Susan

Susan

My mother used to make our clothes when we were little. I would help her thread the sewing machine needle. That was the beginning of my love for sewing. I have many memories of my mother and the projects that we created. Here's to you creating many sewing projects and some beautiful memories of your own.

Oct 242016
 

This year, I am making more Christmas Stockings, as well as a few lap quilts.

Following are some of the holiday prints that I absolutely love, and were perfect for my stockings and quilt projects:

These are 5-inch pre-cut squares that are great for quilting or projects that require smaller pieces of fabric, such as my Christmas stockings.

The following are sold by the yard and cut to order. For example, if you order three yards the fabric will measure 44″ x 108″.:

I was lucky to get the following fabric when I did because it seems to sell out quickly.

I purposely chose the above fabrics that had Prime Shipping because I just couldn’t wait to get these beautiful fabrics. There are so many more holiday prints to choose from at the following link:


Feb 032016
 

The original Janome Sew Mini Sewing Machine

Small in size. BIG on features!

If you are looking for a toy sewing machine, you are looking at the wrong machine. Sew Mini is made by Janome, the world’s leading manufacturer of home sewing machines. In fact, Sew Mini is made in the same factory as Janome’s larger machines, and incorporates many of the same helpful features. This is the perfect second machine for the experienced user, or a great starter machine for the young enthusiast.

The Sew Mini now comes in three new colors: Beachcomber, Honeycomb, and Merlot (See Below).

  • Top loading bobbin
  • 2 stitches
  • 4-piece feed dog
  • Manual thread
  • tension control
  • Clip on presser feet
  • Push-pull bobbin winder
  • Extra high presser foot lift
  • Stitch selection dial
  • 3 stitch width adjustments
  • 5 stitch length adjustments
  • Weighs only 5 lbs
  • Machine Size W 10.5″ x H 9″ x D 5.8″
  • This is not a toy. Recommended for ages 8 to adult.
  • Available in 3 great NEW colors: Honeycomb, Beachcomber, and Merlot

The Original Janome Sew Mini Sewing Machine – View on Amazon.com!

*Note: The Janome Sew Mini is such a popular sewing machine, it is difficult to keep in stock. Check the availibility of the following new colors below.

Janome Sew Mini Janome Sew Mini Janome Sew Mini
Sewing Machine Sewing Machine Sewing Machine
Beachcomber Honeycomb Merlot

Apr 042015
 

Janome Hello Kitty – 14412

Janome 14412 Pink Hello Kitty 12Stitch FullSize Mechanical Sewing Machine

Janome 14412 Pink Hello Kitty 12-Stitch Full-Size Mechanical Sewing Machine

Just the basics! The Hello Kitty 14412 is a great machine for someone who is just starting out, or who wants a machine that can tackle any of their basic sewing needs.

Like the Janome 2212 Same 12-Stitches Sewing Machine

Includes 4 Step Buttonhole, Auto 4mm Stitch Length, up to 5mm Zigzag Stitch, Heavy Duty Metal Casting, 3 Presser Feet, Weighs 13 Lbs, up to 860 SPM Speed (13512 Red, 15312 Blue), +25/5/3Yr* Exclusive Parts and Labor Extended Warranty*

Features:

    Front Loading Bobbin
    Free Arm
    Folding Carry Handle
    Speeds up to 860 spm Dial Pattern Selector
    Manual Tension Control
    Snap-On Presser Feet
    Built-In Thread Cutter
    12 utility and stretch stitches
    4-Step Buttonhole
    Zigzag Width Adjustment to 5mm
    Stitch Length Adjustment to 4mm
    0-2.5 Stitch Length For Reverse Stitch
    Two Retractable, Vertical Spool Pins
    `Incandescent Lamp
    Push-Pull Bobbin Winder
    Optional Softcover
    Heavy-duty internal metal frame

If you have been asking yourself, “What sewing machine should I purchase?”, “What brand of sewing machine is good for a beginner?”, “What is a good sewing machine?”, “Where should I buy a sewing machine?”, “How do you know what sewing machine to purchase?”, then you should watch this video.

Feb 052015
 

Handmade Valentine Tic-Tac-Toe Game

I found this adorable tutorial for a Valentine Tic-Tac-Toe game. This tutorial shows how to make it using a sewing machine, but you could probably make this with craft glue if you don’t sew.

This would be a great project for you and your child, or as a gift. Not feeling so good, and stuck in the house? Play a game of Tic-Tac-Toe!

Materials:

  • White Felt
  • Red Felt
  • Brown Felt
  • Pink Felt
  • Red Ric-Rac or Ribbon
  • Pinking Shears
  • Sewing Machine
  • Matching Thread

Tic Tac Toe Tutorial – Click Here!

Tic Tac Toe Games on Amazon – Click Here!

Heartfelt and Handmade Holidays


Jan 022015
 

Janome Magnolia 7318

This is a good, solid machine. Easy to use, this is the perfect machine for the beginner or avid sewer, and it will easily fit your budget.

With 18 decorative and utility stitches, it is the perfect machine for all of your projects: crafting, garments, home decorating, quilting, and more.

