What You Sew
March 8, 2010
I must admit that I’ve recently discovered a new past time. Sewing. It’s new to me, but the history of sewing is rich in the South and old cultures. Today, simple thread and fabric are found on the latest catwalks and in your grandma’s trunk.
After receiving a machine (Singer 2263) for Christmas, I’ve found myself frequenting Hobby Lobby in a nearby town. Thursday, I really didn’t have the time or energy to travel another 10 miles with a tired toddler to grab the backing I needed (really, I’m quite green to sewing basics and forget the essentials on my shopping list). Instead of venturing off, I decided to check out a store found on old Main Street who, I’ve noticed, doesn’t seem to be visted often. I’ve driven by several times when their parking spots were vacant. Because I was desperate, I decided to pull over and hope that the little Southern Lady Quilt and Sew would have something of my likening.
I was both surprised and impressed with the quality of merchandise, fabric selection, and genuine kindness of the store employees. After friendly help, my sister and I was notified of a sewing social class that meets on Saturdays. For the next two days I contemplated attending the event. I was very fearful of their talent (or should I say lack of mine), and felt extremely intimidated by the machines in the storefront. My basic Singer has only 23 stitch patterns, and I seldom use anything but a straight stitch for my basic crafts. Needless to say, I dragged my sister along with me for class on Saturday.
It was LOVE.
The women were older than I, but offered more knowledge and fun than I could have ever dreamed of. They were actually starting a new embroidery quilt project, and the class wasn’t specifically intended for beginners. When I asked when the store owner, Irene, would offer a beginner class she simply replied, “Come back Saturday, we’ll help you with whatever you want t know.” From the basics of cutting with a rotary, to backstitching, quilting basics, and the finer points of embroidery…. they knew and offered it all.
I must say that I am very much looking forward to sewing with the group again, and can’t say enough good things about the people at Southern Lady. They plan to open up a new room next door for a “learn to sew” program offered after school. It’s the love of stitching, and folks like them, that keep both the culture and inventiveness of sewing alive today.
Now, thanks to the ladies, my mouth is already watering for a Bernina machine. Singer is the classic, American tradition of seamstresses everywhere. However, I have found that as far as technology goes, Bernina (I must regretfully say) offers better machines…. I am no expert. It doesn’t take Einstein to figure out the capabilites of Bernina, and after playing on an Activa (240 I believe) I am absolutely lusting for one. Just wait til I figure out embroidery. If you haven’t checked out the Bernina 8 Series, I am ordering you to do so as soon as you finish reading this post. They offer machines which can connect and upgrade via USB ports so that the most creative stitching and embroidery needs are available at a click of the button. You can even design your own embroidery patterns! (Remember how I said my machine has 23 stitches? The Bernina 8 has 150 embroidery motifs!!!!!!)
At this moment, and at least for another couple of years, I’m gonna stick to the trusty Singer. It has sentimental value. It can achieve everything I need for my home projects. It’s American made. Irene said, “A needle in thread is all your grandmother probably had.” She’s right: our ancestors could create the most amazing quilts, table runners, pot holders, and sunday dresses filled with intricate detail with only a simple needle.
For the mean time, I think I’ll keep learning. I think I’ll keep dreaming:
My Singer 2263
.jpg)
The Bernina 830
In touch
March 5, 2010
Those who know me may recall my obsession for style, to some degree. I am by no means a fashionista, but when it comes to owning my touch of cutest of cute–I’m a banker! So, instead of spending the majority of time working on my homework this semester, I’ve found myself scanning all the greatest online sellers for the most fab deals on rocking clothing: my way!
