It's been a lot of chores and such this weekend. Yardwork (oh the horrors! we're homeowners!) and I even washed my car. Note to self: pull out the step ladder, so you can actually reach the top of the roof. Also? Avoid getting another million scratches and dents. Sigh. My car is looking every bit of her six-plus years. I picked up a few dings myself, trying to clear out some ivy from the azalea bushes. I'm glad we're getting married in November- I think I'm less likely to cut open my legs and forehead raking leaves than doing summertime chores. I even started up my first container herb garden and tomato plant this weekend, and have high hopes for my very first "garden." Next year I'm taking over a lot more land and trying a full-on vegetable garden. I have a lot of reading and research to do first, though!
Since I was out playing with the hose to clean my car, George pulled out his long reclining beach chair, and I scrubbed it to high heaven. It's now perched on the roof of our walled-in porch (i.e, outside the bedroom door), and I am excited to get out and sun myself a little bit. I only do it in the name of preserving my skin from horrible sunburns. I used to go out and "tan" for twenty or thirty minutes a day when I lived in Aix. My skin was a gorgeous slightly darker shade of pale as a result, and I didn't burn the whole summer after I got home. Works like magic!
What else did I do... five gazillion loads of laundry... a long night chatting with my two favorite men, since Dad was up for a quick trip on Friday... good times. I still didn't cut out my veil, or my other sewing projects. But I am about half-done with my Hemlock Ring blanket (one enormous skein of Cascade Eco Wool to go!). I am well up to waist-level on the summer shell I'm knitting. And I finished two Sookie Stackhouse books. I also cooked a fair bit, in my ongoing quest to save money and feed us well and healthily. I think we're over zucchini and corn at the moment, however, thanks to our Washington Green Grocer box every Friday. We are eating gorgeous fresh produce all the time, now, and I've discovered some new fruit loves. G and I also made it over to the Courthouse farmer's market on Saturday, something I haven't done since I moved out of the neighborhood. I ended up with a lovely sterling silver chai necklace, and some fresh berries and locally-made ricotta for a delicious treat on Sunday. Also? Farm-fresh eggs. Boy oh boy do I want some urban chickens of my own. I could make frittatas daily!
I declare success on my weekend shenanigans. And this is a very short week! Thursday I'm taking the day off, and my folks will be coming back into town to attend a tasting at our wedding venue, and to enjoy the Fourth of July festivities here in the Capitol. Friday is the official holiday, so that makes this a super short work week! I can't wait to enjoy some serious knitting and crafting time, in between the fireworks and festivities.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
Pendulum Swings
I haven't been knitting as much in the last year as I did in the years before. Since dating my honey, my crafting time has decreased. It's not exactly his fault, mind you- mostly it's because I actually get to bed at a reasonable hour now, so I no longer knit every night ::cough between 11pm and 2am::. He knew he was marrying a crafter, and he is pretty darn supportive. I have a craft room, and he'll even watch dancing shows with me on the television while I knit. But I've cut down on the amount of crafting at home, and my commute is just so much shorter than it was a few years ago that overall I have just been... anxious. Missing it. Wishing I could knit more. Regretting that I didn't feel like I had the time to swatch and start new projects, so I just kept going with big long-term ones that wouldn't require the initial start-up concentration, and wouldn't require me being alone to begin them.
So I thought maybe I'd take back a little time for myself. And I have. I cast on for the Hemlock Ring blanket, which is just a breeze to knit, and a total delight on big big needles. I'm using the Eco Wool, and am astonished by how soft the fiber is, and how beautifully it's knitting up. I also spent a lot of time swatching for a little knit top in one of the RYC 4plys (cotton, I think)... and just couldn't get the pattern to work right. So I switched over to swatching for a cotton Dalegarn tunic, in their Svale yarn, which is luckily going much better. I've finished the ribbing and am a good ways into the first pattern repeat. And as splitty as I'm finding the Svale yarn (4 ply cotton again, though at larger gauge), I'm so delighted by the raspberry color that I'm able to forgive it. And my mood? So much better. I'm no longer constantly worried about the wedding. I have had pleasant wedding dreams, instead of nightmares. I am still freaked about costs and details, but generally feeling like we're doing good, and that the world is good, and darn if I'm not happy to be knitting more again. And I've nearly finished the ironing of all the fabric for my next project, which is a bonus- I am probably the slowest iron-er in the world, so I'm glad that my pile is finally decreasing enough that I can actually cut out the patterns!
