2012 is just around the corner

I still remember, vividly, midnight Dec. 31, 1999.  We went to our local FIRST NIGHT event and saw several groups entertaining including a Blue Grass group.  I have forgotten their name but who could have predicted that   would begin  our journey in Blue Grass music on such a scale including attending several festivals a year.

On that night back in 1999 the predictions of the world ending the next day, computers failing etc. etc. etc. were in all the papers, online, and in conversations. Well here we are.nearly 12 years later and those things didn't happen but the world has changed ALOT.  I won't list here, you already know.

I love the beginning of a new year because it is like you have a blank journal in front of you and you can fill it anyway you choose.

There will be NO Diet promises since I have been steadily losing weight for the past year and a half..(slowly but surely wins that race!)  I think I finally figured that out.  Turns out for me it was quite simple...  just eat less and as the sizes of the clothes get smaller the motivation increases!

I have made my usual "want to accomplish list" and it is lengthy.  Some sewing, learning to machine embroider, making a couple of mini dolll houses, making a quilt, doing several craft projects, and joining with a couple of journaling groups to work on that skill.

I regularly read the blog   Sew Mama Sew which includes inspiration, good links and lots of ideas.
  So.....................
  I am getting back to my sewing machine.  And I will finally be learning to use the Machine Embroidery part of my year old Brother SE400 sewing machine.  I have invested in a lot of thread and various backing material (Stabilizers) so I can do a proper job.  I joined a machine embroidery site where I can get lots of help on their forums AND download any number of patterns. (to see click here)  Designs by Sick!  Yes that really is the name.


I have lots of plans so hope I can stick to it.

My Brother SE-400 Machine for Sewing and Embroidery

      

Machine Embroidery Thread, Bobbin Thread and three kinds of Stabilizer.

In other sewing I really want to make a blue and yellow quilt for our bedroom.  It will be made using the
   Here is a picture of the STACK of fat quarters and other fabric I hope to use for this quilt.

The pattern I have tentatively chosen is this one

It is from the Patchwork Place book called     More Fat Quarters by M'Liss Rae Hawley

I have not given up on doll house making either.  I have three little kits waiting.   And my paper arts will continue as I work with a couple of journaling groups I have discovered.

I HOPE and PLAN to report here on the progress of these plans.  Wish we luck or the determination to do these things.

I have found in the past if I tell someone I am going to do something it is more likely to get done.

So Check back and see how I am doing. 

Check back on New Years Day for another graphic of a Vintage New Years Postcard from my collection.

I won over the machine

I am happy to report that I found out how and successfully learned how to thread my new sewing machine thanks to the man at the sewing machine where I bought it, all the way down in Alabama.  He was patient with me and it worked.

Then later I was having trouble getting the reverse to work.  Nothing in the manual gave me any idea how to trouble shoot this.  So.....   this time I called the Brother Sewing Machine company help line.  The lady there explained there was a switch on the back I should check.  It was in the proper place but I decided to turn it off and on and suddenly it decided to work.

So if you decide to buy a Brother Sewing Machine you can be sure you will get help, easily, when you need it.

In the next couple of days I want to start on some sewing projects. Yesterday I did some practice stitching.  There are a LOT of great stitches included in the machine so here is a picture of my samples.  Not too fancy, just wanted to make sure they all worked.

I am much happier this morning than I was yesterday morning,  I still have to learn to use the embroidery part of the machine but that is for a later day.

Out with the old, in with the new... SEWING MACHINE that is.

I gave myself a big Christmas gift this year.  Something I have wanted for ages.....   a new sewing machine and also one that embroiders.  Too bad I didn't have it when my kids were little.  My daughter could have had all those "cute" little outfits.  But in those days an embroidery machine cost thousands....

After spending a LOT of time researching on the internet I determined that I "NEEDED" to get a Brother SE400 sewing machine.  It is an electronic sewing machine and it does nice embroidery.  Every comment I read from users said good things, ease of use, fun to use etc.

WELL......  I have been sewing on one type of sewing machine or another for OVER 60 years and never had such trouble....  I can't figure out how to thread the stupid thing!!!  I am sure I will figure it out eventually....  Since I didn't buy it locally there isn't really anyone I can ask without driving a couple of hours......  They do sell them at my local wal-mart but heaven forbid they would know how to use them.     So for the next little while I will be practicing threading.  I have to tell you that my old machine loaded bobbins easier too.  Don't know why this is so complicated since the result is the same.  I am thinking of keeping my old machine just to load bobbins....  well probably not..... But it is an idea....

Here is the picture of the old machine... a kenmore.  The reason it is going is because it no longer will reverse and the stitches are extremely uneven on the straight stitch.  I just stopped sewing mostly cause of the problems. 

Doesn't it look lonely sitting on the shelf.  I will be giving it away after I make sure the new one works correctly. 
     The new machine is a   Brother SE400.
If you click on that link you can learn all you ever need to know about the machine, except how to thread it.
I shall quit now and go back to the problem at hand.  I hope tomorrow I can report some success here.