I've been asked to review a Toyota SPA 15 ergonomic design sewing machine and afterwards I get to keep it. This is going to fit in nicely with International Downshifting Week. How? Well instead of watching TV in the evenings I want to try and use up all those pieces of material I seem to have collected over the last few years. I'm going to start by making clothes for my children (mainly because they are the only recipients who would be delighted with my efforts!).
As well as various materials bought from bargain bins in fabric shops I've also got a variety of old clothes to cut up and remake into new garments. Another great source I've discovered are the sample books from interior design shops. Just call in and ask if you can have their out of season samples. They are only too happy to pass on their waste rather than pay to put it in the rubbish bin. Some of the pieces are really generously large and the smaller samples are perfect for various crafts, particularly quiltmaking or collage.
Good for you! Personally I swear by my 26 year old Frister Rossman! It's never gone wrong and has suffered all sorts of abuse with good heart. It is fantastic in my workshop even though it was only ever intended for dressmaking. But I suppose that's the beauty of an old machine.
Posted by: Jean | April 18, 2008 at 01:16 PM
I inherited a Singer from my Mum, it weighs a ton but's still going strong! I have great childhood memories of looking over her shoulder as she created beautiful garments for me, it was magical. She worked for Saddlers Wells, a famous London Theatre, making fabulous costumes ... that was long before I was even born though.
Posted by: Rebecca (author of Sallygardens) | April 18, 2008 at 05:57 PM
How fun! I browsed the machine's website and it looks interesting. No doubt you'll have fun with it. :) If you need crafty ideas, check out sewmamasew.com. They have numerous tutorials from some very creative and talented people. Happy Sewing!
Posted by: Pamela | April 18, 2008 at 08:56 PM
I'm doing the same thing--using up my fabric and notions stash for various crafty projects and maybe clothing. I have my mom's 1967 Singer machine and just got it tuned up at a shop. It's working well and humming along. It's all these wonderful blogs like yours that have inspired me!
Posted by: Lisa Z | April 19, 2008 at 01:05 AM
A new machine for free? lucky you!:) There's nothing like the satisfaction of making clothes from scratch I think.
I have a cheapo basic Necchi but would love an old Singer too as the metal ones are pretty indestructible.
Posted by: Christina | April 19, 2008 at 01:59 PM
Good luck with your sewing projects! I haven't tried sewing since home ec but I would like to take it up again. In the meantime I trying to work through all the yarn I've collected for various crocheting projects.
Posted by: n. & J | April 19, 2008 at 10:08 PM
cool, score.. I have a bernina, it purrs along like an expensive car. I bought because of all the sewing I do but then I took it to mexico and it doesn't work on the grid here :(
so now I use a cheap singer which actually doea pretty good for 70 bucks
happy sewing.. explore freehand embroidery, get a sewing hoop.. its really fun and really easy.. I'll do a post about it and let you know when its up..
Posted by: cliodhna | April 20, 2008 at 01:23 AM
looking forward to seeing your argonmic sewing machine. From my long hours at the machine I need an argonmic chair to go with it. Maybe you can review a sewing chair next, if there is such a thing. By the way Cloth kits are back in fashion. Good for people who have not made clothes before.
Posted by: Eloise | April 20, 2008 at 09:45 PM