It's not a perfect world- by focusing more on sewing, and knitting, and spending time on the sofa or upstairs in my craft room, I have let things go around the house. Haven't pulled my weight enough during the week, especially on the nights I have picked going to the gym over cooking a real meal, or when I chose to watch So You Think You Can Dance while casting on over bothering to vacuum or do the laundry. I didn't need to be sitting around watching TV and scrutinizing the Hemlock Ring directions. But in a way? I did need to do that. I need to feel the wool pass through my fingers. I need to try new things, and get out of this project monogamy, in order to feel creatively sated and calmed.
But what I also need to do is learn a little moderation. I need to remember that we share a household, and share the responsibilities. Sometimes I need to knit that one row before I go upstairs and make the bed. But my life is better when I do that one row. I just need to remember to put the knitting down after a bit. It will still be there when the immediate task is complete, and the room is tidied. And then the reward is greater- I can sink back into the sofa without guilt, and my favorite person might even sit down next to me and enjoy the peace and gentle rythym of my clicking needles with me. I never have been good at moderating my pendulum swings. I spend an entire day cleaning the windows, or an entire day watching Battlestar Gallactica on DVD while working on a baby blanket. I go to the gym with great frequency, and run often, or I forget about my need for fitness entirely and go a week without even lifting weights. Finding a middle ground has never been my strong suit- it is appropriate that as a Libra I always seek balance, but have a hard time determining where that balance is. So that's my goal for the near future. I won't let the pendulum swing back to a world where I don't knit enough for my mental well-being. But neither can I ignore the very real domestic world I live in. Knitting more lately gives me the optimism to think doing both is a real possibility, so I'm going to take my enthusiasm and run with it! Conveniently I have an external motivating factor- another parental visit in a few weeks. I'd like to be able to show Mom some movement on the DIY projects for the wedding, as well as showing her that we can maintain a perfectly lovely and (tidy enough) home.
I'm curious to hear from my fellow crafters. How do you maintain balance between your chores and your desires? How do you remind yourself to stop with the one, to pursue the other?
So I thought maybe I'd take back a little time for myself. And I have. I cast on for the Hemlock Ring blanket, which is just a breeze to knit, and a total delight on big big needles. I'm using the Eco Wool, and am astonished by how soft the fiber is, and how beautifully it's knitting up. I also spent a lot of time swatching for a little knit top in one of the RYC 4plys (cotton, I think)... and just couldn't get the pattern to work right. So I switched over to swatching for a cotton Dalegarn tunic, in their Svale yarn, which is luckily going much better. I've finished the ribbing and am a good ways into the first pattern repeat. And as splitty as I'm finding the Svale yarn (4 ply cotton again, though at larger gauge), I'm so delighted by the raspberry color that I'm able to forgive it. And my mood? So much better. I'm no longer constantly worried about the wedding. I have had pleasant wedding dreams, instead of nightmares. I am still freaked about costs and details, but generally feeling like we're doing good, and that the world is good, and darn if I'm not happy to be knitting more again. And I've nearly finished the ironing of all the fabric for my next project, which is a bonus- I am probably the slowest iron-er in the world, so I'm glad that my pile is finally decreasing enough that I can actually cut out the patterns!
It's not a perfect world- by focusing more on sewing, and knitting, and spending time on the sofa or upstairs in my craft room, I have let things go around the house. Haven't pulled my weight enough during the week, especially on the nights I have picked going to the gym over cooking a real meal, or when I chose to watch So You Think You Can Dance while casting on over bothering to vacuum or do the laundry. I didn't need to be sitting around watching TV and scrutinizing the Hemlock Ring directions. But in a way? I did need to do that. I need to feel the wool pass through my fingers. I need to try new things, and get out of this project monogamy, in order to feel creatively sated and calmed.
