The Flea Market Fancy Freaks is offering a sweet giveaway. I’d give my right arm to win some fabric, ok..I’m lying, I would just start offering better stuff on the fabric swap. But it would be pretty sweet to win!

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.

I’ve decided to stop being an internet wall flower and start participating in crafty fun. Both Creative Reveries and 2 Hippos are participating in the Sew Mama Sew Giveaway day (which is the greatest thing ever by the way). I’ve been an off and on reader of both of these blogs and I was excited that they were sponsoring some crafty fun for the summer.

First, the Summer Dress Sewalong. I’ve always wanted to participate in these sewalongs but usually by the time I stumble across the sewalongs I have about 35 minutes to post my fantastic creation on Flickr. Um..no. So I posted my 3777 dress, you know..the one that I got the idea to make FROM her site? So when I finally have something to contribute to a sewalong I’m a total hack..nice!

Next is the Fat Quarter Swap. I’m always reading where people get these fantastic fat quarters or items in swaps and I’m always feeling like I could get fantastic stuff too if I would participate. I mean how hard is it to pack up 4 fat quarters? Needless to say, I’m excited for things to come. I also have some nice things to send off to other participants.