A New Title - Janome Maker!

I've been having conversations with Janome America for several months. As you know I am a loyal and faithful Janome sewing machine user. I've written several blog posts about them. I love the machines and their ease of use.  So I was thrilled when Janome America invited me to be a member of their Maker Team!

Now I don't know if you've read or heard about the resurgence of sewing in America due to how much time we're spending at home.  Not only have we started to cook more but we're also crafting, sewing and knitting since we're home a lot more. Because of that sewing machines in both beginner and more advanced models sold out in the early days of quarantine...and it took a minute for them to be restocked and for me to receive my new machine.

Y'all I did a jig yesterday when the UPS truck dropped off my new Janome 9450QCP sewing machine...even though I was in the midst of packing up my sewing cave...and since I'm packing we took it out to ooooohhhhh and aaaaahhhh over and then I packed my machine back into it's box.

A Few Pictures ~

Taking the Styrofoam out of the box!

Sitting on my current sewing table

Showing the pieces to the granddaughters

The grands sharing the pieces for the gram!

Holding the cover and the extension table

The 9450QCP also comes with a knee length, 3 different needle plates, 23 standard feet, plus an extra large foot pedal and separate thread cutter. This is the evolved version of my 8900QCP and I can't wait to explore the upgrades!

I really wanted to devote this post to my new Janome sewing machine and becoming a member of the Janome Maker Team.  My next blog post will discuss a few changes that are coming to my life...so stay tuned!

....as always more later!

Do you have a Back Up Sewing Machine?

I strongly believe in having a back up sewing machine. I've had one for years. When I had a mid-range sewing machine, I'd keep the older machine I upgraded. So if/when something happened to my new sewing machine, I would have something to sew on while my machine went to the shop. 

Luckily, I've never had one die on me. I'm just not revisiting that time my apartment burned and I lost both my sewing machine and serger...probably when having a back up became really important to me...because I didn't sew for months!

Recently my back up machine has been living in PA because I'm lazy and don't want to carry it back and forth to Sew Camp on public transportation. So when my 8900 QCP started having challenges, I panicked. The back up was hours away if something was seriously wrong with my baby.

At the time I started looking at the Janome Skyline series. Then I took my sewing machine to be serviced at this amazing repair shop, Paramus Sewing Center. I breathed a sigh of relief when they fixed it right away. However, the machine I was looking at went on sale over the Labor Day weekend for a good price and I bought it.

It's the Skyline 3 - the lowest number and most basic of the series. However, it has all of the features I want in a back up machine...and it's a Janome. I'm just not into changing brands especially since I really like the Janome brand. My last three machines have been Janomes.

I've already taken it for a test drive and the stitch quality is exactly what I've come to expect on a Janome. There are some differences between this one and my 8900 - the workspace is smaller, there's no light underneath and there are way fewer stitches. But it does make an automatic buttonhole. I really like how they've improved loading the bobbin and winding it. It comes with a number of feet that I use constantly and if I want a few more I can always purchase them off Amazon.

BTW, I'm not hyping these sewing machines and I'm NOT encouraging you to purchase one. I just like sewing on these TOL machines which is my preference.  If you bond with another machine by all means, purchase what you love...whether it be vintage, mid-range, industrial or another brand.  

Now while I really want to upgrade to the Janome 9450, I've planned a trip to London in 2020 and want that way more than a new expensive sewing machine. Well right now that is! LOL! I'm thrilled that I have a new back up machine to pair with my main one. I don't handle not having a sewing machine well and this means I don't have to go without.

So this is the Question of the Day.  Do you have a back up machine? Is it of the same quality as your main sewing machine? Or is it lower in the series? Is it even in the same sewing machine family? If you don't have a back up machine why? Is it because you haven't considered owning on? Or what?

Talk back to me because this is the Question of the Day and I'm really interested in your answers.

...as always more later!

My Serger Is Ill

I knew something was wrong the last time I changed the threads...it took forever to get the air to push the thread through the bottom looper...but I walked away...gave the serger a time out...came back a couple of hours later and it worked.  When I went to change the threads today, I almost didn't.  I mean I'm going to line the dress so who cares what color the serger threads are, right? Yeah right, someone who is so anal about thread changing that I change it for everything.