But what I also need to do is learn a little moderation. I need to remember that we share a household, and share the responsibilities. Sometimes I need to knit that one row before I go upstairs and make the bed. But my life is better when I do that one row. I just need to remember to put the knitting down after a bit. It will still be there when the immediate task is complete, and the room is tidied. And then the reward is greater- I can sink back into the sofa without guilt, and my favorite person might even sit down next to me and enjoy the peace and gentle rythym of my clicking needles with me. I never have been good at moderating my pendulum swings. I spend an entire day cleaning the windows, or an entire day watching Battlestar Gallactica on DVD while working on a baby blanket. I go to the gym with great frequency, and run often, or I forget about my need for fitness entirely and go a week without even lifting weights. Finding a middle ground has never been my strong suit- it is appropriate that as a Libra I always seek balance, but have a hard time determining where that balance is. So that's my goal for the near future. I won't let the pendulum swing back to a world where I don't knit enough for my mental well-being. But neither can I ignore the very real domestic world I live in. Knitting more lately gives me the optimism to think doing both is a real possibility, so I'm going to take my enthusiasm and run with it! Conveniently I have an external motivating factor- another parental visit in a few weeks. I'd like to be able to show Mom some movement on the DIY projects for the wedding, as well as showing her that we can maintain a perfectly lovely and (tidy enough) home.
I'm curious to hear from my fellow crafters. How do you maintain balance between your chores and your desires? How do you remind yourself to stop with the one, to pursue the other?
Monday, June 08, 2009
Cranky vs. Quilt
Everyone's been a bit cranky around here lately. Going to bed early, sleeping late, but not sleeping. I think we figured out the reason though- it's rough living in the almost suburbs! A huge pothole on the other side of the street in front of our house has been causing cars to bottom out and fwap their way past, making incredibly loud (louder than average) street noise all day, every day. So it makes sense that it's been waking us up all night! They finally came and patched up the hole, so I am very hopeful for a sound sleep tonight.
The yummy crockpot chili that was all ready for eating when I got home from work has also helped my attitude. I need more long-cooking recipes, however... I am always gone 10-10.5 hours, so recipes that are done in 8 end up burning up a bit no matter how much extra fluid I add. The hunt for VERY long cooking recipes is on!
Now, the quilt show. I picked up a really cute kit to make a baby blanket out of flannel, with a super-soft backing. It even comes with the embroidery thread to knot it (as opposed to quilting it). Woo! I spent the last few evenings ironing fabric, and am so ready to get cracking on all these projects. Here's some of the inspiration I found at the quilt show, to boost me on in my quest for productivity in the sewing room. Amanda loves the modern circles, but I was drawn to the 30s prints and to the mariner's compass quilts. Among others!
I love the quilting on that one. So much to aspire to! But I'll tell you a secret... my points line up SO much better than so much of what I saw on Sunday. Shh... If only I could hand quilt, and not just piece like a pro!
The yummy crockpot chili that was all ready for eating when I got home from work has also helped my attitude. I need more long-cooking recipes, however... I am always gone 10-10.5 hours, so recipes that are done in 8 end up burning up a bit no matter how much extra fluid I add. The hunt for VERY long cooking recipes is on!
Now, the quilt show. I picked up a really cute kit to make a baby blanket out of flannel, with a super-soft backing. It even comes with the embroidery thread to knot it (as opposed to quilting it). Woo! I spent the last few evenings ironing fabric, and am so ready to get cracking on all these projects. Here's some of the inspiration I found at the quilt show, to boost me on in my quest for productivity in the sewing room. Amanda loves the modern circles, but I was drawn to the 30s prints and to the mariner's compass quilts. Among others!
I love the quilting on that one. So much to aspire to! But I'll tell you a secret... my points line up SO much better than so much of what I saw on Sunday. Shh... If only I could hand quilt, and not just piece like a pro!
