~ Sew Sweet 16 ~I’m packing your angry eyes just in case~Aug 2014~ BFF' bag 8/20!!!!

[MeeskaMomma]

Ooooo new embroidery machine!

I am sure you get this question all the time, but what kind of sewing machine would you recommend for a beginner. I am looking at small machines I can store in a closet when I am not using it.

My husband found this guy http://www.amazon.com/Brother-Featu...qid=1386077720&sr=8-1&keywords=sewing+machine on Amazon, but I am worried it has too many bells and whistles for a beginner, but the price is good right now. (although I would like to go a little cheaper). I also can't tell how big or heavy it is. Thoughts?

 

[Chicago Mo]

i don't know if you remember me?? I have gone missing in the IRL world - finally ES-COP-AYED out..

HOLY crap i was BEHIND! yet all caught up. 1st LOVED the Mickey bag. way too adorable.
2. HAPPY THANKSGIVING! can you believe it's been that long?!?! GEESH!
So is the restaurant thing going to be a new tradition for you guys?!?
Congrats on seeing your dad and brother!!! YAY! glad you were able to go.
the Piglet bag is really cute! can't believe how much smaller it is then your UPB?!?!? but having the pleats makes up for the storage right?
Give the girls a hug for me i totally miss them!!!
this past weekend half my friends were in your neck of the woods for the DISASTER of a Bears game. I was supposed to go as usual my insane schedule would not allow. Win for the vikings. So congrats on that. I know your not a football fan... I love the Donald Picture.. all of you are so stinking cute!
Go call BFF and get some ADR's GOING!!!!

excited to see the next project!!!

 

[Pixiedust530]

Oh my goodness - it's been a while since I commented! I happened to disappear for a while. Hopefully I am back! Things have just been so darn crazy that I can't seem to find DIS time (except today while I am at work - NOT working)!

The Red polka dot Mickey bag is adorable! So cute! I am a sucker for polka dots, chevroms, all geometric prints really! The Piglet bag for Myrthe turned out really cute. The pleats at the bottom with the coordinating fabric poking through is pretty cool!

It sounds like you had a nice Thanksgiving with Josh's family and with your dad and brother! Thanks for the Thanksgiving wishes over on my TR.

Sounds like your shopping day with the neighbor was lots and lots of fun and you got a lot accomplished! I LOVE Christmas shopping! I still need to pick up a few items but I am mostly finished (at least with Caden)!

Looking forward to seeing your Christmas skirt and all the other SSP's you are working on!

 

[solana131]

Great....now I have to go to Target and try to find that pink Champion sweatshirt. That looks sooooo comfy! And I love that color.

Your Thanksgiving sounds fun...granted not what you are used to, but at least you didn't have a huge mess to clean up and you were with family.

I'm a little late, and the deal might not be there still...but what about giving the girls airfare for a Christmas present? Then you can justify buying it before Christmas. My parents always get us airfare....otherwise we wouldn't see them all winter But it is a great gift and wraps easily!

 

[Sally]

I am so far behind in my reading, but my Black Thursday/Friday at work was madness ( still love retail though ).
The best part of my Black Thursday/Friday was moving shoes on the freight elevator and hoping it will just drop like Tower of Terror before it stops on the second floor of the store.

The Piglet bag is adorable and I am so happy you had a great Thanksgiving.

 

[Shaniyah]

I know I am late to the party but Im here. I can't wait to hear all about your trip!

 

[ladylyons]

Yes, it's really hard to be that far away. I should be happy that we are not further - but it's still rough.

That's my problem with my parent's we're about 6 1/2 hours away from them and if something were to happen that drive would feel even longer. But my dad has no interest in moving back to CA so I guess we'll deal with it if for now because I have no interest in moving to OR. Especially where they live.

Yeah for the new machine arriving today!! I hope you got to play with it and like it.

Glad you got to talk to your BFF about dates. Hope they all work out for the best deal for you guys.

 

[DMGeurts]

I'm so excited for you to get your embroidery machine and looking forward to seeing how you like it!!