Today I just couldn't get that looper to thread no matter how many times I tried to insert the thread and pushed the air whoosh handle.  So off to the dealer it will go next weekend.

Now it's not necessary to complete/sew a garment with a serger.  I told myself that over and over again today as I finished up McCalls 6988. Honestly though I've used a serger for finishing for the last 20 years, so it's a hard habit to break.

Anyway, my serger is down for the count. I will be sewing without it until it returns from the shop, unless someone has a handy tip that I can use to make it work again.

...as always more later!


  

This is Why I Have a Spare

See my year old Janome sitting on my cutting table?  Why do you ask? Because it won't sew a straight stitch...it takes three or four stitches and then it jags to the side and jams.  Next weekend I will be taking it to the sewing machine shop to be repaired...

Thank goodness, I have a spare plus one.  I pulled my Janome 6600P out and set her up so that I can finish up my weekend sewing.  But I can already tell that I'm going to miss my 8900.  The extra large opening, all of the light, and the weight of her is missing in my 6600P ~ though I'm not complaining.  I'm thrilled that I have a spare to turn to so that I can keep on sewing.

It's interesting because just this evening, I was thinking that when I go on vacation in May, that I would put both the 8900 and the Babylock serger in the shop for their annual check-ups.  Guess the 6600P and the serger will be heading to the shop in May instead because their big sister is going in sooner than that.

This really stinks because my iPad died this week too.  I googled it and did everything suggested and still no go.  I will take it to the genius bar at the Apple Store but I don't have much hope for it.  I'm especially bummed cause I can't remember the last time I backed the dang thing up and just hope that "the cloud" held onto most of my stuff!

This means there will be next to no fabric buying going on around here. Sewing machine check ups cost almost $200 for my computerized machines and that's before repairs. I was rocking a iPad2 so will upgrade to an iPad Air but this is an unforeseen expense. Thank goodness I have a well stocked sewing cave!!! I'm also thankful that my next couple of projects are all from fabric that's already in the collection.

I'm sure my 8900 will be fixed and returned to me soon but I'm missing my favorite things already...

...as always more later!

Using my Janome 8900 QCP - 10 months later

One of the things that I really wanted this year was a newer, more up-to-date sewing machine.  Since I'm a Janome woman, I knew that I was going to purchase a new Janome.  Originally I was going to purchase the 7700 used or new because it was a step up from the 6600P that I was presently using.  I have no qualms about purchasing a used sewing machine because my Janome 8000 was purchased used and my Janome 6600P was also gifted to me used.

Over time I've figured out what I need in a sewing machine.  I love the top of the line sewing machines with all of the bells and whistles, embroidery modules, loads of stitch patterns, etc.  However, I don't NEED all of that. That is not how I sew. Plus since I haven't traded in a sewing machine, I still have embroidery capabilities with the Janome 8000 - not that I use them much!

Anyway, I headed off to the sewing machine dealer and ended up bringing home the 8900QCP because the dealer gave me a great price for the machine. Now that the machine has been home for 10 months, there are a few things I'm truly thankful for in this machine.

• It is accurate.  Seriously.  It stops on a dime and then turns on that dime.
• The reverse stitching is accurate.  It stitches into the same row of stitching that it started in.
• Quiet...this is the quietest sewing machine that I've ever owned.  Everyone can tell upstairs when I'm operating the serger (that I also love!) but no one can tell when I'm stitching on my sewing machine.
• Love, love, love that I don't have to push the needle from side to side.  The machine has a button that I push on the panel for the far right setting and the far left setting which is exactly 1/4" sewing.

Photo credit:  www.thestitcherymachine.co

• The lighting on this machine is awesome because it's in all the spots that matter.
• The wider opening can fit anything in it.  I know it was done for quilters but being able to get an entire dress, jacket or pair of pants in the opening works so well for me too!
• I absolutely love the cutting function.  I don't use it at the end of every seam but when I'm in some hard to reach place, it's so kewl to be able to use the cutting button.  Not only does it cut the bobbin thread so that I don't have to trim it but the upper thread is cut about an inch long.  Not much to trim there either.
• The manual is easy to read, follow and understand.
• Learning how to monogram was easy when I used the manual and did the process step by step.

