Sewing Machine Review 1 - Kenmore 385 22 Stitch

One of my favorite sewing sites has got to be Pattern Review. In addition to getting see some really impressive projects completed by some incredibly talented people, there are a TON of sewing machine reviews. Although I am relatively new to sewing, I have already amassed quite a collection of sewing machines. I have never before considered myself mechanically inclined because I have never been interested in anything mechanical before.

Enter, the home sewing machine.... Some of my machines have been gifts, Craigslist finds and eBay purchases.

I posted an abreviated version of this review to Pattern Review. This machine is odd enough that a stock picture of the machine is not available on PR. This machine is almost identical to the 24 stitch 385.17641. Both were probably produced on the same early 90's assembly line, by Janome.

I got this machine for free a couple of months ago. It was a friend's grandmother's machine. Her grandmother had upgraded and it ended up gathering dust in her closet. It came with the bulky original case (that I have since removed from the base) and a few needles. This was originally a low shank machine so I purchased a snap on shank so it would be compatible with my existing snap-on foot collection. This was my first Kenmore and it happens to be made by Janome. I like this machine so much, I decided to upgrade to a TOL Janome made Kenmore 19606.

This machine features a drop-in bobbin and has 8 stretch stitches. It also has 6 decorative stitches that are based on a variation of a zig zag stitch. The decorative stitches remind me of the stitches available on a Singer Slant-o-matic cam.

Since I didn't have a manual, I had to find out the hard way that the correct way to switch through the various stitches is to turn the stitch width up to 5 and then you can change stitches. The stitch width dial acts as a kind of clutch. I had to take the top of the housing off and experiment, in order to find that out.

This is the quietest machine I have.

This is a really good basic machine that is available on eBay for $40-$60. It's a really good value for the beginning seamstress.

Simplicity 5923 Pajama Loungewear

This is the second pajama bottom pattern I have put together. The first pair came out okay. With this pair, I have implemented a few more professional touches. I am thrilled with the way these came out.

The first (and biggest) modification would be the addition of pockets. Being as how I have never added pockets, I turned to Professor Pincushion's tutorial on how to insert side pants pockets found here. I have found her online classes absolutely invaluable in learning to create clothing, either by drafting your own pattern or by following a pattern.

The second modification I made was to the length of the pants and overall look of the pattern. I made view C and just lengthened the leg into one piece. I did this quite simply because I couldn't find any flannel that coordinated well with the fabric my daughter selected.


One of the techniques I utilized (courtesy of Professor Pincushion) was encasing the raw seams by folding in on itself and then using the zig zig zag stitch. I also utilized my overlock stitch on the crotch seam. Keep in mind that I am an absolute beginner and this was a huge breakthrough for me.

I am really happy with the professional look of these pants.

 Here is the finished result (pockets and all)!

Finished Projects (Part 2) Quilted Bag for Knitting

I have to say, I had a lot of fun making crafts, instead of stressing out on the cost of gifts this year.

Instead of putting all of my completed projects in one post, I thought I would split this up a bit. I have a friend who is what I consider to be, an expert knitter. I wanted to make her a light weight bag so she could haul her knitting around.

I found the tutorial for this bag on the Mad Quilter (Life on the Run) blog. Since this was the first lined bag with handles I had ever made, I got a bit hung up on what to do with the handles. Craftsy offers a free class Bag Making Basics Reversible Tote and Zipper Pouch class. The reversible tote with handles portion of the class was exactly what I needed to sort the lining and handles problem.


The tutorial for the completed bag is here:

http://madquilter.blogspot.com/2009/11/charm-square-jewel-shaped-bag-free.html

 I made this bag using 6" charm squares from Valori Wells in Cocoon and grey Kona solid fabric for the lining and handles.

I had a hard time parting with the charm squares. I know they went to a good home.

 Sorry about the fuzzy photo.

Completed Projects (Finally!)

If you're anything like me, I procrastinate until the very last minute. This was the case this year, when making Christmas presents.  Unfortunately for me, I didn't remember to take pictures of everything. Here are a couple highlights:

Craftsy offers a few free classes for novices like me. I recently took the Bag Making Basics Reversible Tote and Zipper Pouch class. Kristen Link of Sew Mama Sew fame taught the class. Before the class, I had never sewn a zipper or used interfacing. I can now whip up one of these bags in about an hour.

My first attempt was a zipper pouch/make up bag I made in a Michael Miller Eiffel Tower Print. I tweeked the second and third attempts so that they would be the appropriate size for a Kindle Fire case. Unfortunately, I didn't take pictures of those particular finished projects.

The link for the free Craftsy class is here.

Zipper Pouch ala Craftsy class

After making pouches for everyone else, I made this make-up pouch out of left over jelly roll strips in Moda Spa print. I put a layer of fusible fleece between heavy weight sew-in interfacing.

Here is the final product. I have to say I am really happy with the results! My husband tells me I should put these on Etsy.

T-Shirt Remodel

First off, I want to start off to say that I am in no way endorsing the band pictured on the shirt. It is not my favorite band. I happened to get the shirt for free. I decided this would be a good shirt to potentially ruin, in my attempt to try a new project.

When I was growing up, I would occasionally get my hands on a cool band t-shirt. The problem was always finding cute fitted shirts that had the same cool graphics. I recently signed up for a Burda Style account and came across a technique for refitting large shirts. I ended up sacrificing a faded Old Navy t-shirt that still fit pretty well, and using it as a template. I patiently ripped out the all the seams, only leaving the collar intact. 

More details here.

http://www.burdastyle.com/techniques/how-to-make-a-t-shirt-smaller#comment-form

Before

I started out with a X-Large men's shirt, that happens to have this logo on it.

This is the first project that involved sewing in sleeves. Despite the strange look on my face, I am pretty happy with the way this came out.

Hurricane Sandy Quilt Block Drive - The Quilting Gallery

Do you have any scraps you would like to put towards a good cause?

I came accross this page at The Quilting Gallery, in their regular newsletter. I signed up for two blocks but may complete more.

This was a great opportunity to learn a new skill as well.

http://quiltinggallery.com/quilters-fun/sandy-quilt-block-drive/

Hurricane Sandy Quilt Block Drive/The Quilting Gallery

 I really like how these are coming out and may complete an entire quilt of my own.

Tumbler Quilt Completed!

Finished Tumbler Quilt

I finally finished the tumbler quilt!