Getting back in the groove

So I started my new job March 1, I love it. I can’t really talk much more about it, but I work with awesome people. Sooo much better than my previous job, in that I’m actually treated with respect. Weird how much of a difference a bit of respect can make.

I’ve made some recent purchases to start sewing again. Now that I’m working full time I have little time to sew, but lots of money to burn. Of course anyone who works full time feels my pain. I definitely make the most of those weekends!

Ashley over at Film in the Fridge had a giveaway for her two year blogoversary. I commented (there were literally THOUSANDS of comments!) and I was actually one of the lucky winners! I couldn’t believe it! If you’re ever looking for quilting inspiration, definitely check out Ashley’s site. Everything she makes is droolworthy. All of it is gorgeous, great use of color, and very modern meets traditional. What’s not to love? Anyway, here’s what I won:

A half yard bundle of Laurie Wisbrun’s Donkeys and Wellie’s line from Spoonflower! Woohoo!

Looking at that fabric got me thinking about all the fabrics I’ve been meaning to buy. So I went on a bit of a spree…*guilty face*

A FQ bundle of Anna Maria Horner’s Little Folks Pastry Line, aka Dobby Dots (8 FQs, purchased from Fabricpalooza):

A FQ bundle of Anna Maria Horner’s Little Folks Line (29 FQs, also from Fabricpalooza):

Laurie Wisbrun’s newest line, Tufted Tweets (12 FQs, purchased from Sew Fresh Fabrics):

Joel Dewberry’s Modern Meadow in the Pond Palette (16 FQs, purchased from Hawthorne Threads):

Joel Dewberry’s entire line, Deer Valley, in FQs (45 FQs total, from Hawthorne Threads) (the photo below is just *one* colorway!):

(photo from http://justdandy.typepad.com/)

So yeah…quite an investment. I’m currently hand-piecing a queen size quilt for me and Tripp’s bed. I’m buying (another, more expensive) sewing machine in two weeks, one that can handle (finally!) quilting Ezra’s quilt. I think I can, I think I can…that thing is going to be a MAJOR achievement. Soon!

xoxo

K

I’ve been busy…

So. It’s been awhile since last posting. I can explain!

Tripp and I flew to NYC in mid January to film for an upcoming project. We were there for only 2 days but we got to see plenty of awesome sights! Here’s a photo we took at the American Museum of Natural History, which we loved, in case you can’t tell by those goofy grins.

After I got back from NYC, I spent a whole day in Austin before flying to CA to be with my family. My great aunt and great uncle were involved in a terrible accident on New Year’s Day, which was caused by a drunk driver. My great uncle died on the evening of the crash, but my great aunt has miraculously been recovering well. She’s actually beginning rehab right now. Her injuries were pretty extensive, lots of broken bones and various other issues. She’s definitely a tough cookie. If you could keep her in your thoughts and prayers, that would be much appreciated.

Anyway, I flew to CA to be with the family and to attend my great uncle’s memorial service. I was originally planning to stay for a week (I was flying standby) but I actually ended up staying in CA for closer to three weeks, due to issues with weather and snow and that sort of thing. While I was there I took up cross stitching again, as it’s a pretty portable and inexpensive craft. Something to take up my time, I suppose. Here’s one of the projects I recently finished, for Tripp:

My sewing machine (yes, the one I JUST bought) is on the fritz again, so I’ve been working on quilting Ezra’s quilt by hand. It’s time consuming, but I can do it.

This week I had a job interview, which I am really excited about. Keep those fingers crossed for me.

This weekend is also Valentine’s day. I think I may make a cake or some special heart-y cookies for Tripp and I, along with a special dinner of some sort. Do you have any big plans? Let me know in the comments.

-K

Holidays! Gifts! New Sewing Machine!

Well, it’s been quite a while since I last posted…apologies. Hope everyone had a Happy Christmas/Hanukkah, etc. We’ve had a lot going on here in Austin.

I got my new sewing machine in a few days ago, haven’t had much of a chance to fire it up because of the holidays. I had various knitting projects to finish/gifts to stitch. I think she may need to be oiled a bit before I can do anything with her, but so far everything seems to be working fine with her (knock on wood).

Tomorrow is New Year’s Eve, which is my very favorite holiday. Exciting! I don’t have any plans and Tripp will be at work, but I may end up with friends…not too sure.

January 8-10 Tripp and I will be going to NYC! We’re really excited as neither of us have ever had a chance to visit before. We’ll be going to be interviewed for a documentary. I’ll be able to give a bit more info after we return.

I received some awesome gifts for Christmas:

-A pair of red TOMS from Tripp

Also from Tripp, Last Night in Twisted River by John Irving (newest book by my favorite author)

and Mad Men, Season 2! If you are wondering if I’ve already watched all 12 episodes, the answer is yes — in 2 days. This show is insanely addicting. If you have never seen it, I’d highly recommend it. I’m not usually a fan of dramas, but this is an excellent show. Also, period costumes! I am a huge sucker for period costumes/settings.

Lastly, and perhaps most relevant-ly (not sure if that’s a word, but 2009 is almost over and I’m feeling kinda reckless), my dear friend Kathryn got me this:

I can’t wait to try out some of the patterns!

Of course I’ll be back to work on Ezra’s quilt soon. I also recently mastered hand-sewing and even learned to blind-stitch a hem, so if this machine gives me fits like my last one did while quilting, I may be hand sewing his quilt

More soon!

K

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