Just Sew It

I’ve been thinking for a while now whether I should alter my sewing table to have my machine flush with the table OR purchase an extension table. I decided to get an extension for the sole reason that if I want to move my machine I have that option. I went into a local sewing machine dealer to see if they had any extension tables. They told me I would have to order a table specially sized for my machine. Hmmmmm…… I do remember a website I stumbled on a while ago. Sewingmates.com has extension tables that are fully adjustable so you use your table with many machines. Now THAT is a good idea. One never knows how long they will have their machine plus most avid sewists have more than one machine. SO, I ordered the 16″ x 16″ size. I was impressed by their website and their service. Very personable. They are beautifully made and shipped from Oregon (beautiful State by the way). I received mine quickly since I’m the province just above Montana.

I LOVE the table. It is very well made and very adjustable. I highly recommend their extension tables.

My Pfaff looks very nice with it.

Sewingmates.com

I have a thing for old sewing machines. Nothing is made like they used to make them and that is to make them last. Sad isn’t it? Now a days, one thing breaks and it costs you an arm and a leg to fix it. So much that some times you end up just buying a new one. THAT is exactly what companies want.

Anyways, back to my original topic. I’ve always wanted an old black sewing machine that weighs a ton. I’d LOVE to have a Singer Featherweight but those cost $$$. I just happened to stumple across a Singer 99K at a thrift store. As I was walking through the isles I came across a case that looked like a sewing machine. I said to my son, “I wonder what is under this?” To my surprise a Singer 99K! AND in good condition. How much did I pay? $50 CDN. Not bad. I’m not sure how much this machine is worth but I’m not interested in flipping it to make money. I’m interested it for keeps. I’d love to have it displayed in my main living area just like the women of the past used to do. The sewing machine was right in the middle of the living room. I’m sure women sewed in the evening after the kids went to sleep. No tv or the internet so sewing was done then.

I still haven’t sewn with this machine but it does work well. I’d like to make my son’s curtains with them once I’m finished sewing some slipcovers for a client.

Take a gander at this find. I did some research on this model and it was made in 1955.

This website has a long list of links to various wonderful sewing rooms that are a must see. Mine is not on there but I believe I have a post somewhere on my blog showing my sewing space. I don’t have a room as of yet. When my 8 year old moves to his room in the basement I’m taking over his room. Right now, his future room is full of clay projects that I’ve taught over the last couple of weeks.

So, if you need inspiration for making your own sewing room, check that link out.

THIS is my baby. She’s my favorite machine. She is a smooth ride and doesn’t skip a stitch. She has plenty of stitches at my finger tips and she is German Engineered and made in the Czech Republic.

Choosing a sewing machine is very much like choosing a car. Test driving a bunch of machines is your best bet when choosing a machine. Pfaff, Bernina, Janome, Husqvarna-Viking, Brother, Singer, etc. I highly recommend going with a dealer as they do offer on-going support. Yes, you can go to Wal-Mart and buy a Singer or Brother but if you have problems or questions don’t count on Betsy-Jo the walmart employee to help you.

If you are not sure if you like sewing, maybe pick up a second hand machine for the beginning. If you decide you love it, go out and buy the best machine you can afford. Sewing on a quality machine can make a world of difference as to how well you sew. My first sewing machine was a Singer. I loved it because it was my first but it was so hard to control the speed. That was the only reason I sold it and bought my Pfaff Hobby 1042 model. I still have my Hobby but my Quilt Expression is my main machine. When this one dies (and I hope it doesn’t for a loooong time) I will probably invest in a commercial machine.

If you have any questions about this particular machine or about any machine you are interested in, just ask away.

This is cute but informative:

How to Measure Curtains for Poles

Video by Natural Curtain Company