Crocheting & Knitting in the interim

The title says it all. While I’m waiting for my machine, I’m crocheting and knitting a few Christmas gifts.

I made a headband from this pattern by creativeyarn; here is my result:

Tell me what you think in the comments!

-K

Done and Done!

So, I (nervously) took the plunge.

After writing up the post on sewing machines I may/may not buy, I bought one — but it wasn’t on the list! I know, I’m pretty wild.

Here she is (picture from the ebay auction):

There’s a photo of the same machine (just a different color) on flickr (It’s actually for sale, if you’re looking for an older machine!).

She’s reviewed on pattern review here.

The machine was apparently just chilling out in someone’s closet, the seller on ebay sells sewing machines regularly and said that it has had virtually no use at all, and that it runs perfectly. It has no signs of wear and tear, no rubbing on the belt or anything. Hopefully she’s as awesome as she looks and sounds!

She was a steal, too…I paid $75 +shipping, because it was on buy it now/best offer. Woohoo!

Now to wait for her to arrive…I’m dyin’ here!

-K

The Art of Purchasing A Sewing Machine OR How Not to Waste Several Hundred Dollars

This past Wednesday I sold my sewing machine. To be frank, I was sad to see her go, but it’s on to bigger (well, actually about the same size) and better things.

Before I start in with machines I’m considering, I have a list of needs and wants for the machine I buy. I need a machine that:
-costs under $250.
-is capable of quilting.
-either comes with a darning foot and an even feed foot, or has reasonably priced feet available for purchase.
-has a drop-in bobbin.
-comes with a variety of decorative stitches.
-has buttonhole feature.
-has automatic tension.
-has adjustable stitch length & width.
-has adjustable presser foot pressure.
-A quilting table would be nice, but isn’t a necessity.

Here’s a list of the current candidates I’m considering:
Brother XL3750
Brother XL-3750 Convertible Free-Arm Sewing Machine with Quilting Features

Average Review on Amazon: 4/5 stars (25 reviews total)

Recommended on PatternReview.com?: No, not yet reviewed.

Reviewed on SewMamaSew?: No.

Pros:

-under budget

-has quilting features

-drop-in bobbin

-35 built-in utility, decorative, and heirloom stitches, each with multiple stitch functions

-Free-arm/flatbed convertible sewing surface

-Over sized sewing table

Cons:

- No mention of buttonhole feature.

-No mention of automatic tension.

-No mention of adjustable stitch length & width.

-No mention of adjustable presser foot pressure.

-Subject to tension issues, according to some reviews I’ve read. This makes me hesitant to purchase this model.

-A newer model, which technically doesn’t give it a real chance to have thorough reviews. The fact that it’s newer also means it’s likely not as sturdy as its predecessors, with more parts made of plastic rather than metal. It’s also a “lightweight” model, which isn’t really a feature I need or want — I’m looking for a machine that won’t “walk off” my sewing table.

-Patternreview.com’s Brother Sewing Machine Review section has no mention of the XL 3750. Not a good sign, as this tells me that either this machine has a reputation I’m unaware of, or it’s simply not that popular of a buy.

Other considerations:
This model is on eBay for $134.99 and is listed on Amazon.com for $118.26. My previous machine was $99.99 and had similar reviews and issues. Considering that my budget is about $200, I’d rather come close to number, unless it’s an antique and well reviewed machine that happens to be available for a bit less via eBay or Craigslist.

Brother ES2000

Brother ES2000 77 Stitch Function Computerized Free Arm Sewing Machine

Average Review on Amazon: 4/5 stars (72 reviews total)

Recommended on PatternReview.com?: Yes, by 1/1 users. Also received several accolades in the review’s comments.

Reviewed on SewMamaSew?: No

Pros:

-costs under $250.

-is capable of quilting.

-Free arm sewing machine.

-77 stitch functions.

- tension adjustment control.

-has a drop-in bobbin.

-comes with a variety of decorative stitches.

-has buttonhole feature.

-has automatic tension.

-has adjustable stitch length & width.

Cons:

-No mention of adjustable presser foot pressure.

-No quilting table.

