Monday 3 March 2014

For The Love Of A Good Sheet.....Vintage Of Course!

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Oh I do LOVE a good Vintage Sheet, do you?

 

These are crying out to be sewn into a quilt don't you think? And that's what I'm hoping to make....that's my hope for 2014, that I will learn to make quilts! Before I can do that however, I will need a new sewing machine. Clarice, even after a service, still isn't working brilliantly. She isn't going anywhere, she still looks gorgeous, but I feel if I want to sew, I really need something more reliable.

 

I'm thinking a Janome one, my sister and friend both have them, although I'm not sure what my budget is yet. Has anyone got a Janome? Any suggestions or advice would be gratefully received!

 

I might even get myself on one of them quilting courses! Who knows!

 

 

I'm experimenting with the sizes of my photos too, most of you will know I'm not very (at all!) technical, so this could be a disaster! Yep it was.....I've put them back at the normal size!

 

Bye for now,

 

 

Ada :) xxx

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

46 comments:

  1. Those sheets will definitely make a very cool and retro quilt. I am with you on wanting to learn how to quilt. Good luck machine hunting xx

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'm putting my vote for a Janome too. I purchased their basic one new for $300 USD about five years ago, and I love it. I only quilt and some home decor sewing, nothing fancy, so it suits me.

    ReplyDelete
  3. My, what a wonderful stash of fabric. I have been considering a new machine for a while. I am new to the world of fabric in fact so new I don't have any ha ha. I look forward to learning what others suggest to you.

    ReplyDelete
  4. ooooow I'm a bit jealous now I think....

    ReplyDelete
  5. Love them all!
    Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

    ReplyDelete
  6. I adore the photo's of your sheets - really makes me happy. I have a brother machine which is ok, but bought in haste online. In retrospect, I would go for a Janome and by it from a local supplier who could then advise me and service it etc. My Brother is a computerised machine which has a plus points of easy button holes and an overlocking stitch and needle threader. Negative points are that it is a solid plastic thing that you can't take apart to service properly. Hope that helps!

    http://asaucystitch.blogspot.co.uk/

    ReplyDelete
  7. My brother needs to go to the fix-it man as my bobbin tension is playing up. Hoping it will cheaper than a new machine but say what you get. Gorgeous sheets = fab quilt! X

    ReplyDelete
  8. Oh wow, so many gorgeous vintage sheet fabrics - all lovely!
    They would make a wonderful quilt you are right!
    When I was in desperate need of a new machine I was so totally overwhelmed by the choice, and frightened of making an expensive mistake, that I ended up buying a relatively cheap and basic Toyota (22 different stitches) from Country Living magazine and, touch wood, it does all I need and has been good for 5 years now. (whoops should not have said that should I?) I have also been able to buy extras and accessories form Toyota online.
    Good luck!
    Gill xx

    ReplyDelete
  9. I've just dabbled a toe into the quilting water so far, and I love it. It seems to me that you can make it as complex or as easy as you want. There are some very complicated techniques, but although I hugely admire the skill of them, I do think that simple squares look as nice as anything. The simple quilt pattern in this month's Prima Makes magazine is really easy to follow and would suit your gorgeous retro patterns down to the ground.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Oh My! the blue and pink, 3 up from the bottom, was my bed sheets when I was a teenager! I believe I may still have them somewhere :-))))

    ReplyDelete
  11. Aw, Clarice! My little pink John Lewis sewing machine (Audrey) I noticed, was used by the designers on The Great British Design Challenge, making me think that perhaps it can handle thicker fabrics than I thought, so perhaps there is also quilting in my future. I have a sheet the same as your first photo and I'm using it to make new signs for my button stall, as it's so lovely and cheery. Happy making! Anna xx

    ReplyDelete
  12. I bought a cheap Toyota from Country Living and it has been fine, but then I only do very simple sewing, so haven't exactly challenged it!
    M x