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Weekend update: Project Nest
Firstly, I got a package in the mail. My giveaway win from Pink Sky Studio came in! It's so cute- I am now ready to make a little teapot tea towel with her sweet little embroidery pattern. Oh interwebs, how kind you can be!
I also have been getting busy on the sewing front. My machines are HOME though I still haven't plugged them in. Baby steps. I did wash all of my gorgeous Heather Ross fabrics, and they're in the dryer now. I started ironing everything for my next big project, the super secret gifts I am making for my bridesmaids. No photos on the blog, methinks, but I am very excited to get going on them! And I went to JoAnn's today to pick up a few patterns. And fabric. G came with me, and we selected two really lovely home dec fabrics to use in Project Nest! Now I've cleaned up most of the windows, it's time to hang some curtains. Although there are curtains in the guest room, courtesy of one of George's former renters, and some in the master bedroom... the rest of the house has bare windows. I picked up a nice burgundy silk (ok, a polyester silk look-alike, but it's washable). That will look really swank in our dining room, when we take down the paper over the chair rail and paint the top part of the wall silver. The bottom is currently a nice colonial blue, but instead of keeping the blue we might change up the look and go with a steel blue or even a real gray- I think with the deep curtains it will look very modern in there, and I am sure will give us great pleasure on the rare nights we don't just eat in the living room!
I also picked out a cutesy big plaid in cream, two shades of sage green, and shades of deep pink for my craft room. I could repaint the room cream again, or I could go with the very pale sage. Either way, all the colors look very nice with my deep gray sofa (and I can make rose-colored pillows to match!).
We had a pretty big yard sale today. Massive amounts of our duplicate belongings, extraneous kitchenware, and lots of other things are all gone- some sold, the rest donated to Goodwill. We feel so much lighter, and the basement and garage are suddenly much more navigable.
As if all that were not enough excitement for the day, I made a delicious chicken, cauliflower, and potato curry... and finished Clapotis. My third, but who's counting? It's delightful, and I think I will not block it, to keep it's subtle drape. My resident photographer has promised me some photos tomorrow, once he returns from a birthday party and I come back from the Quilters Unlimited quilt show at the Dulles Expo Center. So exciting!
On one final note, I wanted to recommend a little local establishment. Instead of cooking the curry last night, G picked me up from the metro and we went to Yorktown Bistro, here in Arlington and not far from the house. It's very open inside, with nice enough decor, and the cuisine is fairly traditional Italian. Oh oh so delicious! My chicken parm was one of the best I've had, and G enjoyed his three cheese ravioli. The homemade tiramisu was stellar, and we were particularly entranced by their specials on wine bottles. All in all? The perfect date night. They do takeout and rent out space, as well... we might have more decisions to make than we originally thought, when it comes time to plan our rehearsal dinner!
I also have been getting busy on the sewing front. My machines are HOME though I still haven't plugged them in. Baby steps. I did wash all of my gorgeous Heather Ross fabrics, and they're in the dryer now. I started ironing everything for my next big project, the super secret gifts I am making for my bridesmaids. No photos on the blog, methinks, but I am very excited to get going on them! And I went to JoAnn's today to pick up a few patterns. And fabric. G came with me, and we selected two really lovely home dec fabrics to use in Project Nest! Now I've cleaned up most of the windows, it's time to hang some curtains. Although there are curtains in the guest room, courtesy of one of George's former renters, and some in the master bedroom... the rest of the house has bare windows. I picked up a nice burgundy silk (ok, a polyester silk look-alike, but it's washable). That will look really swank in our dining room, when we take down the paper over the chair rail and paint the top part of the wall silver. The bottom is currently a nice colonial blue, but instead of keeping the blue we might change up the look and go with a steel blue or even a real gray- I think with the deep curtains it will look very modern in there, and I am sure will give us great pleasure on the rare nights we don't just eat in the living room!