-like the XL 3750, this machine is a lightweight model, which does worry me. Additionally, the reviews are good but not great. It also seems that the negative reviews point to a lack of support from Brother, which bothers me.

Other considerations:

$142.00 on Ebay, $158.57 on Amazon. This model is computerized, which I don’t necessarily need, but it’s an interesting addition to consider.

Brother XR 7700

Brother XR 7700 Computerized Sewing Machine w/Free Bonus Feet

Average Review on Amazon: 5/5 stars (1 review)

Recommended on PatternReview.com?: Yes, by 1/1 users.

Reviewed on SewMamaSew?: Yes, reviews are here and here.

Pros:

-Needle Up/Down Setting

-Buttonhole feature

-Drop in bobbin.

-Adjustable stitch length/width.

Cons:

-Not enough evidence to make me want to purchase this model! Only 2 reviews between Amazon and Patternreview, which does worry me a bit.

Other considerations: Computerized model. Again, I’m not sure how I feel about computerized models on the lower end of the price scale.

Brother XR9000

Brother Xr9000 Computerized Sewing Machine

Average Review on Amazon: 4.5/5 stars (2 reviews)

Recommended on PatternReview.com?: No.

Reviewed on SewMamaSew?: Yes, find the review here.

Average Review on Costco.com: 3.75/5 stars (9 reviews)

Pros:

-costs under $250.
-is capable of quilting.
-comes with a darning foot.
-has a drop-in bobbin.
-comes with 80 stitches, as well as an alphabet for monogramming.
-has buttonhole feature (8 styles of buttonholes).
-has adjustable stitch length & width.
-A quilting table.

Cons:

-no mention of adjustable presser foot pressure.

-has adjustable tension control.

Other considerations: Goes for $269.00 on Amazon, currently available for $149.99 on eBay. This machine was originally available only through Costco (for $179.99), which explains the lack of Amazon reviews — the Costco.com website has several reviews posted.

Bernina 811 Sport

Bernina 811 Sport on eBay

Average Review on Amazon: Not available on Amazon

Recommended on PatternReview.com?: Yes (1 review here)

Reviewed on SewMamaSew?: No.

Pros:

-Embroidery Stitches

-Adjustable Stitch Length and Width

-Adjustable Needle Position

-costs under $250.

-is capable of quilting.

-has a drop-in bobbin.

-comes with a variety of decorative stitches.

-has buttonhole feature

Cons:

-comes with a darning foot and an even feed foot.

-has automatic tension.

-has adjustable presser foot pressure.

Other considerations: This is an older model that is only available used, so I may have trouble finding parts for it. Additionally, I’m worried about having to get a machine serviced, since I don’t have a convenient way to quickly access a service center. Besides that, I have several projects currently in the works that need finishing, so obviously the machine that will work best immediately is the one I’m most likely to buy. This model is currently on eBay and the bidding is at $26 (!!) as of 11/30/09 at 11:52 am.

Bernina Nova 900

Bernina Nova 900 in Yellow

Average Review on Amazon: Not available on Amazon

Recommended on PatternReview.com?: Yes (1 review here)

Reviewed on SewMamaSew?: No.

Pros:

-Free Arm

-Adjustable Stitch Length and Width

-Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure

-Adjustable Needle Position

Cons:

-possible foot pedal circuit board

-side-loading bobbin, which I really want to avoid.

Other considerations:

Currently at $125.00 on eBay (+$25 shipping), not a bad price for an excellently reviewed machine. It’s pretty basic, so I’ll have to take that into consideration.

—

More machines to come as I analyze them to death!

-K

Macaron

So, between quilting Ezra’s quilt, which I’m putting the finishing touches on currently, I’m looking at dress patterns. We have a company Christmas party approaching and I though it would be cool to make my own dress for the occasion (I admit it’s also because I don’t really own a cute/holiday friendly dress!).

Anywho, this is the pattern I’m looking at:

I’ve seen people make it with very wintry fabrics (this fellow blogger for instance…check out her entire blog, it’s so adorable and she makes great stuff!), and it looks fantastic…so, this may be part of my birthday prezzie from Tripp this year! Hurrah!

xoxo
K

What have I done?

