In honor of the release of my book Sewing in a Straight Line, I’m very, very pleased to announce a super-duper, truly over-the-top giveaway. That’s right my friends: here on Manhattan Craft Room, you can enter to win … drumroll please … a SINGER SEWING MACHINE AND A SINGER SERGER! [Cue confetti falling from the ceiling!]
Yes! A sewing machine! And a serger! A SEWING MACHINE AND A SERRRRGERRRR! [Oprah voice!] Both of them! One winner gets both!
This is the Singer Perfect Finish Combo, a sewing machine and serger that come together as a dynamic duo, just waiting to infuse their sewing power into the life of one lucky reader. Sewing machines and sergers go together like peanut butter & jelly, and every sewer should have both type of machine in their arsenal! The sewing machine is an electronic machine with over 400 stitches, two alphabets, drop feed, an extension table, and much more. The serger features adjustable tension, four different rolled hems, differential feed, and more. If you don’t know what all that stuff means, just trust me, these are great machines!
To enter the giveaway, leave a comment on this post and tell me your sewing machine story. Did your mom or grandma have an ancient machine that still lives on in your memory? Did you find a used machine at a thrift store and wanted to learn to use it but never did? Do you find sewing machines more intimidating than rotary saws, yet you still want to try to learn? Have you never used a sewing machine, but have been dreaming of the day when you’ll give it a whirl? Do you have an old machine and really need an upgrade? Whatever it is, even if it’s just a memory or a wish, I want to hear your sewing machine story!
CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED, THANK YOU FOR PLAYING!
Contest Rules
This contest will be open for the duration of my blog tour; the contest opens when this post goes live, and closes on Friday, August 12 at 11:59pm EST. A winner will be chosen from the comments on this post using a random number generator. One entry per person, please.
Thank you for playing, and a huge thank you to Singer for sponsoring this giveaway. Good luck!
PS: Are you new here?
I hope you’ll come back to visit again! I’ve got sewing-related giveaways (including fabric, thread, sewing tools and autographed books) scheduled every day for a month to celebrate the launch of my book Sewing in a Straight Line, as well as sewing how-to’s, free patterns, and other crafty tutorials to share. (There will probably be some jello, too.) So please bookmark this site, follow me on Twitter or Facebook, or sign up for the RSS feed. Nice to e-meet you, and thanks for stopping by! xoxo
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This is to die for! My sewing story: My grandmother taught me the basics of sewing when I was a little gal. She was an avid quilter and I really cherish those quilts I have of hers. I want to be able to quilt and sew various items for myself, my family, and my home. I have a lot of dreams, but not the machinery to make it happen! Winning this giveaway would be a dream come true!
This is my first time on this site, how great! Congrats on the book release!
I would die of happiness if I won this Singer, me and my sister sketch designs all the time and would love to have an actually working (rather than the ancient singer our grandmother gave us) to attempt to make them come to life!
HI Brett!! Congratulations on the book! It looks great, the new website looks great too.
My grandmother gave me a sewing machine for my 11th or 12th birthday. It was back in the day when sewing machines were serious business. That sucker is heavy and it’s still going.
My mom taught me to sew when I was a child. It started by sewing on buttons and then doing the hem work (by hand…ugh). My mom sewed for other people the whole time I was growing up, so we always heard the whirr of the machine. I remember when she bought a serger, they were new to home seamstresses at the time and was super expensive. She still has it but doesn’t use it because she doesn’t know how to thread it and her lady who always worked on it is no longer around.
I learned to sew on her old machine, which went somewhat slow, but was great for a teenager learning to do it. Then I got my own machine which was like going from a station wagon to a sports car. I had the worst trouble with it because it went so fast all the time. So, Mom took that machine and the last time I got a machine it was a very basic machine. Since I don’t sew anymore, that one has disappeared as well.
I’m about to move by the end of the year and I would love to have a machine and serger to be able to sew items for my “new” home (it’s actually a 1927 home with original architectural details). My mama raised me that Singer was the brand to use…always. :)
I am an off and on sewer. In college my parents bought me a portable machine at JC Penney’s. I kept that machine for 35 years – it was metal inside and sewed basic zigzag’s as well as straight. I sewed my way through graduate school and sewed when I gained and lost weight. We moved to Maine in an old farm house and I sewed curtains for all the windows. I measured and sewed and sewed and sewed. It needed repairing only once. When I took it in to the shop the man told me never to get rid of it. It was a great machine with a fake label. Still, life got busy again and I didn’t sew. I retired and we moved across the country and I gave the machine away [big mistake]. Now I have a lightweight machine that is not fun to use. I would adore those machines – I know they would change my life for the better. I read blogs by sewers and am green with envy.
Dang. Just dang.
So my mom has an ancient made-of-lead sewing machine, and she was always making things on it while I was in high school. Just out of college, I asked if I could have it, and she stared at me like I was nuts–the thing weighed a ton, and was older than me! So that year for my birthday she bought me a good starter machine–a Brother Pacesetter. Ten years later and I’m still using that somewhat dinky machine! It of course doesn’t weigh a ton but is getting to be past its prime, for what it is. Time for an upgrade!
My mom is a fantastic quilter and she tried to teach me to sew but I really wasn’t interested in it at the time. But recently it has become something that I am absolutely facinated with. And of course the chance to make myself some properly fitted clothing would be icing on the cake. I’ve been looking on Craigslist for some used machines since I don’t exactly know what type of machine I’d like, but they are all antique Singers! They look gorgeous but definitely not for a beginning sewer like myself.
Thanks for the chance to win such an amazing prize package! Keep up the great tutorials! I have bookmarked several of them for when I finally get myself a sewing machine. Cheers!
I’m coming back to my crafting and sewing roots these days, having just started embroidering, and thinking about getting a sewing machine. My mom is a supreme sewer of all things, and dazzled me as a kid with her creations. I knew vaguely that there was some cultural class shame about wearing homemade things, but my mom was just so good at it, I loved everything she made me. (To wit, this was my favorite outfit as a kid: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=282794396175&set=t.550566175 )
She created everything from clothes to intensely complicated Halloween costumes to a junior high formal dance dress that all the cool girls wondered where I bought it from. A few years ago, she decided she wanted to teach me to sew again, and we embarked on a project to make a simple handbag. It’s too much to post here, but picture several glasses of wine, (very) furry black and silver sparkly material and a flip cam… the rest is history.
Now that she’s retiring in a few weeks, she’s going to be spending a lot more time in NYC with me, and I’ve been thinking about taking up sewing as something we can do together when she’s here, or when I’m up at her house. She’s a quilter (and sometimes dog-clothes maker), and I’d like to be able to make stuff for my still barely-decorated apartment I’ve lived in for 3 years now. Surprising her with a machine like this would just make those plans all the more sweet, given our sewing and craft history.
WOW Brett! New site looks AMAZING!!!!
Congrats on the book coming out!!!!
Out of frustration from “make me this! make me this!” my mom taught me the basics of sewing….I taught myself the rest. I wish I had you and youtube back then, it would have saved a lot of fabric and frustration.
I have an old reliable Bernina that I wouldn’t give up for the world. I’ve stitched through leather, plastic and even a foil windshield sun blocker (KISS costume, and yes, it was AWESOME!!!)
A new Singer with programmed stitches sure would be useful…..and I was JUST thinking, while doing alterations last night, how badly I needed to invest in a SERRRRGERRRR!
I have never sewn with a sewing machine. My wife has several machine, some ancient and some new. I very much would like to learn how to make shirts for myself. I am very particular about shirts and how they fit/feel. I have already purchased and read two books on sewing shirts; I am ready to get hands-on. I would love to win my own sewing tools.
Dave
My grandmother had one of those treadle sewing machines that I was always fascinated by but I wasn’t allowed to touch. My mother had a sewing machine that we had to figure out how to use because the instructions were in Japanese! She sent me to sewing classes at the Singer store and my aunt gave me her Singer machine. It was a touch n’ sew with a pink front plate. No electronics back then. When I was on my own, I bought a Kenmore machine, which I still have. It’s about 30 years old now. My sister-in-law passed away last year and I have her Viking but that’s got some years on it too. I would love to have newer machines with bells and whistles. These look gorgeous. What a great giveaway. Wanda
I would so love to win these. My sewing machine is dieing a slow death…it needs to be replaced…
What an amazing giveaway! Loving the videos, too!
I’ve been sewing since I was a kid and my mom teaches sewing out of our home. When I left for fashion school, she gave me one of her student machines, a Kenmore. That was 7 years ago, and that Kenmore has taken a lot of abuse! It’s a great machine, but could stand to be replaced. When I got married, one of my in-laws’ gifts to me was my husband’s grandmother’s old pedal Singer sewing machine. It’s gorgeous! Tough to work, though. Takes more finesse than I have. I was honored to have it, but I’ve been wanting a new machine and a serger for YEARS!! Crossing my fingers! Thanks Brett!
wow, what an amazing giveaway! I fell in love with sewing in college, where I had access to really great equipment 24/7. I eventually saved up to buy a machine of my own, but it is very basic. I love the idea that you can make almost anything in a relatively short time using a sewing machine. being able to hem dresses and construct skirts and make your own curtains (and on and on and on) is such a powerful, liberating feeling in this culture!
thank you so much for the giveaway!
My mom tried and tried to teach me to sew, but I never really got the hang of it. When I was 15 I found a skirt pattern I fell in love with and wanted to make it for picture day. It was a NIGHTMARE!! I was up trying to finish it with mom’s help well past midnight the day before pictures. It was a wrap skirt that was supposed to close with a button….it never did get that button. I still wore it proudly with a safety-pin for picture day, not that you could SEE the skirt in my school pictures:) I inherited a very old Singer from my husband’s grandmother and used that for a couple of years until my mom gave me her last Singer when she got a new Bernina. I still don’t use my machine to make clothing, but it gets a lot of use with different crafts I find to do. Even though I never really learned to “sew” like my mom, I enjoy getting it out for one thing or another:)
My grandmother had a machine, but the sewing she did was not for hobby — it was necessity! She made clothes for all 5 of her kids. When she got older, I think she liked doing it a lot more. She once made me a beautiful evergreen cape for my birthday. My mom sews, too, and she’s the one who taught me the more hobby/fun side.
Congratulations on the book and new website I made a dress in Home Ec that barely earned me a passing grade. I’ve been intimidated ever since. Your videos have renewed my interest. Who new putting in a zipper could be so simple. Thanks to you and Singer for this great giveaway.
Wow wow wow. What a great prize.
Not much of a story to tell really lol.
We have always had a sewing machine sat around the house. The first thing I remember being made for me was an awesome school uniform and then I remember my Mum making me maternity clothes to work in. Not much sewing went on really but always a machine to stare at. I however have recently started sewing. Just simple easy things. I love log cabin patchwork, I make them into pin cushions – sew easy. Just started a bag from a kit. I managed to get myself a little second hand singer which after using the old Hanging around machine runs sooo smooth and doesn’t clog up. (I never realised you could complete a whole project without having to stop and untangle) but I would love a top of the range machine that sews alphabets- how amazing would that be, So many projects wizzing around in my head. It would come in for all of my Crafts that I love.
Thank you so much for the chance to be able to win one. xxxxx
What an amazing giveaway Brett!! My mom had an antique singer sewing machine, the kind that sits in the table. I never saw her use it, she had a new one. She made everything with her sewing machine! I learned how to sew when I was about 10 but never really made anything big. A few years ago I bought one myself and started up again. I made a few dresses and skirts for my little one. I usually make something for holidays. It doesn’t come out often, but I would love to make some super duper awesome items!
My mom taught me how to hand-sew when I was in elementary school, and my Great Auntie was an amazing quilt-maker (all hand-sewn), so I had lots of inspiration. But I didn’t learn how to sew with a machine until 7th Grade Home Economics class. My mom let me use her Singer after I finished that class. It’s a real shame sewing class is no longer available in public schools! It was a required part of the curriculum back when I was in junior high. I LOVED that class and learned a ton. Later, as an adult, sewing came in handy when I was a mom making clothes and costumes for my kids. I’ve saved piles of money with my sewing machine. Now I’d like my daugher (23 yrs old) to learn to sew, especially on Singer, the brand I grew up with, the brand in my sewing class, and the brand I still LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!
I have access to several machines, Grandma has three and my mother has one(none of them mine). I would like to make or modify chihuahua clothing. WINNING these two machines would help in that dream. Thanks for this wonderful opportunity.
Love BRETT
My great grandmother started teaching me to sew when I was very, very young. We made clothes for my baby dolls. Years later, after she passed away, I found her sewing machine – a 1940′s built into a table model Singer – sitting on my grandmother’s back porch with its table being eaten by termites. I rescued it, but not the table. Meanwhile, I bought myself a Shark machine, and used it and loved it for a good long time. But, alas, it’s starting to have more and more troubles and because it’s not one of the More Respected Brands my local sewing machine repair place won’t touch the thing. I’ve been in the market for a new machine for a while now, but would love the chance to win one.
Oh do I need these!!!! I got a sewing machine for my college graduation but it recently broke and I don’t have the money to fix it yet. I think I’m going through crafting withdrawals. :) My mom has let me borrow my grandma’s old sewing machine. It is an antique that you have to pump with your foot. It still works, but I definitely miss my old broken Singer. And I’ve always wanted a serger!! I make elaborate Halloween costumes every year and this year I have a new baby to make a costume for. I will definitely need new machines to dress up my little one!! :)
One of my earliest memories of my Grandma is sitting on her lap while she sewed. She had an old singer in her dining room that fit into a tabletop. I think it was avocado green! She was AMAZING!! She sewed all my Mom’s formalwear for high school and college, and even sewed my Mom’s six bridesmaid dresses for her wedding (also dressed for her two flower girls!!). Can you imagine?! She made me a beautiful red and white coat for Christmas when I was about 18 months (see it here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lelah/3251575281/in/set-72157622181369029 ) I wish I had a pic of the bridesmaid’s dresses online, it was 1974, so there were very 70s and pretty ridiculous (blue and white gingham, floor length, all perfectly done). But anyway, thankfully she taught my Mom because I was always 6″ taller than everyone, and my Mom had to sew all my dresses when I was little, too. She would add 3″ to the bodice and 3″ to the hem. I took lessons in high school after we had moved away, and eventually did buy myself a cheap $99 hunk of junk that I TRY to make work… but it’s truly a piece of crap and I’d love to win this set and keep the family tradition of dressmaking alive. I have a gorgeous 2 month old daughter that I hope to sew for, and I still have the red and white coat that I hope to dress her in when she is bigger. My family is everything to me, and so are our traditions. Sewing and crafting in general is one of them, and this would help keep our family’s tradition alive! Thanks, Brett, Can’t wait to read the book!!!
My mom taught me to cross-stitch when I was little and I can manage sewing on a button or stitching together a hole in my sock, but that’s about as far as my sewing skills go. I’ve been curious to learn how to sew for quite some time, but a machine just hasn’t been in my budget. I remember my mom making clothes for my sister and I all the time when we were kids. Every spring we’d go to the fabric store and pick out our fabrics, which was particularly fun when jams were in style. (Remember those? Oh, what were we thinking?!? For those of you too young to remember jams: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jams )
When my grandmother passed away a few years ago, I inherited some great old fabric (think 1970′s stripes) and snaps as well as some vintage shirt patterns (same era). I would love to learn to make these, but there’s no way I’m about to attempt such a thing by hand. I had intended to ask my girlfriend to help me out with this since she has a sewing machine, but she broke up with me about 8 weeks ago so I don’t imagine that will be happening. Which also means I find myself with much more time on my hands for learning new things like sewing. So, yeah. I think a sewing machine (and possibly a serger – whatever that does) could help me out with this.
I did turn an old sweater into a pillow once, but then the cat peed on it. Guess he didn’t like it. I suppose I’m lucky he didn’t decide to pee on me when I was wearing that sweater.
This is an awesome give away! My 18 year old daughter and I are currently learning to sew together. I love your show Knit and Crochet Now! I have learned so much from you already. I will definately have to check out your sewing advice. Good luck with the new book!
My mother is a fantastic seamstress. She made everything from my school book covers when I was a kid to my sister’s wedding gown. I took a sewing class when I was in the 4-H club when I was little, but I never really understood anything about it. Now that I’m older, I see the value in sewing. Everything from clothing to small gifts are important and can become heirloom projects. I would love to learn to sew in order to make things for my son and also have another artform in my crafty arsenal. I have been crocheting since I was eight years old and would love to somehow combine the two- maybe sewing curtains and adding crocheted embellishments? Your book looks like it has a lot of wonderful ideas in it and I’m looking forward to reading it.
Can’t wait to see your book! Projects look great. :)
My husband and I inherited from his grandmother, a sewing machine and cabinet combo. What makes this especially cool is the discovery of the original manual and a sewing workbook! In Grandmother’s own hand, are her notes and swatches where she practiced the exercises presented in the workbook.
My mom gave me a featherweight a few years ago and I’ve been sewing ever since. Napkins, placemats, tote bags, baby blankets, etc. As a full-time graphic designer, sewing has become the perfect balance of creativity when I’m at home. I love taking a break from the computer to make something with my hands!
A dream come true is all I can say! Thank you for the opportunity to win such a wonderful prize!
My mom never really learned how to sew but could make a patch out of an old pair of jeans and make that patch stay on pair of my dad’s torn jeans. I grew up in “the middle of nowhere” and we didn’t really have spare money to throw around. Somewhere in my tweens she said she felt it was important I learn how to sew and I really should learn to sew from someone who knew what they were doing so she signed me up to take lessons from a local (20 miles away) fabric store. There was another girl there at the same time as me and randomly we were put at 2 different machines. Hers had all sorts of bells and whistles while mine was pretty much a basic machine. I would go there every week for instruction and to work on my wrap skirt project. At the end I had made a skirt (that I loved wearing), had learned enough to be able to make projects on my own, and we purchased the machine on which I learned to sew. Looking back, I’m not sure how my parents afforded the lessons let alone helped me buy the sewing machine. I went on to make more projects and clothes on my own and still do today. (I even was able to make a customized dress, combining 2 entirely different patterns. I liked the top of one and the bottom of the other so decided to take my favorite parts of each and make them into one. It was an awesome dress!) That machine is still the same one I use today. It sometimes has its troubles but we get by. For years I’ve dreamed of having a serger. A new sewing machine and serger would be beyond a dream come true!
I learned to sew when I was 17 in the “Basic Clothing” class that my high school offered, which was taught by Sister Mary Margaret Ann. I drove that poor woman nuts. Despite being a bit prickly and persnickety, she was a great teacher and taught me all the sewing skills I needed, all of which I still use today. The classroom was magical… table after table of sewing machines, huge fabric-cutting tables, plus two much-coveted sergers! I think of Sister Mary Margaret Ann and that classroom almost every time I sew. :-)
Hi Brett!
Congrats on your book. I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy and learn a new thing or two.
I learned to sew on my mother’s sewing machine. It was a singer model from the early 80s that weighed a ton! She’d let me create small items with her leftover fabric scraps. I remember one time trying to make a purse out of a pinkish mauve fabric that had little white dots that she used to cover a bench cushion. I was only six years old, but I attempted to hand sew a bow I made out of the fabric onto the front of my purse. I didn’t use enough thread in my needle, so it was an impossible task to finish.
Thank you for the giveaway!
Oh wow…do I want one of those!
I remember that my grandmother was always sewing something on a machine that looked like it came out of the 17th Century. It was an old black Singer machine that was bolted into a sewing cabinet and then stowed away when it wasn’t in use. That machine could sew through anything! I sewed a little on that machine with my grandmother until we moved away from her (she used to live next door to us) in the late 60s. I don’t know what happened to the machine, though. My grandmother sewed until she died a few years ago at the age of 89. Thanks for allowing me to remember this moment with your contest. Sure hope I win….hope, hope, hope.
My mom used to sew, and I have fond memories of her stitching quilts for us. Unfortunately, I didn’t really think to ask her to teach me how until after she was gone from us. Thanks for the chance to win!
When I was a kid I was allergic to just about all fabric except cotton so my mom sewed a lot of my clothes. She was in a wheelchair and the machine had a knee bar instead of a foot pedal to make it easier for her to use. I loved to watch her sew. She even made my doll clothes (sometimes they matched mine). When she passed away the machine went to my niece. I’m sure she will take good care of it. I now have my sister’s hand me down machine and it smells horrible when it gets warm so I seldom turn it on. She swore she had it cleaned before she gave it to me but wow…the smell! (Skunk-like) A new machine would be so awesome! I’d actually feel like sewing :o)
This is an amazing giveaway!
I bought my sewing machine with money my grandparents gave me for receiving my iron ring (this is the ring Canadian engineers wear on the little finger of their working hand). My best friend’s mom is an amazing sewer and she helped me pick out my first machine.
My grandmother has the oldest sewing machine, with a foot pedal that’s attached to a desk. When I finally got the honor to use, my sewing skills were definitely lacking, which proceeded to me breaking the needle. I’ve never touched that sewing machine again, but my grandmother still keeps it around away from the inexperienced. Hopefully winning this sewing machine will redeem me!
Wow, what an amazing giveaway!
I just recently started sewing more intensely, I made the first clothes for myself! Before that I always only made kid clothes for friends or other small projects, for fear of wasting a lot of fabric ;)
Well, I now feel more confident and the usual tasks with the sewing machines have become a routine.
I mostyl sew with the machine of my mother, it’s a wonderful one, and she served me really well. But I might be leaving soon, getting a place a bit more seperate from my parents, so I will need my own sewing machine! And I will need to stop borrowing them from my mother or friends, I’m already known as the sewing machine borrower ;)
Laura
Those look awesome! My sewing story starts with my miserable attempt to make a denim bag when I was 15. Growing up, my mom always told me how she made her own clothes when she was growing up because they didn’t make petite sizes back then. It was always inspiring but I didn’t seem to have the knack for it like she does. My demin bag was miserable. I sort of gave up after that and had Mom do my hemming, pillows, and any other sewing project I could think of. Until recently! I discovered that my roommate had an old Brother sewing machine for beginners in storage and I convinced her to dig it out. After conquering a couple pairs of pants, a shirt alteration, two pillow covers and a ruffle pillow sham set (I copied a set I wanted from Urban Outfitters with some old white sheets – so much cheaper!), I was so proud. Still a bit amateur but so fun!
Thanks for this great opportunity. I would love to learn to sew. When I was a little girl, I watched my grandma sew on her singer machine with a foot pedal. There wasn’t anything she couldn’t make.
Wow, this is a great giveaway. Thank you! Just discovered your awesome blog via Design Sponge. Congratulations on your book!
