I signed up for a 6 week course at the local community college that summer and the rest is history. I am so greatful to Ms. Ellison for being so patient and so kind to me and helping me learn the ropes. I am so grateful to my MIL for having the faith in me and knowing I could learn to sew at an "older age." I LOVE sewing, and while I may be critical of my work, I am learning to relax and go with the flow which has resulted in items I am proud of!!!!! (See skirts below)

Would you recommend the machine to others? Why? Yes, especially for beginners. First off because if you ARE a beginner, it's very portable ad os the perfect tyuype of machine to take with you to classes. Second if you are looking for a lightweight machine (due to frequent get together's with friend for sewing days) it's perfect to tote around. It comes witha bag, but i still recommend getting a sewing tote with wheels. It is very easy to operate, has a needle threader (though not as fancy and automatic and my MIL's), and the button hold feature...AMAZING!!!

What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine? I'm probably not the person to answer this question really. Being that I am just learning to sew and just learning what to look for in a machine. I doubt I'll need to look for a new machine anytime soon.

Do you have a dream machine? My MIL's. Wish I knew the name of it. I know it's a Baby Lock brand. She is very loyal to them (She's an AMAZING quilter.) Although, I have to say I am excited to learn how to use my Baby Lock Serger this summer. Wish me luck.

I know SMS didn't ask for this, but here is a picture of my machine. Don't mind the cat, she was just inspecting my work (this is the "old sewing table" Thanks to Ikea, I got a new one last weekend)

spring/summer creations...part 1

I've been posting these on Facebook, so if you have seen them there I apologize for the "double post."

Let's start off with something easy. I found this headband tutorial about, maybe 2 weeks or so ago. I love love love tutorials and searching for them online. When I found this I thought, this is something I could do!!!! So I gave it a shot. Not bad!!!



On a very pregnant model:





Next up was a variation of this skirt. I was too chicken to try the top waistband so I opted for a regular waistband. Kind of makes me want to kick myself for not being more daring, but perhaps that is something I can do after this round of sewing classes????

I actually made 2 versions 1...the cheaters skirt, Opted out of the top waistband part and bottom hem because I could not find a coordinating fabric that I had on hand that satisfied me. Although the finished product looked SOOOOO cute on my little sweetheart.



Then the next day, after being so pleased with the look of the first skirt, I went out and bought some red, white and blue fabric to make a skirt for my SIL's Memorial day BBQ (cook-out). Admittedly I messed up on the first attempt. I should have cut the main fabric only an inch or so smaller than what I cut the first skirt, but I didn't and I screwed up royally. (Not sure what to do with the "too short" version, so any suggestions would be greatly appreciated). So, if at first you don't succeed, try again:

This version is with the bottom hem band. I love the look and it was so easy to do. (Now to build the confidence on the waistband)


Now, to be honest I made the second one a bit longer than the first but it's ok seeing as how Marisa is so tiny she'll likely grow taller before she grows wider. So she can "grow into it" and well, now she has a cute skirt for July 4th as well.

Upcoming projects include bibs for the baby boy, outfits for Marisa, nap mat (for the days when she is at Mah-Mah's) and mess mats to go under the high chairs of the children!!!!! The mess mats, nap mat and bib pattern all come from McCall's # M5604 (which I got for $.88 at Hancock during their memorial Day weekend sale...yesssss). I'll post pictures as those are completed of course. Lately though with 2 big events on the horizon at church I've been a bit tired.

That's all for now!!!!!