Thank you Stephanie! I am super excited to have it! It came yesterday, and I will do a big post about it below.

I was surprised the applique came out that well, it was my first and my machine doesn't have like a straight satan stitch it does like little curves. like smiling mouths all stuck together......lol don't know how to describe it. Anyway I had to go around it 3 times to get the coverage....lol

All I use for applique is a zig zag stitch... Does your machine have a regular zig zag stitch? It should if it has those fancy stitches. I set mine for a wide zig zag and a small stitch length.

It turned out great though and I love how the stitching is.

Ooooo new embroidery machine!

I am sure you get this question all the time, but what kind of sewing machine would you recommend for a beginner. I am looking at small machines I can store in a closet when I am not using it.

My husband found this guy http://www.amazon.com/Brother-Featu...qid=1386077720&sr=8-1&keywords=sewing+machine on Amazon, but I am worried it has too many bells and whistles for a beginner, but the price is good right now. (although I would like to go a little cheaper). I also can't tell how big or heavy it is. Thoughts?

Well... This is going to be a long answer. Everyone that knows me, knows that I know virtually nothing about modern sewing machines... I did look at the link you provided and it looks like a good machine with TONS of great reviews. So, if you are going to get a modern machine - that looks like a good one.

However, I am a tightwad... So, if you can find something used or one that's passed down to you - until you get the hang of it and decide you'd like to invest in a bigger better machine - I suggest you do that.

Then I have to do my "vintage machine" plug... LOL If you decide that sewing is a hobby you enjoy, I highly recommend going the vintage route. I specifically recommend the Singer 15-91, the same model as my Patience... Super easy to learn and super easy to maintain - and she sews through anything. Chiara just got a 15-91 and she loves it! I am sure she would tell you what I am telling you.

Modern machines are nice, but they are made of plastic (inside and out) they are not made to be durable, and getting them to go through more than 3 or 4 layers of fabric is sometimes difficult - as some seams are 6-8 layers thick or more. So, if you decide to get the above machine - just be aware of that... It's something that happens frequently with any machine manufactured since 1970 or so, at any price point. If you'd like to read more about vintage machines, please check out Jenn's blog at www.sew-classic.com - she has great articles on many popular vintage machines.

But as a beginner machine - that one looks pretty nice, and I think it would be a great starter machine for you - just know there are lots of options out there if you decide you want to dig deeper into sewing.

I hope I answered your question? If not, please don't be afraid to ask more.

i don't know if you remember me?? I have gone missing in the IRL world - finally ES-COP-AYED out..

Not a clue who you are...

Kidding... Love ya - mean it.

HOLY crap i was BEHIND! yet all caught up. 1st LOVED the Mickey bag. way too adorable.

Thanks!

2. HAPPY THANKSGIVING! can you believe it's been that long?!?! GEESH!

No kidding! I was seriously getting worried about you last week - you were nowhere to be found!

So is the restaurant thing going to be a new tradition for you guys?!?

Not sure? Maybe? LOL

Congrats on seeing your dad and brother!!! YAY! glad you were able to go.

Me too... It was a nice visit. SHort - but nice.

the Piglet bag is really cute! can't believe how much smaller it is then your UPB?!?!? but having the pleats makes up for the storage right?

I know... I do love the detail of the box pleats - so they sort of make up for the space - it's not as roomy inside as one would hope... I plan to redo some of the construction to see if I can get it so I like it better.

Give the girls a hug for me i totally miss them!!!

I will - hugs to the Midgets too!

this past weekend half my friends were in your neck of the woods for the DISASTER of a Bears game. I was supposed to go as usual my insane schedule would not allow. Win for the vikings. So congrats on that. I know your not a football fan...

I wish you would have come... I did think of you when I heard we won on the radio... I knew you'd be disappointed.

I love the Donald Picture.. all of you are so stinking cute!

Awww... thanks! I do love that photo!

Go call BFF and get some ADR's GOING!!!!

I know... I just have such a hard time talking about Disney - when there are so many other things going on. Trust me, our ticker is counting down and I will have lots of great updates to do soon.

excited to see the next project!!!