I have a lovely old stenciled Singer from the 1940s which goes backward and forward and a sort of temperamental 20-year-old machine that drives me nuts. I learned to sew on my mom 1960s turquoise Singer, which she bought with her last paycheck before the birth of her first child. It is still going strong, and she will never part with it. I sew all the time, and I would LOVE to have a serger and a machine that will makes buttonholes!
I own my mother’s sewing machine and it weighs a TON! It’s an old (and I do mean old- it’s older than me!) Husqvarna beast that clogs every time I try more than a simple stitch on a thing piece of cotton. Not that I’m a great sewer or anything (I’m sooooo beginner), but I’d like a machine that works. :)
Thanks!
Hey Gal,
I’m excited about the book, as well!
My mother taught me how to sew back in the day. She actually took fashion design classes at the local community college and would use me as her model as she was pinning shirts. Throughout my school years, my mom and I would plan out my Halloween costumes, and make shirts/dresses/skirts based on fancy stuff I had seen at the mall, but couldn’t afford at the time. Everything we made was so special!
Unfortunately, the sewing machine that had lasted us so long, kicked the bucket last year while I was making my Halloween costume. I freaked out when I couldn’t repair it and had to get rid of it (along with the holographic Minnie Mouse stickers I had decorated it with).
My mom now has arthritis and doesn’t have the dexterity she once used to; however, I hope for us to start sewing again soon and this giveaway would be an awesome way to jump start it.
Thank you for the giveaway!
My grandmother had her own mother’s Singer, it wasn’t even electrical! She made entire wardrobes with that machine, I remember her spreading her Burda magazine patterns on her huge dining room table and tracing what she needed out of the jumble of lines… it seemed impossible to do for me at the time. But now I’m the one making clothes, pillows and curtains with my own machine… which is trustworthy but pretty basic; it’s not keeping up with my skills anymore and I could really use an upgrade!
When I was little, my mother would often take out her sewing machine and sew on the dining room table (repairing clothes or making Halloween costumes, etc) while I played underneath her feet. She stored it in the coat closet because with 7 kids running around, there was never a way to keep it out permanently. It was an old 70s cream colored fabric and metal cover and the machine inside was green with a little green foot to activate the machine. I always watched my mother’s foot going up and down, up and down, slowly starting it and then pressing down a little more and a little more until she hit her groove. I always wanted to look inside the box at all the little bobbins and threads and parts that went to the machine. I’d often ask to sew a line though being that young I understand why my mother said no, though eventually I got to help feed the fabric along. I fondly recall those memories, and now, with a brand new child of my own, I would love to be able to sew costumes and repair toys and clothes she can’t part with just yet, like my mother did for me. I have a long way to go sewing wise as I’ve been intimidated by it as I got older, but now that I have a teacher, I just seem to need a machine to allow me to learn and take off with it.
Oh it would be awesome to win this. my only sewing mach is a 1942 singer, with poor tension control and no knit sewing capabilities!
My mom and I learned together how to sew. No one every really taught us, but we got so good that everyone in the family always came to us with their needs. Needless to say we have one sewing machine (handed down from my Grandma that never used it) and multiple projects, so we always fight over it! I’ve always dreamed of branching off from quilts and mending clothes to make my own from scratch! Making children clothes would be so great to do too!
I started sewing on a crappy $90 machine that I bought on a whim one day at Joann’s – I made a lot of mistakes on that machine, but it was so much fun that my husband upgraded me to a workhorse Janome! Your book looks amazing!
My dad bought a sewing machine as a gift for my mom. She was never that interested in learning how to sew, and my dad just knows the basics. I’d love to learn how to sew!
My very first sewing machine was Singer’s kids sewing machine, and man did I wear that thing out making clothes and furnishing for my dolls! I graduated to one of my Great Grandmother’s OLD machines, that wasn’t always reliable, but got the job done, the machine even had a knee bar instead of a pedal! Now I use my boyfriend’s mother’s old machine from the 60′s for the occassional project, althought I must admit I think he uses it more than me! Upgrading and having my own modern machine in my office/craft area would be an inspiration.
Mama just gave me her old Singer 403 Slant Machine. I’m it’s third owner. My mom worked in sewing factories for the majority of her life. My dad too. During the Viet Nam War, we would do “piecework” for extra money. What that meant my parents and siblings would cut out military patches from these big embroidered sheets from the factory. Mom also worked in a button making factory and she would also make lace trims and those flower ribbons in the factory as well. When I was born, Mom was working in another factory making clothes. She kept working through her pregnancy and after I was born. The owner even built me a small crib so I could stay beside her while she worked. I still find the sound of industrial machines to be soothing.
What an awesome giveaway!!!
I have wonderful childhood memories of my mom and grandma sewing halloween costumes and projects for the church bazaar. My grandma taught me the sewing basics through the 4H program. Now my mom is helping me sew a dress from a vintage pattern for my Mad Men themed 30th birthday party. It has been so awesome to spend evenings sewing with my mom and grandma and hearing them tell stories about my great-grandmas peddle sewing machine that only went forward (no reverse). I have a basic sewing machine that my mom gave me a while back, but I would love to start tackling more serious projects :)
I got my first sewing machine on Freecycle. I live in a small town so having a Singer showing up on Freecycle was quite a treat. I did a 40min “road trip” with some friends to pick it up. I had just done a sewing course so I was super excited! It was an old model with no functioning light bulb and very basic but that was all I wanted so I would not feel too overwhelmed about sewing. I still have and use that machine! I am too scared to upgrade it since I have done such cute little crafts with it.
My mom bought me my first sewing machine from Sears; it was a Kenmore. My first sewing lesson with her consisted of making tea towels. I then carted my new sewing machine back to college with me and decided my FIRST sewing-alone project would be a slip cover for an upholstered arm chair my roomie and I found by the side of the road. ABSOLUTELY CRAZY! But… after many, many phone calls to my mom, I got it done. I believe that chair and slipcover still lives on in my old roomie’s parent’s beach house! Thanks for the giveaway!
My mother was one of 8 children and learned from her mother how to sew. Then she became a clothing and textiles major. All my childhood she would sew, curtains, Halloween costumes, romper clothes and then she kind of quit. I’ve tried learning on her old (OLD) machine but every time I do I make a mess of thread. I’ve wanted to go out and buy a machine but haven’t had the guts.
My grandmother used to have a sewing machine with a foot pedal, but not just any old “press to stop, press to start” kind. You needed to move your foot up and down constantly to make the wheel turn (almost like a hybrid spinning wheel cum sewing machine lol). She taught all her granddaughters the basics of sewing on that machine. It was a little too advanced for me though…as I was so busy thinking about the foot part, I couldn’t do anything with all that fabric.
Flash forward to today…I have a machine that belonged to my partner’s mother. She took great care of it, and still had all the manuals that originally came with it. Thank goodness for that, as I have referred to them many times! It is the kind that is built into a table, so it’s a little difficult to move around as needed. It would be great to be able to move your workspace around, as sometimes happens for those of us with multi-purpose rooms in our living spaces.
I am really intrigued by the title of your new book, Brett, as the most difficult part of sewing for me is the whole straight line business. I won’t make window treatments or anything else requiring a visible seam. I’m anxious to read it as I really hope that it will help me with that.
Thank you for offering such a terrific giveaway!
~Jenny
Oh, Brett, you are so wonderful! I could really use a new machine as my little Brother is getting worn out from all my quilting. I always loved to sew and used to mess around on my mother’s fancy electronic Singer (it was considered fancy for the 80s). I’m lucky she was patient with me and didn’t get mad when I caused giant tangled messes. My mother used to make clothes for me, and while I didn’t appreciate it back then, I think it would be really cool to be able to do that for myself now.
Thank you so much for this opportunity! I love your blog and still try to catch you on Knit and Crochet Today on PBS!
I grew up mostly at my Grandparent’s house. My Grandmother had an innate sewing ability that was absolutely astounding to me. We would work on doll clothes together and she would make them come to life. She had a 60′s Singer that made the prettiest, tightest little stitches and she was so speedy loading that monster! I have to say that she was so good, made everything look SO easy that I never learned much from her, sadly. It wasn’t until years later that my Mom – who HAD actually learned from Grandma – redid her 1962 wedding dress for my wedding that I really started paying attention. My Mom even has HER Grandmother’s foot pedal sewing machine with it’s polished wood cabinet and perfect little drawers, it sits in her bedroom. Since then, my Mom bought me my little starter machine and I can successfully “sew a straight line” :) . Since finding out that my husband and I are expecting, I’ve been attempting to sew a baby quilt. This is the most ambitious project I’ve taken on, and realize that a serger would the most rad addition to my arsenal – NOT TO mention a more advanced machine that could even embroider my baby’s name onto his quilt! Now, if only my Mom will come to visit long enough to teach me how to use it! Good luck everyone! And congratulations on the release of your new book!
I was given a B-E-A-utiful 1941 Singer Sewing machine! I had such high hopes of restoring it… until I realized how expensive that would be! For the moment, it sits in my closet and taunts me. The restoration of such a beauty is a pricey expense for a 23 year old newly-wed… but one day! Until that day, I work on my quilts at my aunts house. She’s very generous :)
My mom sewed us our clothes while we were in elementary school, and she sewed my high school grad dress. It was the hit of the grad.
I began sewing in High School. I first learned to sew in Home Ec. I sew for the art of it. My mom and I now design and sew quilts, hand bags, skirts, running gear, and anything else I come upon. My mom has an embroidery machine as well, so most of our items have something embroidered on it.
We gift or donate most of our products to silent auctions or for baby gifts/showers. People are amazed at our skill. (I’m a lawyer by day, and sewing crafter by night and weekend)
My mom taught me to sew when I was seven, since then, I have never not had access to a sewing machine. About ten years ago I inherited my grandmother’s ancient and incredibly heavy Singer – I brought it in a suitcase (along with a table I’d taken apart and a case of beer – this was before weight limits on international flights I guess) to the United Kingdom. I was scared to use it at first since it was so precious to me, but have since come to realise that that thing is indestructible, with all of it’s metal gears. It also sews like butter. I don’t know how to better describe it. It’s sooo smooth. One issue though – it only goes in one direction. Forward! (So I will have to buy your book)
I got my sewing machine when I was in high school. Then I took some home ec sewing classes, when they still had home ec in high school, also worked for a few months in a fabric store. Then, alas, life started happening and my machine ended up neglected for about 20 years. It has just seen the light of day as I renew my love affair with fabric. I have several friends who want to learn and I want to teach them, side by side machines would be an awesome way to get started!
I have a sewing machine that my mother-in-law gave me and I learned how to sew in high school but I have no clue how to work this one that she gave me.
In the past I’ve ATTEMPTED to use an ancient sewing machine from my Gramma (who was an amazing seamstress), but it seems to have disappeared from my mom’s house in recent years. So, we got a cheap on on Craigslist a few months ago. My husband, a mechanical engineer, has had better luck with it than I have. I have hope, though, to be able to sew one day!
My mom is a seamstress, so I was surrounded by sewing machines my whole life. I learned how to sew not on a new electric style, but on an antique peddle Singer. My mom had me start out by “sewing” paper with no thread; I could hold the hole filled paper against the window to see my designs!
Whenever my mom worked on a sewing project when I was little, I would have my own project, sewing buttons onto old dish towels. Then, when I was 6, I spent my first week away from home at my grandparents’ house where my grandmother and I made me a head to toe outfit. That really started my love affair with sewing. Since then, I have felt the need to sew for myself but also the need to share my passion with others. Now, my sister and 3 of my friends are sewing because I convinced them to try it. I am excited about your book because I hope it will help inspire the sewing bug in some of my friends who are a little less confident.
My current sewing machine is on (permanent) loan from my mom. When I was in high school, she upgraded to a much-deserved sewing machine… and now I have it. I volunteered to take the original sewing machine she received as a wedding gift, but she kindly said “You always seemed to have trouble with that one.” (and I did! I could never get the darn bobbin loaded right!) So I inherited the new one and I always feel a twinge of guilt about it, a new sewing machine would be divine, so I could return my mom’s!
My sewing machine was my mother’s hand-me-down after I got married and wanted to attempt making some baby quilts for friends. It’s turned an interesting shade of yellowed-ivory, but it never lets me down. My mom used it to make clothes for 4 of her children, costumes, curtains, quilts and so much more. I always have to refer to the manual when swapping out the bobbin, but every time I use it I feel a sense of nostalgia.
My first interaction with a sewing machine took place at a summer day camp when I was 9. I didn’t learn that much from it expect how to thread the machine. Mostly, we learned to sew by hand. But it got me interested. My grandma had one so I went over her house to practice my stitches. My grandma use to make clothes for my mom, aunts, and uncle. My mom still talks about how she made her a vest and matching gauchos (it was the early 80s) that my mom loved. Being that I was a kid with creative ADD, I got into something else after that and didn’t really sew much. Also I took one sewing class in high school, but didn’t really take interest in it.
The past few years, I’ve gotten into making things again. Last Halloween, I made some components of my costume by hand and it was so satisfying. I hope to make more costumes and just regular clothes in the future!
Like a lot of commenters, my mom taught me to sew when I was in middle school. With her help I made a few awesome projects in the late 80s/early 90s like a sundress, some Halloween costumes, and a pair of rad fluorescent green shorts (which I paired with slouchy fluorescent orange socks, obviously). When I left for college I didn’t have my own machine so I stopped sewing until just a few years ago. Cue garage sale, $25 1974 Singer with no instruction manual. Spool pin is missing, so I used a knitting needle. I’ve since upgraded to my aunt’s Singer which she left to me when she got really sick. I have never owned a serger and have always always wanted one ever since I got back into sewing. I am really looking forward to your new book!
Looking forward to your new book! And desperate for a serger!!
My mother is a sewer, made my Halloween costumes, prom dresses, curtains, etc. I have her old sewing machine and we fight more than we are successful. I haven’t had the guts to research and buy a new one.
I wanted to major in fibers in college. My family didn’t understand the concept and I eventually became a graphic designer — but much of my inspiration and free time are from sewing. The first time I used a sewing machine was so I could machine embroider elements I eventually scanned in for the first website I ever put together.
(As I typed that I got the urge to re-create it. Now possibly my next personal project.)
I learned to sew with my Babci (Polish for Grandma). I would go to her house on the weekends and sleepover and we’d have giant sewing events. We’d lock ourselves up in her sewing room with a beautiful Singer sewing machine and serger, the big table, and so many drawers filled with different fabrics that I called it “the store” and sew all day. When we emerged, covered in a variety random strings and bits of scraps, my Dziadzai (Polish for grandpa) would have treats for us: a cherry-cola ice cream float and kiss on the head for me and handmade cocktail and kiss for my Babci. I look back fondly on those days.
OH MY GOD… if you feel like Oprah I feel just like one of her audience members – am I about to pee or orgasm?!!!
Too personal? Apologies but my heart truly does flutter at the prospect of these two beauties you’re showcasing above. My mom sewed her entire life, went to school for apparel design and has worked for many theaters, brides and people needing amazing creations or heinous alterations. And there has never been one person who wasn’t thrilled with the work my mom did. She’s a crazy perfectionist and it makes her sewing masterful. I remember going to dress rehearsals for plays she costumed when I was a kid and she’d whisper to me what went into each piece – how one dress was designed to tear away when another character stepped on it, how one woman had a very small chest and needed to be busty for the roll so the elaborate cleavage enhancers that she designed and sewed into a top, the man’s suit that had to be one piece so that he could have a complete costume change in 30 seconds… I remember watching her completely take apart a $20K wedding dress and rebuild it so that it would fit the bride like a glove, re-handbeading the parts of the dress that had been affected by the alterations… and, or course, it was perfect.
Anyhow, I have also sewn on and off over the ages, though I love it I’m much less professional than my mom. I have her first sewing machine (an incredible olive green 50lb Kenmore) that she passed on to me after I moved out of the house and couldn’t make use of her Singer anymore… I love the machine and it has been good and true but I can’t even express what this duo in your giveaway would mean to me… I’ve been doing a lot of work lately, creating pillows to sell, cushions and upholstery for our home, baby blankets and crafts for friends, creatures for my little boy… and the limitations of my Kenmore become increasingly frustrating as I push it to do more and more.
Okay, I beg and I plead but I know it comes down to the random generator so I throw my wishes and hopes out into the abyss and hope for the best!
Thank you for such an incredible giveaway and congratulations on the book!!!!
My mom had a very old sewing machine that never received much love. Therefore, the tension was always off, the threader was rough around the edges, etc. I tried so hard to enjoy sewing but the machine made it impossible! Eventually, I bought my own, and the difference was beyond night and day — it wasn’t even a very good sewing machine! But, it worked properly, and that’s all that mattered. This is a wonderful giveaway, thank you so much for the opportunity!
I started sewing with my mom’s trusty old Bernina years ago. She’d had it forever and taught me to use it. She also had a newer machine, so when I showed a continued interest in sewing and quilting, the old Bernina became mine.
It was a wonderful machine, sturdy and heavy and strong. It never broke. It had only straight and zig-zag stitches on it, but that’s all a beginner really needs.
After a year, I needed an upgrade and bought a newer machine with more stitch options on it. The biggest difference I noticed when I got my new machine was how much lighter it was. It was so lightweight, that when I sew on the highest speed, it shakes! It’s served me well over the last year and a half, but nothing will ever beat the sturdiness of that old Bernina.
Last fall, my younger sister showed an interest in joining mom and I on our sewing days. On her first day, we gave her the Bernina! I bet that machine is in our family for generations to come.
I decided to make 5 looks (7 pieces) for a student fashion show at my university. The collection was entirely mine and I was the only one working on it. I didn’t have a sewing machine and barely remembered how to sew from my beginners sewing class 4 years prior. The sewing machine I used was borrowed (living on a college student budget isn’t very kind to young artists or designers), a Brothers sewing machine, very old, and… IN JAPANESE. At the end of the day, you can play around with a machine and figure out how it works, but that takes time. I didn’t have time. Nor did I ever entirely know how to work the thing… If only I had a sewing machine (in english).
Hi there, I really hope that this giveaway is available for people outside the US – I live in South Africa and am in need of a sewing machine and have been pricing for a while now but still saving up the cash! Anyway my sewing machine story is that at the moment I don’t have one but between my mom, sister and myself we all share my gran’s 1970′s singer (YES it still works!) It is a lovely retro little portable machine which I love but alas it is not mine… my mom inherited it and is not keen to pass it my way! So for now we all share the same one and have to phone around to borrow it from each other – luckily we all live within a small area! So I would absolutely love to win this prize and then I could continue my gran’s legacy of creating beautiful and original clothes for myself, my daughter and her dolls!
I found a handheld sewing machine at a yardsale recently. I’ve learned to make pillow cases and simple blankets with it. I would love to take it further and learn to sew clothes. A sewing machine would be great! I’ve wanted to make my fashion design sketches a reality for years now but lack the proper equipment. I hope to open an e shop and sell my designs.
I want to learn how to sew so badly, and this would be a great help towards that goal! :D
I bought a sewing machine in 1986 and did a little with it. I’m looking forward to retiring and want to get back to sewing/quilting. It would be great to upgrade!
I have been dreaming of an upgrade from my granmother’s hand-me-down machine! I dream of sewing poufs and pillows, teepees and tents, skirts and shirts, buntings and bears for my almost 2 year old daughter! I am excited at the abundance of DIY tutorials available on so many blogs lately, and have been itching to try, but I am not excited at the thought of using my ancient machine & all it’s crazy old interchangeable parts!
I still have my mother’s sewing machine from when she was learning to sew in the 60′s. It must weigh 2000 pounds – too heavy to move around! I’d love a new one!
I’m pretty much a novice sewer, but I do have my own machine. I bought a Necchi at one of those sales they used to have at local hotels/convention centers, way back in 1984. It still works, but definitely is lacking in any special functions. I’ve always thought that I’d sew more if I had a more up-to-date machine. (And if I had more time!!)
When I was a little girl, all I wanted was a sewing machine … so for Christmas Santa brought me one of those jr. sized kids’ machines. It sucked. Couldn’t sew a thing without jamming the whole machine. I never did get a “big girl” sewing machine, but it’s still one of my dreams to learn to sew!
My wife lost her grandmother’s singer in Nashville’s terrible flood last year, I would be wonderful for her to get a new one!
I’ve been sewing for fun ever since I can remember. My mother would find sewing machines from thrift stores, so there was always one in the closet for me to steal off into my room to start practicing my form. Eventually when I moved out of the house, my mother gave me one of her old machines. I’ve been using it for 8 years now. It’s a great machine. It’s helped me make bags, curtains, halloween costumes, and converting clothes to feed my passion for fashion. A newer machine would greatly fuel my passion, and help my creativity grow!
Congrats on your book, Brett! I can’t wait to get my hands on it!
I’m in the process of learning to sew by hand and would love a machine for larger projects that are currently out of my reach. I haven’t used a machine since I made a patchwork pillow in Home Ec class in 7th grade (all straight lines – holla!), but I would love to learn how to make clothing that’s tailored to my body, instead of just buying or thrifting things off-the-rack and spending a fortune at the tailor.
i started sewing just a few months ago and absolutely fell in love. i’ve been eyeing a vintage singer sewing table in the windows of a thrift store but this new model would really help facilitate my new love :)
Sarah
Thanks for the giveaway! I learned a few things on my mom’s White sewing machine, and then someone gave her a 1980s Singer with pink and purple designs on the top. She gave it to me and I used that in high school and college, but it bit the dust a few years ago.
This last year, I got my mom the Best Gift Ever. She has wanted a vintage treadle Singer sewing machine for YEARS. As in, ever since they left the one they had in Germany. Every time a vintage machine is mentioned, or at a yard/estate sale, we stop, and for some reason or another, the machines fail to impress.
I had the good fortune to meet Elaine last fall, who collects and repairs vintage sewing machines. She mentioned that she was looking to unload a few of them (to good homes) and I may have mentioned that Mom has always wanted a vintage treadle Singer. Elaine said she had just the one, and let me know that she would get back to me with pictures.
Elaine sent pictures, stats, and a price, and I was a little lost. It looked really, really good, but I wasn’t sure if it was exactly right. So, I blew the surprise and let Mom know that I was going to make this sewing machine happen for her, if it’s the right one. I just didn’t know enough about a) sewing machines and b) what she was looking for, specifically, to make this decision with confidence. Mom loved it, so I set things in motion.
Here’s the tough part. The machine was north of Seattle, and for those of you playing the home game, I live in Silicon Valley. 13 1/2 hours each direction, by car (according to Mapquest). You betcha that this puppy can’t be shipped.