    ReplyDelete
  13. I have had a Janome for the last 5 years now and still absolutely love it!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hi Ada. I'm feeling slightly guilty now about using my late mother-in-law's flowery vintage sheets for dust sheets. What a good idea about making a quilt out of them.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Lovely lovely sheets... Yep I need a new machine too, a foot pedal free one so I don't upset my spine... I thought about a Janome but they only come with a 2 year warrantee though they do seem very easy to use... the other make to look at is Silver viscount if you buy from here http://www.sewingmachinediscount.co.uk/category/24/silver.html
    You get a 15 year guarantee and free yearly service...
    I had a try of the 9000E in my local sewing shop...very good and British company too! Cx

    ReplyDelete
  16. I have a Janome and it's really cute. Not sure I like it as much as my much older Singer though which is really sturdy and will go through really thick fabric like butter - the cheaper machines can't cope so well with that and my Janome is less adequate. That said they are all made with more plastic parts now. I don't think you need a computerised one as mine is but a good strong manual one as it's less likely to go wrong I think.

    I'm going to be making a quilt but am making it all by hand with vintage sheeting. A good book is the thing. Courses are very expensive for limited amounts of information. If you can sew you can make a quilt. I prefer the simple squares to the complex geometric designs as they look prettier to me and show off the fabric better.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Yes! Make a quilt! I managed my first without a nervous breakdown, it is far easier and enjoyable than you can imagine - especially when using favourite vintage sheet fabrics I bet! Chrissie x

    ReplyDelete
  18. Beautiful fabrics im sure you can turn into a beautiful quilt x

    ReplyDelete
  19. Lovely stash my lovely. I could reach in and grab a couple of those. We'll I popped into a friends today (a very talented maker of stuff) and she,d made curtains and blinds from her sheets contrasting long curtains side by side looked fab. Best of all she'd bought a kit and decorated large drum lampshades with them. I'm definitely off to see if I can do this as they looked great.Good luck with the quilt thing, you'll be fine if you want to know how then you'll get there no problems. Mines a Janonme by the way, on to credit card and buried head in sand as couldn't live without a machine. It's good I think as I do everything g on it, just think it's me that's the problem. Hope you feeling brighter as just read your last posts. Not easy I understand, but you sounds if you cope brilliantly. Big bloggy hug. X

    ReplyDelete
  20. Yes I have a basic Janome (my second Janome) - the J3-18 I think. Does the job, and cheap to have serviced/mended although have to say I've had it 5 years and no probs. I was told Toyota's are expensive to service.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I've been learning to quilt for the very purpose of making my vintage sheets into a quilt. I upgraded my machine, my old girl wanted to go into retirement. Happy sewing Ada Bea, your vintage sheet stash is amazing! xo

    ReplyDelete
  22. That will be a fabulous quilt. I have a Brother sewing machine, bought three years ago, and I've been very happy with it. It's lower-end in price but it's been good. Janome makes excellent machines, I'm sure they'll have the right one for you.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Those sheets will make a really gorgeous quilt.
    Marianne x

    ReplyDelete
  24. Dear Ada
    All I know is DO NOT get a modern Singer - I 'invested' in one and it has been non-stop rubbish! I am always better off with my golden oldies.
    That said have you thought about hand sewing? I used to make one hand sewn quilt a year (would take me that long....perhaps that's why people use a sewing machine...)
    Sure it will look lovely
    Best wishes
    Jenny

    ReplyDelete
  25. Well now it's good to see you've still got that love for a beautiful sheet! I've got a Janome - I think it's the next one up from basic (only in that you can drop the feed dogs to do some free machine embroidery - not that I particularly do any but toot toot) and It's been great. Looking forward to seeing what you go for x Jane

    ReplyDelete
  26. Oh yes, just asking for you to create something beautiful from them! I have my Nana'a 1935 Singer, and my mother in law's East German Cresta, so can't advise, sorry. They both work wonderfully, still!

    ReplyDelete
  27. fab sheets! I have a Janome, would definitely recommend!