Thanks! Me too - LOL.

Oh my goodness - it's been a while since I commented! I happened to disappear for a while. Hopefully I am back! Things have just been so darn crazy that I can't seem to find DIS time (except today while I am at work - NOT working)!

Hahaha... It's that way for many! Glad to see you back!

The Red polka dot Mickey bag is adorable! So cute! I am a sucker for polka dots, chevroms, all geometric prints really! The Piglet bag for Myrthe turned out really cute. The pleats at the bottom with the coordinating fabric poking through is pretty cool!

Thanks! I've been doing lots of work with those red dots - I just love them too!

It sounds like you had a nice Thanksgiving with Josh's family and with your dad and brother! Thanks for the Thanksgiving wishes over on my TR.

We did - it was nice. I hope you had a good Thanksgiving too.

Sounds like your shopping day with the neighbor was lots and lots of fun and you got a lot accomplished! I LOVE Christmas shopping! I still need to pick up a few items but I am mostly finished (at least with Caden)!

It was a lot of fun! We do it every year, and we are usually pretty successful.

Looking forward to seeing your Christmas skirt and all the other SSP's you are working on!

Thanks! I am looking forward to sharing it... I just want to wait a few more weeks to finish it, just in case I get smaller between now and then.

Great....now I have to go to Target and try to find that pink Champion sweatshirt. That looks sooooo comfy! And I love that color.

It's in the sportswear section by all the other C9 stuff... I love it... I now have it in every color they make, it's my new favorite!

Your Thanksgiving sounds fun...granted not what you are used to, but at least you didn't have a huge mess to clean up and you were with family.

Very true - it was a fun Thanksgiving... Different, but fun.

I'm a little late, and the deal might not be there still...but what about giving the girls airfare for a Christmas present? Then you can justify buying it before Christmas. My parents always get us airfare....otherwise we wouldn't see them all winter But it is a great gift and wraps easily!

I would - but that would require me to tell Josh about the trip... And well... We aren't quite ready for that yet. LOL Maybe for their birthdays?

I am so far behind in my reading, but my Black Thursday/Friday at work was madness ( still love retail though ).
The best part of my Black Thursday/Friday was moving shoes on the freight elevator and hoping it will just drop like Tower of Terror before it stops on the second floor of the store.

This made me chuckle... Yah - I don't love elevators, that's for sure. But at least we can dream about being somewhere else.

The Piglet bag is adorable and I am so happy you had a great Thanksgiving.

Thank you! I hope you had a nice Thanksgiving as well!

I know I am late to the party but Im here. I can't wait to hear all about your trip!

Welcome! No one is ever late here... Missing - maybe, but never late. Super glad to have you here and reading along!

That's my problem with my parent's we're about 6 1/2 hours away from them and if something were to happen that drive would feel even longer. But my dad has no interest in moving back to CA so I guess we'll deal with it if for now because I have no interest in moving to OR. Especially where they live.

Exactly... 6.5 hours is much further than what I am. Right now, we are trying to set in motion some sort of plan for my dad, so he knows what to do if something does happen, and who he can call - especially for non-emergency situations. It's not easy finding people who are willing to help out.

Yeah for the new machine arriving today!! I hope you got to play with it and like it.

Very excited about it! I plan to post pictures below.

Glad you got to talk to your BFF about dates. Hope they all work out for the best deal for you guys.

I hope so too... We will see.

**********************************************************

Well, if you were on FB yesterday - you saw that I posted a picture of my new machine.... Of course, the day I am anxiously awaiting a package - UPS decides to come later in the day. Sigh. Oh well... It made the journey here safely - so I am super happy about that.

I was a bit annoyed at first, because I couldn't figure out what in the world I was doing wrong. I had put a few purchased designs from a well known and reputible digitizer on my usb stick, but every time I plugged it in to the machine - it would tell me that "the files are corrupted." Grrr... Tried different designs... Tried everything. After about an hour or so messing with it - I finally tried a different USB and presto... It worked perfectly! So, I stitched out my first design - a black Minnie head with a bow... I learned a few things... First of all - must cut closer to the tack down stitch... Second - it's a little confusing figuring out what color is coming next and how to put it down. I hope that comes with time?