“It’s ok, Mom,” I said, “It’s totally worth it. Merry Christmas!”
In a fit of shock, enthusiasm, and perhaps a little self-pity, I posted to Facebook that I might be taking an impromtu road trip Seattle-ward to see a lady about a vintage Singer. A friend of mine (through my BFF Miss Kalendar) generously offered to do the pickup for me. It turns out that she was *already* going to be driving up and back to Seattle, and she didn’t mind being one of Santa’s non-Unionized elves.
She arranged the pickup details with Elaine, and we made plans for me to pick up the machine from her place (in Santa Rosa) the following Wednesday.
It was perfect.
Mom had seen the pictures, and it’s even more beautiful in person. The gasp of delight as we walked through the door with the cabinet and the machine was amazing. (For the record, historically when Mom has gasped, it’s Not a Good Thing.)
Thanks to Elaine the Singer Fairy and Delightful Lila, I managed to make this last year’s the best Christmas ever for Mom. The best gifts are the ones that require Ocean’s 11 type planning and precision, don’t you think?
Great opportunity to win two great machines! What a generous giveaway. I’d love to expand my sewing skills beyond my highschool home-ec class!
My mother and I have always lusted after sewing machines and the possibilities of creative projects. I love my Singer sewing machine that I bought a few years ago off qvc or hsn, I can’t remember. It took me a year to finally start sewing on it after amassing numerous yards of random fabric and dress patterns…none of which I have attempted, but that’s another story. But I have used it quite a bit on home sewing, especially around the holidays! With all the use I’ve put it through the face plate on the bobbin is broken and now must be popped off with a straight pin…but I do really love singer and this giveaway sounds great!!!
Wow — what an amazing giveaway!
I have a older sewing machine that my mom picked up from a warehouse sale. It has been fine for small projects, but I want to try making quilts, and my little machine doesn’t handle them very well.
I first became enthralled with the idea of sewing in my mid teens, and was fortunate enough to be gifted my neighbour’s ye olde sewing machine from the prehistoric era! … i made a tablecloth… a cushion cover…. curtains… all of which had the most awful, squint higgeldy zig zag stitched hems… in black thread no less! my mother was so upset by the sudden influx of badly tailored soft furnishings that she hid the sewing machine from me (in the garbage i suspect!) and I’ve never seen it again…sniff :) i’d love to re-expose her to the trauma of my sewing!
I just found your blog today! Pretty perfect timing!
I love to sew and have been sewing since my mama put me in my first quilting class when I was twelve. My sister and I used to take sewing classes at a little mom and pop store when we were in high school and always wished we could take their serger home with us!
Best of luck to you with your new book, and thank you for hosting such a generous giveaway!
Hi Brett!
Congratulations on your book!!
My sewing story is….like many of the others, I too learned to sew at a young age. Once I was enrolled in a private school with a dress code (no uniforms)…but dresses only and the fabulous fashion of the 80′s (oh yes…molly ringwold sewing her prom dress to new order in pretty and pink) that is when my sewing obsession REALLY overtook my life! I was too short and too picky to like any of the dresses that I saw in the malls when my mom and i went shopping. My mom decided that I should start making my own, which I found I loved to do! My teenage personality really got a chance to sing through my clothing….semi awkward and embarrassing to look at some of my creations as an adult now…but hey…it was the 80′s…almost anything was allowed!
Currently I have my own handbag line..BUT i it is now been 3 years that I have been living in NYC, and I do not have my sewing machine out here! Needless to say I am dying to start sewing again!
It would be an amazing stroke of luck to win a new machine!! The ‘ol trusty machine, sleeping in my san diego storage unit, is actually about ready to die…..and I really need to SEW.
Very best,
heather
My sewing machine story: My grandmother has been a quilter for many, many years, and used to make our whole family quilts for the holidays. I always was so impressed by how complicated and beautiful her quilts were, and how she could accomplish so much in such little. When I was 19 she bought me a sewing machine and she spent a week with me teaching me how to sew. I grew up in a different state than her and she was always little harder on me than she was with my other cousins who grew up around her, so her teaching me how to sew brought us a lot closer together. I still sleep with one of her quilts on my bed and hope that one day I’ll be a sewing genius like her.
What a generous and delightful giveaway! I wish everyone good luck … and especially myself ;–)
My mom had an old sewing machine that I used when I was younger. There was almost always something wrong with it and it took me years to realize that sewing doesn’t have to be that hard. And on a machine like the one above, sewing would be so nice and SERGING!
My sewing machine story is that my aunt’s sewing machine is broken but as it’s also a table I use it to study in my room, anyhow I always manage to loosen the bottom and hurt my feet and I really wan’t to learn how to sew because tailors are sooo expensive where I live!
I learned to sew from my grandmother when I was little. Lately I have been thinking about how much fun I had with her and coming up with new projects to put together!
I have been wanting a sewing machine for some time now just haven’t gotten around to getting it this sewing machine duo would be a fantastic to own!
What a great giveaway and congrats on the book! My sewing machine memory would have to be sewing in my high school home-ec lab during the summer for 4-H. I started sewing at age 10 in 4-H and I have the best memories of sitting in that hot room sewing with my mom and my fellow 4-Hers. Haven’t stopped sewing since then!
Brett! I love your book! We got an advance copy at the store I work at and I immediately dove in to make the chiffon shirt (made mine out of Anna Maria Horner Voile from her new collection). I love french seams and using them in this simple shirt was brilliant! Can’t wait to whip up another fast project!
When I was little I used to help save my mom from eye strain by threading Grandma’s ancient but beautiful old Singer. It was probably from the 1930s – gorgeous back enamel with gold curlicues. Yes, it was electric. I can still thread it in my sleep, but now I’m the one taking off my glasses and squinting to get the thread through the needle. Grandma gave that machine to my sister and later gave me my Great Aunt’s almost-as-old (but not quite as pretty) machine that I still use today. It’s so old it makes Betty Draper’s 1960s sewing machine on Mad Men look modern. I still use it. I love it, but it does have its limits.
Like Grandma’s old machine, mine doesn’t do zigzags, button holes or anything that requires sideways stitching, but it does go backwards and I do have a box of attachments with no directions. My mom died when I was little, and my aunt tried teaching me to sew with patterns. It was fun and exciting, but with a machine that only does straight stitches, I had to use my aunt’s fancy machine for some of the clothes we made. I’ve since given up on patterns in favor of piecing quilt blocks, making pillows, curtains and just about anything that doesn’t need special stitches, buttonholes or anything else my old workhorse can’t do.
I inherited my mom’s sewing machine about a year ago when she finally upgraded … this machine has seen a lot of stitches. I regret that I haven’t used it much… in part I am nervous that I’ll ruin it! So, a new machine… that would be a dream. And I can think of about a billion uses for a serger. Great giveaway!
My sewing machine story: My grandma taught me how to sew as a little girl. She was amazing with the sewing machine, and her workhorse of a Kenmore came to stay at our house for when she’d visit. I’m not sure what happened to that machine, but I think of her often when I’m sewing on my dinky little machine and wish I could be as great a seamstress as she was! Would love to develop my skills with these awesome machines!
I had expressed my longing to learn how to sew to my brother, who told his Stepmom.. She works at a thrift store and lo and behold! A couple of days later she had bought a 10+ year old Singer machine for me. For the Fall semester I signed up for a class and learned how to sew with a similarly old Bernina and also discovered the serger, it was then that I first attempted to use my own machine. I also bought a sewing table that I am going to paint that came with a beautiful minty green Singer probably from the 50′s: also at a thrift store. I have yet to own a serger, I simply cannot afford it and many projects are unfinished because of this. They cancelled my sewing class at my college for the coming semester so I am SOL unless I win this giveaway by a miracle!
What can you say about a friend that has followed you thru life -helping you with that creative urge- barbie’s new skirt, crisp white curtains for your first bedroom (no sharing!), that new dress you walked in for graduation, curtains- crib skirt and baby blanket- to welcome your most precious gift into the world, matching sundresses for the “girls” that still bring joy in family photos, mother and daughter moments making a pillow
for a loved teacher, flags for the marching band, bedding and decore for a first apartment, a traveling companion to college to help make the ones you love a home away from home…….. My singer featherweight was a gift in “62″ to a 10 year old from a woman who gave up on sewing . . . just think of all she missed. Thank you for encouraging me think back and enjoy.
My sewing machine story: I’m still sewing on the machine I learned on when I was 6 years old. It’s my mom’s original Kenmore, and it’s older than I am– and I’ll be turning 30 on Saturday!
My Mom had a great sewing machine that she never used. My Dad (a depression kid) used it to patch his boxers, eww. My sisters and I taught ourselves and each other to sew on that machine. Mom gave it away after we had moved out. She didn’t realize I didn’t have a machine and would have loved it!
Can’t wait to see your book! Thanks for the giveaway!
Hi Brett! I have been watching you on PBS for years and following your blog for a while as well, though I admit that my favorite post is the Jello mold one…not even sewing related! (side note – I really like the new format!)
I have an old White sewing machine that has been fine but it doesn’t handle knits well. With an 18 month old and more kids to come some day, I want to be able to make quick, comfy baby clothes using my old t-shirts and sleepwear whenever possible (love upcycling!) and lots of those involve knits, so having a serger would be lovely. Replacing my old machine can’t hurt either!
I am ordering your book right now and can’t wait to try making the nesting bowls…I am going to modify your directions a little and make a giant one for toy storage. Be well!
My mom bought a sewing machine when I was about 10 years old. I was so curious about it, I took it apart. I’m not sure it worked anymore. It’s too bad I thwarted any of my mom’s dreams to sew her own clothes. She was too busy with work, anyway.
I bought my own sewing machine a few years ago from an old sew and vac shop. I have not taken it apart … much. :)
Congrats on the new book!
My mum has a machine that she’s had since before I was born. It’s made her wedding dress. She made all mine, my sisters and our dolls matching outfits on it. It’s made 2 prom dresses, altered one lot of bridesmaids dresses in a night before wedding crisis and made four beautiful ones in less stressful circumstances! this summer when I get home it will be used to teach my ten year old niece to sew too! I can’t wait!!
Good luck with the book!
I am not a seamstress by any means. It is on my list of things to do, but I haven’t quite made it there yet. I absolutely love all things vintage and old. My Grammy had a few very old sewing machines that she would help me use when I was a little girl. One time we made the cutest doll blanket for my play crib and doll at her house. But some of my fondest memories were spent at the sewing machine that didn’t even work. In her bedroom, she has a pedal operated machine. I would spend hours on the floor in front of it pushing the pedal and watching it spin. I was entranced by this beautiful relic of days now past. I loved to pretend that I was making something beautiful or that I could see my Grammy and her mother and sisters sitting there making wonderful dresses and such. To this day, my favorite sewing machine is still that old pedal operated treasure that no longer works.
Please enter me in the contest!
When I was 9 years old, my mom bought me a Singer sewing machine for my birthday. Her friends said she was crazy to buy me a real one and not a toy, but it turned out to be a good investment.
I sewed some doll clothes, and then forgot about it for a while. Then I wanted a pair of shorts, and mom said to sew them. I did. And I earned money babysitting, bought material, patterns and notions and made all my own clothing during high school and beyond. I even bought most of my shoes. Mom only bought me winter coats, so she actually saved money on the deal.
Now I’m 67, on Social Security, and could never afford two such wonderful machines, so I’m really thankful for this chance at them.
My grandma is a world-class tailor and somehow the art was lost on my own mother. However, I grew up learning to sew from my grandma, whether it was on her dinky yet faithful old machine at home, or the high-tech electronic machines she worked with at the tailor shop. Now that I am 25, I am dying to get back into my family’s lost art of sewing! I recently purchased a used machine (graduate students don’t make very much money…) and recently found out it is broken. Tangles and tangles of thread and an unchangeable stitch selection. I would like so very much to have this new wonderful machine! I am already dreaming of the projects I will create for my home, friends, and family.
My sewing machine was given to me by my mother-in-law while I was pregnant with my first son. She is an avid seamstress and I’ve always been intimidated by her skills. She even made my bridesmaids dresses!! Anyway, since she was upgrading to a better sewing machine, she asked me if I wanted it and if I wanted to learn how to sew. I jumped at the opportunity! And the rest is history… it’s been almost 3 years since that day. I would LOVE to own this combo, though… I don’t have a serger and it would be awesome to add to my sewing room.
I actually learned to sew in my 7th and 8th grade home ec class! At first I wasn’t so interested in it. But years later when I sat down in front of a sewing machine, all that I had learned then came back to me luckily!
My current sewing machine that I use is an old Kenmore from the 1980′s that I had found almost brand new in our garage! :-)
I emigrated from Poland to Canada with my husband and a 4,5 year old daughter, years ago. My husband went to school to learn English , I had to go to start working without knowing the language. It had not been easy and we had financial struggle, I had always like nice cloths but no money to bay it. I obtained a sowing machine, learned how to use it and with the help of sowing patterns started to dress myself and my daughter. It was not easy to translate the instructions and then learn how to by myself, I was young, determined and happy. After few years I bought Singer machine and it was the happiest time, I love it so much. Over 20 years I have been using it and it works very well still.
Upgrading the model of Singer would be a dream come to live.
Congrats on your new book!
I’ve seen my mom use her very antiquated sewing machine in her room from time to time. It’s rusted now, but still usable, although it is really loud and I’m scared that it doesn’t have any finger protection. It just gives me the shivers and I used another sewing machine that someone threw out of their house that my dad picked up. It jammed on me one day and hasn’t been the same since. Sending my chances in for the grand prize. That’d be so sweet. :)
Congrats on your new book! I’ve been toying with the idea of making curtains for my new place but feel like my existing machine isn’t quite up to par. Now I leave it up to the random number generator. Do I spend a lot of time with my beautiful new sewing machine/serger to make 12 sets of curtains to cover giant windows in my loft or do I embrace the bare window aesthetic? Only time will tell.
When I first started to sew, in my early 20′s, my mother loaned me her precious machine. She bought it when I was a kid (1970′s) and it was a top of the line, computerized Singer. Fancy stitches, the whole 9 yards (no pun intended!). Once I realized I enjoyed sewing and wanted a machine of my own I bought a very basic Singer from Sears. That was over 25 years ago and I still have it though it is a little temperamental when it comes to reverse stitching! I made clothes for myself and my then newlywed husband and later for our little girl. I have made slip covers, curtains, Halloween costumes and quilts on that machine. I’ve never had a surger but refurbished one a friend was getting rid of and gave it to my Mom for Christmas one year, as she still sews. In this past year my 22 year old daughter has taken up the craft and I hope to work on some projects with her.
I went thrifting one day and found a really nice vintage sewing machine. I don’t own a car so I couldn’t just buy the machine so I asked if it could be put on hold for me while I went to find a means of transporting the beauty home, but I was told, no. I went ahead to find a ride anyway, hoping it’d still be there when I came back. But to my shock and horror, when I came back 10 mins later, the sewing machine was gone. I was so sad and till this day I go thrifting looking for an affordable machine, since I’ve always wanted to learn to sew.
Oh wow!! What an awesome contest. I love sewing and I’ve always wanted a serger. I have a Husqvarna sewing machine that my grandmother gave me. She gave it to me many years ago. It is one that she bought in Germany while they lived there. It finally quit working on me a couple of months ago. Because of what it is, I can’t get parts to fix it. I would love to win this. My daughter is rather upset I can’t make her doll clothes or her sun dresses anymore. Although I do knit and crochet her stuff, she is rather partial to the sewn doll clothes. Thanks for an awesome contest!
Wow, what a great giveaway! And your book looks great. My first sewing experience was on my mom’s old machine. It was built in to a table and you used your knee instead of a foot pedal. And my first project was… hair scrunchies!! It was the 80s after all. I was pretty excited to be able to make my own ever so stylish accessories out of whatever colour and print fabric I could find.
I got my own sewing machine one Christmas, but I learned on my mom’s machine which she’s had for decades. I would love to learn how to use a serger!
I first tried my hand at sewing in middle school home economics. Sadly, my mom had to help me finish my projects which helped her (I mean me) get an A. Last year, at 33, I decided it was time to start learning all over again. My parents gave me a Singer Simple for Christmas and I’ve been trying to relearn how to sew all over again. I want to be able to whip up curtains or pillow covers like my grandma and sew costumes for my daughter like my mom did for my sister and me!
Oh what a joy winning a sewing machine would be, I have a very old singer that was almost an antique when I got it. I can only sew straight lines, so nothing fancy for me.
I did look it up on the internet they say it’s vintage. ha!
It’s a singer 306K, the one in our garage is a trundle foot. not any better.
It was Christmas. I was fourteen and naturally broke. But it seemed all my friends we’re giving out these great gifts that their parents funded them to buy. I never really got any of those gifts because, let’s face it; At fourteen, girls are mean and don’t want to give if they’re not going to get.
My grandma had been sewing for years and had unsuccessfully tried to teach me on her old singer. I would get frustrated after an hour and give up. My dreams of becoming a fashion designer seemed far off.
Needless to say, she had given me a sewing machine for my birthday. I’m sorry to say it gathered dust. But when the holidays came around I had the idea that I would sew each of my friends a cute little stuffed animal. Low cost, cute and original… And easy, right?
Not so easy at all. I tried and tried and probably forced it too much because not long after I started sewing the machine was getting really hot. I heard a pop and it started to smoke. I had killed the engine on the little guy.
I felt so guilty that I had ruined my grandmother’s thoughtful gift– and even more ashamed that I would have to go to school with no presents.
I haven’t touched a machine since, as silly as it sounds. I enjoy embroidery a little too much and find that if anything needs repairing I can do it manually. Now that I’m moving into my own home I was thinking of getting a machine, but they’re a bit out of my price range and still make me a little nervous.
Hi, Brett! Congratulations on the new book, it looks beautiful!
My mom taught me the basics of sewing on an old black and gold Singer sewing machine, the same one she taught my four sisters on before me. It worked surprisingly well for a machine that was at least three times as old as I was! Something like eight years later I, then an aspiring clothing designer, received a new SInger for my sixteenth birthday. Today I’m a writer, but I still own both Singers. The black and gold machine is beautiful to look at (and would still work if I wanted to use it). The other fifteen year old machine, with only the simplest of features, has aided many creative ventures!
What an excellent giveaway!
I fell into sewing when I was given a vintage Singer 416 Zigzag machine. It’s housed in it’s own table and amazing. I piddled in sewing a little bit with it, but sadly it broke about a year after I was given it (almost 4 years ago). So I went out and bought another Singer sewing machine. This machine is basic but it has sewed quite a few bags, quilts, pillow covers, and napkins. I would love to win this! I want to get into apparel sewing more and this combo would be great for that!
My mom still has the sewing machine she learned to sew on and although I spent time trying to master it, I think that machine needs her special touch.
Oooh. This is too good not to give it a shot -
My grandmother sewed like crazy. The joke is that she was incredibly fast but not very good at it! She was good enough to teach me the basics when I was a kid, though, and when I was 10 or so I got a Kenmore that I had and used up until about four years ago. I was pregnant with my first son and starting to make him some clothes when it gave up the ghost. We chucked that machine – which I regret doing, now that I’ve researched sewing machines more than I had at the time – it probably could have been repaired – and I got a fairly bottom-of-the-barrel machine because I needed *something* to sew on! Here I am four years later, and having just given birth to my second son, using the same lousy machine. It’s sufficiently wussy that even with only moderate use, and mostly on knits (my older son refuses to wear anything other than “cozy pants” for the most part), the needle’s off-center now and half the stitches have gone cuckoo on me. And just try to put a walking foot on the thing – it gets very upset about that. And this is after just having it serviced!
So – a new sewing machine – and a SERGER!!! – would be incredibly, incredibly welcome. I’m sewing tons of clothes for my two kids now, especially since I’ve finally found a few fabric sources that let me do so and actually save money, even over Target-type prices, and having a machine that wasn’t so rickety and half-busted would be so fantastic. Let alone a serger…!
The fingers…they are crossed!!
Hello there! I just got linked to you from Design Sponge =) I would love love love to win this sewing machine!! My first attempt at sewing (outside of home ec class from decades ago) involved needle, thread, fabric, and some very tired fingers. I love making things by hand, but after my go at making cushion covers by hand, I think I’m ready to take on a sewing machine! Here’s some photos of my hand-sewing project. http://lingismyname.blogspot.com/2011/04/hang-sewing.html While it was a success, a sewing machine could’ve saved me a million hours and saved me from several needle pricks! Sigh.
Oooooh, I’d love to win this! I am a mostly self taught sewer. I don’t really use patterns and such, I love creating things from my own brain or trying (and modifying) online tutorials. Now that I am expecting my first baby I am so looking forward to trying my hand at all the fun baby things and cute clothes I can sew.
I was destined to be a sewer before I was even born.
My grandmother moved here from China after she met my grandfather many many years ago and along with them, brought their frugal ways. She sewed as much as she could to save money, but also because she loved it.
Her talents with a sewing machine rubbed off on my mother who created her own stylish pieces and homewares before it was the cool thing to do. I, being the only girl in my family, was an easy and willing-for-a-few-years target for her creations.
By the time I hit middle school though, I would ask my mom to sew an actual clothing label into my clothing (Esprit was always my favorite, gotta love the 80s & 90s!)–as if anyone would even know it was there! My mom is blessed with a wonderful eye for style though so more often than not, I would receive more compliments on my home-made clothing than on the store bought, run-of-the-mill items.
I have since inherited my grandmother’s old Singer machine–the lovely antique kind that flips out of its own little table as well as my mom’s first Singer machine. I am tempted by the new shiny models, but am too sentimental to ever part with the sweat, tears and love that were thrown into these old machines.
I hope one day to have a daughter of my own that can carry on this wonderful tradition.
I got my first sewing machine when I was 15. It was $300 a HUGE splurge for my frugal family. I had heard stories about how my mom sewed all her own clothes in high school. And about how her sewing teacher could look at Vogue magazine and make a pattern for that exact outfit that would fit my mom like a glove. Needless to say, my hopes were set high.
I took my sewing class, made a few things that fit. Once the class was over the sewing machine went into the closet. Fast forward 8 years I drag my sewing machine from Honolulu, Hi all the way to NYC where I was enrolled at Parsons. My sewing machine hates me. I got it serviced learned how to use it. It barley got me through my first year. I ended up not finishing the program at Parsons (for a variety of reasons). However, the whole time I thought my struggle with the machine was me and my lack of ability and incompetence to use anything mechanical. One day (a few years later) on a whim, I bought a used sewing machine off craigslist and now I sew all the time! I’m glad that I never gave up and that 13 years later from that first encounter I am finally loving the craft :)
I learned to sew on my grandmother’s treadle sewing machine. It was a beautiful machine with all of the little drawers in the cabinet, but unfortunately, she sold it many years ago. I would love to have it now.
