That, Dear Readers is the question! It's been many, many months since I sat at my sewing machine.....
She really does look lovely, resting there on my little blue formica table, but last time I used her, (and the time before that!) she kept chewing at my fabric.....and like many ladies of a certain age, she has a few tension issues!
And so I'm not sure what to do. If I'm honest, I've not particularly missed sewing on my machine. I do need to create, but perhaps I don't need to sew on a machine?
But then again.....I love them there Vintage Sheets, and I love making things with them there Vintage Sheets. So I'm in a mild quandary, not a great big life changing quandary, just a little one. Wondering what to do.
Yes, I love them there Vintage Sheets, with their pretty, pretty colours and their happy patterns. And I love to see them dotted around my home, making it colourful and cosy!
But I'm not too keen on machines, on things that can go wrong. In fact I'm not great with any technology, that's if you can call a sewing machine that's 50 years old technical!!!
I feel I've lost my confidence with sewing machines. Even the lovely vintage ones, that are covered with the most beautiful pink Vintage Wallpaper!
I have soooo many beautiful Vintage Sheets, just sat on the shelves, it seems so wrong not to be using them. Perhaps a bit of English paper piercing is in order? I do love those gorgeous quilts I keep seeing, long term projects for sure, but I can just about cope with a needle and thread!
Maybe I need a new machine, or go on a confidence boosting sewing course? At the moment the lack of pennies stops this, maybe next year.
Perhaps I'll just stick with the crochet for now.....
What about you, do you find machine sewing difficult? How have you got around this?
I'm sorry I've not visited anyone this week, it has been a really busy week. Mum was very poorly too, so it was an emotionally draining week. I'm glad to report however, she's much better now, in fact I've just been to see her with my sister, and she was great! Awake and alert. There is definitely little bits of mum still in there, it was lovely to have some connection again.
Hopefully I will get chance to visit you all over the next couple of days!
Bye for now,
Ada :) xxx
Oh.....and I'm starting to think about Christmas!
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It's just much too frustrating when a sewing machine is destroying your work as you go. Maybe you could find a hardly-used "new" sewing machine on ebay for less than you'd find in the store. The machines now have so many features that it's easy to get lost in them and feel you just wouldn't be able to figure them out. But you really don't need all those fancy gadgets. My trusty machine (which is also getting a bit finicky) has a few extra stitches, but I only use straight, zig-zag and hemming stitches and the buttonhole feature. I still make quilted projects (and an occasional entire quilt) on this machine. I'm also looking at a sewing class, but for me it's for the night out and a bit of inspiration! Glad to hear your mother has come through a difficult week. My dad was completely undone when I saw him on the weekend, and so very confused over some missing letter?! Frantic, upsetting visit and nothing was resolved and I had to leave him just as confused as when I arrived. Here's to a better week for us both Ada ;) Wendy x
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean. My machine was playing up last year and it put me off for a while. I had it serviced and bought a big box of needles so I can change them regularly and tried a different thread, making sure it matched the needle size. Seems to have worked for now. Still want a bigger machine to make quilting easier though. Have to persuade hubby first :( Hope you figure something out. xx
ReplyDeleteI don't even know how to use a sewing machine!!
ReplyDeleteBut if you're up for it I think a hand sewn giilt would be gorgeous with all of those beautiful sheets!
I hope you have a great week!
Tammy
I love to hand sew but could not manage without my sewing machine. I can only hand sew for a while before my fingers start to scream so I have some EPP Hexies that are slowly turning into a quilt and then I have my machine set up. I have done a ton of sewing today and will do an hour hand stitching this evening. I am arranging a few crochet lessons and then I will be set for the winter. Oh, and I love vintage sheets as well.
ReplyDeleteDearest Ada
ReplyDeleteDon't give up on your sewing machine, I go through phases when I don't use mine for years then all of a sudden I go through a sewing frenzy phase and would be very sad if I had got rid of mine. I got my machine for my 20th birthday from my parents and must admit it really needs a service. I have always made my own clothes since I was a teenager and 99% of my skirts are all homemade. Maybe yours needs a service to get her back to full working order? I think you might regret it if you got rid of her and didn't have a replacement for all your gorgeous sheets.