So, after all of that - I took her up to my sewing room and set her in her reserved spot...

And here she is hard at work in my sewing room last night... I made a quick zipper pull for Myrthe's bag...

She does not have a name yet - I am open to suggestions.

I also used her on my custom order for the week... but you will have to wait to see that.

In all of my new machine excitement yesterday - I did fall behind in my sewing room. I should have finished my applique - but I did not. I still have about 3 hours worth of stitching to do on it, but it's looking fantastic and I am super excited about the applique - it's turning out much better than my brain thought it would.

I work at Target today... We had our first bigger snow fall of the season yesterday/last night... so, my drive into work should be interesting.

Alli has an appointment at 3pm, and I get off of work at 3pm - I plan on asking if I can leave a bit early to get her to her appt on time. Hopefully they will let me.

I hope each of you has a marvelous day today! Sending out prayers for all in need.

D~

 

[cogero]

Okay here is my answer about sewing machines. D and I actually started sewing around the same time

My first machine was a combo machine (Embroidery and sewing) I actually bought it for the embroidery part. I wasn't going to learn to sew but I did.

I then upgraded the embroidery part to a PE-770 and sewed on the SE-400 I hated that stupid thing. I then bought a Duetta 4500 which is another combo machine but it is my embroidery machine and has a 6 x 10 hoop.

I bought a Janome Magnolia which is a great machine but when you try to gather and ruffle and sew through several layers just not enough power.

I have a Singer 99 and while it is a good little machine I prefer my brand new to me $15-91 Mabel. She is the same as Ds Patience. She goes through several layers no problem. I have a serger for finishing seams so I don't really need a zig zag. I still have my Janome and Duetta but seriously the stitches on the Singer are 10 times better.

So that is my answer on sewing machines. Also beware of that Brother 6000 you either get a great machine or a lemon.

Have fun at Target D.

 

[MeeskaMomma]

Thank you D! My mom had her mothers vintage sewing machine hanging around for a while. I wonder if she still has it? Great tips! Thank you!

 

[DMGeurts]

I have a Singer 99 and while it is a good little machine I prefer my brand new to me $15-91 Mabel. She is the same as Ds Patience. She goes through several layers no problem. I have a serger for finishing seams so I don't really need a zig zag.

Sorry - Just checking in and this made me chuckle Chiara... Recently, I've been using my serger a bit more - and I am finding the issue where Patience will sew through anything - but when I bring it over to my serger to finish the seam, the serger has an issue because the seam is too thick. I need to remember things like that. If only they made a TRULY vintage serger - I would be golden.

D~

 

[DMGeurts]

Thank you D! My mom had her mothers vintage sewing machine hanging around for a while. I wonder if she still has it? Great tips! Thank you!

Make sure you look at Chiara's post above too - she has some great tips!

D~

 

[Clio]

I agree with you about the newer machines. My kenmore is all metal and can sew through anything, well almost anything. I have a singer from the late 60's with nylon gears. they wear out alot so I don't use it much. Someone gave me an 80's kenmore and it's almost all plastic. I'm always afrid that it will break.
I'm glad you are having fun playing with your new machine. I can't wait to see what you dream up for it.
Liz

 

[Chicago Mo]

My vote is to name her Pearl..

LOVE the new machine.. very intimidating..

 

[Iamthequeen]

I will second (or third?) looking for an older model Singer or Kenmore. Both were workhorses in their day. While I love my newer machines, they don't have nearly the power that my little Featherweight (Singer 221) has. This baby will sew through almost anything, while my newer Viking has a hard time going through 4 layers of fabric. You can usually find a good machine at a thrift shop or flea market, if you are willing to do a little maintenance on it. These machines were designed to be maintained at home and are easy to oil and clean (or clean and oil!).