My grandmother was a fierce sewer; in fact she did it for a living to support herself once my grandfather died and her kids were grown and out of the house. My grandmother spoke no English, and as a super Americanized girl I couldn’t communicate very well with her, but she would show me she liked me by making me tons of scrunchies in every fabric remnant she could get her hands on (this was the 80′s!). My mom knows how to sew on a machine too, but as a “modern woman” I used to scoff at any sort of homemaker skills. My mom used to sew my costumes together for school plays and Halloween, and they were always sewn with love, even if it wasn’t perfect.
Now, with my own home and my own urges to create things to show people I like them, I’ve decided to take up machine sewing too, and have signed up for classes, but it would be much better if i could practice at home too!
I got married very young (17) right out of high school in 1968 and my “fiance” gave me a Singer Featherweight sewing machine for a high school graduation present. I had the machine for over 35 years and sewed baby quilts, clothes for my 2 daughters and in 1985 a co-operative Alaskan peace Quilt which I ended up taking to Russia ( to present as a token of people-to-people peacemaking (this was right before the “cold war” ended) from Alaskans to the people in Irkutsk, Russia. I finally sold that beloved machine a few years ago–I finally gave in and bought a more modern singer. I would love to win either of these machines–then I could pass on my machine to one of my daughters….
Greetings! I’ve watched all of your great tutorials, thank you so much! I have always sewn things by hand. My mom was never much for sewing, crafting, etc. but, somehow I got the bug. I had no lessons and didn’t have a clue technically. As I would look through magazines, I was confinced I could at least try my hand at curtains and throw pillows.
My grandmother died several years back from Leukemia and left me her old sewing leaf table with the old singer inside. I couldn’t get it to work for me and was so awkward and heavy that I gave up. I will always keep that old table though (even though my husband says it doesn’t match anything in our house =). I’m obsessed with DIY’s and design blogs. My mother-in-law is pretty good and I have started using her sewing machine some over the past few years. I’ve done a lot of crafting but, could really use this combo for fun projects I have saved to my favorites and am just waiting to attempt. I’ll have to get your book if I win and learn the basics to start off! Good luck with the new book!! Thank you!
Holy moley! Congrats on your book and thanks for the opportunity to win these gorgeous machines. My sewing machine story involves a few different machines. When I was a kid my Mom had a sewing machine. I can only remember her busting it out for some super fly Halloween costumes (red Crayola crayon, Pippi Longstocking, Jasmine). Costume creation was always a little stressful for my Mom but her results were very impressive.
When I was in 8th grad Home and Careers class we had to sew some super fugly sweaters. They were horrendous and I decided that I didn’t like sewing. Not one bit. Nor did I like the Home and Careers teacher. Boooo to her!
Fast forward to my Freshman year in college – I was in the theater dept and wanted a work study job. I got one in the costume shop and learned to sew using an ancient industrial Singer. Boy was that thing scary at first! I learned that I did, in fact, like sewing. Especially when it didn’t involve huge blocks of polyester. Working in the shop taught me a lot about sewing and patterns and I had the opportunity to use a serger!!! They are just about the best things on the planet, if you ask me.
By my senior year of college I’d stolen my Mom’s old Singer. That machine has travelled with me from one apartment to the next and is still going strong. One tuneup in 30 years is a pretty awesome track record.
So, I’ve grown up in a household of women who know how to sew. My grandmother made clothing for my mom, aunties, and uncles. I never had a store-bought halloween costume. My mom would always drag me to the fabric store for hours (torture as a little kid) in August to pick out my costume from the giant books of patterns. The same goes for my cousins. In fact, all of my cousins have quilts that were made specifically for us, and we still use them. :) Even to this day, I can send my mom a link to a dress or jacket or pants that I see online that I like, and in two weeks, she’ll send one to me that’s almost identical to the product, and it fits me, well. :)
However, in this land of sewing, I was never allowed to sew or touch the machines. My job, for 18 years, was to layout the fabric on the floor, and then lay the paper pattern out on top. I wasn’t even allowed to pin the paper to the fabric!
So I was never interested, until going to college and seeing the fashion students sew away. And I realized, through all the years, even though I was never allowed to touch the machines, I still understood what was happening, and how the fabric would be cut/sewn to become a flowing gown.
So, last year, I asked my mom if I could borrow her sewing machine. She hadn’t sewn in at least 5 years. And she said of course. She even went as far as to show me how to sew after bringing it up to me while visiting on holiday.
So I started sewing, and I loved it. I whipped out little bags, skirts, and quilts. But my mom got jealous, and wanted her kick-ass machine back. So the last time she came up to snuck it in the taxi on her way airport. That sneak! So now, I’m machine-less, and would love the chance to practice more.
Thanks!
Oh, I’d really love to win this! I’m saving my pennies, but it’s taking a while. My sewing story. I learned the very very basics in middle school in a home ec class. Now I’m learning how to quilt from my mother in law. I have a plethora of patterns I want to try out, but I want a new sewing machine. and a ruffle foot! The current machine I’m using is the one my mother used when we were kids. I love it and all, but I think I’d be happier and able to do more with a newer machine. Thanks for the giveaway!!
Dear Brett –
I am so excited to have a sewing site to retreat to. I am inspired to start new projects.
I grew up with a mom that enjoyed sewing dresses and outfits for me. She enjoyed every last drop of the singer power of two great machines. The latter machine is in retirement at the moment because I have acquired the desire of sewing. I think I was a little too rough on it. I originally went to school for interior design, but the school I attended was full of all sorts of creativity. I was surrounded by manual foot – pedal sewing machines. I loved creating my interior projects in the same room as the fashion students. I have since been engaging my creativity into altering my own clothing. I have found ways to create interior decor with sewing as well. I so much enjoy making just about anything and if I do not know how to originally create something, I keep trying, and find a way to complete the projects. I do dream of a studio of machines to create and also to teach to pass on the joy of sewing to others. I have taught children the basics and *(Right now, I have a request from my sister-in-law, Sara, who desires to have a sewing machine of her own one day so that she can learn how to sew as well. That is why I was ecstatic to see this give away. The timing could not be better!) Sara has been inspired. The love of sewing is being passed along in the family. <3
My babysitter growing up was more like my grandmother. And she had two huge sewing machines in her bedroom. She was a supervisor at a textile plant and bought two of the machines when it closed. I would make me the most beautiful clothes and blankets. She taught me how to sew by hand but has never had time to teach me to sew with a machine. But she gave me all her books. I never had space for a sewing machine until friday when I bought my first house. I would love to win one of these machines so I could begin sewing and hopefully be half as talented as she is.
Wow. Just, wow. I still use the Kenmore my mother used to teach me how to sew. It was the beige plain Jane my dad got her for their first Christmas together and the first thing I made was an insulated potholder, with ‘G’ for ‘Grandma’ embroidered with the zig-zag stitch. My mom sewed my clothes for the first few years and I sewed and quilted my child’s first-year quilt on it, as well.
this is amazing! i can’t wait to read the book. i’ve been trying to get a sewing machine myself. i used to sew years and years ago but i’ve been sewing by hand for the last 15 years. this sure would be just thing to get me back in the game.
I started sewing after a bad breakup. One of my aunts can sew anything, so I got her to teach me how to quilt after my breakup. That’s how it all started. It took a lot of quilts, but I finally got over it :) Now I also sew simple things like curtains, aprons, and skirts too. I’ve never had a serger, but I would love to learn how to use one, and my sewing machine is in bad shape after being knocked over a couple of times by my overly excited dogs!
great givaway!
my parents still have my grandmother’s beautiful antique sewing machine and my mother still uses it once in a while! i remember when i was little, it was attached to the kitchen table for extra table space(with the machine faced down of course) and all of us grandchildren arguing as to who was going to sit there for lunch or dinner, so we could play with the pedal :)
i have a hand-me-down simple 70′s singer, which i love but would love an upgrade and a serger!
Holy moly, would I LOVE that serger. My mum taught me how to sew on her Singer from the 70′s. The family joke is that she borrowed the money to buy it from my dad (before they were married) and 32 years of marriage later, she hasn’t paid him back! Then a family friend was kind enough to give me her old sewing machine when I was in in college – a 70′s Kenmore in extremely era-appropriate avocado green. My husband gave me my current machine, a brand new Kenmore, for Christmas a few years ago. At first I resisted it’s new-fangled-ness, but now I love it!
I first used a sewing machine in middle school in a sewing class and made, among other items I have can’t recall, a potholder that my mom uses to this very day. In college I received a very basic sewing machine that has plagued with me its finicky nature to the point I can’t even bring myself to try to use it anymore. My mother is an accomplished seamstress and I would love to have the proper equipment to learn on with her help. With my own little girl now nearly 1 1/2 years old I want to be able to make things for her, her dolls, and for our home.
woot!! this is amazing!
my sewing machine was a present when I was in grade 12 from my mom. it lasted awhile and then she gave me her old one when she got a new one. neither of them have been the greatest, but mostly i piece quilts on it so i can go over the seams a bunch of times and no one’s the wiser because it is all hidden inside. :)
i’d love to be able to start sewing things where it’s ok if you see what the sewing looks like!!
Kate
Oh man, come on singer! LOL at the “Oprah voice”! I was thinking yesterday that I need a sewing machine but no mullah to get it right now and low and behold, I come across this! Consider this my official entry. Thanks!
My sewing interests wax and wane, having started sewing as a requirement for Home Ed back in the 70′s, to having to re-teach myself when I was pregnant with my daughter – now 21. I’m only a short 4′ 10″ and back in 1989 when I was expecting her, there were few, if no options for petite pregnant women. So, I made my own with the cheapest machine I could find.
After my daughter was born, I found a new love for the craft and bought what was then, a really good machine. After years of use and disuse, I’m in desperate need of an updated wizard. Maybe a new toy will spur on a new interest in sewing again??
My love for sewing comes from the typical source: My mother and grandmother. When I was a kid, my mom sewed on a Singer she borrowed from a friend whenever she had something to make; which usually meant Halloween costumes and school projects. I remember standing on the dining room table while she hemmed my beautiful white first communion dress that I was so proud to wear on that special day. We certainly didn’t have tons of money, hence the borrowed machine and the need to make a communion dress instead of buying one, but I learned the lesson well: anything made with your own hands is more valuable than something bought in a store.
My Granny lives in Ireland and is an avid quilter; at 86 she is still making gorgeous quilts for all her grandchildren (there are 19 of us, so she has her work cut out for her!) My Grandad bought her her machine as a birthday present years ago, she told me on a recent trip back to Ireland. It, too, is a Singer, a big heavy green one that she loves. She still does the quilting and the binding by hand, though, and her stitches are enviably fine and even. When I made my first quilt last year, I did the quilting on my plain, bare bones Singer machine which I bought in college to make, you guessed it, a Halloween costume! This machine serves me fine, but I would love to learn to use a serger. Maybe I also should start sewing by hand if I want to ever get as good as Granny Betty, but really, who has the time these days??
Thanks so much for the chance to win! It has been fun reading through everyone’s stories! Brett, I love your style, keep on doin’ what you’re doin’!
Congratulations!
Not wanting to spend much money before I could actually sew, I purchased a Kenmore Mini-Ultra. It is baby blue–it looks like a toy, but it is mean. A friend who sews has one, so how bad could it be? I have wanted to tear my hair out every time I’ve used it, that’s how bad! After taking a class that had Berninas, I realized that some machines are worth the expense,. but I have not been able to afford one. Those babies practically sew by themselves. The teacher of the class used a serger to secure the bottoms of the tote bags we made–those things are magic!
When a freshman in college, I caught wind that mom and dad were giving both my sister and I a sewing machine for Christmas. I was bummed because I wanted a stereo! I let mom know that (ungrateful), but she still gave me the sewing machine, a Singer Stylist. LOVE that machine. Newly married I learned to use it and haven’t looked back! Thanks for the chance to win.
My Mum had an awesome in-the-cabinet Singer that ruled the back room in our house. She made me all sorts of clothes when I was growing up. Now I have my own machine, but it’s always breaking down. And when Mum updated her machine, she gave the beloved Singer to my sister-in-law. Grrrr…
My mom taught me to sew when I was just a young girl. She’s had her machine since it was given to her as a wedding present, and has been sewing since she was a child herself. Three years ago she gave me my own machine, which I love, but which only does straight and zigzag stitches. Something like this machine and the serger would take my sewing to the next level!
I am a 60 year old mother of two (grown) girls. My mom made all of my clothes including eyelet lace panties and trimmed socks! When I had 2 girls of my own the sewing started with bedspreads and curtains for their rooms to matching (and then not) English smocked dresses on my inexpensive Nechi. Finally after being a stay at home mom for seven years I went back to being a kindergarten teacher and bought myself a Kenmore floor display model computerized machine and my husband bought me a serger from a factory sale. Our life of girls and sewing clothes and prom dresses continued until they finished college.
Dust gathered on the machines and fabric stash as we traveled and gardened. Weddings and new home decor for the girls brought it all out again.
Somewhere along the line I took a nap and woke up to find both girls married and myself the grandmother of 5 granddaughters. Of course there have been doll clothes and blankets and dresses and costumes. my now 20 plus year old Ken more and bottom of the line serger are tired and more than a little worn
how fun! i am the only girl in the family without a sewing machine. fortunately there are moms and sisters and grandmas to borrow from but i would treasure my own! i have lots of fabrics i’ve collected that are sitting and waiting to become new creations… thanks for this opportunity!
I have been trying to teach myself how to sew for years. I’ve made pillows for every one of my family members, skirts for myself, some terrible bags, and I’ve even hemmed some things for my mom and for me. Your book sounds fantastic! As soon as I realized that sewing in a straight line would simplify my projects, I know I became a better, more confident sewer. I hope your book helps me (I’m planning to buy it this weekend) and many many others that same feeling of confidence and inspiration! Thank you for the chance to win these great machines – the serger especially could expand my sewing arsenal and abilities ten-fold – at least! THANKS! (And congrats on your new book!)
My mom’s avocado green steel Morse is sitting in my living room. Not my craft room, since it is too heavy for me to move. The motor stopped in the middle of hemming curtains and I had to run to Sears to get a replacement.
My mom has had the same sewing machine my whole life and I would be so sad if she ever let it go. With minimal servicing that baby has sewed up 30 years worth of great things, from Barbie clothes to my grad dress – and it’s a Singer!
I grew up watching my mom sew, and she taught my sister and I how to sew too. I don’t have a machine of my own, but I’d love to have one for all the projects in my head. Right now I sew by hand, so a machine would be a big help!
I’ve been surrounded by sewing machines all my life. My grandmother and her sisters were raised by a tailor and they too took on the trait, and I grew up wearing dresses my mother made for me. I bought my own sewing machine when I was in college, no longer living at home, and wanted to make my own curtains for my first apartment. and, frankly, my new home felt empty without a machine in it.
-Angela
my mom had an old hand-me-down machine while i was growing up, and i used that a little bit growing up. i lived at home for a while between college and grad school and that old machine had really had it, so we went to get it repaired but the salesperson told us it would be cheaper just to buy a new machine. we did, and then i took it with me when i moved out. it’s a really basic baby lock, and i actually like it a lot. i think it cost less than $100. i keep wanting to get a nicer machine, but if it’s not broken…
I “won” a sewing machine from eBay that was sold out of a “professional” eBay drop-off store. My FIRST and only sewing machine. The product was listed as well-kept and good quality. After receiving the product, I noticed the smell! It appears to have been in a FLOOD or SOMETHING because the smell is awful! They won’t refund my money so I am out that and I still have no way to sew all the wonderful clothes I am dreaming of :(
I also won knitting needles but luckily I was able to wash those and get the smell out!
I’ve been sewing since I was a kid but the past 2-3 years I’ve really gotten into it. I love my machine but desperately want a serger too!! I have a beautiful vintage aqua blue machine that is just stunning, but sadly I need a couple of parts replaced to get it going again… one day!
Love the round bowl video on designsponge! Can’t wait to see the lucky winner of those machines! :o)
Congratulations on the new book! I purchased a refubrished mechnical machine a few years ago to get me back into sewing. I want to upgrade to a computerized machine and serger to sew some active wear and undergarments. I saw these machines demonstrated on HSN and thought they were great, but a little low on funds at the moment to purchase them. I have to say that my grandmother and mother didn’t sew, and the only thing I’ve every sewn as a child was a skirt in my 7th grade Home Ec class. I’m dreaming to making some floor poufs for my apartment as I love sitting on the floor, but it’s little hard and a little harder to get up.
I have my Mom’s old machine in my living room as a piece of furniture. It is an old black Singer treadle machine. I can remember her spending days sewing covers for all the cushions of our Early American furniture with it. I was fascinated by the fact that she could do that. I have tried to sew. I bought a beginner machine in the seventies after I married. I used it to mend clothes. I did manage to make an outfit for my son’s first Easter by taking a sewing lab at out technical college where there was ready help. I also made a few Halloween costumes, but those didn’t have to look good. Pattern directions stump me. I don’t understand what they are telling me to do. I think I could probably sew a straight line, so I have hope of making something with the help of your book. A new machine wouldn’t hurt, either! Thanks for the giveaway.
I have a New Home machine I bought in 1992 – it is very basic, but I have used it to make some simple things in the past. I would love to win this dream machine <3
I started sewing when I was little. My mother had a Sears Kenmore sewing machine with the cabinet (the sewing machine would drop down into a “cradle” and then you’d fold up the table to become the top of the cabinet. We used that machine for years (I even refinished the cabinet at one point).
Years later when I moved out on my own, my partner gave me a Husqvarna Viking sewing machine (around 1983). What an improvement over the 1950ish Kenmore! I took a serger class around 1985 and bought one. These were considered high tech at the time and have proved to be very reliable. Not too many bells and whistles, just reliable machines (can’t say as much for the seamstress however!).
I’m so interested in your book and will definitely pick up a copy. It should bring me back to sewing as I’ve been away from it far too long. And thank you for the opportunity to enter a contest too! Great inspiration!!
My Mom had a serger and regular sewing machine, so I grew up with them and knew all their idiosyncrasies. Since adulthood, I’ve gone through three sewing machines. I use them for everything — tailoring clothes, sewing pillow cases, making costumes. Recently I found a very old singer in the garbage that runs by foot petal. We’re still refurbishing it into working order.
Wow, I have nothing earth shattering to say except I love to sew and my machine is at least 35 years old. Sure could use a new one :-) Thanks for the chance to possibly make that happen.
I havent sewed in more than 20 years… and I simply need to fall in love with sewing again, because my head is always stuffed with arty sewing-projects I’d love to throw myself into.
Except….. my present sewing-machine is so cheap, and soooo bad…, and it ruins everything and takes all the fun out of sewing. Cant afford a new one though.
I’ll keep all my fingers crossed for these ones.
Thank you for the opportunity.
Eva, Denmark
My mom got me an old retro singer with shiny gold detailing from Craigslist. It’s currently in the shop getting tuned up, but as soon as it’s out, I’m raring to go on projects. I’m going to take a quilting class and will hopefully do some household decor and clothing projects soon as I’m just learning at the whole sewing thing.
My grandma quilts, my mom sewed her business suits, and my sister learned growing up. My independent streak didn’t discover my (lack of) sewing skills until I made my first duvet cover (never to start small or entirely simple).
As a design student now, and an accomplished knitter, my construction and vision are great, but my sewing skills need to catch up. Will definitely be getting your book to help guide me along with some new projects!
My sewing machine is a tiny Sewing Magic machine that only makes straight stitches. Winning a machine like this would be like upgrading from a golf cart to a Corvette! I got the little machine for my nirthday a few years ago, and it has already produced some loves throw pillows, but I’d like to advance to even bigger projects!
What a great contest! My mother taught me to sew when I was young and I can’t thank her enough for that skill. She bought me a basic sewing machine when I bought my first home. It is such a great tool to have. Whenever I see something I like my first instict is, “oh, I can make that!” And I can thank my mom for that! I don’t have much room in my town home so converted my office closet into a sewing station. Once I’m done with my projects, I tuck my chair under the desk and close the doors. Keeps everything nice and tidy!
I want to make curtains! Just like Sarah makes on Sarah’s House. We bought our first house last year, and I still can’t find any curtains that I like! Maybe I’m just picky?
Wow…I just stumbled across your blog from “feedbiz”. Love love love it. amg sewing. Although I am quite crafty the whole sewing thing scares me…honestly scares me!!! LOL I would love to learn and I just watched your video and I think (I said think) I could make those bowls. But of course I would have to win as I don’t have a sewing machine:) I am a scrapbooker and have been telling all my friends there are so MANY cool things to do with scrapbooking that involves lots of sewing. So on that note THANK you for the chance. Your blog is awesome. AND congrats on that new book!!!
My sewing experience is basically non-existent. That said, my wife is extremely crafty and sews and knits quite a few things. For some reason I have an irresistible urge to get things off the street and refurbish them. Over the years I’ve found a couple of sewing machines. One was a 1940′s Singer and the other a small dressmaker’s machine. Both were in very bad mechanical condition and thus my wife was unable to use them. I later sold them at a yard sale. Bottom line- I’m handy but clueless about sewing machines in general. I would love to get a new machine for my wife.
I learned to sew from my mother. She used to make clothes for my sister and me when we were little. When we were in Vietnam my mother had a Singer sewing machine with foot paddle. My sister became a sucessful dressmaker in her late teen and early twenty, and had used the same sewing machine until my family left Vietnam in 1990. I’ve continued enjoying sewing until now. When I’m stressed out, I sew to relax. I made all of curtains, decorative pillows, bedspreads, etc. in my home. Three years ago my sister-in-law asked me to make a quilt for my niece. Her husband (my husband’s brother) passed away when my niece was 4 years old, so she wanted her daughter to have something made from her father’s clothes that had been boxed in storage after his death. I transfered several daughter-and-father pictures onto white fabric and incorporate the father’s clothes into the quilt. It came out beautifully and brought tear to everyone’s eyes when it was presented at my niece’s 16th birthday party. Thanks for the contest.
