Saturday, February 23, 2013

New Stitches

I got a new sewing machine in December as an anniversary/Christmas present.  The Singer I have makes nice stitches but it gives me fits coming unthreaded so much of the time, and with my aging eyes and fumbling fingers, threading the machine is a chore.  The new machine is a Brother from Wal Mart, not a fancy expensive machine, but it has a needle threader! and a button for raising and lowering the needle so it doesn't come unthreaded!  And -- it has a buttonhole foot, another great thing for me.

Another of its features is a multitude of decorative stitches, and of course I wanted to see how they look when put to fabric.  So I made some little crazy patch blocks and added some of these stitches to the seam lines of each piece.






Not all the stitches appeal to me, but I especially like the cross stitches, little hearts, flowers, and leaves.




The machine automatically sets the length and width of the stitches, but as I became more familiar with them, I began to make them longer and wider which gave a different look; I like them better this way.

Now I know these are no where near as pretty as hand stitching and I don't plan to use them much, but for a little doll quilt or doll clothes they can add a sparkle of interest.  It's been fun playing with the machine.  Now it's off to feed cattle -- after I clean up the mess; threads everywhere!

Charlotte




15 comments:

  1. I'm sure you'll enjoy that machine and all those pretty stitches... Mine is not that old but I'm still learning on it..I wish I had the stitches you've got..You take care, Susie

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  2. Oh, Charlotte~ I'm so tickled for you! I wish I lived right next door so we could "play" with our machines together! :)
    Those needle-threaders are the berries, aren't they? I never had a machine with that feature before but after having it on my new one I don't think I could ever live without it now.
    I love all your stitches... especially the one with the little hearts. I never thought of doing a little "experimental" quilt using all those different stitches~ that's a great idea! I think I'll try that with mine too just to see what some of them look like.
    I know what you mean about the mess... I've haven't took the time to clean up my sewing table since I got mine and it's a disaster area! :)

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  3. I love the decorative stitching on your quilt block. Great idea, I can see doing that on blocks used for hot pads or table runners!

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  4. love the decorative stitches - one of my machines has a couple of them but not many the other is plain old straight stitch. One has a needle threader which took awhile for me to get the hang of it and now I love it, the other is tough at times to get the needle threaded as it is just me threading it.
    Have fun playing.

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  5. What fun! I think the stitches are very pretty. I have a hard time threading needles too. I can't see well enough, and my fingers are too clumsy. Nice that you have a new machine now. I'm sure you will enjoy using it. Have a great weekend! :-)

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  6. You surely are going to enjoy the new machine, especially the needle threader (wish I had one!). I really like the fabrics you chose for your little crazy patch blocks...great with your new creative stitches.

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  7. I'm so out of touch with sewing machines, I didn't know they were able to do those fancy stitches. I love those! (They'd be good for folks like me who don't do hand-stitching well.)

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  8. I love your crazy blocks and all the fancy stitches. I think needle threaders are a great thing. I use mine all the time. So much easier. Glad you are using and enjoying your new machine. Keep inspiring us with your work!

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  9. Congratulations on your new sewing machine. I love those dainty little hearts flowers and leaves. I know you'll make some beautiful creations with them. Happy Quilting! :)

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  10. With the way
    you create
    This new machine will give
    you so much pleasure.
    A wonderful gift you received
    Always wished I could sew...

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  11. Charlotte,
    I really like the quilt block pattern you used for your stitching samples. Would it be okay if I used that block pattern sometime. I didn't want to make the pattern or use it without your permission.
    I hope to hear from you soon.
    :)

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  12. Love all your fun decorative machine stitches that you are using with your "new" sewing machine..and the needle threader is defintly a must have!!! I know you are having fun creating lot's.:) Carolyn

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  13. That is so cool! Beautiful stitches. I think that will make some really pretty decorative touches on a doll dress or quilt.

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  14. Looks like you are having lots of fun playing with your new toy! :-) Love all the nifty stitches!

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  15. Oh how fun, those little stitches can add some adorable touches. My sister sent me an old family sewing machine and I've been afraid to get try it out as I know next to nothing about sewing - congratulations on your gift.
    Oh I love your new headlining photo.

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