I think I've worn out the motor on my 1925 99-13 Singer (Pauline). She keeps going slower and slower. I think I'm going to start searching for a replacement motor for her. She stitches beautifully.

That said, I got my Sapphire back from the shop yesterday. I had a few parts replaced and her annual servicing and it cost me a whopping $128 . The newer machines are not designed to be maintained at home and need to be taken to a shop for routine maintenance.
I also got the gear part I need to try to repair my "new" machine, who does not have a name yet.

D~ you will love the 770. Most designs come with a jpg file so you can see the design without design software, so you can see more easily which color should come next, coupled with the design step on the screen. It took me a while to figure out color placement/selection but I think I have a handle on it. Also there are several different software programs that you can try out free for 30 days. I would try several before you decide to buy anything.

 

[Iamthequeen]

Ooooo new embroidery machine!

I am sure you get this question all the time, but what kind of sewing machine would you recommend for a beginner. I am looking at small machines I can store in a closet when I am not using it.

My husband found this guy http://www.amazon.com/Brother-Featu...qid=1386077720&sr=8-1&keywords=sewing+machine on Amazon, but I am worried it has too many bells and whistles for a beginner, but the price is good right now. (although I would like to go a little cheaper). I also can't tell how big or heavy it is. Thoughts?

I meant to respond to this yesterday, so I'm sorry this is a bit late. That looks like a good starter machine at a good price. I've had a couple of Brother machines and have never had any problems with them.

 

[nowellsl]

I totally agree with everyone about the vintage machines. I also have a 15-91 and it sewed through many layers of fabric and batting on the purse I made! Even my tiny little featherweight sews through more than any modern machine I've used. My daughter has a newer brother and I always feel like it's going to jump off the table when I use it, it's so lightweight! The just don't make them like they used to!

 

[ladylyons]

Glad the new machine finally arrived!! I'm beginning to hate my UPS driver they aren't coming until after 6 pm!! I think a lot of people are doing a lot of online shopping so it's slowing them down.

Yeah for getting to try it out and hopefully your able to figure it all out.

Safe travels driving into work tomorrow. Hope they do let you leave a little early to get Alli to her appointment on time.

 

[disneychic2]

Hi D~ I'm all caught up AGAIN! So glad you had two nice Thanksgivings. Our flights to and from Texas were good. I didn't sleep well while gone, which made it easy to shop online on Black Friday. I actually shopped online on Thanksgiving before leaving for the airport. I woke up at 2:30AM and took advantage. Yesterday I received 11 packages at three different times. Felt like Christmas. Oh yeah, it IS Christmas!

I loved the new style bag with piglet. Looks like a lot of extra work, though. You did a beautiful job. Glad to see your new machine arrived all safe and sound. You will have so much fun with that thing! And I like Mo's suggestion of Pearl for her name.

I'm jumping around, but wanted to say how much I loved that turkey hat and the fact that you would wear it in public! Love that spunk!!

Jennifer is doing very well now, a week after surgery. She is weaning herself off of the heavy pain meds and will be solely on ibuprofen by tomorrow. She is using only one crutch most of the time now, which is huge! She still can't stand for long periods of time, but she's coming along very well. Her MIL is there this week and I'll be going back on the 9th for a week. Thanks for your continued prayers!

I would like to get another machine that just sews. I hate switching from embroidering to sewing. I have been checking craigslist for vintage machines, but also toying with the idea of buying a new machine. For the person who was thinking about the Brother 6000i, I've been researching that one and it seems to get lots of good reviews. Someone did say that it is very light and tends to move around on the sewing table. It was suggested to get some of that shelf liner that is sort of spongy and a waffle weave to put it on to help it stay put. (Do you know what I'm talking about??)

I just want to say how happy I am for you that you are sticking with your workout and eating plan. It is so hard to do, but here you are, succeeding!! Good for you. Keep it up! It is so worth it.

Okay, I'm going to bed now, but just wanted to hop on and catch up. I'll have to mosey over to Mo's tomorrow I guess. Trying to cram a lot in before heading back to Virginia. Have a great day in your sewing room or wherever you find yourself.