Sewing and Brooklyn are both strongly linked to my mom – a woman who deserves confetti thrown into the air when she enters a room. My mom is originally from Brooklyn and moved to the bustling metropolis, Tucson, AZ when her parents loaded up the family car and headed west in hopes of having a simpler, more successful life. I grew up in Tucson and moved to New York 6 years ago to pursue teaching in urban communities and have helped to start a new school in Brooklyn – in the same public school space in which my mom’s aunt went to middle school so many years ago! The term “full circle” is very appropriate! As for sewing, my mom hand-made all of my halloween costumes from the time I was a little yellow crayon until I was a more sophisticated princess riding a horse (and also gave every fiber of herself to my brother and me in countless other ways.) I can still picture sitting on the couch, a solid 8 months before halloween, watching my mom work away on all of the fabrics we had picked out for each year’s costume. As a crafty adult, living in my mom’s birthplace, I have a strong desire to learn to sew. Perhaps this little contest is a lucky way of making this happen!
I inherited my sewing machine from my mom. It is a Sears Kenmore Model 148.14220. The tension doesn’t stay adjusted, I constantly have to deal with nasty snarley knots on the bottom side. It used to have a box of attachments & tools, but those disappeared many years ago. I long for a machine that has all the parts, accessories & the instruction manual that I can call my own.
I got my first sewing machine as a tip. No kidding. I was in my first year of college and waitressing at the Waffle House and one of my truck driver customers, “Lee” came in for his random but always late evening cup of coffee before he hit the road for a long drive. I had mentioned how I was applying for the Fashion Design program at school and how nervous I was b/c I wasn’t really good at sewing and didn’t have a sewing machine.
So he gave me his.
He learned how to sew b/c he was a bachelor and had to learn how to fix his own clothes. It was also relaxing for him. I believe his sister have it to him but he was on the road so much and didn’t use it… so he gave it to me.
It served me through all 4 years of undergrad and right after college it broke down. I just haven’t had the heart to get rid of it. My best friend has let me borrow her industrial machine for the last 3 years but she’s getting married and will be taking it with her to New York in three months.
With a busy photography business I want to turn to sewing again to relieve some stress and just find pleasure in something not tied to money.
Hello. I came to your site from Design Sponge. My current Brother sewing machine’s working fine, but I would LOVE the Singer sewing machine and THE SERGER!!
I have been sewing almost 40 years since my pre-teen days, firstly with my mom’s old-fashioned machine with the leather rope (?) on the left side of it and the foot pedal/plate at the bottom to move the needle. (My mom still has it though it is not working anymore.) Then, onto a electric sewing machine that she owned for years, then another electric, but higher-quality machine which she still uses once in a while in her sixties. Now I own a Brother machine myself, which I like a lot. Does a good job. However, sewing with a serger has been one of my crafty dreams. Thanks!
I learned to sew on my great grandmothers sewing machine, I had to operate it by hand. I taught myself sewing Barbie clothes. Then graduated to my own clothes. I don’t know how may times I went to church and my clothes started to fall apart. My mom finally got me a new machine but that was 1973. Now I finally have a decent machine, but I let a neighbor use it and now the timing is off. I really need a new machine and I promise I won’t let anyone use it.
I started sewing on my Mom’s 1980s Kenmore. When I left home, she gave me the 1950′s Featherweight Singer that she learned on as a child (and probably one of her aunts as well). When I entered the exciting world of the zig-zag stitch last year, my mother gave me a new Kenmore as a birthday present. I’m just starting to get into knits so a serger would be wonderful!
I purchased my first sewing machine, a huge, green metal singer with a sewing table that it folded down into, from an auction in my small town when I was about 11 years old. I think I got it for around $50, and it probably weighs 50 lbs! The auction was being held by our elderly neighbor, Bernice, whom I was friends with and visited almost every day. I still have the machine, and it’s been through all 4 of my younger sisters learning how to sew. My favorite thing to do when I first got it was to change out the cams and figure out the pattern each cam made the machine stitch!
I first started sewing in a home economics class in high school. As I was sewing, I guess I got my finger a little too close to the needle and it went through the fleshy part of my finger. That did not discourage me though. I didn’t do any sewing after high school and college. About 15 years later, my husband bought me a sewing machine for my birthday and I have loved making clothing for little girls and boys ever since.
I bought a brand new sewing machine in college, almost 10 years ago. It is a Husqvarna-Viking Oscar. I loved it! Such a work horse….until one day, my daughter decided to push the reverse button in and it broke! My machine is stuck in reverse (yes, I still use it, just limited to what I can make..lol…)!! I was given an old White from the 60′s/70′s by my husband’s grandmother, but she hadn’t used it for a long time. After cleaning it up and figuring out what needs replaced, it’s just just a little too expensive for me to renovate…so this is me throwing my hat into the ring, with lots of hope of winning…LOL… :)
Wowzers!!!
I learned to sew in Home-Ec 17 years ago; I wasn’t superb at it but I didn’t find my teacher very helpful, either. She would only pay attention to the people who were doing *really* well or *really* badly! (But I digress.) All through highschool, I used my mum’s sewing machine – made bellbottoms out of a pair of jeans, turned another into my favorite skirt (12 years later I still have it!), made cute little purses – until they moved away, and now and then I will go and use my sister-in-law’s, but mostly for mending ripped seams and such.
I always ooooh and ahhhh over all the fabulous projects that can be made with a sewing machine, especially upcycling used clothes into new and fabulous things, like a patchwork blanket out of denim jeans, or daddy’s t-shirt turned little girl’s nightie. LOVE! Would love to make things that incorporate fabric and crochet or knit elements, such as an apron top with a crocheted yoke.
I would love a chance a chance to win! My maternal grandmother was a seamstress for a duchess in England before she came the the U.S. of A. in 1919. She taught my mother and my two aunts to sew, and I learned how to knit and crochet from her. Mom made many of her own clothes for years, and many of mine and my three siblings clothes as we grew. My younger sister picked up her sewing skills from Mom, and is actually willing to try and teach me! This would be a great gift for her (which I can borrow)!
Great Giveaway!!! When I was little my granny let me mend old blankets by hand and I loved it ans as I got older I wanted to use a sewing machine so my mother found an ancient portable machine that she taught me some basic stitching on, I LOVED it! When I got in high school I took home ec. just so I could learn more sewing and I made myself a dress and won an award for it, i was hooked. I love to sew, and though my machine isn’t terrible it isn’t fantastic either. My little sister is wanting to learn to sew now and as I try and teach her some basics it would be so much fun to pass my machine on to her if I had a new one to replace it. :)
I was just thinking today that I needed to get me a serger. I have been zigzagging and hemming way too much these days and a serger would just save me time and energy.
thanks!
I love to sew. Sewing is therapeutic to me. Since childhood I have seen my Mom sewing beautiful dresses for me using her sewing machine to wear on parties and get together. Gives me a sense of pride that I am wearing something made at home my by mom. I want to do the same and learn to sew perfectly, so that my kids will also develop that sense of love for sewing.
THIS is so exciting!! What I could do with this prize!!! The sewing machine I have now is very, very old. It is so old that I usually just sew everything by hand. But oh! I would finally be able to make the quilt out of my son’s old blue jeans that I’ve been wanting to make for so long. To win these Singer Machines would be a dream!
congratulations on your book, I would love to win a sewing machine!
I bought my last sewing machine for 30$ at the flea market. Over the years we struggled and argued, but finally got along well together.
Last summer, my mom promised me her brand new, but now unnecessary to her, sewing machine, so I gave my old one away to a girl in a class I was teaching. After one project, my new one will only go in a straight line and refuses to zigzag or move her needle. There is no manual for it (never was, never will be) and I am hankering after my cranky but trusty old metal one. but I am not one to take sewing machines from nine year old girls, so I ‘m on the lookout for another new/old one at the thrift shop.
As a good swiss girl I learned to sew in school.
I would love to win! Please:)
I would love to win this as I am newbie sewer sewing on a 30+ year old machine
This would make things so much easier to learn and to create:-)
Thank you for this wonderful opportunity
Kellie
I’m currently struggling with a fabulous old kenmore 117-95 rotary, the kind that folds down into a table… I picked it up for free in my neighborhood and am limping towards making it functional! I think at this point as soon as I work out my crazy tension problems, I will be good to go… but man, wouldn’t it be nice to sew on a real-live modern machine for once! (my previous machines were a hopeless Kenmore from Goodwill and an old electric Singer from the 20′s which doesn’t reverse and has no tension knob!)
My mom used to sew most outfits for my sister and me when we were little (growing up in Eastern Germany, you just couldn’t get much of anything nice to wear, so people made things themselves). A couple of days agoe, she altered a summer dress to be a skirt, and it’s reminded me once again that I need to join the sewing club. I think this giveaway is a sign (fingers crossed)!! I’m that person who has had the same curtains, throw pillows, table cloths etc. for years, because perpetually “in the near future,” I know will purchase a sewing machine and create all kinds of amazing sewing wonders around my house. Except this never actually happens, but I dare not purchase the items new, because, well, that’s where the denial of this whole situation comes in. Though I’ve mentally marked this Christmas as the day my sewing life will start, it would be wonderful to begin this adventure 6 months ahead — then I could even MAKE Christmas gifts for people!
Sewing is one of those things I did on and off as a kid whenever I decided I wanted my mom to teach me. In the last couple of years, I’ve scored a machine off of freecycle and a hand-me-down from a friend who was getting a brand-new viking machine. They’re both old singers, but they both have major issues, and any time I try to use them I end up frustrated. I *really* want to learn how to sew, though, and I feel like with the right machine, it would be possible. I’m an avid knitter, and I know that what type of needles and yarn you use can make a huge difference, and something tells me the right machine can make a huge difference too.
When my grandmother passed away, it was time to start going through her house. I was asked if I would like the sewing machine. It was in a nice plastic portable box, and I was happy to have such a new machine… or so I thought. About a year later, I was at a church rummage sale an bought the “Reader’s Digest Guide to Sewing”. I finally opened up the case, expecting to see a nice new sewing machine, like the one my Grandma had bought for my mother, and was quite surprised. This was not my grandma’s sewing machine. It was my Grandpa’s – the marine who knew how to sew curtains, and darn socks. My grandpa, who was still alive but in a nursing home was delighted to hear that I was learning to sew using his old machine. Along with my Reader’s Digest book and a class at the local community college, I’ve got the basic ropes under my belt. I’ve not attempted more complex projects like making clothes or sewing buttonholes, but one step at a time! I’m still learning, but I love how far “knowing the basics” can take you, and how limitless the possibilities are once you have some experience and confidence under your belt!
Hi!!!
Well, my sewing machine relationship started when I was just a little toddler and my grandma used to put me on her lap and show me all the parts of the industrial Juki she had! The oil was my favorite part, so cool! With time she allowed me to sew clothes for my barbies and later on, even finish some straight lines on the hem for the clothes she used to make!
I moved to United States in 2004 and as soon as we could my husband and I bought a industrial sewing machine and now I can show my son the parts, the bobbins, the oil and everything that made such a difference in my life as well.
We had an old fashioned pedal sewing machine at our country house that my mother actually used and she swears it worked great!
One time, as she was making curtains, the electricity went off, and she only realized it much later as the machine, being pedal driven kept on going! We were watching her and wondered when she would clue in!
The machine is still in th family. It was left to me by my grandmother, but is residing with my sister who is much more antique oriented than me at the moment.
I would LOVE to win these machine. I once made a slip-cover for my couch and need to make a new one!
Hi! Look like a great book! I’m already planning on making the round nesting bowls after watching your tutorial video!
My sewing machine story would have to be about the machine I started sewing on. My mum bought a Toyota 30 as her first sewing machine when she was about my age. On it she made her first pair of curtains when her and my dad got a house together, clothes for me and my brother and dolls clothes for my dolls. When I was young I loved sewing things by hand and crafting at school. When I got the chance I studied textiles at school and made my first bag for which I got a top grade. Of course I sewed it on my mum’s machine! Before leaving for college I sewed my own duvet covers out of hand dyed fabric and each summer I would craft the things I wanted or needed. When I moved into my first proper house share Mum passed the sewing machine to me. I am still using the same machine and hope that one day I will make some curtains for my first house and clothes for my own children. My toyota 30 may be old and heavy but it is well loved!
My grandmother machine pass to my mom, and I always saw her sewing and creating doll dresses and clothes for us. Now I’m learning how to sew, with the help of her, and I really hope I can be as creative as my nonna.
I hope I can win =)
I sew on my momma’s Super Elna from the 70s–I LOVE it. I sew for my nieces, my friends and my family. I am finally to the point that I not only want a serger, but NEED a serger. It would be so nice when doing clothes and bags. My husband is still in school, so money is tight. Homemade Christmas gifts are a must in my house :) Can’t wait to get your book for some new gift ideas!!
Cheers!
Brooke
I started learning to sew when I joined the local 4-H club in the second grade. That first year, my fair project was a pillow, the next year a skirt that I wore for Easter, and every year after that I made my Easter dress. I competed in local, state, and even national sewing competitions. Even though I’ve been sewing almost 30 years, I’m definitely still learning every day! The sewing machine I learned on was my mother’s old Necchi from the 60s. When I graduated high school and went away to college, my parent’s graduation present to me was a 70s Kenmore. I love both of these machines, but have a constant longing for a new one of my very own!!
I prayed and begged and saved for my first machine. I remember seeing my grandmother’s creations and just being in awe of the fact that she made CLOTHES with her hands. Once I got my machine there were many ill fated attempts but finally, suddenly, I knew how to use the thing! I made curtains, table clothes, and anything else that was not complicated. Still working on garments but I love creating beautiful things for my home.
My aunts were hoarding twins. They did not live together just had the same tendencies. Aunt Karen dies and Aunt Sharon along with my mom clean out Aunt Karen’s house. Aunt Sharon takes sewing machine (even though she doesn’t sew) and she told me she had it. I asked her for it and my mom TOOK it. This was around 11 years ago. So to this day I have no sewing machine and at the moment have a ‘scarf’ project pinned up and ready for a straight stitch. Alright already, I have projects going on and don’t want to ask friends every time I need a stitch or two. That is my bitch for the day, have a good one.
I have an old Bernina my mom gave me. My mom taught me to sew and she still teaches me the tricks up her sleeve. She used to sew things for our home and for us to wear – those things were always a delight! When I was young I faithfully entered my sewing projects at the 4-H fair. My mom never discouraged my creativity, even if the results were less than attractive. Now that I am a mother, I am thrilled to have the sewing skills she taught me so I can do the same for my family. My Bernina is trustworthy but old and I would especially appreciate a serger!
I just started sewing and it is sooooo addicting! I am so happy that I came across your website :) I have a 2 1/2 yr old daughter and a 10 mth old son. So I have mostly been sewing summer dresses and bibs. I have started to make dresses and shirts to fit my “post-baby body” and would loooove a sewing machine upgrade and I’m DYING for a serger! Good luck with your book :)
My grandmother was a seamstress and my grandfather was a tailor, so sewing is in my blood. I LOVE to sew and have owned many USED machines. Now, my youngest daughter and I design clothes and repurpose old clothes. I only have one machine and my serger, while well used, has given up the ghost – it refuses to serge another stitch. It would be so wonderful to have a brand new sewing machine and serger so that we could sew together! I just read a review on your new book today. It looks beautiful and the website is great!
Hi Brett, this is my first time on your site! I don’t know how to sew. I’ve always wanted to learn, I even had my husband buy me a sewing machine two years ago. It’s still in the box because I just don’t know where to start. I will be ordering your book as soon as I can and hopefully it will help me out.
My grandmother taught me to sew when I was a little girl. Over time I lost my skill but I always kept the wonderful things that she taught me close to my heart. Recently, a dear friend of mine has ignited my passion to start sewing again. I’m looking forward to diving into your book for inspiration! These machines are beautiful… I would love to play around with them! Thanks for the lovely giveaways :)
my grandmother was a very skilled, accomplished seamstress who made great Barbie clothes for our dolls…my mom took classes and wanted to sew clothes for my sister and i…what i remember is her bent over the machine in complete and utter frustration…….she was great at many other crafts and projects, but sewing was an abomination for her! we still tease her about those tense evenings at the ol’ Singer!
I was never much interested in sewing as a child – my two early efforts included pushing down the pedal of mum’s Husqvarna while my brother held his finger under the needle (just to see what happened), and making a basic apron at school – which I still have, but I can see the wonky stitching (back then, I was definitely NOT’sewing in a straight line’).
No, I didn’t start sewing until after my grandmother died and I inherited her old machine. Now she was a sewer. She made me so much that I never appreciated until now – every little dress for every occasion (even my debutante ball and school formal dresses). Even then, the old thing sat in my cupboard for years until I had daughters of my own.
My girls are now 2-and-1/2 and 8 months old and I’m really enjoying teaching myself to sew for them – little dresses, pants, pyjamas, winter coats and more. Nanna’s machine has its issues (every now and then you have to hit it with the back of a pair of scissors to unstick the wheel at the side), but it’s been a good hobby machine for the last couple of years.
What an awesome giveaway! I am using my mom’s old avocado green sears kenmore machine.
A serger would rock.my.world.
Mum taught me on her old Singer, which was built into the sewing table & still running strong. We started with buttons by hand, then pillows w/ lace edging, then I attempted to make my own shirts with drawstring sleeves (so i could tie bows). This was around the time I had learned to tie bows in shoelaces, thus the enthusiasm. Motivation to continue ebbed & flowed during middle & high school. In college my roomate was a fashion design major, & her work totally inspired me. Then upon getting married I wanted to make household items b/c sweetie-face really liked things I made by hand (as do I). Now we have 2 babes so time to sew is more scarce, but projects & fabric stashes are stacking up high & calling my name!
This is a great giveaway, so thank you for the chance to win it.
My Mom was quite crafty with her sewing machine when she was growing up….as the oldest of 7 kids she learned early on to make her own clothes so she could have something new and cute even when money was tight. She gave me rudimentary sewing lessons when I was about 12, then set me loose with her old Singer. Initially, I sewed basic projects, pillows and other straight line projects (your book will be amazing). After several years of the absolute basics, I wanted to move on to heavier fabrics…..end of sewing machine harmony! While stitching a patch on some jeans I broke the needle and ultimately the machine……dead Singer! 15+ years later I’ve broken another machine and gotten better about what I run through the one I currently have (on loan from my Mom)!
My mama had the coolest machine ever. It was this gawdy mustardy yellow color and it lived inside a cabinet. When you opened the cabinet lid, the machine would rise up and lock in place. It also had a knee instead of a foot pedal. It was soooooo difficult for me to learn to sew on it because I bounce my knee constantly… lol. I loved that machine and was sorry to see it go. My grandpere had given it to her when she was a young girl and it lasted until just a few years ago.
Thanks for offering this contest! I’m a new sewer and have to borrow my mother-in-law’s machine – I hope I win!
Jenn in GR, MI
My grandmother sewed until the day she died on a foot powered Singer. I learned to sew on that same machine and have never been able to make an electric machine do the same things in the same way.
What a great giveaway, congrats on the book!
My mom got me a sewing machine about 7 years or so ago. It’s the most basic of basic Singer sewing machines. It has a straight stitch and a zig zag stitch and that’s it! But I’ve made a ton of projects with it and learned so much! I can’t wait to get a newer model though, would love to win these 2! Thanks for the chance. :)
I learned how to sew on a Singer – my mom’s Singer Zigzag Stylist, which she bought with money given to her by fellow teachers right before she had me…..So that machine, which I still sew on when I visit my mom, is as old as I am….36.
Now I sew on an inexpensive Kenmore that I bought before I got back into sewing a few years ago. When I want to serge something, I have to plan a trip to my friend’s apartment to use her serger, so I would love to have one of my own!
Your book looks amazing! I can only sew straight lines so it is perfect for me. Thank you for the giveaway!
thank you for this great giveaway!
i sew on a hello kitty sewing machine, made for children because the speed is slow and steady. i’d love to upgrade to big-girl machines now, since i’ve mastered (i think!) the sewing in a straight line ;)
so excited to tackle bigger projects and dreams! thanks again!
My mom is one of those amazing homemakers who can sew, cook… you name it. She’s awesome. She’s had one sewing machine my entire life, and she has put it to excellent use making us clothes when we were little, making tablecloths, curtains, etc. I would love to be industrious like this in my home, but alas, no sewing machine of my own. Maybe someday! This is my first time to your site (routed here by design sponge) and I’ll definitely be bacK!
I have been dreaming of new patterns to create with every spare second I find and would LOVE to own a sewing machine and serger like this! I’m only just learning how to sew and am using my mom’s old sewing machine. It’s a trooper but I worry it may not last much longer. It’s beginning to rattle with each stitch. But I won’t complain because I am truly grateful to have it! I would be soooo delighted to win this giveaway. Off I go to watch your DIY clip on Design Sponge.
My sewing memories come mostly from my grandmother; she constantly sewed dresses for my sister and I even until we were in high school. Last fall when I was pregnant with my daughter I stayed for three weeks with my aunt, for whom quilting is a passion and her full time hobby now that she’s retired. She taught me to quilt and I made my very first quilt from scratch for my baby girl to use. I am dying to have a sewing machine of my own now but I’m overwhelmed by the choices and can’t really afford one anyway. Winning these machines would be a dream come true- I’m already imagining thousands of possibilities! Thank you so much :)
I’m new here. I learned to sew from my Mom and in home Ec and my Mom had a free-arm sewing machine. I used to sew some, but was never very god at it–I was a Tomboy. I did make myself some dresses and a bathing suit, which I loved, and when my kids were small, I made overalls, nightgowns, dresses, and lots of little stuffed animals for them. (None of them were that great, but they were serviceable.) One time, when we were having a big Christmas party, I put my sewing machine downstairs in order to make room for the party–and the power went out and we had a big flood and the sewing machine was ruined.
I’ve been wishing for another, as well as wishing I knew how to sew–better. My mother-in-law wants me to sew up some sheets for her–seems easy enough. But neither of us has a functional machine.
(and CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR NEW BOOK!!!)
i am so pre-ordering that book! also, have my fingers crossed on the giveaway. thanks!
Unfortunately, I don’t have a sewing machine. I simply can’t afford one. I’m a student, work a lot, and I can just manage everything to make ends meets.
A few months ago I discoverd how many cool things there are possible with fabric and a sewing machine. It would be awsome to win one!
My mother taught me to sew on a black beauty Singer sewing machine. My grandmother taught me to sew by hand. My church’s guild taught me to quilt. I am teaching my grand daughter. It is the neverending story and it is a great tale.
