Pink Penguin Tutorials

If you want to learn to make a paper pieced teapot or a cute drawstring bag or even an adorable fabric basket, head over to the Pink Penguin blog. She has some amazing tutorials and takes such beautiful photos. I know she just loves to get comments from readers too, so if you make anything using her tutorials, please let her know and tell her Anna sent you! Someday I hope I’ll even have time to make something using her directions!

Happy Stitches,

Anna

Bernina

There are many, many different makes and models of sewing machines on the market today. A friend of mine from work is thinking about learning to sew and wanted to buy a machine so I have, just recently, looked at several different machines (even if it was virtually).  My first machine was a Kenmore which my dad purchased for me at Sears for a Christmas present. Thanks, Dad, for recognizing my desire to learn to sew, even if it did sit in a closet for a very long time. It wasn’t until I actually worked at a fabric store and was “trained” how to use a sewing machine that I felt comfortable using the Kenmore. By that time, I had already sewn several times on a Bernina and it was difficult to go back to the clunky and noisy machine after having used a Bernina which was quiet and had an onboard computer.  There is a very big difference, but many times, the machine you choose will depend on your own personal preference and budget, of course. In fact, it took me two years to pay off my Bernina when I finally got it which was only after the store offered 24 months no interest and no payments. Why not? I mean people finance cars and houses and other luxuries, why not finance a very nice, and well made sewing machine that I have used almost every week since we purchased it?  There are many other things to consider when you perchase a machine though, such as the customer support you get when you purchase it. My Kenmore came with zero customer support. The Bernina coporate company (in Switzerland) requires that the licensed dealers provide classes to teach the new owners how to use the machines, FOR FREE!  Plus the private dealers provide maintenance by certified technicians, unfortutely, not for free, of course.  Think about what you want from your machine, what you will use it for and go from there. I will leave you with a poem I wrote about my Bernina the month we paid it off, November of 2007.

Oh Bernina, how do I love thee?

You help me to make a soft, warm blanky,

I only need one, not even three,

Berninas in my sewing spree.

You help me sew a fun bright tote,

On you I certainly do dote.

I wait patiently for the end of each day,

Hoping that soon I’ll come your way.

I cover you up to keep out the dust,

Use you a lot I know that I must.

I’ll make blankets for children and costume galore,

I’ll make curtains and pillows and new home décor.

In my new house you have your own room,

My husband hopes that he’ll see me soon.

I will make just one more tote from my stash,

For fabric you know, I need some more cash.

At my sewing skills I hope you won’t scoff

Now that we’ve paid the Bernina off.

 

You can read more about that landmark month, here.

 

Until next time. Happy Stitches to You,

Anna