    ReplyDelete
  28. I'm afraid I cannot make recommendations on sewing machines Ada as mine is an Elna from South Africa that I got for my 18th birthday. I could do with a new one too, but mine still keeps rocking and rolling, it's a very basic one. Yes to a quilt with those sheets, I am loving the first one all greens and blues delicious x hope you are feeling a wee bit better these past few days xox love and hugs x

    ReplyDelete
  29. So many pretty florals, and good luck with the quilt! And new sewing machine! :)

    ReplyDelete
  30. I have a Janome ... and I've never had any trouble with it. You can get a quarter inch foot for it ... which is a huge help if you are doing any quilting :0)

    ReplyDelete
  31. Love love it all, would be happy with it all....

    ReplyDelete
  32. good idea a quilt!!!!!
    xxxxxx Ale

    ReplyDelete
  33. lovely fabrics for quilts. I have a janome, had it about 35 years or maybe more and have only had it repaired once and that was because I did not use it for a very long time and it had seized up. Repaired and now I give it a regular workout though use the bernina most of the time Also have a bernina which is wonderful. Would always go for a computerised machine so much easier, not the type that sews on its own but it will depend on budget really. I am wanting a light weight one for taking on the bus to a group I belong to, will check them out at sewing for pleasure at the NEC later this month, a show is a good place to buy as they always have great deals. maybe you could check them out there too, I am going for 3 days to have a good look and catch up with some friends.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Hello Ada
    I hear lots and lots of good things about the Janome sewing machines in fact I wouldn't mind getting one myself once I learn to use my cheap machine more. The quilt will really look spectacular with any of those colours and patterns.

    keep well

    Amanda x

    ReplyDelete
  35. What a beautiful, beautiful selection of colours and prints - they'll make a gorgeous quilt! The machine I got is a Janome CXL301 which was £269 I think - it was recommended by my sewing teacher. I've found it absolutely wonderful to use - I really love the speed control (I sew REALLY slowly) and the adjustable stitches - you can move the needle to the left or right to making things easier. No idea how good it is for quilting, though. There's a decent review of a few machines here: http://thethriftystitcher.co.uk/inspired-by-the-great-british-sewing-bee-to-take-up-sewing-a-guide-to-buying-your-first-machine-or-upgrading-to-a-mid-range-machine/

    Enjoy xxx

    ReplyDelete
  36. a modern machine can do so much I think! could be good. Nice to have options of different stitches and such like. It would lovely to use all your sheets. Heather x

    ReplyDelete
  37. ~ Here at last...LOVE your earlier post with all it's 'yellow spring time' loveliness..
    Brightened my day, it did!
    Ooh go for it...Those vintage sheets are crying out for a new life...and a quilt sounds wonderful!
    Wishing the sun to be shinning on your day...
    Hugs Maria x..

    ReplyDelete
  38. I have a Singer ... it's fine but I am a complete novice to my advice is limited ... what a beautiful quilt your sheets will make ... Bee xx

    ReplyDelete
  39. Ahhhhh, I have the same addiction, I can not beleive my eyes.. this is an actual THING. I will be posting up all of my beautiful vintage sheets on my blog soon, hope you have a look xx http://tenthousandkisses.blogspot.co.nz/

    ReplyDelete
  40. Gorgeous sheet fabrics! I have a Singer, but it's wearing out too, and I've been thinking I need a better machine. I don't want a computerized machine, but I'm worried when it finally comes time for me to go shopping that's all I'll find! My needs are much simpler ;) Good luck in your search Ada, and quilting is such fun :) Wendy x

    ReplyDelete
  41. Pretties.

    I just bought a Husgvarna that is doing the job nicely :)

    ReplyDelete
  42. I have a Jenome sewing machine that I make patchwork cushions and quilts from vintage sheets. Ann

    ReplyDelete
  43. I have a Janome that I make patchwork quilts and cushion covers with. I have quite a few vintage sheets myself and yours all look lovely. I hope you make your quilt and post pictures. Ann.

    ReplyDelete
  44. So many beauful sheets and exciting times ahead!! I was just thinking if you this week when I was earning out the little Wendy house and seeing the pretty curtains I made from the sheet I bought from you xxx

    ReplyDelete
  45. Ohh, what stunning eye candy. I have a Bernina Aurora which I purchased second-hand and I love it!

    ReplyDelete

Hello! Thank you so much for leaving your thoughts and messages with me. I read each and everyone and will try and answer any questions as quickly as I can! :)x