At last you are the proud owner of the much longed for Sewing Machine.

Written in March, 2009:

The other day, I met some friends at the Chertsey Bookshop. I had half an hour from finishing work to rush home, pack up EV and be there by 10. Of course, I was running late, so I texted my friends and said so. When I walked into the bookstore, I didn't see anyone I knew. Is today Wednesday, I thought? It must be because yesterday was Tuesday. I checked my friend's text to be sure that we were meeting on Wednesday at 10. Wrong! Wednesday at 11. I was an hour early when I thought I was late. It was not a big deal because I needed groceries, anyway. After groceries, I still had time to kill, so I browsed through some charity shops (thrift stores). In the window of one was an old sewing machine for £30.00. I was immediately interested and they put it on hold for me. Today, I returned to the shop and had the lady demonstrate that it worked. She knocked off £10.00 and I bought it for £20.00! What a deal! Now I can hem my trousers and sew EV some animal costumes. The best parts are that the machine is hand powered and it has the original instruction manual with an entertaining opening letter.


Some of my favorite bits from the letter:

"Dear Housewife...At last you are the proud owner of the much longed for Sewing Machine."

"Although everything is still quite clear to you, it is possible that in time some of the directions given to you for making the various adjustments may escape your memory."

"Before using your machine we advise you to glance briefly at the pages of this bokklet."

"After reading these you will have become thoroughly acquainted with the working principle of your sewing machine; you will look upon it as living thing that has been placed under your care and protection."





Written today:
The pictures below are of some items I made on my treadle machine. It became impossible for me to use when I was pregnant with my little boy. It was too heavy and I was in too much pain from my SPD to crank the machine. On a happy/sad day, I donated it to a charity that helps ladies in Africa learn to sew and make a living from it...and then I bought a nearly new Janome. It's nothing fancy, but gets the job done, and I love it!

My very first project was a skirt for my baby girl.

 A dress made from one of Happy Together's tutorials.

An original fairy skirt and a bee costume (McCall's MP366).

3KDBWDAY7 - Crafting Balance

Today's topic for Knitting and Crochet Blog Week is all about crafting balance. Am I a knitter or crocheter or both? Well, if you read my last post, you'll know that I am a crocheter with the goal to become a knitter. I love crochet and struggle with knitting, but I usually love the look of knitted items more than crochet items. I always have crochet projects on the go and aspire to have some knitting ones in the near future!

Left: One of my first crochet projects. Middle: Son's baby blanket. Right: Another first crochet project.

Can I interrupt myself to ask a question here? Thanks.

I'd like to knit a cowl - which one of these do you think would be a good first project for a new knitter?

1) Moss Stitch Cowl               2) Lyndhurst Cowl               3) Elphaba                4) InstaCowl

Besides loving to crochet and my desire to knit, I also really enjoy sewing. I love how quick it is to sew up lovely items. I was a frequent sewer from the time I learned at 9 years old through my university years. I remember hand sewing clothes for my barbies, browsing through pattern catalogues at the local fabric shop, borrowing cute dresses from my friends and using the to sew my own, and earning an award for best student in Home Ec. (at the time I was slightly embarrassed, but now I'm proud) after making an abundance of pillows and stuffed animals in middle school. I put aside sewing when I started travelling, mainly because it was impossible to pack my sewing machine. However, a little more than three years ago, I found a sewing machine at a charity shop and began sewing again. In my next post, I'll show more of the first few things I made and share the story of that first machine. It was a treadle machine without the treadle!

Back to the topic, though...I think I have a pretty good balance with the crafts I love. Crochet an item - Sew an item - and hopefully Knit some items soon!

I hope you've enjoyed Eskimimi Makes' Knitting and Crochet Blog Week with me. I have loved every minute of it. It has been a great challenge and delight to think about these two crafts and their significance in my life. I have also been very pleased to discover new blogs and to have read others' thoughts on the topics. I have laughed, sighed, and almost cried. Thank you Eskimimi Makes!

3KCBWDAY6 - Improving Your Skillset

                                                                   Source: crookedcrochet.wordpress.com via Jessica on Pinterest

My skill set. Hmm. Crochet is definitely included in there, as well as sewing and random crafting. I love how relaxing it is to sit down with my hooks and yarn to make a hat, a scarf, a baby blanket, and so on. I have no fear of trying to make patterns that might be considered "difficult." I understand the language of crochet as if it were my first language. I...I...I...how great am I? Can I tell you some more? (just kidding). The thing is, crochet just came naturally when I re-learned it 5 or 6 or 7 years ago, most likely because I had already learned it as a child. 

                                           Source: finnesselifestyle.com via Jessica on Pinterest

When I became so confident at crocheting, I attempted knitting. Immediately Humbled. It was the farthest thing from easy. My hands were so awkward managing two needles. When I dropped a stitch, I had no idea how to fix it and would either begin again or just leave a hole or the ribbing would become unbalanced. I don't even really know what I'm talking about right now, so hopefully all you fabulous knitters can understand that last sentence. When I'd try a knitting pattern, I'd constantly be on google looking up terms. My best friend at the time was KnittingHelp.com. I made two hats...then attempted another project a few months later and gave up. 

                                      Source: holycrapyarnandstuff.tumblr.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Now, recently I have been inspired by my mom who is always attempting new things in her sewing, crochet, and knitting. You can take a look at her blog to see her diverse assortment of creations. She is currently knitting socks for the first time. I have come to the conclusion that I need to knit! I always see knit items that I love, but push the thought of making them from my mind. So, I'm making a goal. Yikes! Now I really have to do it!


So, inspired by Knitting and Blog Week...and inspired by my mom...here is my goal:


Skill I would like to have a go at: KNITTING
When: learn in MAY...finish 4 projects by the end of 2012


Now, I think I'll need some help from you. Do any of you who knit have any suggestions of a good project to learn on? Do you think it is possible for me who will be a new knitter to finish 4 projects by the end of 2012 or should I aim for less?

 ***To view more blogs participating in the 3rd Annual Knitting and Crochet Blog Week, search Google for 3KCBWDAY6***

3KCBWDAY5 - Something a Bit Different

I must admit, I didn't have much time today to put much thought and effort into Something a Bit Different for the Knitting and Crochet Blog Week. However, I had a great time making this short movie with my kids! My favorite parts are "singness" and our magical popsicle stick wand.

***To view more blogs participating in the 3rd Annual Knitting and Crochet Blog Week, search Google for 3KCBWDAY5***