Dear Lola,
As you know, I was always a big Oprah fan. I loved watching her ask her guests her
signature question, “What Do You Know For Sure?” The answers that people give when asked this
question are amazing windows into their minds, hearts and souls.
I recently got to thinking about what answer would I give
when asked this question about sewing.
After 5 years of winding bobbins, rotary cutting, sewing classes and
throwing my whole creative spirit into all things fabric-related –
What Do I Know For Sure?
Top of the Line Machines
Sewists discuss this topic often. Many that don’t have a top of the line
machine aspire to own one and then there are those who have one and know it’s
probably more machine than they need 99% of the time. There are also plenty of folks out there who
are absolutely satisfied with the machines they use – top of the line or not! I
firmly believe the sewing machine you use doesn’t have to be the top of the
line. I say this not to make any sewing
machine manufacturers unhappy. I say it
because it’s true. This is when I insert
a disclaimer – I own a Bernina 830 – their top of the line machine. It’s a rock solid piece of artistry in
motion. It will last me until the end of
time and then be passed on to my heirs! It
has every bell and whistle, but to be honest I don’t ever touch most of the
amazing functions. Knowing I could use
all the features is comforting though. So if you are thinking of taking up sewing –
you can do a perfectly wonderful job with a solid machine that doesn’t have it
all. I find that my “go-to-stitches” are
straight, zigzag, blanket stitch, satin stitch, free-motion, and a one-step
button hole. If your machine can do
these stitches – you have most everything covered. Never let your "machine-envy" hold you back! Sew and grow – it can be done inexpensively!
Tables Matter
The table where you do your sewing and cutting is as
important as the machine. For the 4
years that I have owned my big honking sewing machine, I had it sitting on a
banquet table I purchased at Costco for $50 bucks. This is clearly an oxymoron right off the bat
– machine worth thousands sitting on a $50 table! I knew I wanted to upgrade to a “real” sewing
table, but let’s face it – I shot my entire wad on the machine! I came into a little inheritance when my beloved
Mom passed this year and decided to finally get a serious table for my serious
machine. This was the single best big-ticket
purchase I have made for my sewing space - EVER. My machine no longer vibrates; my arms and
back no longer ache; my stitches and cutting are straighter; and my bigger
projects are just plain easier to manipulate.
So if I had it to do over again, knowing what I know now – a solid table
with a place to sink your machine so it sits flush is at least as important as
the machine you purchase. In this
chicken/egg - which came first argument – I think rock solid table should come
first! Make room in your budget for a
solid sewing/cutting table no matter what!
Mine is a Koala.
Small Things Create Success
It’s the little things that count! Change your needle, clean your machine and oil it if necessary. These little things make a huge difference, cost little and secure a lot! They are sewing insurance. Everything just comes out better whenever I do these things. Treat your machine as though it is a beloved child or even better – a beloved pet! Give it what it needs to stay maintained. My machine has a program that allows you to enter the type of needle currently loaded – which is great – but it’s not enough. I keep a VERY high tech Post-It note pad right next to machine and attach that magic little sticky to the top of my machine with the date I changed the needle on it. I look at this note every time I turn my machine on and I am reminded when I last changed my needle. I like to change my needle with every project – I know that makes me a needle junkie – literally, but I buy them whenever JoAnn’s has their 50% off the notions wall sale and stock up. For literally just a few cents, I am sure my needle is pristine and my project is more likely to come to a successful end.
Be A Groupie
Avoid being the Subject of a Future Reality TV Episode
In the time I have been sewing, I have created lots of
little projects: baby quilts, burp pads,
bibs, bags, totes, notebook covers, and aprons.
Yes, most of them are easy to sew projects that require little real
serious sewing skills. I know without a
doubt, my finished products are not heirloom items destined for a showcase or
museum. I have created lots of gifts
that have been given away, but I still have many of the projects I have
completed stored in big Rubbermaid plastic bins. After buying yet another bin this week for my
quickly growing collection of learning opportunities, I now realize my sewing
projects are not meant to be stored away in boxes! It’s time I sort them, keep a few, photograph
the rest and then give them away or even sell them! Yes, they are reminders of wonderful sewing
experiences – but just like life – we can’t carry all the moments in our
pockets with us forever. It’s time for me to send my projects on to
destinations known and unknown! Besides,
if I don’t part with all these finished sewing projects very soon; I may find
myself featured in an episode of “Hoarders”!
Hugs and stitches,
Lori
Great tips, Lori. I can totally agree!
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