my new baby

i have been obsessing about a sewing machine for the last few weeks and friday i took the plunge and purchased one. i have been doing my fair share of research and had a slight idea of what i wanted in a machine. [mind you this is my first sewing machine and with a little assistance from martha stewart, i began learning some sewing machine lingo that would be necessary in making a wise and educated purchase.] i decided that if i was going to make an investment in something that i would likely have for many years i should not be hasty in my purchase. so off i headed to the local experts in everything sewing - meissner.

en route to meissner, i mentioned to b. (who i took along so i would not get too carried away in my purchase) that i had not used a sewing machine since 6th grade home economics. our conversation then continued on with trying to remember teachers (mine: mrs. ackerman - quite possible connie, b.'s: he could not recall), school (mine: beagle middle school, b.'s: novi "something"), what we learned (me: nothing i contribute to my cooking or craft skills today, b: placing the measuring cup on the counter to accurately measure liquids - so that explains that quirky habit of his. . . ). so i have digressed - back to the pursuit of the perfect beginners sewing machine.

with a little trepidation i wandered into the world of sewing machines. i encountered an $8000 beauty that could probably clean the house as well as sew my creations! immediately i realized that i needed some assistance. 2 1/2 hours later and with much help from a dear named judy, i had found my sewing machine. with a lot of patience and kind words of encouragement, judy introduced me to all the features on my new viking. in a short time she taught me how to wind and place the bobbin, thread the machine and needle, change the presser feet and how to select stitches.

a toast to the new viking was in order, so b. and i headed to cheesecake factory and discussed all the projects i could complete with my sewing machine. i am still practicing stitches and making button holes on my fabric swatches, but soon i hope to start on some pillows, pajamas, totes and perhaps even attempt a terry cloth shirt for b.!