Tuesday, July 19, 2011

I've been playing!

"We don't stop playing because we grow old,
we grow old because we stop playing."
George Bernard Shaw

A few weeks back I was fortunate to win some wonderful homemade items from Barbara at To stitch or not to stitch. I decided I wanted to make a zipper bag like the one I won. I went to my local Joann's and was looking at the remnants because they were 50% off. My daughter is a big tea drinker and there was this cute material with the names of tea all over it. I bought it and put it aside not real sure how to really get started. One day I was on the freebie gallery and saw a zipper bag  and mentioned Karen at Sew Much 2 Luv. She had this great tutorial Don't fear the zipper.... bag  and Easy peasy tissue holder. Well now I was ready to start my first zipper bag. I cut out my material, I also found some great lining material in the remnant, I was ready to go.  But I mean a big BUT, where is my zipper foot. You see my first sewing machine was bought with my first full time tax return back in early 1978 fast forward to about late 80's and I got a new better sewing machine. Since my mom's was so old I gave her my old one. Years later my mom got a new one and I took back the 1978 old Kenmore. Daughter moves out of the house a few years ago, borrows my sewing machine and well never have seen it again. So I am back to the 1978  and somewhere in the move the zipper foot got lost.  All day Friday and Saturday husband heard me complain about missing foot. Sunday I go to Joann's after church to see if they have a zipper foot. No but they have machines on sale. I look at the very simple heavy duty one. Come home do some research on line and husband who is tried of hearing about missing foot says you deserve a new one. Later that day we went to Sears to look for zipper foot, yes I know it is 2011 and I am looking for a 1978 foot.  Well imagine that no foot only new top of the line computer type machines. Told husband don't need that just a simple one. We leave go downstairs and by the door is sewing machines on clearance. Too late to make this long story short, I bought the computer one on sale for $149.00. Twenty dollars cheaper than the simple one on sale at Joann's. We go to check out and they ask to you have a rewards card, of course I do and that day you get an additional 10% off with rewards. So with tax only pay $143.00. So here is my new toy.


The best thing about it is you bring down this little tool and it threads itself, that's right itself. I could do it with out glasses. You just drop in the bobbin. I have been playing with putting in a number and stitching a new stitch. I guess I really needed more than a simple machine after all.

Here is my first zipper bag. Since my daughter only uses cloth handkerchiefs I changed the measurements just a little and made a pouch for Wet-Ones. With the left over I made a draw string bag. With Karen's tutorial I even lined the zipper bag.



Well I am off to do some more playing. Hope your day is as fun as mine.

Always keep love in your stitches,
Teresa

23 comments:

Dani - tkdchick said...

Congrats on the new sewing machine and what a great set you sewed up there!

gracie said...

Good eal on the sewing machine. I always buy a Kenmore..they do last forever. I am going right now to check out Karen's tutorial. Nice job on the bag....

Karen said...

I love your fabric choices! What a lovely gift :) Thanks so much for mentioning me. I'm glad you liked the tutorial :)

Wagapapa said...

Great job! It's fantastic!

natalysneedle said...

Great sewing project. I am sure your daughter will love it but for me I was impressed with the justification for a new machine and what a good hubby pushing and twisting your arm to do it LOL

Happy Experimenting!!

Stray Stitches (Linda G) said...

Fantastic deal on your new machine! The zipper bag and the pouch are wonderful!!

Tricia T said...

Wonderful! I'd love to make one of those sometime. I don't play with my sewing machine nearly enough now, except to sew on the cards that I make!

Deborah said...

Great sewing projects! I love the material. Very cute.

Mouse said...

ooooooooooooooo new machine *drool and well done on the finishes tooo :) love mouse xxxx

Nancy said...

Love the new machine with all those different stitches! You did a great job on the bag!

Denise said...

Woohoo - what a deal! Great looking machine and lovely bags!

Jennifer M. said...

Wow very nice! I have a computerized Husqvarna Viking machine that has a million stitches on it and I haven't touched the thing in so long. I haven't been in the mood to sew or quilt, but I lack the table space too. Kind of puts a damper on the fun when your space is so limited.

Have fun with your new toy! Look forward to seeing more of your sewing creations.


Jen in Miami

Theresa said...

Nice toy you got there!!!!! The bag looks very nice~~ Can't wait to see more of your sewing projects!!

Catherine said...

Now that's my kind of play day!! Your projects look great!

Jane said...

That's a great toy, hope Santa brings me one in my stocking this year, I'm desperate too!
Have great fun experimenting and well done on such great creations xxx

cucki said...

great job..so lovely xx

Bekca said...

Congrats on the new purchase, I'm glad you got a great deal on it. You've made a beautiful stitched set there, I can't wait to see more! Happy stitching to you.

Kate said...

Great to have a new toy to plat with!
Great finished too.

mdgtjulie said...

Your bags look great, Teresa. Love the ribbon finish on it too. Lovely!! And grats on the new toy! I just love electronics!

Barb said...

Oohh what a nice DH you have!! The machine looks brilliant, and well done you on the bag set . I will have to go look at the tutorial and see if it is within my limited sewing machine skill.
Enjoy your sewing.

Lainey said...

Your DD must be thrilled Teresa those bags are fab!
Hope you get lots off playtime with your new toy.

Sarah Beth said...

If you do want to get a zipper foot for your Kenmore you still can. I have an old 70's kenmore too and I can still order all the parts online through sears. The parts are pretty cheap too. I love my Kenmore and still use it from time to time.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the bags mom. :) Your new blog design looks cute.