I am really pleased to hear your mum is ok and able to enjoy your company again. I hope things remain stable and well. Take special care xox Penny
Oh Ada those baubles look lovely! What a shame about your machine - I must admit mine used to chew up everything and it completely put me off for such a long time. Mr K bought me a very basic Janome last Christmas and it's given me a new lease of enthusiasm - maybe something to think about asking Santa for? On the other hand could it be something as straightforward as a blunt needle? Please don't give up sewing your wonderful things - maybe fate is leading you to experiment with some paper piecing until your machine is back on form?! Sorry to hear your mum has been poorly - always a worrying time - but good that she is recovering. Have a lovely week x Jane
ReplyDeleteI agree with the others, see if you can get her serviced - if you go to a haberdashery, they might recommend someone reliable, who could tell you honestly how much it will cost, and if it is worth it! Then you'll know whether to start saving for a new machine or get fabric ready for a revamped old gal! But don't give up, I'm just getting going on my sewing too! Chrissie x
ReplyDeleteOh this is making me think that I should have said yes to a book review about how to use your sewing machine, maybe it's not too late. I do think a good machine makes all the difference, but for me it's more about just understanding how to get the most from your machine. Maybe it is worth giving it another go and seeing how you get on. I couldnt go without doing a little sewing every day, but we are all different. Xoxo
ReplyDeleteOh put of thoughts of christmas for a bit longer lovely. I try to take it a day at a time and then it always comes as a shock to me how near it all is. Glad to hear your mum is on the mend.
ReplyDeleteI always try a bit of undoing stuff I'll remember where it all goes back again stuff, blow out the fluff, chuck a bit of oil in and if that doesn't work give up. You could try the free swaps online for a machine, you never know a good one might be wanting a home. As for me with machines it's bxeen a learning curve ever since I was 16 with an old Singer. Kind of suck it and see, I'm still fairly hopeless, but we're getting there. Good luck X
Sorry to hear that your Mum was not well, but that she is doing better now, I hope that she stays OK. I have an old (40 plus years) sewing machine, it only does straight stitch, and I recently coaxed it into doing zig zag again (I threatened it!!), it is supposed to do fancy stitches, but no hope on those any more. I have found that a new needle for each project definately helps and has made a difference to some tension problems that I have had in the past - no idea why, but it seemed to help. I am sure that as and when sewing is your thing it will happen, you are just in a crochet phase at the moment!! xx
ReplyDeleteDear Ada,
ReplyDeleteI also have started to think about Christmas. Your decoration looks wonderful.
Today I bought some little plastic shiny things to make a Christmas decoration in the form of a tree (sounds complicated but isn't )
I do agree with you about all the fabrics lying around and being so cheerful. In this home I Always have some fabrics, spread out somewhere, just to remind me that they have to be sewn one day or another. By looking at them while passing, I get the best ideas.
Perhaps you SHOULD buy a new machine. I did, and it works SO much better than the old one.
At this moment, I even like sewing better than crochet or knitting. So much quicker. Very often a result in no more than a couple of days.
Wanna have a look a the things I sew lately?
http://homeiswherethedachshundis.blogspot.be/2013/10/yellow-quilt.html
http://homeiswherethedachshundis.blogspot.be/2013/09/master-in-unfinished-business.html
http://homeiswherethedachshundis.blogspot.be/2013/09/guilty-pleasure.html
glad your feeling relieved and happier about your Mum. A few years ago I had my very old machine serviced. It costs about 16 pounds. She also had tension issues! anyway she works perfectly now and i was also shown how to work a few things so I'm really glad I did it and I think it will go on and on. good luck, Heather x
ReplyDeletesorry to hear about your mum but so glad she is feeling better.
ReplyDeletere sewing, it is good to try different things, and you'll come back to sewing in time.
My machine can be a pain too, I mix up bit of machine bit of hand sewing.I have only made small sewing projects though x
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear your Mum is doing better Ada. About the sewing machine....I do understand. I used to have a machine that ate my work up and consequently I thought I hated sewing. My husband bought me a Janome for Christmas two years ago (much to be protests) and I absolutely love sewing now that I have the proper tools. If the pennies rule out a new one at the moment, I would take her in for a service. She just might need some tweaking. I'm with you on the Christmas decorations. Just finished a post about putting up our tree last Sunday! Have a lovely evening. Julie
ReplyDeleteI'm glad your mum is doing better. I enjoy sewing on my machine but I haven't done much since I finished my kids' Halloween costumes. I would really enjoy having the time to sit down and do some sewing, hopefully soon. I did not love machine-sewing as much when I had an old, temperamental machine, I will admit. Getting a new one (a nice model but by no means top-of-the-line) helped a lot.
ReplyDeleteDefinatly a new machine is in order. A machine that is unreliable can really kill enthusiasm for a project when you haveto keep stopping.I went through the same thing and grew to dislike machine sewing.Eventually I did spring for a newer ( but still 20 year old machine)very simple Viking model. Now I love it again.