“This machine even has overcasting stitches so you can finish your raw edges and avoid raveling”

Features:

    • Horizontal Full Rotary Hook
    • Free Arm/Flat Bed Convertible
    • Retractable Carrying Handle
    • Maximum Speed: 830 spm
    • 18 Stitches Including Buttonhole
    • 4-Step Buttonhole
    • Drop-In Bobbin with see-through plate
    • Stretch Stitch Adjustment
    • Maximum Zigzag Width: 5.0 mm
    • Maximum Stitch Length: 4 mm
    • Manual Thread Tension Control
    • Extra-high Presser Foot Lift
    • Drop Feed Dog (Lever Type)
    • Push-pull Bobbin Winder
    • Snap (clip) on Presser Foot
    • Thread Cutter (Underneath the Face Plate)
    • Horizontal Spool Pin


Dec 102014
 

Handmade Napkins

I came across this tutorial for making handmade napkins, for everyday or any special occasion. They are so easy to make, you could whip up a dozen in just a couple of hours.

These would be a nice hostess gift, alone or with any combination of kitchen and table linens, such as placemats, table runner, casserole or pie carrier, dinner roll holder, apron, etc.

 

Check out the following video for folding Christmas napkins:

 


Dec 052014
 

Homemade Dinner Roll Holder

I love this dinner roll holder. I had never seen one before. This would make a wonderful hostess gift. I would love to make one (or two) of these to go with a matching casserole or pie carrier, placemats, napkins, and table runner.

I like the contrasting colors, but using the same color would be nice, too.


Dec 042014
 

Christmas Carolers

These darling DIY Christmas carolers would be perfect sitting on your mantle. They also make great gifts or toys for children to play with during the holiday season.

They are very easy and can be made in an evening. Create just one, or a whole group of carolers. I know you won’t be able to make just one!

These dolls are bigger than they look. They measure approximately 8″ tall x 4″ wide. I’m sure you could adjust the pattern pieces to make them smaller or larger, maybe create a family of adults and little ones.

These are made with a sewing machine, but I’m sure they could be hand sewn as well.

Also, see our post, Handmade Christmas Stockings

Nov 242014
 

*Note: If chart does not load correctly, please Refresh (Ctrl-5)

Model
Built-In Stitches
Automatic Buttonhole
Free Arm
Sewing Light
LCD Display
Check Price & Reviews
Michley LSS-505Michley Lil' Sew & Sew LSS-505 Combo Mini Sewing Machine, Electrical Scissors and 100-Piece Sewing Kit 8 Yes No Yes No

See Reviews on Amazon

Janome Sew MiniJanome Sew Mini Sewing Machine 2 No Yes No No See Reviews on Amazon
Brother LS-2125iBrother LS-2125i Sewing Machine 10 4-Step Yes Yes No

See Reviews on Amazon

Janome Purple Thunder Portable Sewing MachineJanome Purple Thunder Portable Sewing Machine 10 No Yes Yes No

See Reviews on Amazon

Brother XM2701 27 1-Step Yes Yes No

See Reviews on Amazon

Singer 2259 19 4-Step Yes Yes No

See Reviews on Amazon

Singer 1507WC 8 4-Step Yes Yes No

See Reviews on Amazon

Singer 4411 11 4-Step Yes Yes No

See Reviews on Amazon

Janome Hello Kitty
Janome Hello Kitty 3/4 Size Fully Functional Sewing Machine
11 4-Step Yes Yes No

See Reviews on Amazon

Janome Hello Kitty – Pink
Janome 11412 Pink Hello Kitty 12-Stitch Full-Size Mechanical Sewing Machine
11 4-Step Yes Yes No

See Reviews on Amazon

Brother CS5055PRWCS5055PRW Brother Project Runway Limited Edition Computerized Sewing Machine 50 1-Step, 5 Styles Yes Yes Yes

See Reviews on Amazon

Janome 2212 12 4-Step Yes Yes No

See Reviews on Amazon

Singer 4423Singer 4423 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine with 23 Built-In Stitches, Metal Frame 23 4-Step Yes Yes No

See Reviews on Amazon

Brother CS6000iBrother 60 1-Step, 7 Styles Yes Yes Yes

See Reviews on Amazon

Singer 7258 100 1-Step, 7 Styles Yes Yes Yes

See Reviews on Amazon

Brother XR9500PRWBrother XR9500PRW Limited Edition Quilting Machine with Extension Table 100 1-Step, 8 Styles Yes Yes Yes

See Reviews on Amazon

Singer OneSinger One Easy-to-Use Computerized Sewing Machine 24 1-Step, 2 Styles Yes Yes Yes

See Reviews on Amazon

Juki HZL-27ZJuki HZL-27Z Sewing Machine 22 4-Step Yes Yes No

See Reviews on Amazon


Oct 282014
 

Singer One Easy-to-Use Computerized Sewing Machine

Singer One Easy-to-Use Computerized Sewing Machine

Singer One Easy-to-Use Computerized Sewing Machine

The Singer One sewing machine features a one-touch automatic needle threader using the SwiftSmart Threading System. The Drop & Sew Bobbin System is a top drop-in bobbin system that doesn’t require you to pick up the bobbin thread for a quick and easy start. The presser foot sensor ensures that your presser foot is in the correct position for sewing, the perfect feature for beginners.

The OneTouch Stitch Selection is automatically set at the stitch’s optimal length and width, but can be easily overridden for personalization. If you’re an expert sewer this machine’s extra-large sewing space, drop feed and StayBright LED lights make this the perfect addition to your sewing space.

Check out the Singer One at Amazon.com