I also picked out a cutesy big plaid in cream, two shades of sage green, and shades of deep pink for my craft room. I could repaint the room cream again, or I could go with the very pale sage. Either way, all the colors look very nice with my deep gray sofa (and I can make rose-colored pillows to match!).
We had a pretty big yard sale today. Massive amounts of our duplicate belongings, extraneous kitchenware, and lots of other things are all gone- some sold, the rest donated to Goodwill. We feel so much lighter, and the basement and garage are suddenly much more navigable.
As if all that were not enough excitement for the day, I made a delicious chicken, cauliflower, and potato curry... and finished Clapotis. My third, but who's counting? It's delightful, and I think I will not block it, to keep it's subtle drape. My resident photographer has promised me some photos tomorrow, once he returns from a birthday party and I come back from the Quilters Unlimited quilt show at the Dulles Expo Center. So exciting!
On one final note, I wanted to recommend a little local establishment. Instead of cooking the curry last night, G picked me up from the metro and we went to Yorktown Bistro, here in Arlington and not far from the house. It's very open inside, with nice enough decor, and the cuisine is fairly traditional Italian. Oh oh so delicious! My chicken parm was one of the best I've had, and G enjoyed his three cheese ravioli. The homemade tiramisu was stellar, and we were particularly entranced by their specials on wine bottles. All in all? The perfect date night. They do takeout and rent out space, as well... we might have more decisions to make than we originally thought, when it comes time to plan our rehearsal dinner!
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Sew Mama Sew sewing machine meme: Redux
Sew Mama Sew is hosting Sewing Machine Month in June. I thought it might be fun to participate in their sewing machine meme. Of course, I have two machines... so this is post two of two!
What brand and model do you have? Singer Rocketeer (501A or 503... I should look that up)
How long have you had it? This was my first machine- my aunt Barbara gave it to me upon graduation from college. Spring 2003! I took it with me to Indiana.
How much does that machine cost (approximately)? Again, it was a gift. You can find them on eBay and Craigslist in the 200-300 dollar range, sometimes much cheaper.
What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)? I used the Rocketeer for eeeeverything when I first got it. Home dec, bags, hemming, piecing, clothing, you name it. It's greatest glory was when I decided to cosplay at Otakon one year, and spent a good part of a summer sewing EVERY DAY on my costume. It was my first time dealing with all sorts of crazy fabrics (sateen? gauze? tulle? none of them could take down my Rocketeer). Have I mentioned that when I get going on a sewing project, I go crazy?
How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get? See above. When in a serious sewing mood, I can sew 10-12 hours a day. But then I go back to ignoring my machine for 8 months. Unpredictable is my middle name. I should change the needles more though, the more I think about it!
Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name? I love my Rocketeer. Like my Athena, she goes by her model name. She's futuristic, but very much situated in the past. What a workhorse.
What features does your machine have that work well for you? She isn't snazzy like my (comparatively) new Athena. But she has some verve! The Rocketeer will handle ANY fabric. And when I say any, I mean bring on the denim and sailcloth. She handles it like a charm. Just try that with most modern machines- 4 layers of denim and you'll be breaking a needle every seam. With my baby Rocketeer? Like butter. Slow-moving but definitely smooth butter.
Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine? For some reason my Rocketeer hates to go more than half an hour without just chopping up some thread. Despite endless playing with the tension, it just snips right through it for no apparent reason and I end up having to rethread the needle. Argh.
Do you have a great story to share about your machine? This machine just gets it done- no buzzers and whistles, but a solid machine. I can oil it myself, and it doesn't break down as horrifically as my Athena.
Would you recommend the machine to others? Why? Absolutely. It's a fanastic first machine, and solid enough to handle any basic project. It would be perfect for a beginner sewer, without being complicated.
What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine? Same as in my last post. Think about your purpose. Do you want to sew crazy heavy weight fabric? Get a machine that is NOT electronic. Spare yourself some pain, and stick with an oldie-but-goodie like my Rocketeer. Aiming for a machine that has fancy stitch patterns and runs quietly? Pick a different model.
