Cheryl's Sewing Machine

This month is Sewing Machine Month over at Sew Mama Sew. So, this is Cheryl's contribution to their meme.

What brand and model do you have? I have a Singer 7469Q Confidence Quilter.

How long have you had it? About 6 months...I've been wanting a computerized machine for years!

How much does that machine cost (approximately)? $300 - $399 (They are often on sale for $299.)

What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)? I sew clothes, home decor, and gift items for myself, my friends & family, and our business.

How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get? I sew daily in my home studio and once a week I enjoy an evening of sewing with two great sewing buddies. I'd say I put about 15-20 hours per week on my machine. Is that a lot? Should I do my dishes more??

Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?I love my new machine! But, she doesn't have a name yet.

What features does your machine have that work well for you?I am crazy excited about the automatic buttonholes! Wow! If you're in the market for a new machine...it's worth it to save a little longer so you can get this feature!

Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine? I haven't found anything yet.

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!
Angie and I share a great sewing machine story...but I'll let her tell it!

Would you recommend the machine to others? Why? Yes, I believe I would. 1) It's reasonable in price when compared to many other brands. 2) It comes with many attachments, including those used primarily for quilting. 3) It has about 98 decorative stitches. 4)Did I mention auto buttonholes?

What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine? Reasonable cost, reliability, and an automatic buttonholer!!

Do you have a dream machine? I haven't researched brands yet...but I want a longarm for quilting!

My Trip to the Fabric Store

Hi all,

Okay...I really, really try to go fabric shopping once a month. That's how I get paid, so that's when I have the cash to invest in my stash (and new business). So, on payday, I made my rounds and bought some really lovely fabric.

But, yesterday I found myself back at Strawberry Patches to pick up "just one more yard of bird fabric" for a special order. And then I saw it! A brand new shipment from Fabri-Quilt. Right on top was the most beautiful fabric...it could have been painted with watercolors right there on the cutting table. Andromeda by Paintbrush Studio, pattern 832, photo posted above. I had to have it! Just two yards, that's all. Oh, and maybe a half yard of coordinating pattern 833, a delicate pink, and soft pale green to go with. And, I might as well pick out the binding too.

I should have walked away...but what if it was gone when I returned?? What a beautiful and relaxing color palette! I just had to have it.

Plus, it reminds me of the flowering bushes on the college campus where I work. So, I took a photo of my favorite blue bushes for you to enjoy too!

-- Cheryl

Red Daisies for PinkPetunias!

Congratulations to the winner of our fabric giveaway...PinkPetunias!!

Madison was very grown up and took her job very seriously. She even wanted her little sister, Ariana, to get in on the action. (But, we don't think she was into it much.)

We are delighted to award our first ever Giveaway. Thanks, everyone, for playing!
-- Cheryl

Finishing up our giveaway activities

Angie finished choosing the "top 5" creative ideas and I added the extra entries to the pile. Now, we are just waiting on Madison, who will be at Grandma Angie's this evening. After the festivities, we'll post the winner here and send an announcement via email/blog. I can't wait!!!

See you tonight!

-- Cheryl