This is the first time in over 20 years that I've purchased a new sewing machine. I'm so thrilled that I did because this machine will grow with me into the next decade even though I'm secretly coveting the new Janome Horizon Memory Craft 15000.  

In my mind the next time I purchase a new sewing machine will be when I'm ready to retire.  My 8900QCP will be more than capable to do the job until then!

...as always more later!

I want to try this...

I got home last night and my new issue of Threads (October/November 2013) was waiting for me.

The article that intrigued me was called, "Draft New Necklines for Basic Patterns."

I've wanted some new basic colored sheath dresses for fall.  You know in navy blue, red, and orange...all from fabrics in the collection.  However, I didn't want to make a whole bunch of lined sheath dresses using my TNT dress pattern.  I'd been eyeing some sheath dresses from RTW with different necklines and I really didn't want to purchase a whole lot of patterns to get these changes.  This article solves my challenges.

So through the fall and winter I will be adding a couple of new sheath dresses to my wardrobe and I'm using the article in Threads to get my new necklines. I'm kinda thrilled about that!

The other article that caught my eye was the one that's featured on the cover, "Gorgeous Embellished Fabrics."  I've been drooling over this Valentino dress from the Fall 2013 collection that's been featured in all of the September fashion magazines.

It's a little elaborate for my everyday life.  However, I keep thinking that I can find a lace somewhere in the garment district or at Mood that will work with my lifestyle and allow me to make my version of this dress.  Hopefully, I will get to this before the season changes...we'll see!

+ + + + +

Last night I saw the movie, "The Butler".  I really liked the movie. Although I don't know how I missed the fact that it was going to have such a historical perspective...which was emotional for me since I was a little girl in the 60s. Anyway, if you get a chance, go see it.

I follow the blog, Couture Allure Vintage Fashion Blog, and she did a blog post on the fashion in the movie.  The costume designer, Ruth Carter, did an interview and it's included in the post.  It's pretty interesting, so check it out.

+ + + + +

I got this in the mail yesterday also. Isn't it adorable?  

Thanks Rachelle!

+ + + + +

I don't know if I'm sewing today.  It's been a busy week and I'm a little tired. I really feel like just lazing around, watching TV, surfing the internet and doing nuthin'!

...as always more later!

A Sewing Machine Story

So if I tell you a story, will you tell me one back?  See it's like this ~ I started sewing on a Sears generic machine.  This was back in the day when all department stores had a sewing section.  Some stores like Sears carried not only fabric and supplies but they also carried sewing machines.  Other department stores like Macy's only had a fabric department.  

I received my first sewing machine for Christmas at 11 - the green cast iron sewing machine that came in its own desk and only sewed straight stitches, back & forth and was so up-to-date because it had a zig zag stitch.  Don't laugh children, I was cutting edge!

I've had several sewing machines since then.  In my college dorm room I had a Singer that I bought on installment payments from the Singer store in the mall by my campus.  Then came a $99 Brother sewing machine that I purchased from JC Penneys.  When my kids were 10 & 11, I upgraded to a Viking that I paid on weekly at the sewing machine dealership before I could finally bring it home.  Sadly this one met a horrific end when my apartment at the time went up in flames.

After that tragedy (no one was hurt but my sewing machine, serger, a boatload of fabric and my living room set were all destroyed) I decided that with the money we received that I was buying my dream sewing machine - a Janome 8000.  I bought it used because by then Janome had moved on to bigger and better things but I loved this machine and have only sewn with Janomes as my prime sewing machine since.  That's a picture of my latest baby above!

So that's my sewing machine story.  Will you tell me yours?  Of course I have a few questions to assist with the story telling...

1. What brand of sewing machine are you currently sewing on?
2. Was that the first sewing machine you used from this brand?  
3. Are you still sewing on that brand of sewing machine?
4. If not, why not?  
5. If so, why?
6. Finally, if you switched brands, why?

These are my questions of the day.  Talk to me.  I'm very interested in hearing your Sewing Machine Story!

BTW, check out "The Lace Dress" on the MSN blog tomorrow.

...as always more later!

How Much Do I Love Thee?

Let me tell you how much I love, love, love my new Janome Memory Craft 8900 QCP!

