Quick Update and Sewing Machine Cover

Lately I have been in overdrive mode and haven't been able to focus too long on any one thing. Since completing my linen shelves, I have started other various projects. A big thing for me is that I was able to finally cross off one of my 50 list projects. At the same time that I have been working on my list projects, I have been working on some that have since been added to my list which is currently on my computer, which I call the 50+ projects for 2010 lol.

Anyway, the first item to be crossed off is my sewing machine cover. It's nothing special and would probably look less lumpy had I used something other than a cheap vinyl tablecloth, but it will do it's job beautifully for the time being. If I was to do this project again, I would probably use a tad bit heavier cloth like oilcloth or a thicker vinyl. But for now, I'm happy with it.

At the same time, I have numerous other projects that are in various stages of completion. A few that might be finished up today while the kiddo recovers from being sick all weekend. My big project at the moment is my altar. So far the feet are glued on and ready for nails, then some sanding. Yay for using more power tools.

Sewing Machine - Singer 7470

I posted briefly about my new sewing machine. It's a Singer 7470 that my hubby had gotten from JoAnn Fabrics. Let me just say, I am glad I did my research and I am totally happy with this machine so far. It's easy to wind a bobbin and thread the machine, both of which are a big plus in my book. The LED light is nice and bright which makes things so much easier to see. It's quiet. With my old machine (a Singer my mother passed on to me from her mother), I was worried I was going to wake people up if I was sewing at midnight. This one, I don't have to worry about that. I can actually use a zigzag stitch unlike my old machine where you didn't even want to try and sew a zigzag stitch for fear of getting the right tension only to have the tension slip midway.

The manual is easy to read and the illustrations are detailed making threading for the first time really easy. The automatic threader is a nice touch as well for the days I just don't feel like threading the needle.

And the fact that it's portable is nice as well. My old machine had a table to it and made moving it rather interesting. I am however going to be making a new cover for it since I really don't like the cover that came with it. Don't get me wrong, the cover is fine. I just want to make the flap where the handle is a bit longer so it can be fastened shut when not in use. Just a way for me to keep it clean really.

I also like the fact that there is hem markers for different widths on the foot plate. And that part of the presser foot is clear so you can see where your needle is clearly and where you need to stitch.

It also works well with a wide variety of fabrics, including denim. The only downfall I can see and that is easily fixable is when working with vinyl. The vinyl sticks to the underside of the presser foot making which make the fabric bunch. Easy fix is to get a presser foot for use with vinyl or a walking foot. I will have to look into this because I use vinyl for when I make pocketed baby bibs.

So for a step up from my old machine. I am really happy with my choice.

Mini Poppet Swap goodness

I am really excited. A month back, hubby got me a subscription to my fav craft forum, Craftster, (I am soo addicted to it, I visit every chance I get). Well that was just a tip of the ice berg. A while back I made my cousin's little girl a poppet and enjoyed making it. Since then I've been driving myself nuts because I've wanted to make another one and haven't really had a chance to.

Since hubby had gotten me a new sewing machine, I've been dying to try it out. What better way than by making a poppet! I am really excited about making one for my partner in the Mini Poppet Swap and I can't say much about it because of the off chance my partner might read, I have made a few trips to JoAnn's for fabric and thread. And I've made a trip to WalMart because I had forgotten things that I forgot to pick up at JoAnn's.

So I have all my supplies, the pattern drawn out and cut out, my fabric picked out, the yarn for the hair in the bag, and my eyes have been ordered and are being shipped sometime this week I hope. I'll post pictures when it's finished and has arrived in Michigan.

Quick update..

This last week has just gone by in such a blur. Luckily, some of the stress of the remodel has been taken off my shoulders. Heck if I was still doing the drywall downstairs, I'd still be mudding my son's room lol. But in fact his room is ready to paint, our room is half done, and at the same time the new kitchen floor was put down and some of the kitchen cabinets and counter have been put in. The new appliances were delivered Tuesday and hooked up. The water softener guys installed "The Beast" (the water softening system as they call it), as I am lovingly calling, it yesterday.

The best part of all this, other than the fact that all of the renovations are all most done and I can get my stuff out of storage (it's only been there for 6 months), I was able to finally pull my new sewing machine out of the box. It's only been in the box for about a week and I've been dying to pull it out and just haven't had the space to do so.

I really, really can't wait to start sewing with my machine. It's a Singer 7470 and a total surprise from my husband. He and my son went out for one of their "boys day outs" and came back with my sewing machine. I was speechless..literally.

So I have a few projects lined up, including a few more poppets (they are really addictive), and I can't wait to just jump right in. Now if I can just dig my fabric boxes out of the corner in my storage unit and stumble on my box of thread, I will be over joyed. I've only been trying to get to storage and get my fabric for about a week now. Something always pops up or the weather changes and I'm left shaking my fist calling out "Curses!" like the cartoon villians.