In the last few weeks my fabric stash I’ve purchased an enormous amount of fabric. Although my brother was kind enough to remind me that you should only collect enough manna to last a day or else it will rot. That’s a brother for ya. Some of the things I’m most excited about is yardage of Alexander Henry’s All Cotton in Pumpkin, a fat quarter of the VW vans in blue from Heather Ross’ Lightning Bugs, and almost a full yard from Heather Bailey’s Pop Garden that I found on the scrap table at The Fabric Shack for only $3. Plus I finally found the tree print that I’ve seen all over the internet at Joann’s today. I also have some eBay finds coming, which include some Flea Market Fancy and Amy Butler’s Ginger Bliss. Not to mention my fat quarters from the swap…perhaps it’s time I stop writing about and buying fabric and start using it.
Pajama Pants When You Can’t Sleep
Exactly, when you can’t sleep it makes the most sense to sew some sleepwear. That’s precisely what I did last week when I was trying to get some sleep before work. I already had the pants cut out, if you remember from the crafty insanity that was taking over our guest bedroom. First I made two pairs of pajama pants for Elise, out of some cutsie animal prints that my mother in law bought at Joanns. I used to same pants pattern from Amy Butler’s Little Stitches that I used on the giraffe pants. These pants combined took only about an hour and a half to complete. The only alterations I made to the pattern was to add a little bit of extra elastic to the waist and an inch to the length, in order to make the size 12-18 months rather than 9-12 months.I also chose to hem each pant leg before I started sewing the pants together, it’s easier that way and works well if you know exactly what length you need.
Next I worked on some pajama pants for myself from Heather Ross’ Weekend Sewing. I used a size small and took about 4 inches off the length of the pants, because if you’ll remember, I have short legs. I used the delightful Matryoshka doll fabric from Heather’s West Hill line. Instead of putting elastic in the waist, I used a drawstring instead. I used the instructions from Amy Butler’s In Stitches for making the drawstring casing. Interestingly enough, when I made my wide leg lounge pants from In Stitches, I chose not to use a drawstring, but make an elastic waist instead. Go figure.
The Weekend Sewing pajama pants took about the same amount of time that it took to sew two pairs of pajama pants for Elise, but I suppose that’s because my legs are about twice as long.
Sew Mama Sew! Sewing Machine Meme
Wow, I really am being a crafty participant lately! I’m even filling out the Sew Mama Sew sewing machine survey for Sewing Machine month. Really, I just want to win the fantastic prize 
What brand and model do you have?
Husqvarna Viking Designer 1.
How long have you had it?
I’ve had it since October 2007. It was my mom’s machine before she upgraded and she purchased it in 2004 I think.
How much does that machine cost (approximately)?
I think currently it goes for between $1250-$2000 on eBay.
What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)?
I mostly sew clothing for myself and my daughter, handbags, diaper bags, curtains…..pretty much everything except quilts, but I hope to change that in the near future.
How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?
I try to sew a couple of hours each week, but in 5 years my machine only has 32 sewing hours. My mom apparently didn’t use it much.
Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?
I love my machine. Previously I had a brother that I received still in the box from my grandmother. That machine ate everything I tried to sew. My Designer 1 does everything I need it to do, and it sews nice and smooth.
What features does your machine have that work well for you?
I love the automatic tension setting. Also, the sewing advisor tells you what needle and presser foot you need depending on the type and thickness of your fabric. Let’s be honest, the thread cutter is pretty sweet too!
Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?
Not really. Although, I do have the older version with the floppy drive rather than the USB port. If I ever get into embroidery that’s going to be a pain.
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!
I was sewing a baby blanket for a friends baby shower on this machine when it was still my mom’s. She was debating whether or not to upgrade and I was telling her that she was spending too much money on a sewing machine, but when she told me that if she got a new machine I could have her Designer 1 I quickly changed my tune! It was a great birthday present for me!
Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?
Absolutely. Especially for someone interested in quilting and embroidery. It’s an easy machine to operate, with an even easier to understand manual. It sews nice and smooth. However, I will caution you that accessories such as embroidery hoops and presser feet for these machines can get quite pricey.
What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?
What do you plan on sewing? If you mostly plan on sewing or mending clothes, you probably don’t need a big expensive machine. I have much more machine than I need because the price was right. I also think it’s important to do your research well. Find a machine that’s quality over price, or you’ll end up with tangled bobbins and pulling your hair out!
Do you have a dream machine?
Sure do! Husqvarna Viking Designer Diamond. Unfortunately, my husband doesn’t share my dream.
A New Skirt and Craft Insanity!!
First, I made a new skirt. I bet you never would have guessed! I’ve wanted to make the Amy Butler Barcelona skirt for about 2 years now and I finally bought the pattern a couple of months ago. True to Amy’s form, this pattern is well-written and easy to understand. Therefore, this is a project that can be accomplished in a few hours. No, really…I started this on a Saturday afternoon before getting ready for work and finished it Sunday morning in time for church (in case you are wondering, I got home at 8, had time to feed Elise breakfast, finish my skirt and be in the shower by 9:45).
I used the yellow embroidered linen blend that I blogged about previously. It is very light weight, as is the muslin I used for lining. Perfect for spring and summer! Again, quick and easy and it looks cute. This pattern is a keeper.
I’ve convinced my husband to give me a new sewing area in our house. We have a dining room, but never plan on having a dining room table. We barely eat anywhere other than the coffee table for pity’s sake! So I’m eagerly anticipating a couple of weekends off work in order to repaint and rearrange the room. I even have a new sewing cabinet in which to store my beastly machine. However, until that gets done I will continue to cut out several projects at once, as currently my sewing table is also my cutting table. Let me tell you how excited I am for the day when I don’t have to place my machine on the floor to cut out my projects.
So the other night I started cutting out a few things…and then a few more things…and then the next thing I know I have the swingset tunic and skirt from Oliver + S cut out, along with another pair of wide leg lounge pants from In Stitches, pajama pants from Weekend Sewing, and 5 pairs of pajama pants for Elise. My guest bedroom has become project land!
Have I mentioned that I still have Built By Wendy 3835 and 3964 cut out from last summer?
Oh, and let’s not forget the Weekender Bag which remains unfinished and untouched…..