ReplyDeleteOh I would persevere with your machine-can you find someone technical who can have a look at it, squirt oil in it and get it back to being lovable again? I am lucky to have 2; my Nana's, a 1935 Singer which works brilliantly, and my mother-in-law's 1970s electric Brother, which works far better than the one she bought to replace it, so I am loath to suggest buying a new one unless you want to do lots of fancy stitches. I actually do lots of hand sewing these days - most relaxing!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your Mum being ill. I share your thoughts on sewing machines mine is an old Singer machine that once belonged to my MIL. Sometimes when I use it things never turn out quite as I expect!
ReplyDeleteSarah x
I love your collection of vintage sheets as well. Are you planning to put some on your Etsy shop?
ReplyDeletea sewing machine thats playing up is a pain! I once brought a brand new singer sewing machine and basically it was a heap of junk...even though i saved forever for it! I traded it in for a 30 year old bernina and have loved it with a passion ever since! I live on the thing...dead basic, industrial and its a work horse! It sews through everything! I adore it! Get your hands on a bernina 801. seriously!! or if you cant find oinw of those a little elna air xxxx
ReplyDeleteMaybe you could try english paper piecing, Ada? I love it, and it is easy to do, and portable in the same way as crochet! You could have fun piecing patchwork with your lovely vintage sheets. Some day you will be in the mood to return to your sewing machine! I am glad you mum is better now, and that you had a good visit with her.x
ReplyDeleteKeeping your sweet mom in my prayers! Take care and lots of love to you! xo Heather
ReplyDeleteSew ! x
ReplyDeleteSo pleased to hear you are managing to have some quality visits with your mum, sorry she has been unwell.
ReplyDeleteI seldom use my machine these days - and I was quite a prolific quilter-by-machine at one time, free-style stuff and everything; but I am enjoying the more contemplative hand-stitching these days though I will machine seams etc. Perhaps the Old Girl just needs a service? Amazing what can be done by Someone Who Knows How with just a squeeze of oil in the right place and a blowing away of years of fluff! MUCH cheaper than a new one.Lx
I think the sewing bug will hit you again when inspiration strikes so go with whatever is inspiring you at the moment. Even though your mum has been unwell it is lovely to read that you have been experiencing some treasured moments of the "real her". Hope she is able to give you some more of these moments. Xx
ReplyDeleteHi! Your sewing machine might benefit from a bit of servicing and a small, easy to make project might do the trick in getting you back to sewing again. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteWhat about getting your machine serviced? Probably a lot cheaper and greener than a new one. Also, invest in some new needles. Most of us don't change our needles nearly often enough... xx
ReplyDeletesorry to read Mum has been poorly but good to read she is now feeling better. Wonder if you have had the machine out, I left one of mine for ages and when I went to use it it messed up, the engineer who came to fix it said they seize up if not used, maybe a service is needed but if you are not using it much not sure if the cost justifies itself. Mine is about 35 years old a janome I usually use the bernina that is 20 and still as good as the day I bought it.
ReplyDeleteAda I know just how you feel because I feel the same way about using the machine. Fort one it hurts my back and for 2 I find it lazy and boring sat at the machine. I much prefer to sew by hand and make my quilts etc by hand but obviously I have to finish them by machine. My machine just came out of the cupboard for the first time in weeks to make my hallway curtains I couldn't wait to out it back. Crochet and hand sewing for my any time :-) dee x
ReplyDeleteSorry your Mum was unwell. I hope she is on the mend.
ReplyDeleteMy machine did the same, but it turned out I had the tension too tight - thank goodness for my textile pro sister! I hope you can get it fixed. Your sewing needs you! :)
My aunt has just bought a new modern machine and is delighted with it. It makes everything so easy and has enthused her to get stitching again.
ReplyDeleteDear Ada Bea
ReplyDeleteLife is a mixed bag isn't it......I find that bag gets a little more mixed each day..... Glad to read that your mum is better - it is all such a worry. Perhaps you could pop round and we could sew together to gee each other up! These short dark days don't make me want to do a great deal of anything (especially getting the dinner ready...) but I have to gird my loins to get paid work done. I sew when I feel like it and sometimes I don't feel like it! I need to make a curtain for the front door to stop the draft coming in....perhaps I should start that now and I met get it done for Spring!
Take good care and wrap up warm
Best wishes
Jenny
PS: My only 'tip' is don't buy a super, duper top of the range machine - I have no experience of such beasts but they do seem a great deal of money that's all!
