Sewing Meme

I saw this sewing machine meme over at Sew, Mama, Sew! and I figured I'd do it. Some of you reading this are crafty so maybe you'll play along.

What brand and model do you have? 
Kenmore Drop-In Bobbin Sewing Machine - Model #18221 (available at Sears)

How long have you had it? 
I've had this machine for less than a year. I bought it as an upgrade from my Brother.

How much does that machine cost (approximately)? 
$179, but it it also on sale for $129 - 159 every time there's a holiday. 


What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)? 
I make skirts, belly dancing related pieces, and stupid stuffed monsters &
stuff for my son. 


How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?
I go weeks without sewing then sew like crazy for like a week.


Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?
My machine is the shiz and I love it. It does SO much more than I need it to and that's awesome. I have a lot of room to grow with it.


What features does your machine have that work well for you?
It's a beast and works really well with thick & difficult fabric. The button-hole maker thingy is a 1-step process. The serger function is great as well. 


Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?
I bought a Distinctive [brand] ruffler foot but it isn't working as it should. That's probably my faildom.



Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped it on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper?, Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.!)? We want to hear it!
No :-(


Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?
Heck yes.


What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?
I was going to buy a new computerized Singer or Janome machine. Then I realized they use a LOT of plastic parts and are expensive to repair because of the fickle nature of computers. Digital vs. Analog often leads to the latter being the victor for me. Oh and Kenmore machines are really Janome machines manufactured specifically for release at Sears stores. Kenmore is their house brand name. So this means I can take my machine to ANY Sears for service whereas with other brands I'd have to ship it or take it to a more expensive specialty repair center. 


Do you have a dream machine? 
Not really. My machine has both serging and embroidery functions, but I would still like to have separate machines for each. 

Chibi Kuma

This Halloween, Small Bear is gonna be a small dinosaur. We tried the costume on already and it's a little too long but not terribly so. I might just stitch buttons ans straps inside to shorten the sleeves and legs. Then all will be well.

My gal reason for posting this is that I love kigarumi. I wish I was shorter sometimes because then they would fit me better. I tried on my friend's Stitch kigarumi once and it fit, but I wish it was longer. I'm seriously tempted to make my own for Halloween because I have no shame. I've been the sexy nurse, sexy witch, sexy kitty, and other options available for women. I'm thinking I'll just be silly this year and call it a day. Either that or I'll wear my tribal belly dancing gear. We shall see. Either way, I think I'll make a small kigarumi to fit my Wonder Woman doll as a tester for figuring out the best way to stitch it. I'm not so good with pants. Inseams and seats are rough.

I love Halloween!

Well, Well, Well...

Fabic set up and pinned for sewing.

Guess who's pulling out the sewing machine tonight? ME.
I got this fun fabric from SpoonFlower a while ago. It's a stretch knit so it's not perfect for a hobo bag, but I'm gonna make one anyway. And I'm gonna make an うさミミ (usamimi) to match. Why? Because I feeeeel like it. I will post images of the final products in due time.

I need to start sewing more. I have plenty of fabric so why not? I have this nice and light cotton gauze fabric. I need to buy a ruffler foot so I can make a short-but-not-too-short-and-skanky skirt. I can't buy mini skirts because they're always way obscene on me but just fine and dandy on a 5'4" chica. I'd like to not look like a woman of the night while pushing my baby bear in a stroller. No thank you. It's bad enough I have to buy "tall" pants with at least a 34" inseam (and 36" is preferred), else my ankles show when I don't want them to. Let's not have my panties showing, too.

Now I've gone off topic, but that's how I roll. I do have a plan for this blog. It will have reviews and rants and hair/make/fashion experiments. When I remember where the cord to my scanner is, I will be very happy to post scans of coordinates in the j-mags that I feel are fat girl friendly. I will try to replicate them and note any adjustments made as well as why. I will also be posting on some of my domestic things, a la I Love Mama. Hopefully, this will be as fun for others to read as it is for me to write.

In the meantime, Anyone reading this should head over to Blooomzy's blog for an awesome giveaway of kawaii stationary, lush lashes, hair masks and other goodies. Go try your luck!

Night night ^_^