Yay for the giveaway and your new book! I have an old Singer that was my Grandma’s. When she died, I got it. I use it mostly for sewing on paper – upcycled paper sewn onto greeting cards. I have also used it for some fabric sewing projects – mostly throw pillow covers. (I think I learned how to sew on a zipper from your tutorial.) I’ve always wanted a serger, and a new and improved Singer would be a dream since the one I have now seems to be coming up with some issues. :)
I have a soft spot in my heart for troll dolls. :) When my mom was a kid she had a troll doll collection and would sew them little funny outfits. She kept her collection and their handmade wardrobes and gave them to me. I adored them when I was little and added my own quirky, and not quite as skillfully made, pieces to the collection. Even though I’m way beyond my years of playing with them I still love that I have them and I love how strange they are. I hope I get the opportunity to share them with my daughter and enjoy crafting new vests and skirts for them with her.
I learnt how to sew in 6th grade home-ec class, then in high school I took over my mom’s mint green Singer that chewed up bobbin thread every 100 stitches. I made patchwork dresses from scrap quilting fabric from my grandmother and sold them in the parking lots at Grateful Dead and Phish shows. It is extremely difficult and embarrassing for me to admit this to you and will refused to have my face photographed with the winning machines.
My mom never had the chance to teach me to sew … she died when I was 24, and up until that point, I never had any interest in sewing. But now, 14 years later, something changed. I wondered why she was always drawn to making her own clothes, and what was the allure of stitching fabric, winding bobbins and cutting out patterns. So I enrolled in a sewing class seven months ago, and I haven’t stopped going to classes. But for me, it’s even more than sewing, it’s about meeting the memory of my mom every week, amongst bolts of fabric and spools of thread. I reconnect with the memories that I have of my childhood, and I’ve discovered my own love for sewing. The only catch? I have a junky machine. I’d sure love an upgrade!
I am still using my grandmothers sewing machine. It runs great except for the small hitch that the screw to change the foot was broken when we lent it to a friend of the family. Any time I need to sew in a zipper or a button I have to take my project up to my mom’s house. I don’t think that I will ever part with my grandmother’s machine but it would be nice to finish a project without a trip in the car.
I learned to sew from my Grandma, who is sadly not with us anymore. My first project with the sewing machine was to make me a top and a ra-ra skirt. The skirt still lives on in many family photos – it was my favourite outfit for at least a year and really gave me the sewing bug! I have never had a serger, but would love one, and my sewing machine is worse for wear after being dropped during a move across states. I’d love to win your prize! Congrats on the book – I’ll have to look out for it in Oz.
i’ve got my mom’s old husqvarna sewing machine that she had for years. it broke and my husband fixed it once and now it is not back stitching. it’s a huge bummer. i love to make quilts and clothes and toys for my kids, which i want the serger for. i’ve been having sewing withdrawal because i haven’t been able to sew in the last couple of weeks. would love to win this!! great giveaway!!! thanks!!
Hi Brett! I am so excited about your new book! My story is that I bought a sewing machine over 20 years ago, made 1 quilt and a few other small things, but I had so much trouble with the quilt that I got really frustrated with sewing. It has stayed in my basement all this time and I have been waiting for the day I could pull it out again and use it. When I found out your book was being released, I knew I had to have it so I could rescue my sewing machine. I ordered it a few days before the release and I can’t wait until it gets here! :)
My first sewing experience for me was when I was in 8th grade. I took a home ec. Class and of corse that is where I was first introduced to it. The first thing We learned to sew by hand in that class was in fact a straight line! I cannot remember the actual amount of times my teacher had me re-do this straight line before her patience was exhausted with me that she willingly accepted a semi straight more crooked line instead. Haha, I still laugh at my first experience of sewing and I think maybe that is why I havent got into until recently.
For me the idea of becomer a sewer just happened at the beginning of this year when my husband and I moved into our first house! My eyes have been open to curtains, duvet covers, cushions, even the possiblity of sewing my own rug out of scrap material! And now with a baby on the way (our first) so many other wonderful things!
I would def. Use this sewing machine to add that specoal creative touch to our home. And who knows maybe I will even be able to actual sew a straight line!
My mom’s sewing machine hates me. And I mean it really HATES me. Whenever I try to use it the bobbin thread tangles or the needle breaks or something inside starts making a weird crunching noise. [Then as soon as my mom touches it, it runs perfectly.] So I never really nurtured the love for sewing that my Home Ec. classes gave me. Until this past Christmas, when I asked my parents for a sewing machine. I was about to get married and move 600 miles away, and I just thought that having my own sewing machine would be nice. Now, I’ve successfully made several tote bags, three pillows, a stuffed animal/pillow, some aprons, curtains for all our windows, and I’m working on a patchwork denim blanket… And there’s no end in sight.
i have bee sewing all my life . . . when i was in highschool i wanted to take wood and metal shop instead of home economics . . . teacher told me i would have to prove my sewing skills . . and i did . . . i made a western shirt with indian chief heads embroidered on the yoke, fringe and piping along with snaps . . . . i was so not into making aprons . . . . impressed her and made it into shop class. . . . this was in 1980 when metal and wood working was unheard of for girls . . . . i still sewed at home . . . even used to make my own bras, panties, and bathing suits . . . would love to win this fantastic giveaway!
I remember when I was little taking sewing lessons from a neighbor and loving it! I have always been so envious of women like you that make it look sew easy.(did you see what I did there? ha) When I saw your book title “Sewing in a straight line” I thought I need that book, that is the most basic step and I cant seem to master it.
I started sewing on my Grandmother’s 1930 Singer. Basically sewing scraps together, making silly useless pieces. Soon, I wanted to make something for me to wear. My mother decided it was time for me to learn how to use a pattern. I believe my first finished piece was a simple skirt. Since then, it took off from there. I used my mother’s Kenmore from the 80s. I used it until I moved to my first home with my husband this year. I was given my aunt’s Futura II. I’m trying to learn it, but I think there may be something wrong with it. I love sewing and I’ve very sad I don’t have something to sew whatever I want at my disposal. So, for now, I’m surviving by learning how to knit. :)
I saw your book on design*sponge and it really attracted my attention. I don’t know anything about sewing but starting to become very interested recently. Hope this giveaway will be a start for me!
I learned to sew in Home Economics in 8th grade. Since then, I have not touched a sewing machine. I love to design though, so I hand sew things and occasionally ask my mom to help me on her sewing machine! I’d love to learn to do so on my own though…
I used to have my mom’s old Singer from Sears. She had gotten it as a wedding gift in 1978. Bu then she took it back! No fair!
I have my mum’s Singer Featherweight that I think grandma gave her in high school (mid 1950s).. it’s one of the special models where the bobbin thread winds around and around and gets caught. I still sew on it occasionally, when it works it’s a beautiful machine for simple straight stitches. That I have the case and the manual mean a lot to me.
A few years ago I bought a Singer Tradition (2240?). Despite the plastic body, I’ve found that It’s a work horse of a machine. It has sewn many miles of simple curtains for my home but I seem to have inherited the bobbin curse and am constantly fiddling with it.
I am drawn to knit fabrics (possibly because I am a knitter) and I dream of a serger.
Your book has given me encouragement (from the title and bits I’ve seen online, a request for a copy of it is in my wish list) that all my rectangle practice (those curtains) was for good.
I learned to sew because my mom worked in a Chinatown sweatshop. She tried to make sure we all had white collar careers. After giving up my career as a lawyer, I fell in love with quilting. Without a sewing machine, it took a long time. Eventually, my aunt loaned me her old Singer and things progressed faster. I still enjoy sewing and would love to win any of your prizes.
Betty
Cute book! It is now on my birthday list :-) Thank you for making realistic projects accessible to me! It is hard to find time to craft when I have 2 jobs and a wedding to plan. I hope tackle many more sewing projects this Autumn!!
I could really use a new sewing machine and I would die for the serger!
My sewing machine is my Grandmother’s. Sadly it has seen better days when she use to sew but it is the only thing I was received when my Grandfather passed away and we were forced to put my Grandmother in a nursing home. With 5 kids and 8 grandchildren I feel lucky to sew on her machine.
My mother has a beautiful old singer treadle sewing machine, which I’m not sure was ever used. I used to love sitting by it and playing with the pedal, just trying to see how fast I could make it run. I love sewing, but I haven’t had as much time lately. I think that I need to find more time!
I got my first sewing machine from my wonderful mum on my 19th birthday. I had just moved out on my own, money was in short supply and my mum thought it would be the perfect gift. However, as a silly 19 year old I really didn’t appreciate it. I remember thinking “what am i going to do with this?!?!”. But over the years it gradually came out more and more often, mending my favorite skirt or shirt, sewing old sheets into pillow cases and now I realize just how wonderful a gift it really was. It saved me so much money over the years and helped shape me into a person that really appreciates re-using materials and home made things. And now that I’m a “grown up” and just bought my first house, that same sewing machine now sits proudly on it’s desk in our spare room, always set up and ready to go :)
To be honest – I have never owned a sewing maching, but have always wanted one! I love getting crafty at home, and buying vinatge clothes over new – and getting one has been on my to buy list for a very long time..
I hand sew small repairs when I can, and take other things to a great little alterations place near my place when I can’t, but would love to have the freedom to start doing it myself. I love experimenting with colours and fabrics, and have quite a stash of them sitting in waiting for a machine to turn them in to something!
Growing up I had a very un-domestic focussed mother, but we did have an ancient ornamental singer machine in our hallway – the actual reality of sewing was greatly missed!
Rhianon
I got married one year and two days ago. In the craziness of eloping, buying a house, and embarking on a new adventure, I haven’t been able to afford a sewing machine. I taught myself to sew on my mother’s old Kenmore from Sears and haven’t looked back since. Living on a tight budget means making the most of my time and my stash of fabric. But lo and behold, I don’t have a machine so my stash sadly sits and rests and waits until it can live up to its fabric potential. A sewing machine (and serger!) would mean as much to me as my husband. He’s been wanting and hoping to gift me my very own machine but, alas, paying bills has gotten in the way. *fingers crossed*
I would reallllly like a new sewing machine so that i can sew my pant pockets back together. At the moment i have to keep my work keys tucked into my undies because if i put them in my pockets they fall down my leg. Its very stressful and very against oc health and safety.
I am desperate.
I first learned to sew on an old sewing machine my great grandmother gave to my mom, a very old sewing machine it was built into its own desk and it didn’t have a foot press it had a lever under the table that you pressed with your knee. I got my first sewing machine last year a singer not long after that my grandma got me a singer at a yard sale it’s mostly metal and was made in 1971 it’s very heavy right now it needs work though.
I have never used a sewing machine, but I have dreamed of being able to for years. Just the thought of being able to make my own pillowcases, curtains, skirts, dresses — anything — makes me weak in the knees. It’s one of the skills I envy most in people.
Wow! Congrats on the book and thanks to DS for featuring your site- I can already tell it’s will be on my daily roll. :)
I don’t know how to sew and I’m so very intimtated by the machines.
My father is the sewer in our family. He has a machine that he bought back in 1960. With it, he has created wonderful memories for my sister and I.
On our drive/move to Alaska in 1986 he sewed up sleeping bags for us. Mine was pink with teddy bears and my sisters blue with rockinghorses. I’m in my thirties and still have mine- I can’t believe I used to fit in it!
Driving to Alaska in October with two small children, car camping all the way because we could not afford hotels, those bags fired up our imaginations and led to endless adventure tales of “Sir Beary the Pirate/Astronaut and his brave steed Princess”. I look forward to sharing my bag and tales with my future spawn.
Wow. What a giveaway. :)
When I was little, my mom had a table set up in the master bedroom where she kept her machines. The backs faced each other. I loved to get on her Singer Touch-Tronic sewing machine and play with all the stitches while she whirred away at projects on the serger. I loved being able to look through the arm and see we were both sewing. In my early 20s I lived with my grandma and used her antique machine from the 60s. It had the big table it sat in, and using something that several generations sewed on was a thrill. Now I’m getting back in to sewing and am dying to be as good as the seamstresses in my family. I would love to be able to get my sewing room complete – and relearn how to use a serger. You never know how much you need it until you don’t have one!
My mom and grandmom used to have this old sewing machine, you know the heavy iron ones with the pedal that goes back and forth? When I was itty bitty, I would ride on the pedal pretending it was an amusement park ride!
Ooohh.. Those are awesome. Imagine what i can i do with those!!
When I turned 30, I had my little girl, Milla. I taught myself to knit, crochet, and sew. I got my first sewing machine from my mother as my birthday present & I’ve been sewing away ever since!
My Mom taught me how to sew was I was about 15. I tried my hardest to be patient with it but found it really really challenging! None-the-less, my dear mother gave me the sewing machine she used while living in Thailand and Libya in her 20s. It was such an amazing gift and I loved making the simple things that I knew how to on it for many years. Sadly, the machine was lost in a move about 10 years ago.
Since I was never a huge sewer I didn’t replace it right away. I realize now, that the bug never got out of my system. I bought a used Kenmore machine for $80 two years ago and have been sewing my little heart out on it ever since. In my 30s now, I kick myself for not sticking with the sewing at an earlier age, but realize all things come in due time. I absolutely love sewing now. There is nothing like sewing a dress or shirt that you or someone you love can wear. It’s amazing. I even have a crazy dream of opening a little shop someday.
If I were to get a nice machine and serger, it would be like a dream come true. I make a lot of clothing and I must admit it is hard to do on the used machine. If they happened into my life, they couldn’t come to a better place :).
Congrats on the book!
My dad is actually the one who got me sewing, though my mom also did play a part in it. My dad use to do upholstery so I would watch (I wasn’t really allowed to help) I loved seeing how furniture could change. I sometimes got lucky and could help take the old stuff fabric apart and help choose a new fabric. It was always nice to be the model in the pictures afterward, I was like 5 so it was cool at the time. Hoping to win I would love a Serger, I already have so many projects in my head.
I remember my mom always sewing at our kitchen table with her Kenmore sewing machine, which she still has & uses :) but she gave me my very sewing machine, a Singer from Costco, since she had to move away for work and could no longer hem or alter my clothes for me and I’ve been hooked ever since!
I remember Grandma “teaching” me to sew when I was a quiet-spirited 4-year old, who preferred helping her with the garden over playing with others my age. She taught me again a few years ago when I was a senior in high school and wanted to make my own clothes. Now, I’m sewing machine-less after leaving for college. Having my own machine would be great for the ideas swimming in my head.
My first major purchase was a sewing machine! I worked as a waitress for a summer to buy my first Singer sewing machine.
AHH A SERGER! i learned to sew on my grandma’s machines, working on my 4-H projects at her dining room table (while watching either HGTV or an all-day America’s Next Top Model marathon with her) and it was so fun. when i left for college a few years ago, she gave me one of the two machines i learned to sew on, my great-grandma’s. it’s at least as old as my grandma is and i loooove it.
When I was in preschool I got my first sewing maching – it was 100% plastic and parts were clear so I could watch the parts moving. My grandma helped me make my 1st project ever with it – a pillow shaped like a butterfly. Many years later, I got my mom’s hand-me down, which is about the same age as me. Just recently I handed that one down to my sister & bought a new one. But compared to the 35 year old sturdy, metal Kenmore, the new lightweight, plastic, modern one feels like my preschool toy.
My husband taught me to sew! When I was pregnant with our first baby we were college students and broke! That didn’t deter me from trying to fix up the cutest nursery I possibly could. So on a shoestring budget I got to work. I borrowed my mother in law’s vintage Singer sewing machine from the 60′s. Man was that sucker heavy! I set to work trying to sew some cute curtains for my baby’s room, but I couldn’t get the gosh darn thing to work. Out of fustration and a hormone induced state of self pity, I burst into tears. My poor sweet husband lugged the massive machine to a fabric store where a nice old lady gave him a quick sewing lesson. He came home and with a big grin on his face, showed me how to use the machine. The curtains still hang in my two year old’s room!
My great aunt gave my mother an old machine she got from her neighbor in the late 70s. It was pretty low tech, but my mom and I put some miles on that baby. She made clothes and bed linens for my Skipper doll, and some really cute dresses for me. When scrunchies were in, I made hundreds from remnants, thinking I’d sell them at the farmers market, but never did. I a couple of laundry bags full of them and wore them all the time, but eventually gave them to goodwill when I cut my hair. As cringe-worthy as they may be now, I thought they were truly adorable at the time.
My first sewing machine was a My Little Pony model in the 80s. It didn’t work well but I loved the little pink pony on it so much I refused to let my parents trade it out for a better one! In college my parents bought me a new Singer and that’s what I’m still using 10 years later. It works great but I wouldn’t mind an upgrade either :). Thanks for the chance to win such awesome prizes!!
My mom gave me my first sewing machine in high school, a classic singer. I used it to make model clothes, a shower curtain, and most recently, baby clothes! 2 years ago I visited the singer building in Manhattan, such a lovely building.
My Dad’s friend used to teach a community computing class to the elderly. One woman came in and sat down for the first time in front of a computer. She picked up the mouse and popped it down on the floor to use it like a sewing machine pedal.
Those machines look lovely!
Oh my. What a prize! I would LOVE to win this!
OK, so my mom can sew. She *can*, but I would not say she likes to, or that she is relaxed or confident about it. Despite (or perhaps because of?) this, she was SURE I needed to learn how to sew as a child/teen. There were a few attempts, much foot-dragging on both our parts, and nary a finished product. But I got the basic idea.
Fast forward 15 years and I have taught myself to knit, embroider, crochet, etc. Sewing is the next frontier, I decide, and a friend helps me score a machine for $40 at a tag sale. Still using it, but it is minimal to say the least. Despite a million on-line tutorials, I have never been able to successfully sew jersey on it, so the serger is something I PINE for. Fingers crossed!
Dream Prize!!
I’ve loved all crafts since I was very young, including sewing. Unfortunately, I have never had my own sewing machine, but I have always borrowed my grandmothers and now I’m lucky enough to have one at work that I sneak home time to time :). This prize would be amazing!! I think the worst thing I ever made was a pair of leopard print pj’s in a class I once took. They are awful…but I still wear them…
What a wonderful giveaway! I’m currently in the process of learning to sew (which is going to be a long process, I’m afraid), using a cheap sewing machine I bought on a whim. I recently decided to reupholster my boyfriend’s old, stained, stinky chair that he refuses to get rid of, and thought, ‘Oh, I can sew this up without a problem!’ I have yet to get to the point of sewing the fabric, however, my practice runs have not been very successful. I certainly have a newfound appreciation for the art of sewing! :)
Wow! Gorgeous!
My mom got her old Kenmore sewing machine before she even got my dad. She called it Kenny, and Kenny was stubborn to say the least. Every so often she would haul it out to hem a pair of pants or slap together a Hallowe’en costume, and from elsewhere in the house we could hear her: “Come on, Kenny, you can do it! Don’t give up! Do it for me?” That machine served her, if not well, until her kids were mostly grown. Not bad, Kenny. Not bad.
I first “learned” to sew in Home Ec–it didn’t really stick with me (use it or lose it, I always say)!! Thirty years later I decide I want to take up sewing. I went to a Singer repair shop and picked up a used machine for $50. The next day I got laid off from my job and moved back to Nashville and in with my sister. A year later we moved to the country about an hour south of Nashville. I found a quilt shop and took quilting classes which I very much enjoyed. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy using my old $50 sewing machine. Never could sew a straight line with the darn thing!! I would dearly love an opportunity to upgrade to a new machine and a serger!!??,,,be still my heart!!! Thank you for the chance to win this fabulous pair!!!
Thanks for inviting me into your new home (on the Web)! ;-) What a great giveaway! I haven’t sewn in forever, and whoever wins this will be incredibly lucky. Thanks, and enjoy your book tour!
Your book looks fantastic! I’ll definitely be picking up a copy—I love to sew, but anything beyond a straight line is usually intimidating :-)
My great aunt Peggy had a sewing room when I was growing up, and it was like wonderland to me. The color! The fabric! The possibilities!! I adored her, and wanted to be able to create things like she did. About 10 years ago she gave me her singer serger. It’s an old but awesome machine that has helped me in creating countless costumes for the stage as wardrobe mistress for a wonderful ballet company. It sits in my sewing room, and I think of her often. My own nieces recently completed projects with me using the serger, and it was a great feeling. I’d like a new serger (and need a new machine) to share the workload, and allow my favorite machine to keep kicking. I love your site, thanks for this opportunity!
My sewing-machine story is as yet non-existent. I don’t own a sewing machine, but I’d love to have one, because I keep buying these gorgeous fabrics on my travels and want to do something with them…
Case in point: when I was back-packing in South-East Asia, I bought a ton of fabric, ranging from pure silk (Burma) to cotton/silk mixes with stunning hand-woven patterns (Laos). I paid a tailor in Thailand a small fortune to turn all these fabrics into clothes. What I didn’t realise at the time was that I had lost quite a bit of weight during my travels and that I’d put it all back on as soon as I got home. Long story short — I grew out of most of my tailor-made clothes within months of returning home, and they’ve been sitting in a closet unused ever since — a terrible shame, as the fabrics are still every bit as gorgeous as they were when I bought them. I’d love to do something with them — turn them into cushions, bags, wall art, whatever will do them justice. I’ve been working my way towards buying a sewing machine, but if I could get one for free, so much the better. :-) Either way, I’ll be ordering your book!
My favorite sewing machine story is the time I managed to sew the shirt I was wearing to the costume I was supposed to be sewing in my theatre department’s costume shop in college. I was gently switched to hand sewing after that. Congratulations on your book’s publication! That is exciting and very cool!
So I MIGHT have made my husband lug a VERY heavy ancient sewing machine across several states, several times. I also have MIGHT not have used said sewing machine but a couple of times. Whoops!
SO Excited about this giveaway! I’m actually in the market for a new sewing machine AND a serger. However, on my poor student with a new baby budget- I’m on the 1 year plan to get one or the other!
My current sewing machine is a Brother circa 1995 that I got via marriage. My husband and I have been together for 10 years (although only 7 of them were married) and he actually taught me how to sew. Our first project was curtains for our tiny, damp apartment. They were made out of the ugliest print ever (I believe it was “fishing” themed- complete with bass, bobbers and fish hooks) but I was really excited about them. Especially because they matched the sheets on our bed (did I mention my husband was studying fish at the time- explaining somewhat my temporary insanity when it came to picking out prints). It is out of order now due to some issue with the bobbin and threading problems and since I have a new baby I am in sewing over drive!
