Sewing Machine

While we were in Mountain Home a couple weeks ago, I bought a sewing machine at a little sewing store there.  My mom suggested that I buy one at an actual store that specialized in sewing machines rather than online or at a department store so that I could get help when (not if) needed.

I was able to get the bobbin wound on my second try and the thing practically threads itself so that was pretty much a breeze.  Now I need to find a simple pattern so I can actually make something.  When I tried to sew years ago, I can't remember if threading the machine or cutting out the pattern was the worst part.  I think I hated both tasks equally.  Now the threading is taken care of so I kind of dread the pattern cutting part.

I can't remember where I acquired this pin cushion....probably at an antique store somewhere....but I like it a lot.  Most of the pins were in it when I got it.

I hadn't thought about it but I guess I have quite a little collection of sewing machines now.....

My first one was a Christmas gift from Brad on our first Christmas together.  We weren't married yet so it must have been 1999 (seems like a long time ago!).  Its a New Home and I've always loved it.  I leave it closed and use it as a table in our entryway.  There was a time when we lived in Cave City that I did leave it open like this though.

This one came from my brother.  I think he got it at an auction, maybe as part of a box of junk that had other things he wanted.  Its an Eldridge electric.  According to the internet, Eldridge and New Home were both absorbed by Janome at some point.  And Eldridge was manufactured in Belevidere, IL which is just a few miles from where I was born!! (only my mom will think that part is interesting.)

This is the only machine I've used, except for in Home Ec class in high school.  It was my mom's first machine but it is difficult to thread and so heavy to carry around.  Thinking back, I actually used this thing for a few projects.  One was the ironing board cover I still use.  I completely bit off more than I could chew with that project which I think directly led to my ten year sewing hiatus!

And my new one.  I had looked at a Brother online but the man at the store told me this one would be the best one for my needs.  He was a retired guy who had owned or worked for sewing companies/stores in San Diego forever so I thought he'd be a good source to trust.  Once I got it threaded, I wanted to start sewing right away and complete a project!!  WOOHOO!!  I was all gung ho and thought I should be able to sew anything!!  But really, I just need to stop and concentrate on finding a pattern that is easy to cut out.  My ultimate goal is to make something for Hadley that Heather won't be embarrassed to put on her!