 

[DMGeurts]

Okay here is my answer about sewing machines. D and I actually started sewing around the same time

My first machine was a combo machine (Embroidery and sewing) I actually bought it for the embroidery part. I wasn't going to learn to sew but I did.

I then upgraded the embroidery part to a PE-770 and sewed on the SE-400 I hated that stupid thing. I then bought a Duetta 4500 which is another combo machine but it is my embroidery machine and has a 6 x 10 hoop.

I bought a Janome Magnolia which is a great machine but when you try to gather and ruffle and sew through several layers just not enough power.

I have a Singer 99 and while it is a good little machine I prefer my brand new to me $15-91 Mabel. She is the same as Ds Patience. She goes through several layers no problem. I have a serger for finishing seams so I don't really need a zig zag. I still have my Janome and Duetta but seriously the stitches on the Singer are 10 times better.

So that is my answer on sewing machines. Also beware of that Brother 6000 you either get a great machine or a lemon.

Have fun at Target D.

Chiara - I loved hearing about all of your machines! It's so interesting to hear what we all go through to find THE machine for us.

Also, thanks for taking the time to write this for Meeksmomma.

Thank you D! My mom had her mothers vintage sewing machine hanging around for a while. I wonder if she still has it? Great tips! Thank you!

Oooh - you should ask! Really! Chiara gave some wonderful advice for you above and several others gave some great advice for you below.

I agree with you about the newer machines. My kenmore is all metal and can sew through anything, well almost anything. I have a singer from the late 60's with nylon gears. they wear out alot so I don't use it much. Someone gave me an 80's kenmore and it's almost all plastic. I'm always afrid that it will break.
I'm glad you are having fun playing with your new machine. I can't wait to see what you dream up for it.
Liz

Yah - it's so funny, because I just sew through anything with Patience... I have a few seams on my bags that are 16 layers thick (8 quilt batting and 8 fabric) and she just goes through them with out a second glance. I would never be able to make my bags on a newer machine.

I haven't had a chance to try out my new machine since the other night - not sure if I will have the chance again until the weekend. I have no idea what I am going to do next with it? LOL Maybe I'll make some danglers for our upcoming trip?

My vote is to name her Pearl..

LOVE the new machine.. very intimidating..

Oooh - I do love the name Pearl...

I agree she is a bit intimidating... I could name her The Intimidator? I definately need to get a lot of practice on her.

I will second (or third?) looking for an older model Singer or Kenmore. Both were workhorses in their day. While I love my newer machines, they don't have nearly the power that my little Featherweight (Singer 221) has. This baby will sew through almost anything, while my newer Viking has a hard time going through 4 layers of fabric. You can usually find a good machine at a thrift shop or flea market, if you are willing to do a little maintenance on it. These machines were designed to be maintained at home and are easy to oil and clean (or clean and oil!).

Yes, I agree there is a learning curve with maintaining vintage machines - especially when you first get them - if they weren't well maintained, they need a lot of work initially. But maintaining them after that is usually a breeze - I sew on Patience for 8 hours a day 4+ days a week, I have had 1 hour of down time in the last 2 years (that wasn't basic maintenance related), due to a bent needle (It took me an hour to figure out what was wrong with her)... I hear of my sewing friends - constantly - spending weeks waiting on their machines that are in the shop, and I feel so badly for them... I couldn't imagine not being able to sew.

I think I've worn out the motor on my 1925 99-13 Singer (Pauline). She keeps going slower and slower. I think I'm going to start searching for a replacement motor for her. She stitches beautifully.

It should be fairly easy to find a replacement motor for her, and an easy swap out too. Not something I would feel comfortable doing - I would make DH do it. I don't do well with electrical things.

That said, I got my Sapphire back from the shop yesterday. I had a few parts replaced and her annual servicing and it cost me a whopping $128. The newer machines are not designed to be maintained at home and need to be taken to a shop for routine maintenance.
I also got the gear part I need to try to repair my "new" machine, who does not have a name yet.