• It's quiet.  O-M-G!  It is sooooooo quiet!
• It's fast. Very fast. I can slow it down so that the needle seems like it's walking or I can speed it up so that it's flying.  I don't make it go fast often because it's going 90 mph!
• It's precise.  What do I mean?  Well the needle stops EXACTLY where you want it to.  Now the 6600P had this feature too but I'm still in awe of this feature especially when making buttonholes.
• It has a free arm.  People I get giddy every time I pull that arm off!  I've been sewing without a free arm for the last three years and to have one again is just stupendous!
• Threads so easily you don't need a diagram because its so dayum logical!
• It has an extra large foot pedal.  I never have to search for it.  It's right there in it's place all the time!
• Wide bed - my 6600P had a large bed which I love but this one seems larger.  I mean my last jacket fit flat across the sewing machine bed making it easy to move around and sew...especially when making buttonholes.
• Now that I've mentioned buttonholes twice, I've used two of the types and they sew up so easily.
• Quite a few of the features of the 6600P that I loved are on this one too * Cutting tool  *Up/Down Needle  *The presser foot raises extra high making it easy to slip garments under the foot.  *Automatic needle threader

• Every foot that I can think of comes with this machine.  I only added a teflon foot.
• Storage - there is so much storage in this machine.  Loads in the free arm and built into the top of the machine...everything has a place without needing additional storage for all the different sewing feet.
• Simple bobbin winding - so easy!
• It comes with a clear table.  I'm not using mine now but who knows about the future.
• Plenty of light - even with the Ott Lite off I can still see clearly because there is a lot of light by the needle and a double one under the arm.
• The machine bed is well marked - going past the normal 1" markings and it's done on both the right and left side of the needle plate.
• It has a knee lift.  Again I haven't used mine but I'm sure I will in the future.
• The touch screen is soooo kewl and easy to use.
• Quite a few stitches, even several words that you can stitch out - way more than the 6600P.
• The silver wheel at first to me was a little imposing but now I twirl that thing with the best of them!  Seriously though, I love how you can scroll through the stitches and how the stitches are grouped ~ Utility, Buttonhole, Quilting, Satin, Heirloom, etc.

I've only made three garments on it so far but I do love my new sewing machine. It makes me smile every time I come into the sewing cave...and it's some of the best money I've spent in a long time!  I haven't used every stitch on it or run it through all it's paces but it works so well that I'm enjoying the learning process. Finally, I want to share my Instruction Book with you.

Since I'm learning a new machine, I refer to it often.  I've started to bookmark items that I refer to often by using stickies with the title on it.  This way I don't have to search through the manual each time I need something.  It does come with a CD but I have to admit that I haven't watched it yet.  I just jumped in and started sewing.

So I'll be happily creating new garments on my Memory Craft 8900QCP and absolutely encourage you to purchase one of your own, if it's in your budget.

...as always more later!

She's Here ~ the Janome Horizon 8900QCP

We got home around 5pm after a busy day.  I picked her up around 2pm and placed her gently in the trunk of the car...had some lunch, did a few errands and finally she was carried into the house and set on the cutting table.

To be honest she sat there for quite some time...because I was afraid to open the box.  After watching TV and instagraming a few pics, I got enough courage to remove her from the box.

Waited another hour and finally I started looking at and playing with all of her accessories.  Why did it take so long? Because this is my dream sewing machine. The last "real" sewing machine I bought myself was my Janome 8000 and I bought it used with insurance money after my apartment burned...another story, another time, almost 15 years ago.  

The 6600P was given to me by a dear friend for just the cost of shipping.  An aside here, the Bible says that "as you sow, shall you reap" and I'm believing that she will be blessed more than she will ever ask or think for such an amazing and unselfish gift.  I don't think my friend had even used it much...and it's served me well for the last three years!  Today, especially today, I'm tremendously touched by the awesomeness of her gift.

Why am I so grateful today?  Because I have the ability to purchase this amazing new machine.  Seriously, I've shed a few tears today to be so blessed.  I know it's just a sewing machine but it's the avenue that will give me the ability to fulfill so many of my ideas.  It will be the outlet that I will use to let my creativity flow and I'm just feeling very, very blessed.

