sewing machine story

Yes, I do have a funny story about sewing machines. Cheryl, Roxanne and I try to get together once a week to sew. After a long day of work,I was tired and in the confusion of cords and unpacking our sewing items, I managed to plug in my machine. Then my machine started acting strange. It wouldn't stop sewing after I lifted my foot off the pedal. I tried to turn my machine off and on, rethreaded it, then I started to think it was a supernatural phenomenon. I thouhgt my mom was trying to annoy me or my recently deceased friend was trying to help. I have a creative imagination. Then I thought maybe it was a special feature I stumbled upon. I even called a local shop that sold my machine to help me solve my problem. They never heard of this special feature and wanted me to bring it in. I finally accepted the fact that this was how my machine worked and tried to adjust to the new style of sewing. At some point in the evening Cheryl was helping me with my project, started sewing on my machine and realized my machine wasn't working properly. Then Cheryl began assembing her machine and could not locate her cords. She searched everywhere, she even searched my sewing machine bag and said,"Whose cords are these?" I insisted she must have accidently put her cords in my bag, but that wasn't the case. I accidently swiped her cords from the table, plugged them in my machine and left mine in the bag. That was why my machine didn't work.I am so glad I didn't haul my machine all the way to the repair shop only to reveal an embarrassing mistake. We get a kick at laughing at ourselves. Only I have to admit it's a lot easier when someone else goofs up. So let that be a lesson to you all. Don't try to put someone else's cords in your machine. It just doesn't work.
Angie

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