Wow! This is the part that worries me. I am very nervous about having to take this embroidery machine in for maintenance/repair... I know nothing about it myself. The thing I love most about my vintage machines is that I have to rely on no one to do repair/maintenance for me... So it makes me nervous to have to find someone to do this now. Not a clue of where to start or how to find someone reputible???

D~ you will love the 770. Most designs come with a jpg file so you can see the design without design software, so you can see more easily which color should come next, coupled with the design step on the screen. It took me a while to figure out color placement/selection but I think I have a handle on it. Also there are several different software programs that you can try out free for 30 days. I would try several before you decide to buy anything.

I did see that the designs I purchased did come with a jpg file... I wonder if I should print them out and put them in a binder or something? The other idea is that I could just bring the photos up on my phone screen - that's what I did the other night. It seemed to work well enough for me.

Not sure I will get into the design software portion of this yet? I have a lot of learning to do first.

I meant to respond to this yesterday, so I'm sorry this is a bit late. That looks like a good starter machine at a good price. I've had a couple of Brother machines and have never had any problems with them.

Thanks for responding to that part Tess.

I totally agree with everyone about the vintage machines. I also have a 15-91 and it sewed through many layers of fabric and batting on the purse I made! Even my tiny little featherweight sews through more than any modern machine I've used. My daughter has a newer brother and I always feel like it's going to jump off the table when I use it, it's so lightweight! The just don't make them like they used to!

This made me LOL - even though Patience is HEAVY - she is slippery, and she is constantly moving around on my slippery counters... I should put a mat or something under her - I never even thought of that. Excellent idea Stephanie!

Glad the new machine finally arrived!! I'm beginning to hate my UPS driver they aren't coming until after 6 pm!! I think a lot of people are doing a lot of online shopping so it's slowing them down.

Yeah for getting to try it out and hopefully your able to figure it all out.

Safe travels driving into work tomorrow. Hope they do let you leave a little early to get Alli to her appointment on time.

I know - it's so frustrating that they are running so late - they must all be swamped from everyone's Black Friday/Cyber Monday shopping deals.

Thanks for the safe travel wishes... The roads weren't too bad - a little slippery in the morning, but just wet on the way home. Most of the horrible stuff stayed about 30 miles to the north of us. Our day is coming though - I am sure of it.

Hi D~ I'm all caught up AGAIN! So glad you had two nice Thanksgivings. Our flights to and from Texas were good. I didn't sleep well while gone, which made it easy to shop online on Black Friday. I actually shopped online on Thanksgiving before leaving for the airport. I woke up at 2:30AM and took advantage. Yesterday I received 11 packages at three different times. Felt like Christmas. Oh yeah, it IS Christmas!

Hi Lois! It's great to see you! I am glad you had a nice Thanksgiving - bummer about not sleeping well though. However - 11 packages!!!! WOW - you were a busy girl! LOL Merry Christmas!

I loved the new style bag with piglet. Looks like a lot of extra work, though. You did a beautiful job. Glad to see your new machine arrived all safe and sound. You will have so much fun with that thing! And I like Mo's suggestion of Pearl for her name.

Thank you! It was a lot of work - but really fun to work on something new. My seam ripper got more use that it has in recent months.

I do like the name Pearl - I may just go with that. It seems to fit her nicely. Although - I don't know if she had a name previously? I never asked.

I'm jumping around, but wanted to say how much I loved that turkey hat and the fact that you would wear it in public! Love that spunk!!

Hahaha... Thanks! I am a nut sometimes - and I wonder where I get it from? Sometimes I have no idea what compels me to do the things I do. I guess I am just not afraid to have fun?

Jennifer is doing very well now, a week after surgery. She is weaning herself off of the heavy pain meds and will be solely on ibuprofen by tomorrow. She is using only one crutch most of the time now, which is huge! She still can't stand for long periods of time, but she's coming along very well. Her MIL is there this week and I'll be going back on the 9th for a week. Thanks for your continued prayers!