I saw this on a few other blogs and it’s a good idea…kind of a list of goals and accomplishments, and you know how I love those!

Bold for stuff you’ve done, italics for stuff you plan to do one day, and normal for stuff you’re not planning on doing.

Afghan
I-cord
Garter stitch
Knitting with metal wire
Shawl
Stockinette stitch
Socks: top-down
Socks: toe-up
Knitting with camel yarn
Mittens: Cuff-up
Mittens: Tip-down
Hat
Knitting with silk
Moebius band knitting
Participating in a KAL
Sweater
Drop stitch patterns
Knitting with recycled/secondhand yarn
Slip stitch patterns
Knitting with banana fiber yarn
Domino knitting (=modular knitting)
Twisted stitch patterns
Knitting with bamboo yarn
Two end knitting
Charity knitting
Knitting with soy yarn
Cardigan
Toy/doll clothing
Knitting with circular needles
Baby items
Knitting with your own handspun yarn
Slippers
Graffitti knitting: knitting items on, or to be left on the street
Continental knitting
Designing knitted garments
Cable stitch patterns
Lace patterns
Publishing a knitting book
Scarf
Teaching a child to knit
Knitting to make money
Button holes
Knitting with alpaca
Fair Isle knitting
Norwegian knitting
Household items: dishcloths, washcloths, tea cosies…
knitting socks- or other small tubular items- on two circulars
Dying with plant colours
Knitting items for a wedding
Olympic knitting
Knitting with someone else’s handspun yarn
Knitting with dpns
Holiday related knitting
Teaching a male how to knit
Bobbles
Knitting for a living
Knitting with cotton
Knitting smocking
Dying yarn
Steeks
Knitting art
Fulling/felting
Knitting with wool
Textured knitting
Kitchener BO
Purses/bags
Knitting with beads
Swatching
Long Tail CO
Entrelac Knitting and purling backwards
Machine knitting
Knitting with selfpatterning/selfstriping/variegating yarn
Stuffed toys
Knitting with cashmere
Darning
Jewelry
Knitting with synthetic yarn
Writing a pattern
Gloves
Intarsia
Knitting with linen
Knitting for preemies
Tubular CO
Freeform knitting
Short rows
Cuffs/fingerless mitts/armwarmers
Pillows
Knitting a pattern from an online knitting magazine
Rug Knitting on a loom
Thrummed knitting
Knitting a gift
Knitting for pets
Shrug/bolero/poncho
Knitting with dog/cat hair
Hair accessories
Knitting in public

Block Party!

Block Party is having a quilt along kick off giveaway! Check it out here and be sure to check out their blog while you’re at it — much inspiration to be had there!

Also, here’s a chance to win a thread catcher over at PoppyPrint. It’s adorable!

THIRDLY (wow, lots of giveaways!) there’s an awesome chance to win a quilt kit and other goodies over at Jaybird Quilts! Go check it out!

Quilt Top progress

Tripp showing off the top so far.

I’m adding 3 more blocks today, sashing the whole thing around the outside, and then getting to work on the back. It’ll probably just be pretty simply pieced solids, since the front’s pretty busy.

Sorry about the photo quality — no sunshine today=overhead lights=harsh photos

More when those blocks get sashed!

-K

I’m still alive!

Moving is tiring. It’s also so expensive.

I haven’t been doing any quilting this week because I need to get to a store and buy a new iron. Until then, no crisp edges for me! It kinda stinks because I was going strong on Ezra’s quilt, and I realized I’d left my iron in Arkansas…or maybe in Abilene. Hm. Anywho, I’m hoping to get an iron tomorrow and make serious progress while Tripp’s shooting a wedding this weekend.

I have been doing some knitting, though! Check it out.

I made a hat! It’s super soft and comfy. Now I’m awaiting some Munki Munki from a swap and also a chance to buy an iron, and I’ll be back in business, complete with comfy hat! Austin’s been pretty chilly, so I’ll probably need it

xoxo

K

Also: Giveaways!
-The Sproutz Store is giving away 3 charm packs that aren’t available yet in stores!

