Where did the years go?

I decided to revisit my blog today and realised I have not even looked at my blog in what, 3 years ...

It's a bit of a shock to realise time is passing so fast.The kids are all adults, well youngest is a few short months away from finishing school and deciding what comes next, and eldest has almost completed his Physics degree. The other two are making their way and dealing with whatever life throws at them. So proud of them all. 

I've been busy too. after my degree and post grad certificateI decided to keep going. I completed a diploma in Family History and am now part way through a Masters in History. I must be mad, doing all this study, but it does explain why I haven't had any time for sewing. 

Hopefully now Uni is over for the summer I'll be able to reaquaint myself with my machines and supplies. I'd like to sew some summer tops to begin with, nothing overly ambitious, but first to clear the clutter, make some room, and re-discover the fabric stash ...

MIA

Hi peeps

I have been MIA from blog land for what seems like an eternity, and I have not sewn in years, but there has been good reason for it. 

Last year I finally completed a bArt degree with a double major, Modern Media & Communication and Indigenous Studies. 

This year has been a huge challenge, what with Covid-19 and home schooling my youngest for part of the year, but I am almost done with a Post Graduate Certificate in Editing & Publishing. 

It's been a long hard slog but I am nearly done, just three weeks and two major assignments to go then I'll be free ....

There are so many things I want to sew. I have a new found interest in 'historically inspired' clothing (like those patterns pictured) but I think I need to sew some 'normal' clothes before I start dreaming too much.

Anyway, I hope to be back before too long with something to share ...

Have a great day x

I would rather be here ... it is not far from home but other things are keeping me inside today.

Sorted!

It has been a rather busy Christmas and school holiday period dogged with bad health (RA) and high temperatures, that haven't helped, so I don't feel like I achieved much in that time.

Anyway, ds#4 is now back at school for his last year in primary, ds#3 has secured himself a new job (an apprenticeship) after he finished high school just before Christmas, ds#2 is still looking for work and ds#1 is continuing with his university degree in Physics when school goes back. University does not go back till the end of next month so I have a little time between drop offs and pick ups in which I hope to get some sewing done before I have to get back to the books.

I bought my new overlocker before Christmas but it has taken till today to actually get it out of the box and set her up.

Compared to my old machine (she was 24 years old) this one has a few more features, such as differential feed and the free arm capability, that my old machine didn't have.

So far I have only threaded it and sewn a test row of stitches but I am looking forward to actually making something soon.

Merry Christmas (to me) ...

In a previous post I mentioned I have a Husqvarna overlocker that is around 24 years old. It is a basic machine with minimal features and while it still goes and still sews a very good stitch I have been contemplating a new machine for some time.

Browsing Spotlight online this morning I saw the Brother 3034D on sale for $300 off rrp. at such a bargain price how could I not get one? I also ordered myself a new pair of Mundial Serra Sharp dressmakers shears, something I have wanted to replace for years (ever since the now xh accidentally threw mine out).

As it happens Spotlight also have an offer of $40 off, for VIP's, should you spend over $100 (which I certainly did). I am feeling a little guilty as I never spend much on myself but the $340 saved makes it much easier to justify.

Anyway, this is the new machine. It should be here in a few days, can't wait to see what she can do.

Sewing machines

I am in a few sewing groups on facebook and other sites online and there is always a lot of talk about sewing machines. I have both computerised and mechanical machines and an overlocker and would one day perhaps like to add an embroidery machine and coverstitch but I can get by well without them.On my wish list is an antique machine as well, again not necessary but I would like one just the same, they don't make them like they used to.

Some people swear by and will only use one brand, others only want a mechanical machine and others only want computerised. My favourite machine, and the one that is always set up now that I have a sewing space, is my trusty old faithful Janome MC6500 P. It was not cheap by any means but for the sheer quality of the machine and the number of things it can do I really think it was worth the expense (particularly as it was purchased on sale for $1k off the rrp).

These are the features of the machine

It has been used a lot in the years I have had it but that said, there are still some features I have never used, such as the editing of decorative stitches, elongating stitches, using the extra high lift for the foot (I don't make quilts that are that thick) or even putting on the knee lifter. I rarely use the extension table and I am not even sure I have used all the feet that came with it. I think I need to sit down with the manual and work my way through it so I can re-aquaint myself with the seldom or never used features.

In the 9 or so years I have had this machine I have become reliant on the auto needle threader, the automatic bobbin winder, the needle down button, the lock stitch and the thread snipper button. The only thing this machine doesn't have that would be handy is a free arm, not necessary but it would be nice.

I hope this machine lasts me many more years as I don't like the idea of trying to find another machine that does all this one does, but then again the latest Janome 6600p or whatever it is by the time I need a replacement will probably have all this and more.

What is your favourite machine and what feature(s) can you not like without?

Sewing Space

As mentioned in the last post eldest ds bought me a desk for Christmas, so I would have somewhere to sew and no longer monopolise the dining room table.

Anyway, it arrived, I assembled it and set it up in my room.

I have since moved it to another location as the room was not working as it was laid out, but it now has my sewing magazines,some patterns and thread storage boxes all located on the shelves and within easy reach.

So far I am yet to get any sewing done but my space is there and ready to go as soon as I can find some time.