Thanks so much for the update on Jennifer! I've been wondering about her... it sounds like she is doing wonderful considering how recent her surgery is. I know you all must be so relieved - especially Jennifer... I went through something similar (although not nearly as painful) after I had Allison - so I know how scary it can be to have such a joyous occasion and be worried about your own mortality and your family. I am just so happy that she is recovering so well. Please keep us updated as you can and know that she continues to be in our prayers.

I would like to get another machine that just sews. I hate switching from embroidering to sewing. I have been checking craigslist for vintage machines, but also toying with the idea of buying a new machine. For the person who was thinking about the Brother 6000i, I've been researching that one and it seems to get lots of good reviews. Someone did say that it is very light and tends to move around on the sewing table. It was suggested to get some of that shelf liner that is sort of spongy and a waffle weave to put it on to help it stay put. (Do you know what I'm talking about??)

I don't blame you - I can't imagine having to switch back and forth. Excellent idea about the shelf liner though - I think I have some extra from my kitchen cupboards, I should try a slice for Patience - she has slippery feet.

I just want to say how happy I am for you that you are sticking with your workout and eating plan. It is so hard to do, but here you are, succeeding!! Good for you. Keep it up! It is so worth it.

Thank you - it feels really good to be back at it. I really enjoy lifting weights - it's so different compared to the aerobics I was doing for decades - and it's so much fun! I love seeing how much progress my body can do. Now, if I could just see some of these muscles under the fat - I would be thrilled.

Okay, I'm going to bed now, but just wanted to hop on and catch up. I'll have to mosey over to Mo's tomorrow I guess. Trying to cram a lot in before heading back to Virginia. Have a great day in your sewing room or wherever you find yourself.

Thanks for taking the time to catch up! If I don't see you before you head back to Virginia - I hope you have a fantastic trip and enjoy every moment with Jennifer and the Grands.

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Yup... Yesterday was a Target day...

As I was sitting in the breakroom munching on a cheese stick before work... Literally 2 minutes before I was supposed to punch... I hear a voice... "Are you sure you're supposed to be here today?"... "I was... until you said that"... Crap... So, my friend looked at the schedule - and sure enough - I was scheduled for Thursday and NOT Wednesday... Double crap, crap...

I had just driven in... Roads were bad. Alli had an appointment at 3pm, so I would have to drive home then drive back later... Grrrr...

Formulating a plan...

I asked my friend if she would swtich with me... Thankfully it worked out and she was able to. Phew! Crisis averted.

I was so mad at myself - I had it written in my phone for Wednesday even.

So, I worked yesterday, and she is working my shift today. THankfully it worked out. THis time.

Next week, I work Wednesday - I am certain - I double checked, twice.

I was busy all day at work - so that was nice.

After work, I took Alli to her appt... Then we drove home. Roads weren't bad - just wet. I am sure they are bad today because temps dropped drastically last night and I am sure the roads froze.

Today, I will be working on finishing my applique. I also hope to get a lot of my pre-assembly done on this bag. With any luck - I may even finish it today - depending on how long it takes me to stitch out the applique.

I am hoping to take a little time to play with my new machine later... I think I need to create a new spot for it in my sewing room though? I don't like the location I put it in. It would be so much nicer to have it at counter height - so I can stand up and work with it - rather than being forced to sit down. We'll see... I don't want to move my packing counter - but it may be my best option?

Oh - and I placed an embroidery thread order yesterday... I was getting low on a few of my most used colors... I buy my embroidery thread from a little place in North Carolina - I visited this store when I was visiting Marianne a few years ago... And their thread is one of the only ones that work in Mr. R - thankfully - it's the same thread for the embroidery machine. Well, now that I have 2 machines that use it - and this store ships slowly - I figured I better order. I am almost embarassed to say, I purchased 40 spools of embroidery thread... I have no idea where I am going to put it all when it gets here, as my wall shelves are quite full...

I have a feeling I will be doing a lot of rearranging in my sewing room this weekend.

Alrighty - I better get on with my day... I hope you all have a wonderful one - sending out prayers for all who need them.

D~