Do you have a dream machine? I actually don't just want a Bernina. I want a serger, too. George would love that- I'd be able to mend his old tee shirts speedily! But I don't need one yet, so it's still just a dream machine for now.
So there you have it- my two Singer ladies, my sewing room dream team. I picked both of them up from the repair shop and can't wait to try them out. This was an awfully expensive servicing, due to the Athena being a lot more broken than I thought. But with new gears and a few other parts, hopefully she'll be sewing like new. I guess I've learned my lesson- I can take care of the Rocketeer ok on my own, but I really need to get the Athena in for servicing more regularly!
What brand and model do you have? Singer Rocketeer (501A or 503... I should look that up)
How long have you had it? This was my first machine- my aunt Barbara gave it to me upon graduation from college. Spring 2003! I took it with me to Indiana.
How much does that machine cost (approximately)? Again, it was a gift. You can find them on eBay and Craigslist in the 200-300 dollar range, sometimes much cheaper.
What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)? I used the Rocketeer for eeeeverything when I first got it. Home dec, bags, hemming, piecing, clothing, you name it. It's greatest glory was when I decided to cosplay at Otakon one year, and spent a good part of a summer sewing EVERY DAY on my costume. It was my first time dealing with all sorts of crazy fabrics (sateen? gauze? tulle? none of them could take down my Rocketeer). Have I mentioned that when I get going on a sewing project, I go crazy?
How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get? See above. When in a serious sewing mood, I can sew 10-12 hours a day. But then I go back to ignoring my machine for 8 months. Unpredictable is my middle name. I should change the needles more though, the more I think about it!
Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name? I love my Rocketeer. Like my Athena, she goes by her model name. She's futuristic, but very much situated in the past. What a workhorse.
What features does your machine have that work well for you? She isn't snazzy like my (comparatively) new Athena. But she has some verve! The Rocketeer will handle ANY fabric. And when I say any, I mean bring on the denim and sailcloth. She handles it like a charm. Just try that with most modern machines- 4 layers of denim and you'll be breaking a needle every seam. With my baby Rocketeer? Like butter. Slow-moving but definitely smooth butter.
Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine? For some reason my Rocketeer hates to go more than half an hour without just chopping up some thread. Despite endless playing with the tension, it just snips right through it for no apparent reason and I end up having to rethread the needle. Argh.
Do you have a great story to share about your machine? This machine just gets it done- no buzzers and whistles, but a solid machine. I can oil it myself, and it doesn't break down as horrifically as my Athena.
Would you recommend the machine to others? Why? Absolutely. It's a fanastic first machine, and solid enough to handle any basic project. It would be perfect for a beginner sewer, without being complicated.
What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine? Same as in my last post. Think about your purpose. Do you want to sew crazy heavy weight fabric? Get a machine that is NOT electronic. Spare yourself some pain, and stick with an oldie-but-goodie like my Rocketeer. Aiming for a machine that has fancy stitch patterns and runs quietly? Pick a different model.
Do you have a dream machine? I actually don't just want a Bernina. I want a serger, too. George would love that- I'd be able to mend his old tee shirts speedily! But I don't need one yet, so it's still just a dream machine for now.
So there you have it- my two Singer ladies, my sewing room dream team. I picked both of them up from the repair shop and can't wait to try them out. This was an awfully expensive servicing, due to the Athena being a lot more broken than I thought. But with new gears and a few other parts, hopefully she'll be sewing like new. I guess I've learned my lesson- I can take care of the Rocketeer ok on my own, but I really need to get the Athena in for servicing more regularly!
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Sew Mama Sewing Machine Meme
Sew Mama Sew is hosting Sewing Machine Month in June. I thought it might be fun to participate in their sewing machine meme. Of course, I have two machines... so this is post one of two!
What brand and model do you have? Singer Athena 2000
How long have you had it? Since I moved back from Indiana and into my second apartment, I believe- summer of 2005.
How much does that machine cost (approximately)? A quick google search didn't give me any idea. My mother purchased it in the mid-70s, but it was gifted to me.