My Aunt Mauralis introduced me to a dear friend of hers named “Betsy”. Betsy had a slinder build and she lived in a brown ugly cabinet she was a sewing machine. My Aunt and I spent many summer hours sewing for the women in her church and I would crawl on the floor picking up loose thread that had been clipped throughout the day. My Aunt would loving talk to Betsy, thanking her each day for doing the best job that she could do without complaning. I asked Aunt Mauralis once why she didn’t get a new machine and my Aunt held her hand over both sides of the machine and said with a twinkle in her eyes; we would never talk that way in front of Betsy again. My Aunt died of cancer and Betsy was put to bed too…how, I loved My Aunt Mauralis and her introducing Betsy to me and the love of giving, sharing and loving through crafts.
This Singer was purchased for me in 1963 by my mom from the Singer store as a “repossessed” model. It replaced the Singer converted knee-pedal model that I learned on. For many years, I was troubled to have a machine that someone else had to forfeit. I’m over that now and can only say that I’ve had many years of great service from my old pal. Now my son enjoys it, too.
My first attempt at sewing was on my mom’s old machine. I don’t even know what kind it was. The thing I remember most was I constantly did battle with the tension. I got so frustrated I gave up on sewing for a very long time. When I had my children in the eighties I really wanted to sew for them. I bought the cheapest machine I could find and read the manuel and started sewing. I only sewed a few things and put my machine away. Seven years ago my first grandchild was born. I got out my machine (the same one) and began sewing again. This time I’m really getting into it. My machine doesn’t do anything fancy, but it has worked well, and helped me establish a love for sewing.
I have been sewing since I could reach the foot pedal of my mom’s Bernina. My first (of my very own) sewing machine was a brother that I used through high school and college. My dear husband bought me a beautiful vintage Viking as a birthday present (and I adore her) but I am afraid that the old girl may not be reliable enough to be my only machine.
My mom is a fabulous sewer. I used to use her old grandmothers iron machine that was so big it was pretty much a desk. My mom bought me a small Janome machine a couple of years ago. I can’t sew anything on it because the needle and bobbin don’t want to work together well. It always gets gummed up. I would love these machines!
My grandmother bought me my first sewing machine when I was pregnant with my first child. I had this great idea that I would be sewing lots of clothes for him. I purchased several patterns and as I began pulling them out realized that my brain was not made to interpret them! I just couldn’t figure it out! My son is now almost 7 and within the last few months I’ve discovered PDF sewing patterns, with lots of photographs for “see it do it’s” like me! So now I’m completely addicted to sewing for my two girls, I’ve yet to sew anything for my poor son that got the machine for in the first place. And more than anything I’m now dieing to have a serger! I know everyone says it’s not necessary, but I REALLY think it is! And to have all those stitches on one sewing machine…. I would be in sewers heaven.
wow what a great giveaway! Congrats on your book. I don’t really have a sewing machine story….I’ve been hoarding pretty fabrics, waiting for the right machine to come along.
I learned to hand sew at around 12 (love it), the machine always unnerved me but when I was expecting my 1st baby and could not get the decor I wanted for her room I decided to make it. So my dear mom taught me on her machine. By baby #2 I bought my own Singer. I’m still learning but thats part of the fun :) Thanks for such a fabulous giveaway!!!
Hi! I’d love to win these. Thanks for sharing your talents. I’m a huge fan :)
I had a pretty lousy machine until my mom called and asked if I’d like a vintage (1970) Singer with a small sewing cabinet that her neighbor was tossing. Her neighbor’s mother had it in the basement and it was hardly used and had all the extra pieces. It’s not fancy, but I like that- with no digital parts, I can usually figure out what is wrong with it, even if I can’t solve every problem. What makes it special is that it is nearly identical to my mom’s machine, and my aunt’s machine. If I ever have trouble, I have two people I can call to troubleshoot!
Very excited about your new book!
I always said that I would never get into sewing. My mom and grandmother were very good quilters, but I just didn’t think it was for me. I enjoyed choosing colors and patterns, but it would take my mother months to put together a quilt- and that was just the top layer! She still had to quilt it after that. I didn’t think I had the patience required to be a sewer. My mom gave me a sewing machine years ago as a gift, but it collected dust as my husband and I moved several times between states and built our family (we have 4 children). Now that we have settled (I think ;) into a rhythm, I have found some time to create. It has been a joy to bring the house to life with color as I have sewn curtains and made other small projects on the machine. Though my machine is dated, I am so thankful that I kept it through all those moves.
I started sewing on my Mom’s machine as a little girl, I designed outfits for my Barbies using her scraps. That was at least 20 years ago! I now sew almost all of my daughters clothes and most recently clothes for me. I only have a VERY basic but sturdy Janome and desperately need a serger to have more success with knits. Winning this would be a dream as buying these would be impossible with my budget. Thanks so much for this awesome give away and I can’t wait to see your book!
When I was a kid we had to hand crank the wheel on my mother’s old sewing machine while she sewed. What she could have done with this machine! New to sewing and using your book to get started off right. I absolutely love every project in it so will start with the easiest one and continue from there.
What a great blog! I grew up with sewing (my mom sewed all of me and my brother’s clothes as children) and my oldest son (who is 8) has just gotten bit by the sewing bug! We’ve just been hand stitching all his projects so far (stuffies, clothes for his stuffies) but I know he is ready to start using a sewing maching…It’s been hard to find a sewing class in our city that is inclusive for boys (most of them are for girls to sew skirts/purses) so having our own sewing machine would really be helpful in starting his new love for making things by himself..thanks for listening!
My friends had Easy Bake Ovens. I was jealous of them. I had a kid’s sewing machine. It had a tiny little pedal that you could push with a hand or a foot. All of my friends were jealous. I would sew blankets for my dolls or cute patches for my clothes while my mom patched my dad’s work jeans.
Eventually, I leaned to use a full size machine, and made the dress I wore for my high school graduation photos. My parents and I made a bet that if I got a full scholarship, they would buy me a new car. Amazingly, I did end up gettingna full ride, but they couldn’t afford a car. Our compromise: theynbought me my own sewing machine for college. I still have it.
I took a few sewing classes as a child. So did my boyfriend, adorably. Since then, I have only transformed a pair of pants into breakaway stripper pants for a play. It might be time to…hem something?
I’ve taken my first steps into the sewing world on my mom’s 30+ year old machine. It was some promotional item she got at the same time my parents bought their newlywed cookware. It actually says “cordon bleu” on it. It’s blue and kinda pretty … but a “promotional” item non the less.
And it went kaput! Just last week. And now that I have the sewing bug, I had to go shopping! I just brought home my new Janome Sewist 500. It think I shall call her Naomi …
Naomi the “Juh-no-mee”.
But I’ll still take the Singers if you’re inclined to give them to me…
My first machine was a 1970s Singer that my dad bought for me at a thrift store, I learned how to sew with it and it gave me great lessons until the belt on the machine busted. I have been been borrowing sewing machines ever since and would love to have my own!
Wow!! What a great prize!! I am currently in need of a new sewing machine, as mine has recently broken and I have so many projects waiting!! :( A surger has been on my wishlist for such a long time, it would be so amazing to win!! Thanks for the opportunity!!
My first “sewing machine” was one of those As Seen On TV handhelds that my husband (then boyfriend) thought i would like since i couldn’t afford a real one. It lasted 30 seconds, but i didnt have the heart to tell him for a ciuple months. No it is a standing joke and we can both laugh at it. A few years ago, my mother-in-law was kind enough to give me her old sewing machine. It weighs at least a ton and is a beautiful avocado green, but it works and it was free. An upgrade to something made in this century would be ideal. I dream of a digital screen and embroidery options….
Early in my relationship with my husband, I met his wonderful grandmother, Doris. As we got to know each other, it came out that I was crafty and – at the time – just learning to sew. I mentioned how someday I’d love to have a serger and she exclaimed, “OH! I am so sorry to hear that!” I was a bit confused, but then she explained that she had just recently sold her serger – that was in brand new condition – in a garage sale for something like $15. We had a good laugh and a sigh that I’d missed the window to inherit it by > < this much. ;)
I learned to sew on a machine when I was 7 on my grandmother’s Singer. When I was 19 I put $100 down on layaway for my very own Singer and when I told my boyfriend he marched me back down to the store and demanded they cancel the contract. I was heartbroken and realized he was not the one for me. The first thing I did after getting my own place was to go back to the sewing machine store and put my dream machine back on layaway. I soon left for Japan to teach English and when I visited Canada a few months later I paid the remaining $800 and took my Singer back to Japan with me. I’ve enjoyed over 20 years of sewing with that machine but it’s time to pass her on to my daughter. Hard to believe I paid that much (even now!) and it doesn’t even have the ability to drop the feed dogs!
we always an old-fashioned sewing table around, but not sewing machine! my mom did her mending by hand, and needlework was her crafting hobby of choice. when i bought myself a sewing machine a few years ago, i went to sears and got a kenmore because i figured that’s what my dad would do if he was buying a saw or a washing machine. it’s mostly plastic, but it works. then i got an old workhorse of a husqvarna viking on craigslist. it cost some money to fix up, and it’s kind of annoying to thread, but it makes some lovely decorative stitches. neither of my machines makes me want to tackle things like buttonholes or serious knits though. 21st century machines would be amazing!
My mom had one of those old black Singer sewing machines that was a table at first glance, but flip the top around and it became a sewing table with the machine attached. The matching stool’s top also came off to show great supply storage. I still think about getting it from here and restoring it. I have no sewing machine and am in sore need of one!
I just saw the post done on you for Design*Sponge!
I learned to sew in junior high school in the home economics class. After that, I would only “tailor” my own tee shirts by sewing down the sides to bring them in a little for a better fit. I would try to sew on my mom’s old clunker of a machine, but it always seemed to get stuck and I gave up.
I didn’t touch another machine until I graduated from University, and as a gift, my parents bought me my first sewing machine! I began sewing…thanks to Amy Butler’s In Stitches book- it was such a helpful step by step guide on each pattern, and I made my first duffle/laundry bag…and then a body pillow…and then a duvet…and a yoga mat bag..and then a baby quit, baby bag and baby crib bumpers (when my husband and I had our first daughter), and the list goes on!
I feel like sewing, and most crafts of the like, were falling out of our generations hands, but now a new wave of interest is sweeping through! It’s exciting, and I can’t wait to teach my daughter one day. :)
so exciting! these machines are fantastic!
my sewing story: I grew up wearing jumpers and cute dresses my mother made for me. For my college graduation, I got a Hello Kitty sewing machine. ( can you say awesome?!) since then, my mom has passed down her bernina.
I taught myself to sew last summer on the machine that was a Christmas gift for my mom when she was twelve (forty-one years ago).
I’ve been wanting to learn how to sew something more complicated than a pillow for ages. I have a 60′s avocado green machine that my aunt’s mother gave me…it’s hard to tell whether I’m doing something wrong or the machine, but things never have gone smoothly with the old beast. Time for an upgrade!
These look awesome!!!
When I was a child my grandmother bought me a little sewing machine for children, which I used to entertain myself for hours with sewing clothes for our two family cats. One of the cats was very obliging and sat in the doll stroller with whatever dress I had sewn for her that day, while the other cat (who was a big fatso) would burst at the seams in whatever garment I made for him! I would love to start sewing again now that we have our first home (curtains, pillows, clothes, quilts, etc.) but have not had the funds to purchase a machine.
Sewing machines are prized possessions in my household. Growing up, my family lived for over five years in West Africa. And yes, of all the important things to desire for life in the jungle, my mother insisted on “hand-carrying” her sewing machine on the numerous flights from Atlanta, Georgia to Lagos, Nigeria. Nearly twenty five years later, I followed suit when I moved to Northeastern Thailand. Mom gave me a Singer right before I left home. The airport security officials were quite perplexed as they studied my baggage via the x-ray machines. But we made it to the Land of Smiles and I quickly honed in my sewing skills on gorgeous silks and beautiful “ikat” fabrics, years before they became so popular.
my story is, i was wwanting to start my own bag line for messengers so i went out and bought a classic singer (the pedal powered type) thinking hey this must be the simplest machine to work? Wrong wrong wrong.. but to my prefail after numerous attempts at any type of sewing and countless hours plus help from my grams i learned that machine like a pro (not really) but i became well enough to make my bags!!! now i sell them locally!!! maybe this could be a nice upgrade for me..
I am totally intimidated by the sewing machine! I recently took an upholstery class and had to try and remember how to use one. I hadn’t used one since middle school! But I quickly learned the ease of the sewing machine. I love doing upholstery work and a sewing machine would be the start for a new studio space!
Your book looks so great! Get it- so/sew great? Bad puns abound!
My sewing story: Since birth, my mother has sewn me everything from annual Christmas stockings to dresses to match with my little sister. Growing up and living in Japan, she worked for a fashion designer- including making outfits for the royal family. Today in the U.S., she still sews tablecloths and fancy pillows, and along the way passed that enthusiasm onto me. Though I haven’t nearly reached her skill level, I still like to work with her old Singer sewing machine for the occasional small project (including a disastrous drape of a dress made for a 6th grade group sewing project, but I digress). Now that I’m a poor college student, I haven’t been able to get a sewing machine for my apartment, but I’d love to be able to make things in my spare time to decorate as I need, or rather want. I’m actually now attempting to sew the pouf featured on Design*Sponge, because goodness knows I need cute decorations! It would be lovely to have a sewing machine while in school, and the Singer Perfect Finish combo sounds like just the right fit!
I bought my first sewing machine shortly after I got married. I knew the basics, but still had to call Mom for some help. Over the last 11 years I have slowly been learning more and more. Starting with simple pillow covers and curtains to more recently clothes for my three girls. I have recently purchased a great book that is helping me teach my kids how to sew. It’s been a lot of fun! Having a new sewing machine with so many options would be fantastic!! The one I have now just does the very basics.
i started sewing in jr. high on my mom’s singer 401A. when i got married, my dad told my husband the best investment he’d ever make was to buy me a sewing machine. after about a month of searching, i found a used 401A just like my moms, and we bought it! it has sewn many kids clothes, curtains, tablecloths, pillows, chair cushions, bridesmaids dresses–even a wedding gown–and most of my own clothes. i’m still sewing on that machine and just found another at the thrift store for my recently-married daughter. maybe it’s time for a new one…
Well, this would be awesome to win! My sewing machine is about 20 years old – it’s not working as it should, and it would be so nice to have a new one. And I’ve never had a serger. My Grandma, Mom, and I all have/had Singers. If I won I’d definitely be doing a happy dance! :) Thanks for the chance!
never had a serger but I’ve had a singer. I would love to win these, I can work on my sofa cover.
Thanks for this giveaway! I am a “once a year sewer” but would love to sew on a regular basis. Every October I dust off my machine to make my daughter’s Halloween costume. I know just the basics and feel like I am faking it half the time since I am essentially self-taught. Maybe I should start a sewing club? Anyway, perhaps a new machine would inspire me to tackle some projects I have only dreamed of and use the piles of beautiful fabric I have stowed away.
Hey Brett! What an awsome idea to host such a tour for your book. it looks great by the way.
My first encounter with a sewing machine was at the age of 8, when I came home from a trip to a craft store with a friend’s mother with a “sew-a-bear-package”. I needed my moms help to make it work because she (understandably) wouldn’t let me touch the machine. She still has the machine and I’m stil happy with that teddy bear.
Getting a sewing machine and a corresponding serger has been on my list since then…
Your book looks amazing and I can’t wait to get it!
I didn’t start sewing until my 30′s – despite the fact that my mom is an excellent sewer. She sewed our clothes and items for our home. We had very little money and so sewing was a necessity. But I wanted to wear clothes that other kids bought at the store, and I was really annoyed that my dresses matched our curtains and pillows. So I banished any notions of sewing myself until I realized just how amazing it is to make things for your family and your home. My mom and I now compare sewing projects – and wouldn’t it be great to do those on a new machine!
I love a good contest! My very first sewing machine was a Singer treadle when I was 10. I have had several machines since then, but I am looking for something small enough to take traveling. These fit the bill.
What a great giveaway! I had been wanting to learn how to sew for the longest time, but was too intimidated to try. No one in my family sews. About a year ago, I ended up with new coworker, who is an experienced seamstress, and who kept encouraging me to take that first step to learn how to sew.
I finally signed up for a sewing class at Joann’s, and that helped a lot with getting me over that fear of sewing. My coworker gave me an old (about 30 years old) sewing machine to practice on, but it was missing a lot of parts, and did not have a manual, and I could not find one online, even after days of searching. I couldn’t afford to buy another sewing machine yet, so I was so disappointed.
On my birthday last December, I decided to treat myself to a sewing machine, a new Kenmore electronic model, that happened to be on sale, and I’ve been in love ever since! I’ve been longing for a machine that can monogram though, so I can sew a set of matching monogrammed Christmas stockings for my husband and kids and I. That Singer machine would be perfect!
Wow. I remember my mother sewing fantastic clothes for me (and my barbies) when I was a kid, and a reaaaally old sewing machine that worked like a charm. With the years I’ve only grown more and more passionate about sewing my own things, and I am finally looking to buy my own sewing machine. This giveaway just made my day, even if the chances of winning are slim, but hey, you can’t win if you don’t try so… Thank you for an amazing blog and an amazing giveaway!
My Sewing Machine Story.
As of now, I have had rare and few direct encounters with a sewing machine, and how dearly do i wish to have one! I have always loved creating anything really! As of now, I have advanced to sewing things by hand. But I would look on at my grandma (we call her Mommy) at her sewing machine and the lovely thought of using one myself roots itself in my heart. I have so many great ideas, but not the practice or tools to make them come to life. So for me, my sewing story is just beginning, with a dream and a desire. Maybe winning this contest will be the next chapter.
AHHH!!! Best giveaway EVER!
I got my current machine for my 18th birthday, but the machine I learned on initially was old as dirt and twice as unruly. I may not know that much about sewing lingo or technique, but I have the troubleshooting section of that manual MEMORIZED!
I am currently a theater student in college and costuming is my concentration. Sergers always make life better and I would love to add one to my arsenal!
Jill
The book looks amazing, and I love the new blog. My story: I took a few weeks of home ec in junior high, and sewed everything I could. Letter shaped pillows, bathrobes, sweaters, etc. I always had an issue with the needle jamming into the bobbin area. Twenty years later, on ANY sewing machine, I still have the same problem. Does that stop me from trying? No way! I’m just not an expert. Wish I was.
I quit 4-H in 5th grade because I couldn’t thread the machine. I remember the day vivdly. I avoided high school home ec by playing in the marching band. Today, I have a garage sale find for a machine and I salivate over fabric and keep a looong blogroll of crafty sites. I can’t get enough of it! Thanks for the opportunity to win such a fabulous prize!
Hi Brett, it’s great to meet you on the Design*Sponge stop for your Blog Tour.
My sewing machine story: Years ago, when I was going off to college, my parents gave me a double present because my Dad said, “Every girl should go off to college with a typewriter and a sewing machine.” With the typewriter I eventually became a journalist and then worked in the worlds of politics, government, and nonprofits. With the sewing machine, a Singer Genie, I managed to become so proficient a sewer that I could afford a Vogue/designer wardrobe while traversing the low-paying fields of journalism, and then … politics, government, and nonprofits.
It has now been years since I even opened my little, yet clever Singer Genie. Even back then, it was beginning to disintegrate. Recently, I’ve had the urge to start sewing again. And, sew in straight lines. So, it would be heavenly to have a new Singer.
And, how fortunate that the theme of your book is … sewing in straight lines. I’ve bookmarked and traversed your site. Contest win, lose or draw, I am already a winner.
Thanks, and
Cheers,
Jill
My mom can really sew. She used to make her own clothes, curtains, bedspreads, pillows, christmas stockings, and many other things. When I was a kid I she stopped sewing so much and I always found sewing a little intimidating. I learned the basics on her old Elna machine but never really did much. She put her machine away but it was always in the back of my mind that I wanted to start sewing. I never really got around to it. I have always loved creating and been interested in art. Sadly, much like sewing, I did little to develop my artistic abilities. I didn’t have the courage to go after my dreams. I thought I had to do something practical with my life, and while I liked art I didn’t know if anything I made would be “good enough.” How stupid! I finally wised up and knew that the only way to be happy is to go after your dreams. I changed my major to art and dove into using many new mediums. I now do ink drawings, painting, sculpture, metal work, paper cutting, embroidery, printing, felting, and more. I use blowtorches and saws so now I am pretty fearless; a little old sewing machine is nothing to fear. My true passion is fiber arts. I used my mom’s old machine this last semester in a project I am very proud of. I am so happy I found what I truly love to do and have finally allowed myself to do it.
Noelle – what you’re doing sounds awesome! Always follow your dreams! :O)
My first sewing machine was a Christmas presents from my parents. I had to share it with my sisters, but we had so much fun with our little sewing projects. Best present ever!
Congrats on your new book. Can’t wait to see it!
The book looks fabulous! I’m looking forward to my own copy! Best of luck to you and all of your fans. Happy Sewing!
My mum had an old Singer treadle sewing machine – it was beautiful! She used to sew dresses for herself and me – sometimes matching! How twee!! :O) Then she sold it and got a more modern Singer – it had no soul. I always wished I had taken the old machine but had no where to keep it. I wonder what happened to it.
Then in later years I did an Art & design degree specialising in textiles. I bought a fairly basic Bernina which is still going strong over 20 years later! Oh the happy times I can remember sewing straight through my finger – I used to do ‘free’ sewing where you remove the guard designed to prevent just such a thing happening!
Thank you for the opportunity to win such lovely prizes!
Thanks so much for hosting this awesome giveaway. My sewing machine is like 10 years old, and on its last legs, this prize package would be AMAZING and sooooo much appreciated!
Oh wow I am drooling over the possibility I could win one.
I started sewing when I was 15.It was a requirement in my 9th grade year.I made a TON of quilts for everyone I could think of.I now have 5 little girls and I have started trying to teach myself to sew little things here and there as well as teach my 11 year old daughter to also sew simple things.Hopefully her and I can grow to learn new things as she gets older.
Then we can teach the rest of the girls also.It would be a great memory and talent for them to pass down to their own children
Chanel Beeman Laney
I use to know how to sew when I was in High School. I have not sewn in years but have been thinking about getting back into. I would love to be able to make things such as decorative throw pillows (some are so expensive to purchase). I would love to make these for myself and for others as gifts!! I hope to win this so that I can start my throw pillow business.. lol (:
Wow! I just got a Singet Brilliance which I love! But a serger would be really something. thanks for the giveaway and all the tutorials!
Thank you for giving me the chance to win this sewing machine. I have been saving up for a while to buy a new sewing machine because currently trying out new ways to make a little extra income to help pay all my babys medical bills off. And because the bills havent stop coming and wont stop coming till she better if i could win this machine then that means a whole lot to me. the saving money can pay medical bills and the machine can help get a little business going. Thank you and God bless.