Okay enough sap! *LOL*  The dealer threw in a teflon foot probably the only foot the machine is missing since it came with a large amount of feet, two dozen extra bobbins, and some Universal needles.  Dude didn't know I have my own needle collection in the sewing cave, and I didn't want to seem ungracious, so they all came home with me.

My Horizon 8900QCP is a little bigger than my 6600P but most importantly it has a free arm.  People, I've been sewing without a free arm for three years and one of the things I've missed most is that feature.  

It has a large foot pedal.  No searching around for that baby underneath the sewing table!  A knee lift, a large clear extension table, extra lighting underneath, a wider opening and 270 stitches versus the 100 on the 6600P.  I've already sewn a few stitches on her.  Since I've been sewing on a Janome for over 15 years, it's like home every time I sit down in front of a new one.

I'm going to put her aside for a minute and complete my last project on the 6600P which will become my backup machine.  It has served me well and I want to finish this last journey with it.  When my daughter comes over on Sunday, she will take the Janome 8000 home with her with all of the embroidery pieces that came with it.  She has a little girl now and it will allow her to make some pretty little girl clothes.

After this sewcation, this is the sewing complement that I will be creating on...

and I can't wait...as always more later!!!

A Sewing Machine Question...

Marjie asked this question:
"I need a new machine, and the lady I work with here is highly recommending Janome. Have you any words of wisdom for me?"

Marjie, I hope you don't mind that I turned this into a post but I think every blogger faces the sewing machine question sooner or later, so let's talk about it. Personally I love Janome machines.  In my sewing history, remember I've been sewing since I was 11, I've sewn on a Sears (starter machine), a Singer (purchased in college - a middle of the line machine) a Brother (lower end machine purchased from JCPenney's when I first got married), a used Viking (bought when my DDs were small and I sewed almost everything for them) and finally the Janome 8000 (also bought used) and now the Janome 6600.

What do I love about my Janome?  The stitching, the way it handles, the up/down feature, the extra high lift of the foot, the snap on feet...I could go on...but I truly believe that each sewist develops an affinity for a sewing machine line. That's why there are sewists who swear by Bernina, Pfaff, Singer or Husquverna Viking machines. It's how the machine works for each sewist especially since these days there seems to be only two or three manufacturers of sewing machines instead of the many different manufacturers back when I learned to sew.

So my actual advice to you is if you are able to, go to a sewing machine store and sew on the machines. Don't use the flimsy pieces of fabric that the sewing machine store provides, bring some of your own swatches and sit down and put the sewing machine through it's paces.  Try out the stitches, see how easy it is to thread...does it have enough light for you to see...can you work it easily or do you constantly need to refer to the manual...or does it just feel weird to sit in front of and use or do you feel like you're home in front of it?

Before you go to try out a machine, do your homework.  Know exactly what features you want in a machine.  Do you want embroidery?  Do you want an automatic cutter?  Do you need embroidery or 150 stitches?  Do you want computerized or mechanical?  Or are you a vintage sewing machine woman?

Finally, what did you love about your old machine? Make sure that any potential new machine makes you feel the same way you presently feel when you sit in front of it or you will never use it.

I know that I didn't exactly tell you to go out and buy a Janome but that's because I believe that each sewist needs to figure out which sewing machine works for them.  Just like each driver figures out what car works for them.  You are going to spend a lot of time with this purchase, so it should be comfortable and do the things you need it to do especially if you are going to part with a lot of money for it.

Now I know that I haven't even discussed dealerships and repairs 'cause that's a whole nuther can of worms.  All I can say is take friends recommendations, your desires, the things you love about your present machine, a couple of fabric swatches and go out and test drive some machines. I would love to know what you finally decide upon...because I'm a Janome girl...but the person who gifted me with my baby...just didn't like using my beloved!

If you have any other words of wisdom, please be sure to leave them in the comments.  I don't want to give the impression that I'm the end all, be all of sewing machine buying.  I know which line works for me.  How much I love my machine and how it makes me feel as if I can create anything while sitting in front of it.

...as always, more later!


  

A new member of the sewing family

I know I blogged about this months ago but I just made it to the sewing machine dealer to pick it up today.  Here is the latest member of my sewing family...

The older babylock serger has been put in the future sewing room for my daughter to pick up and take home with her.  I bought this serger because it's suppose to be easy to thread...leave it to me to make it difficult! *LOL*  I had the DVD going and the book out and still couldn't make it whoosh. 