What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)? My Athena is my main garment sewing machine, and my quilting machine now that I quilt. I've made clothes for myself on it, and bags, etc.
How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get? Lately, I don't sew at all! This is because my Athena stopped working properly last fall. I would say in heavy sewing periods (for example, at the end of last summer), I sew for many (many many) hours over the weekend and a few during the week. When I'm not in the middle of obsessing over a project, I sew very infrequently.
Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name? I call her Athena, for obvious reasons, or my little Sewing Goddess. I do love her, but I am not as comfortable with her as I am with my other machine. I just need more time getting to know her.
What features does your machine have that work well for you? My mother often remarks that she regrets ever giving me this machine- it has the best button-holer of all of our collective sewing machines.
Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine? OH the curses I have lashed out since it broke down last fall. It turns out that it needed some serious repairs (I suspected it, but was afraid to give in and bring it in for repair). Apparently it had some broken parts, and I'm in for a $180 bill very shortly. Sigh.
Do you have a great story to share about your machine? Well, this is my mother's old machine, the one she used to make all the crazy matching shorts and hawaiian shirts for my sister and me in our childhood. The Disney World outfits we had in NEON green were pretty awesome. In an 80s-tastic way. We always wore whatever Mom made for us, and we sure were easy to spot.
Would you recommend the machine to others? Why? I do recommend it! It's electronic, but still basic enough to handle anything. I love older machines, and again... it's got the button-holer of doom.
What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine? I think you should gauge how you are going to use the machine as the most important factor. For me, I wanted to be able to sew apparel, and to do basic fixes on ready-to-wear (the Athena also is very good at hemming). I wouldn't have chosen it for a quilting machine, but it does a fine job at that, as well.
Do you have a dream machine? I want a Bernina. I am completely in love with my aunt's Bernina. It sews like a dream, and I can only imagine how awesome it would be for free-motion machine quilting. Someday I'll get one of my own!
What brand and model do you have? Singer Athena 2000
How long have you had it? Since I moved back from Indiana and into my second apartment, I believe- summer of 2005.
How much does that machine cost (approximately)? A quick google search didn't give me any idea. My mother purchased it in the mid-70s, but it was gifted to me.
What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)? My Athena is my main garment sewing machine, and my quilting machine now that I quilt. I've made clothes for myself on it, and bags, etc.
How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get? Lately, I don't sew at all! This is because my Athena stopped working properly last fall. I would say in heavy sewing periods (for example, at the end of last summer), I sew for many (many many) hours over the weekend and a few during the week. When I'm not in the middle of obsessing over a project, I sew very infrequently.
Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name? I call her Athena, for obvious reasons, or my little Sewing Goddess. I do love her, but I am not as comfortable with her as I am with my other machine. I just need more time getting to know her.
What features does your machine have that work well for you? My mother often remarks that she regrets ever giving me this machine- it has the best button-holer of all of our collective sewing machines.
Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine? OH the curses I have lashed out since it broke down last fall. It turns out that it needed some serious repairs (I suspected it, but was afraid to give in and bring it in for repair). Apparently it had some broken parts, and I'm in for a $180 bill very shortly. Sigh.
Do you have a great story to share about your machine? Well, this is my mother's old machine, the one she used to make all the crazy matching shorts and hawaiian shirts for my sister and me in our childhood. The Disney World outfits we had in NEON green were pretty awesome. In an 80s-tastic way. We always wore whatever Mom made for us, and we sure were easy to spot.
Would you recommend the machine to others? Why? I do recommend it! It's electronic, but still basic enough to handle anything. I love older machines, and again... it's got the button-holer of doom.
What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine? I think you should gauge how you are going to use the machine as the most important factor. For me, I wanted to be able to sew apparel, and to do basic fixes on ready-to-wear (the Athena also is very good at hemming). I wouldn't have chosen it for a quilting machine, but it does a fine job at that, as well.
Do you have a dream machine? I want a Bernina. I am completely in love with my aunt's Bernina. It sews like a dream, and I can only imagine how awesome it would be for free-motion machine quilting. Someday I'll get one of my own!
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