Calling all sewing people!

[lovely1m]

I'm thinking about getting a new sewing machine. It's been years since I sewed anything and I'm not sure I even have the time, but I'm thinking about it. Show me inspiration, please? Things you've made or want to make. Any suggestions on a cheap, but good machine would be nice, too.

[NeverendingJen]

I have a Brother machine and I love it. It was under $200. I have the project runway edition, but anything right in that price range should be a good model.

I just made this:
http://instagram.com/p/jAbanBK8zT/

Now I'm working on some smaller mini projects- a table runner, a banner, some pillows, and maybe even a purse.

I have an entire board of quilt inspiration:
http://www.pinterest.com/neverending...ted-happiness/

[Robin Carlton]

Cute Jen!

[tanyiadeskins]

My blog is here but here are a couple things I made
http://www.domesticdeficitdisorder.blogspot.com/

table runner:


owl stuffies:


quilt:


quilt


I have this machine:
http://new.husqvarnaviking.com/en-US...s/SAPPHIRE-835

I have had *her* for about 5 years now and have NEVER had a problem and it is an amazing machine... my first one too so its even great for a beginner.

**sorry that first pic os so huge!

also on my pinterest I have tons of different quilt boards plus fabric crafts http://www.pinterest.com/tanyia/

[kristijoy]

I love this blog. Such fun cute projects with directions! http://www.sew4home.com/

Here's one of her projects. Her projects range from home décor, accessories, gifts, and just plain fun! I wish I had a girl. I want to make one of these...

[kristijoy]

Here's my first really cool bag too. Sewing bags/purses is all the rage...


2014-01-11_11593 (480x640) by kristijoy108, on Flickr

[rachaelsscraps]

I love to sew I make crayon wallets to sell at my sister's store mostly.. But I like to take on big projects too!

Here's my brother, dad, sister, and me at a Renaissance Faire. I made all of these costumes


My sister and me again..


Here's what my crayon wallets look like...

[bexy]

my mom's a professional seamstress - and she says you can't go wrong with a Brother (sewing machine, that is)

[YepBrook]

I have a Singer and Brother. I do love my old trusty Singer, it wasn't expensive (around $200) and it works great. The Brother machine was about $200 also and works great, but it's not my favorite machine. It's computerized so it acts differently. We have a sewing group that meets once a month and lots of the ladies have Brother machines and LOVE them.

As for projects, the best ones will be the ones you are personally motivated to make for yourself or someone else as a gift. The first thing I ever sewed was a pillowcase. It's about as easy as it gets! Other fun easy things are pouches, simple purses, aprons, place mats, cloth napkins, square block-style quilt blankets or table runners, or adding decorative applique to towels or burp cloths stuff like that. Some small plush projects can be super easy, too. Like those Ugly-Doll inspired monsters and things. Just search Etsy or Pinterest for "easy sewing pattern" there's also a lot of free tutorials out there on blogs.

[melanie3boys]

Ah! I love sewing and used an old Bernina for years. Then I upgraded to a Bernina Artista in 2007 for about $1200. Sigh...I love it so much! But it's more for a serious sewer if you want to drop that much cashola. This year I'm determined to sew more, so I'm making a dress a month for my daughter. I've started out pretty easy this year:

January dress:


February dress:


Some of my heirloom sewing:

Blessing dress:


First Christmas Dress:


2nd Easter Dress:


Third Easter Dress:


And her last Christmas dress:




And I did sew for my boys when they were younger, including couple really sweet smocked outfits. But it sure is fun having a girl! I also make flannel receiving blankets, curtains, and have even dabbled in slipcovers. I've made a couple quilts, but generally do not have the patience for it!

[NatalieKW]

Originally Posted by bexy

my mom's a professional seamstress - and she says you can't go wrong with a Brother (sewing machine, that is)

My mom's a seamstress too and she loves her Brother.

[kristijoy]

Melanie! Your sewing is gorgeous!!!

[kristijoy]

I sew on a Brother sewing machine as well. It's a cheapy at about $200 from WalMart (I got it on Craig's List for $80 ). I like the simple computerized features (like how it always stops with the needle up etc...)! I think it would be a great first machine.

I also have a work-horse Elna from the 1960's. That thing will sew through steel. I use it when I sewing heavy fabrics like denim or outer wear.

[lovely1m]

Gosh! These projects really make me want to start again! Gorgeous!

[lingovise]

I'm a quilter at heart and love to sew. I started out on a little Elna about 20+ years ago. it was a valentines gift from my hubby & was probably around $2-300 at the time. I really loved that machine and still have it. then about 10 years ago I upgraded to a Janome Memory Craft 6500... which I got on sale & still set me back about 1200$. but it was worth every penny, I absolutely adore that machine.

[melanie3boys]

Originally Posted by kristijoy

Melanie! Your sewing is gorgeous!!!

Thanks Kristi!!

Don't you just love those old machines? My vintage Bernina is from the 70's and it's awesome. But boy do I love the computerized features on my new machine. Setting the needle-up or needle-down all the time blew my mind! Oh and the automatic buttonholer. Yowza. In love!

[kristijoy]

Originally Posted by melanie3boys

Thanks Kristi!!

Don't you just love those old machines? My vintage Bernina is from the 70's and it's awesome. But boy do I love the computerized features on my new machine. Setting the needle-up or needle-down all the time blew my mind! Oh and the automatic buttonholer. Yowza. In love!

Buttonholers are the best thing about computerized machines!

[lingovise]

I think the thing I love about the more modern machines... is all the amazingly cool and incredibly handy interchangeable feet, and just how many different ones there are!! life changerl!!

[melanie3boys]

Originally Posted by lingovise

I think the thing I love about the more modern machines... is all the amazingly cool and incredibly handy interchangeable feet, and just how many different ones there are!! life changerl!!

So true!!! The b&w Christmas dress from my previous post would have been the biggest pain without my rolled hem & ruffler feet! Although I think my old machine had those feet too. I also super love my pintucking foot.

[kristijoy]

Originally Posted by melanie3boys

So true!!! The b&w Christmas dress from my previous post would have been the biggest pain without my rolled hem & ruffler feet! Although I think my old machine had those feet too. I also super love my pintucking foot.

I've only delved into a few of the special feet (mainly for quilting). Sounds like there are some new ones I need to try!

[scrap2day]

This thread is so inspiring. I want to get back into sewing.

I don't do anything as good as what you ladies have shared. I usually make quilts.

I have a Brother that is probably 10 years old. I would like to get a computerized one someday.