I was getting beyond frustrated until my DD came in and helped walk me through the steps.  You know it's so much easier when someone else is working the DVD player and stopping the DVD after every step instead of you trying to work the serger and the DVD player at the same time.  I finally got the machine threaded and to my daughter's consternation, made her  (okay asked her politely *LOL*) to go through the steps again when I unthreaded the machine and threaded it again.

It's going to take some time to get use to this but when I do I'm sure it's going to be a breeze to work.  Here is a look at the seam finish.

My older serger works and works well...but truthfully I'm tired of working with the tension and the threading.  My daughter, however, turns the knobs, plays with the tension and changes the blades with no problems...yeah she's the mechanical one!  So it will go play at her house and I will continue to learn my new baby...

BTW, while at the sewing machine shop I looked at the new Janome Horizon 7000 - be still my heart!  I almost walked out with a new sewing machine and a new serger BUT I truly need to have my new sewing room set up before I buy another machine...*sigh*

...as always, more later!

My Serger

My present serger is a Babylock 5280E. 

I've had it since my first Babylock was consumed in my apt fire about dozen years ago.  It's time to upgrade it...even though it's working just fine...I'm going to move up to the Babylock Imagine serger.  I've been wanting one of these for quite some time...and the time has arrived for it to come to my house.  Don't feel sorry for my present serger though, because it is going to my DD who sews.  Now she will have her own sewing machine, serger and stash!

I'm writing about my serger though because of the bag that has been in front of it all of these years. 

I don't think they don't even make these serger catch bags anymore, but when sergers first became all the rage for home sewists these serger bags were everywhere.  Does anyone besides me else even have one on their sergers anymore?

As I was emptying mine this afternoon, I realize that this bag tells a story.  See I use a serge finish on almost every garment I make, so the left over contents end up in this bag.  Depending on how much I sew that bag can be emptied every couple of weeks or every couple of months.  But every time I empty it, it reminds me of the journeys I've taken...the garments I've made...and the things I've learned. 

I can't imagine parting with it because of the memories!  But part with it I shall...with a sad heart...because it will accompany the serger when it goes to my daughter.

I'm looking forward to the arrival of the new serger...and the new adventures and journeys I will take with it.  However, I think I will no longer enjoy the ritual of the emptying of the bag...to grow, I guess some things must change!

...more later!

My New Baby

That's right instead of sewing I was playing with this!

Over the last year, I have spoken about how my friend of the last decade, my partner in crime in creating, and my sewing machine rock has been fading.  At each yearly check-up the repairman asks me when I'm going to upgrade her because she is really getting towards the end of her life.  She is past machine warranty and has any number of little ticks that can be fixed for a minute and then come back...she is wearing out from use and love.

So, I've decided to overhaul my sewing machine and serger.  I've been reading up and trying to figure out what will work for me for the next 25 years...okay realistically the next 10-15 years! *smile*  I've also been working out what features I really need because those TOL machines with all the bells and whistles are like bling to me and draw me in everytime!

Finally, I have an idea of what I want and am now slowly starting to purchase well actually completely overhaul my sewing machine & serger experience.  I decided to take baby steps and am starting with my back-up machine.  Which by the way, I no longer own since my DD absconded with it!  That's where this new Brother PC-420 comes in:

It has quite a few of the features that my Janome has but at a lot cheaper price point.  It even has a knee-lift...something I've always wanted!  Bertha arrived Thursday but I didn't have an opportunity to look at her, take her out of the box, set her up and play with her until yesterday...so there went any sewing I might possibly have done as I was enthralled with finding out about Bertha...that's Miss Bertha Brother to you, btw! *smile*

She is a version of the Project Runway PC-420 without some of the built-in designs but since I really didn't need that many designs I'm happy with her as she is!  Anyway, she will make sporadic appearances here in the future and my sewing machine overhaul has officially begun.

I won't be updating the Burda skirt this weekend unless I get home early from the Knicks game.  My boss gave me some tickets...so I will be watching the game in Madison Square Garden this afternoon, snoop shopping at Macy's and checking out the Christmas windows both there and Lord and Taylor before heading home.

I hope everyone has a great sewing day...and as always, more later!