Ok, no giggling when you see my big poofy blush-colored wedding dress. Mind you, it was 1990. Vera Wang was probably still in the 8th grade. When Jeff and I were engaged, I found a Wilton cake topper at a neighbor’s garage sale for 25 cents, as shown in the example photo where that bride is in white. (You can still buy this topper in places for around $7.)
I took it home and customized it just for us. I gave Jeff and I a healthy tan, painted our faces and hair to look like us and connected his eyebrows (inside joke…sorry Hun.) Then with matching satin, beads, ribbon, lace trim and tule, I made the little dress to match my own. My tiny bride even has a snippet of my hair glued to the back of her head (you know, back when it was actually brown.)
I keep our little couple tucked away in the china & crystal hutch. Today, just to write this post, I went to the barn for our wedding album. I think I’ll keep it out for a while.
Since beginning my blog on March 29, 2008, I have come to my 100th post! What better day to reveal my new sewing machine?!
Thank you again for all the excellent advice for purchasing a sewing machine on both my blog and on Etsy forums.
With my small budget (in the sewing machine world) and simple needs, I was led to this little darling, the Janome Heart Truth Sewing Machine, from Parkside Sewing Machine Center in Santa Rosa. Here is the partial list of features:
Computerized
50 stitches including stretch, utility, quilting, garment and applique
3 fully automatic, one-step buttonholes.
Memorized needle up/down selector:
Variable speed control
Directly button-operated stitch number, stitch width and stitch length
Built-in needle threader
7-piece feed dog support
Auto-lock stitch
Extra-high presser foot lift
Easy snap-on presser feet
Easy reverse stitch button
Convertible free arm for circular sewing
There are a few features I sure wish it had, but those features would have pushed me into a whole other price range. As mentioned in the advice comments of my previous post, buying from a dealer is key. I bought the machine on a Saturday and went back for training on it Monday morning. I also ordered a custom acrylic platform surface that fits around the arm of the machine. I’ll be sure to show that when it arrives.
It’s not quite the “Lexus”Bernina, but as Nicole of Stitch Craft says, it’s the “Honda”, which is perfect for my simple little projects. I purchased the platform and lots of bobbins, needles, and other cool accessories which put me just over my $600 budget.
Mr. Wonderful suggested I use the corner of the bedroom where my office once was for my new sewing area. So here it is! How great to finally have a machine set up for sewing on a whim. So far, I’ve mostly been altering my kids pants into skinny-jeans. But given the time, the sky’s the limit on fun sewing projects…so stay tuned!
I took an aimless drive yesterday afternoon, just to rest my eyes and neck from sitting at the computer for far too long. I found myself in the darling town of Sebastopol, back at the antique mall I once sold at. The Antique Society is such a fun place to wander through. I loved selling there, as it is a real class act as far as these types of stores go. Many, many dealers and very well run. My girlfriend has been a dealer there for several years and is having a 30% Off retirement sale, so I took a good look at her space and found these darling little glazed pots. All three for under $10! Thanks Rose!
They are so perfect for little office supplies. I added a few labels and string and they are just darling in my studio. I already had two little pink pots that hold little items. Looks like another collection is well on its way!
While I was wondering around, I found another dealer’s space with a half-off sale. I glanced through the jewelry case and look what I found for only $14 with these lovely photos inside. Apparently, yesterday was locket day for me!
When Jeff and I were engaged, I found a Wilton cake topper at a neighbor’s garage sale for 25 cents, as shown in the example photo where that bride is in white. (You can still buy this topper in places for around $7.)