-Annette’s Acre is giving away tons of goodies for her 6th blogaversary! (All links are to different giveaways — the first is embroidery/cross stitching goodies, the second is lovely yarn, and the third is a book giveaway! Super generous of her!)

Yo yo yo!

Guess what I made today?

Hint:

More after the move!

-K

Knitting+Moving+Light Sabers=Today

OK, there won’t really be light sabers. But we are moving tomorrow, so lots of packing today. Also, I just finished knitting a little something special. But back to light sabers…

Interesting fact: Yesterday, I answered the Proust Questionnaire, along with my friends Chad & Tressie, David, and my boyfriend, Tripp. One of the “questions” (not technically a question) is “Your dream of happiness:” — to which Tripp simply answered, “Light Sabers.”

After trying to point out that perhaps “light sabers” was an incomplete answer, I realized that Tripp had basically expressed the whole and utter truth. He loves light sabers, and if he had one, he couldn’t imagine being any happier. Essentially, someday I will have to get him a fully operative light saber.

The Adia Scarf, which I knit on size 9 bamboo needles with a bamboo blend yarn in a chocolate-y brown. Sorry if the colors look off — I just took the photos under harsh indoor light and it seems my color-correction-fu is off today. The scarf (whose name is actually Scarrrr-f) is for my grandma (aka Grammy) who’s going in to have a bit of surgery later this month. The surgery is on her neck, and she told me “I need you to make me a scarf to cover up my scar!”

“Of course I’ll knit you a scarf. On one condition, though — when you wear it, you have to call it a scaaaarrrf. Emphasis on the scar,” I replied. She laughed and agreed, so here’s the scarf (which I don’t think she’s actually expecting!)

Alright, this questionnaire is pretty short and sweet, and I encourage you to post it with your answers on your blog. I love hearing other people’s answers — it’s fascinating.

The Proust Questionnaire
Your most marked characteristic?
Probably either my outspoken nature or my sense of humor.
The quality you most like in a man?
Sense of humor.
The quality you most like in a woman?
Independence.
What do you most value in your friends?
Trustworthiness, honesty and sense of humor.
What is your principle defect?
I’m far too blunt.
What is your favorite occupation?
Designing anything.
What is your dream of happiness?
To someday have a family with Tripp, to be truly and fully happy, to have the means to buy whatever fabric I’d like.
What to your mind would be the greatest of misfortunes?
To lose those I love.
What would you like to be?
I’d like to be a small business owner, a Ph. D., a good mother and wife, a pianist, and a faithful and enjoyable friend. Not in that order.
In what country would you like to live?
England or Austria.
What is your favorite color?
Brown.
What is your favorite flower?
Stargazer Lilies.
What is your favorite bird?
Cardinals and sparrows.
Who are your favorite prose writers?
Thomas Hardy, John Irving, John Steinbeck, Zadie Smith and C.S. Lewis.
Who are your favorite poets?
John Keats, George Herbert, Wilfred Owen, Seigfried Sassoon and many others.
Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
Owen Meany from John Irving’s A Prayer for Owen Meany.
Who are your favorite heroines of fiction?
Although I don’t know if I’d categorize her as a heroine, I loved Tess from Tess of the D’Urbervilles.
Who are your favorite composers?
New:Ben Gibbard, Aaron Weiss, and Sigur Ros. Old: Mozart, Brahms.
Who are your favorite painters?
Seurat, Vermeer.
Who are your heroes in real life?
I don’t have heroes, but I do admire many qualities of others.
What are your favorite names?
Declan and Magda.
What is it you most dislike?
Willful ignorance.
What historical figures do you most despise?
Hitler, Goebbels, Mengele, most dictators.
What event in military history do you most admire?
The Christmas Truce of WWI
What natural gift would you most like to possess?
Musical talent.
How would you like to die?
Surrounded by loved one, at a very old age.
What is your present state of mind?
Sleepy, content.
To what faults do you feel most indulgent?
Blunt honesty.
What is your motto?
Learn to laugh at yourself.

Till next time.

-K