I wish I could sew, really sew like some of the people in some of the amazing blogs I read. I have a lovely sewing machine that my darling bought me years ago, but I only use the very basic stitches. Glad your mum is feeling better, what a worry :) xx
ReplyDeleteI'm worse than useless with my machine, i can basically only sew in a straight line (curves have to be done stitch by stitch, lifting the foot between each one) but i love hand sewing, especially EPP, so i recommend you do a little of that to get some vintage sheet action going!
ReplyDeleteI hope that you have more good times with your mum.
Cate, x
Oh those Christmas baubles bring me right back to my childhood. My parents had a big box of these that they had brought home from Germany in the 1970's and I think that there may even be some left!!!!
ReplyDeleteI've often have had issues with my sewing machines and when they gave me trouble I would feel like throwing them out the window. But when I got a much better machine I found that I enjoyed it much more and didn't dread setting it up anymore.
Rosie
It's funny how different crafts come and go. I was absolutely obsessed with crochet last year (just after learning) and this year it's back to more knitting. I would love to do some sewing but I feel like I need a huge block of time to make any progress after setting the machine up (and clearing the dining table!) and big blocks of time are in short supply here......hope you can get the machine sorted and get back into your sewing groove. Huge to you and for your Mum too. Mel x
ReplyDeleteSending understanding with your dear Mum...I remember the water infections played havoc with my own Mama..so worrying, glad you have her back for those precious little times...Sewing! ooh i have three machines...ONE :( only works...I sew by hand for, Bumble Bee and kinda LOVE this...Chin up lovely Ada Bea..Hugs Maria x
ReplyDeleteI gave up sewing as my machine was too heavy and pulled my chest every time I had to get it out. Sold it....missed it. I now have a basic small machine in a pretty lilac colour. John Lewis....£50. It's excellent for small alterations and I'm making a dress at the moment. It's given me back my enthusiasm for sewing.
ReplyDeleteAda, have you considered having your machine serviced? That might sort out the tension issues and make the world of difference. I lived in fear of my sewing machine for years until I went on a course and learnt to use it properly. I'm no expert now, and wont be sewing my own clothes any time soon, but I'm a better and more confident seamstress and I'm not scared of it anymore. Now knitting...knitting terrifies me!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear your mum is better. xx
Sorry to hear your mum has been poorly Ada but glad she is now feeling better. I used to find machine sewing quite hard work until my mum bought a new and quite fancy one - now I use hers and its so much easier! Maybe it just needs a little service? A hand made quilt does sound lovely though, it might make a nice change! xx
ReplyDeleteHi Ada
ReplyDeleteSorry about your mum, but I am glad she is feeling a bit better.
I find sewing machines very difficult to master, I don't really know why. My quilt has been done completely by hand, and although it is quite wonky, the overall effect is not too bad at all and it is very relaxing to sit and sew the pieces of an evening. I have yet to tackle the backing which will require a machine but first things first. I am sure if you can produce your stunning crochet projects as you do, then a bit of paper piecing will be a doddle for you. I've also used up lots of gorgeous fabrics and it's so nice to see them all on display instead of being stashed away in various locations.
And p.s thank you for your sweet comments about my cards x
Dearest Ada, Glad your Mom is better!!!! I too have a problem with machines and specifically with my overlocker!!!! It totally frustrates me and it's much easier to just do it the old fashioned way with my trusty old sewing machine!!! But picking up a crochet needle beads it all!!! Instant and sooo gratifying!!! And you can do it outdoors or in front of the telly!!! That;s why I love it so much!!! Have a super weekend!!!
ReplyDeleteLove
AMarie
Oh no - sewing machines are so frustrating when they go wrong. I have just finished a 2 day intensive beginners course and it was fantastic - I feel like I know what I'm doing now and where to look if there is a problem...I think! Sadly my machine packed up during the course, so I have just got a new one as my 40th birthday present. They are like chalk and cheese! I had one of the cheap little John Lewis ones and it wasn't worth repairing. My new one is a Janome and it goes like a dream and is sooo much easier to use. If you can find a course I really recommend it - it also gave me the chance to try out a different machine which was really helpful. Good luck xx
ReplyDeleteIt does put you off when your sewing machine rebels and chews things up!
ReplyDeleteUntil you decide what to do about it at least your crocheting is coming on a treat.
Hi Ada.
ReplyDeleteI kept seeing your pictures around on Instagram, and curiosity brought me over to your blog, which I think is lovely :) I just wondered if you might be able to help me! I have a duvet cover from the very same fabric (M&S I believe!) as your sewing machine cover, but only one pillowcase :( I've been looking for ages for a second matching pillow case. The closest I ever got was one of my Nans neighbours had one hanging on her washing line - obviously not for sale. Do you have any pointers as to where I can look, or what I could search for to find one?
Many thanks, and happy blogging!
Kate