My mom has always had my grandmothers sewing machine that stays the the desk/table it came with. It is very unique and i love old time furniture. But my mom keeps the sewing machine at my house since she has no were to put it and its very special to me since i never met my grandmother. My grandmother died 5 years before i was born from breast cancer and i always heard great stories about her so i guess thats why i like the sewing machine so much because it was something that was hers. But i have only use a sewing machine twice, when i worked some years back at a factory we had to sew the ends the seat belt once we cut it but it was on a patern design so all you had to do was mash the pedal and the sewing machin did the rest. And i have never used my grandmothers sewing machin which i have thought about it but im not even sure if it still works.
Yes, I find sewing machines more intimidating than rotary saws, yet I still want to try to learn!
I started sewing on an old old Singer machine. In grade school, I used to sew paper skirts for my dolls. My Grandfather saw me and purchased a Featherweight Singer for me that I still have today.
Congratulations on your new book, new couch with matching kitty and your fun blog. I’ve already watched your zippered pillow video and, though a sewing novice, I am now getting the feeling that it’s something I might really be able to do!
My grandmother sewed wonderful patchwork quilts which we now treasure using an old Singer treadle machine. I didn’t think I possessed that particular gene and have always been intimidated by the idea of sewing until relatively recently. Now that I’m retired from work, I’ve discovered again how much fun crafting and creating things can be. Thanks to your video, I’ve decided that I will no longer let zippers scare me. I shall give the zippered pillow project a try and see where it leads me. It should be a pretty fun journey no matter how it turns out.
Wishing you great success and happiness in all your pursuits.
I have always wanted to be the creative type but never did anything about it i just carried on being a plain jane. But then i saw a old Jones sewing machine for sale for £20 so i grabbed it a couple of weeks ago.
Unfortunatly it does not work and its in for repairs, but not looking hopeful. But i am so excited about what i can start making i have a 2 year old son who i want to start making things for :) and a house i want to make a home but we are on a budget so i am not letting that get in my way.
I had been wanting a sewing machine and my mom had a Brother machine that she only used a few times and she said I could have it. My mother made me play outfits and PJ’s when I was little and I have a 1 and 3 year old girls and dreamed of making stuff for them too. I got the machine and brought it home. It was sitting in my Dining Room in the original box and I mentioned to my 3 year old that maybe we could practice by making some doll clothes another time. As I was getting my infants bottle to go downstairs my 3 year old went to the box with the sewing machine and pushed it over to the stairs wanting to make doll clothes right then and pushed it down the stairs. I had a sewing machine for 3 days and never even got to use it before it was broken.
oh my god!there are so many comments here…anyway!i am from greece and i am new here!i don’t even know if i can actually participate!my grandpa used to hold a small fabric shop where they used to sell fabrics and fabric crafts in a small village in north greece.when he closed the store he made it a playground for his grandchildren:)we have spended a lot of childhood moments pretending that we were making dresses to raise “our daughters and sons”(our younger cousins)there were two old sewing machins that i was to young to prevent my grandma of selling them:(
that’s the story.i know it’s not that much of the interest but for me it is full of sweet moments and laughter!
I started sewing on my mum’s 1970s era Bernina. A full metal beast of a machine. For my 21st birthday (in 2006), mum said she wanted to buy me a machine. Because the budget was limited I scoured the classifieds in the paper, and rang an old lady who was selling her machine. When we got there, it turned out to be the exact same late 70s model as my mum’s, right down to the bright red plastic carry case! It was meant to be.
So. Aside from 6 months of home ec, I’ve only ever sewn on one model of sewing machine in my entire life.
(I’m entering because I have my eye on the serger…).
I’m from Australia and i remember using my mother’s sewing machine when i was little and from the moment i use to watch my mum do her sewing i knew i would love it and i picked it up straight away.
My sewing machine now is a little one that can do the basics that i need.
But my passion for sewing machine have been around for a very long time.
Thank you for the wonderful giveaway going on here and Good Luck to everyone who enters.
Honestly I don’t really remember my sewing machine purchase. All I know is that my wonderful aunt bought it for me when I was about Tween age. I didn’t do much with it at all until recently (I’m 23 right now). It’s been my creative outlet and sanctuary from the harsh realities of the real world. I have turned to my machine in the midst of unemployment and constant self-doubt and punishment. But when I’m sewing or quilting, I’m in my revere. It’s my escape and my hero.
Wow to win this would be amazing, thanks for the chance! xoxo
As a little girl my uncle and dad owned a small sewing factory. I would go in and sit with the workers and they would teach me to sew on their big blue sewing machines (The amount of places for hide and seek were also a huge part of the fun). It was just a great place for my first sewing memories and we still keep in touch even though the factory has closed. Sewing really can bring people together.
I would say my sewing machine story is somewhat a little gruesome and at the same time sweet…it is an old version of Singer machine that my late grandma use to sew her patchwork blankies using fabric scraps that she get from my mom (my mom is a seamstress) So one day I sneaked to her machine and was touching the machine here and there and at the same time my left forefinger was right underneath the needle. You know the old machine that you need to get it moving with your feet….and I accidentally had it moving the the needle went straight through into my finger….I did not cry and I braved on to get the needle out….and seek her help to nurse my throbbing finger. From then on, I get lessons from my mom or grandma how to use it and sew things….
where to start, new machine, no one to give me instructions, should not be difficult, reading the instructions, turn on the machine and push the pedal! simple. it was in the early days, until the machine began to chew the lines, the tissue jammed in the machine, had to cut all that bunch of lines, clean the coils and did exactly the same! only later realized that the line was too wide … now before i begin some work i always read post on blogs to help understand :)
ana *
My mom taught me to sew when I got really sick as a young child and had to stay home from school for about three months. I’ve gotten much better since then and have graduated from sewing pillows to sewing bags and sometimes even dresses.
My grandmother had a Singer 401 and I wanted it so badly. My sister got the machine and she does not even sew. Well, I was out thrift store hopping and found a similar machine. I love that machine. I now have a Pfaff and a Juki, but I will always hold on to my Singer. It is the only one that will sew jeans. :)
My grandmother was sewed professionaly, however I was too little to learn at the time. Sadly, when she passed I was away from home on a vacation (somewhere far east..) and did not think I should ask for her beautiful heavy metal Singer machine I have admired. The old machine was dumped, and I still think about it (and my grandmother of course) frequently. I wish to sew, and now, more than ever because there are so many things I wish to sew my little baby boy. I have started learning in a center in our community, however I wish to keep the legacy and to own a Singer.
I am retired now and have a lot more time to sew. My Viking is at least 25 years old. I also have a Singer Featherweight that is great for quilting and traveling. I would love to have a serger in my hands!
Hey Brett,
I started sewing when I was a little girl at the age of 7 or 8. My grandmother gave me instructions. The first thing I ever sewed were the curtains for my grandmothers gardenhouse. Just a few stitches of course, but I was as proud as I had made all of it! Since then I wanted to learn more and started sewing pillows and little things like a cape for my carneval costume (I was a vampire :D). When I got older I started sewing more difficult things like clothes. Every now an then my mother helped me, if I had problems or freaked out because nothing wanted to work :D
But after the years I developed my sewing skills. At my 21 birthday I got the best birthday present of my entire life: My grandmother’s sewing machine! It’s an old Veritas from the DDR, but it still works nicely. Sometimes the old lady has starting problems or wants to devour the yarn, but I love this thing! It’s one of the machines, that have a table around them, so you can store a lot of sewing tools in it. But I am afraid she won’t live for much longer, cause she starts to get a few deseases like the lower thread always rips, when I start sewing, even though everything is adjusted the right way. Maybe I should thing about getting a new one, even though I will alway love that lady!
Greetings from Germany, I adore your blog!
The only sewing machine I’ve ever used is an ancient Singer. My father brought it home when the school he worked at replaced them with never versions, but it still runs, even though this was in the eighties. My mother made me twirly skirts on it. Personally, I keep fighting with it, but I keep telling myself it’s just because there’s no longer an instruction manual. :)
Hello! New to the site and I absolutely love it! Can’t believe I’ve never seen it before. Like a lot of folks, my mother taught me how to sew when I was younger. We moved around a lot, and one of the things I remember is that no matter what type of living situation we were in, we would always have a fresh pair of curtains for the bedroom windows. Sometimes it would be old sheets sew together because that’s all we had, but it immediately made any living situation “ours”. When I received a Singer for my 18th birthday, it was my mother’s way of telling me she knew I was ready to make my own home out in the world. Now in my mid-20s, the first thing I do when I move into a new space is figure out what curtains I’m going to make or redesign for my new windows.
Can’t wait to explore more of your site and begin all sorts of new sewing projects – hopefully with a new Singer and serger!
Just found your site through Design*Sponge and immediately added you to my RSS! My story is that I grew up being watched by my grandma after school and in the summers. I remember her always crafting and sewing and that’s where my love for all things handmade began. A few years ago she gave me her old metal Kenmore sewing machine and although it’s heavy and somewhat cumbersome to lug around, I love having it and it still works (almost) like new! No bells and whistles, perfect for sewing in straight lines!! :)
My first machine was a Singer. iLearned to sew in home economics class. my feminist self wonders why men did not take it;we learned some useful things. On the other hand, I wish that I had taken shop as well. My first project was a plaid suit . I took it with me to college. My latest project was a strip wall quilt for my son.
I have been sewing on a JCPenny 1980′s machine for several years now. I’m sort of afraid to venture on to a newer machine; having to re-learn all the bells and whistles intimidates me. BUT, I must say, the two machines you are giving away are enough to make me throw my machine out of the window and learn a new machine blind-folded! I would ABSOLUTELY LOVE to be the proud owner of those two babies!! Pick me, pick me, pick me!!!
My story? Not so good — I was always intimidated by my mom’s sewing machine, so now I hand stitch everything, which can make quilting a really challenging project. I’d love a sewing machine of my own to jump into the world of sewing whole hog!
I am so excited about the giveaway, also about your books and website:) I am the one that has never learned how to use a sewing machine. I have a strong desire to learn to sew. I see different projects that I would love to be able to do myself, but lack the know how:( I also have 5 girls that I can pass on the sewing skill too. My 14 year old asked for a sewing machine for her birthday and after getting a cheap one from walmart she really enjoyed sewing until it broke. We would Love Love the chance to win this awesome prize. Thank you for taking the time to set this up and giving us a chance.
Growing up my mom would sew us dresses with smocked aprons and yokes. My other sisters never really got into it but I’d hang around and watch what she was doing. Before she let me actually start sewing she’d pull out her old sewing machine and hand me a piece of paper and I’d “sew” dotted line designs into the paper because the needle would punch holes without any thread. The first real project I ever did with my mom was sewing a pair of patchwork shorts. I cut out squares of fabric from all her scraps and made these awful looking patchwork shorts. I was so proud of them. Their basement flooded once when I was in the middle of a dress, so while all the furniture was at odd angles and propped up funny and fans blowing everywhere, I carved out a little bit of space to plug in the sewing machine and kept sewing. I made all my prom dresses with my mom’s help. When I finally got a place of my own, I picked up this old old sears machine from a garage sale and it does straight lines pretty well. I need my mom to sew the zippers and button holes because this machine is missing some parts. She doesn’t mind and I still call her up with sewing questions. I would love to have a real nice machine where I can do my own button holes and zippers and be able to serge the edges to a clean finish.
I didn’t have access to a sewing machine as a kid, but I always wanted to learn to sew. So as a young married woman, I bought a cheap sewing machine and took some lessons. It wasn’t a good experience. I – and my instructor – spent much time wrestling with that wretched machine! It wasn’t easy, it wasn’t fun, and the sewing machine soon disappeared. But I’d love to try it again with a nice sewing machine. It’s never too late to learn, right?!
Congratulations on the book! It looks amazing!
Growing up I used to sew all the time with my Nona, and she always wanted to buy me a Singer featherweight, and always talked about how great they were, even though they were discontinued. Years later I was helping my Grandfather on the other side of the family, go through his attic and low and behold there was a Singer Featherweight hiding up there! So my sewing maching sort of came from both sides of the family, and I think about both my grandmothers when I use it.
Except that it’s broken right now and I can’t afford to get it fixed, winning this machine would mean the world to me!
My love for sewing started at a young age and I still love it! When I was about 9 I wanted to make doll clothes and there was an old Singer treddle machine in our basement furnace room that wasn’t working. I still recall the warmth of that room and the challenge of getting it threaded properly and finally finding the real problem which was simply that the belt had come off the gears. The sounds of that machine can never be duplicated but on my 13th birthday I got my first very own machine-a Singer 404. Time for an upgrade, I think.
I’ve known that I really need a sewing machine in my life for years. And one year when I was living in Manhattan I saw an ad for a Necchi non-computerized sewing machine for a great price. I went to the address on a high floor in an industrial building in the garment district and saw a whole bunch of women there, women who seemed to know a bit about sewing. If they were buying the machine, they hey why not me too? Years later my Necchi has only been used really to sew a few comforter covers, and some costumes for my kids, as it keeps needing servicing, and the closest place is a 45min drive away, yikes and we don’t have a car sooooooooo Brett, I could really really use these sewing machines to make lots of good things for my family and for others and to encourage my daughter and her friends to take up sewing!
My mom bought me a sewing machine when i was 13 and i used it sporadically for a couple of years. Now more than twenty years later I am coming back to sewing and need a new machine. Even though the old machine is broken my mom refuses to give it up.I could really use a new machine to start making crafts and clothes for my daughter.
I found a 1938 Singer sewing machine on Craig’s list that I bought about a year ago. It’s an amazingly sturdy machine and I wouldn’t give it up for the world, but I would dearly love to have a more modern sewing machine, capable of stretch stitch and zigzag, and all those other things that a modern machine can do. And a serger? I could see myself using that all the time, for things like knits and hemming. Now I do those things by hand, which is tedious at best. I’d love to win the pair and upgrade my sewing technology.
I bought my first sewing machine 15yrs ago right before I got married, but it went kaput last year just as I began teaching my 10 yr daughter how to sew. Even though I had it serviced, it’s never been the same and I haven’t had money to buy a new one. In the meantime, my daughter had saved enough to buy her first one last October and went to town sewing bags, fabric napkins, and stuffed monsters! She has sold some for raising money for Breast cancer, Christmas gifts etc. She’s done a wonderful job and I’m so proud of her skill but she could totally use a serger and a better machine to keep up with her talent and her business! Thank you for this giveaway.
https://www.facebook.com/shesmilescrafts
I sew all the time and think your book would be an added inspiration, which we all need daily. I just found your blog and am so happy*** happy *** happy***. I love to find people that sew, I feel we are a dieing breed.
My grandmother and mother are great sewers, but it seems that it isn’t so easy for me. I would love to be able to sew using a great machine!
My brother and I found this incredibly old table Singer (pedal-powered, non-electric — sorry I can’t be more specific, but think homestead) at an old abandoned homestead near our house. It weighed about a zillion pounds but we drug it home (my mom was unimpressed) and cleaned it up, with dreams of being able to use it. Instead, we became rather adept at sewing by hand… So, years later, I’m still crap on a machine but still dream of learning and creating lots of cute stuff.
I’ve tried to sew on and off my whole life…since I was a kid, never actually being as successful as I wanted. My husband of all people surprised me 8 years ago with used sewing machine…I’ve been chugging along with it ever since, but I know it’s on it’s last leg…thanks for the opportunity!
Hi Brett! I’m very excited to have found your blog – I’m always on the lookout for fun, creative, crafty ideas!
About 10 years ago (maybe for my 30th birthday?) my mother sold her old, big, clunky sewing machine & cabinet & bought me a ‘starter’ machine. I love it, but really need to upgrade now. And I REALLY need a serger! Oh my goodness…the things I could do…….
oooooh lala, brett!
this is my first visit to your blog, and what a fabulous little internet cranny it is!
i have always wanted to be one of those gals who could whip up a new pair of trousers from an old tablecloth or something, but this has been difficult, as i’ve never had a machine of my own. i grew up in the country, and was very involved in 4-H as a young girl. my mom and i participated in a mother-daughter sort of kitchen fashion show one year, and i sewed the sweetest baby blue check apron you have ever seen with my mom’s help. it is quite short and a bit too slim around the middle for me now, but i positively ache for my own machine so that i can get back in the saddle and start sewing away many more aprons and the like. cheers!
I’m new! Just saw you over at design sponge and it looked intriguing.
My grandmother has been a seamstress her entire life. I’ve been watching her alter and make garments forEVER, including two of the prom dresses my sister designed. I wanted to learn because it seemed like magic, but I was very very intimidated by the sewing machine. I would love to have her pass on the original cast-iron Singer with its original wooden worktop. She has had it since she was a little girl and brought it with her to the States when she came from St Lucia, which was an enormous expense. However, I will not have it decorating my house: It deserves to be used!. Ergo, I must learn.
my mom is an awesome sewer, but I’ve only realized the awesome potential of the home sewer in recent years.. I have managed a few successful projects (some even without my mom’s help) — including silk purses for all my bridesmaids last year (!) — and my mom has been so kind as to gift me her old machine, which i think is fair to call “vintage” at this point… while it works ok, and definitely has sentimental value, a brand-new-fancy machine AND serger could be just what i need to push me into high gear.
Either way, awesome site – have been following you on D*S for a couple years, so glad to hang out on your own space!!
When my mom was growing up, her mother always made clothes for her, her sister and 4 brothers (yes, they did have matching sailor outfits). Then when my mom was a teenager, she started to sew and made all of her outfits. When we were younger, my mom would make my clothes: easter outfits, play dresses, she even made my sweet sixteen dress. But I cut her off after that because it wasn’t “cool” anymore. But it is! It so is. I remember sewing little beanbags when I was younger, but I didn’t touch a sewing machine until about 3 years ago when I was pregnant and wanted to make a little mouse doll for the baby. I had a template from another blog I follow, got on the sewing machine at work, and went to town. When I was done all the kids that I worked with laughed at me. It was a very sad mouse, very Picasso-esque. So, I have been too intimidated to get back on the saddle. But here’s the thing, anything else I put my mind to, I can do really well. And I want to sew. I want to make dresses for my daughter (and for myself), and I want to be able to teach her how to sew when she’s older. Please Help me!
As a child, my grandmother made all of my dresses. I spent so many hours watching her sew ruffles and lace. Unfortunately, I have just began to actively sew in the past year on a little rinky-dink machine. I have tons of ideas and projects that I want to try for my 2 month old daughter. But I realize that I am very limited by the machine that I have. Hopefully luck will prevail.
Ohh! A serger!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I would be in sewing heaven with a serger!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So generous to offer. Thank you
Wow! Great giveaway! I’ve been sewing since I was 7 with scraps & needle and thread to make doll clothes. I made my wedding dress on my Grandmothers treadle sewing machine. I sewed Automobile seats for 20 years, now I do the fun stuff for myself.
i Love to sew. My mom taught me the basics as a kid. When I got married, my husband’s nana gave me one of her sewing machines. I used that till it died. I am now using a borrowed machine. I really would love one of my own.
I taught myself how to sew last year! I bought a $20 machine that doesn’t work very well. I would love to win these so that I can further explore my new craft! Thanks for the opportunity!
I have two small children, and have so many wonderful ideas for toys to sew for them. It would be wonderful to have a sewing machine to inspire their imaginations!
Hi! I found your blog through Design Sponge. I am loving it. I have a sewing machine that was my grandmother’s from the 70′s. It doesn’t have a lot of capabilities, but it is made of metal and quite sturdy. I have made a few things on it. My mom made me take sewing lessons as a teen. I didn’t like it at the time, but since then I have come to like it. I would love to make a quilt some day. I actually use it to sew on paper more than fabric. I love to make cards and scrapbooks. The stitches add so much to a paper project. The machines you are giving away look wonderful. Thanks Brett!
My mother’s 1953 cabinet Singer occupies a corner of my bedroom in Philadelphia, PA as it did in my childhood bedroom in Nashville, TN. It’s a happy reminder of the clothes & curtains she made. I bought a portable Singer in a green plastic case from a friend in Memphis in the early 70s. I sold it to a colleague when I inherited Mom’s machine. Ordinary story, yes! but here’s the best part. A few summers ago, during another heat wave, I got myself out the door to go to a porch sale in my neighborhood. My intuition insisted on my going despite the terrible heat at nine a.m. When I got there, I found a Singer 221 Featherweight in its original case, all the accessories, in perfect condition for $20. I love it! It is so cute, sews perfectly & attachments work on both machines — as they were made within months of each other. When sewing, both are out with different color threads. Would love new sisters for them!
I started sewing when I was about 7 or 8. I was obsessed with pioneering, Little House on the Prairie, and I wanted to become self-sufficient and home crafty! My mother taught me a few basic stitches, gave me full access to her drawers of material, thread, needles, etc and sent me on my way. Now, I’ve started quilting. I’ve never owned my own machine, I do all my work by hand. But I would love to learn the technology so my projects don’t take quite as long!
The book looks great, many congrats, you should be very proud!!
I have been dreaming of owning a sewing machine for ever! My mother is the most amazing seamstress and knitter around I learned everything from her. I always remember watching her sew clothes for us and doll clothes for our dolls. I am sad to say that I never kept up with it, although now that I have my own baby I would love to make clothes for her and blankets etc. I just don’t have the money for a good sewing machine. I also took sewing classes in school and remember how fun it was to actually make a pair of pants that fit! the feeling of making something yourself is so rewarding!
I learned to sew dollclothes on my grandmothers machine. When I was in high school I worked and saved $50.00 to purchase a used Singer and used that workhorse of a machine sewing all my clothing in high school and college until my first year of marriage when my husband bought me my first new sewing machine, a Singer Futura. I sewed constantly on that machine for 25 years. WOW! I would love a new serger.
Your new book looks brilliant! Just what I need to relearn sewing techniques like, oh, sewing in a straight line which now eludes me : ( And while I have my mom’s 1951 Singer Featherweight, I sure would LOVE to win the dynamic duo and attachments. I am a newbie here and definitely am returning again and again.
I first learned to sew in a college class. My mom got me a machine when I graduated. It died a few years later. This taught me the value of buying a quality model. I purchased a new machine that woked great for many years – until I lost the bobbin case in a move! I am currently using an ancient model a friend gave me but I would love to give that to my 12 year old to learn on.
Ok, I’m not gonna lie – I DID just find this blog, but I am in LOVE!! This is just what I’ve been looking for – some inspiration for my own sewing projects! Feeling a little crafty now! And a new sewing machine and serger would be such a God send! I’m not really one to win things, but I can dream. : ) Here’s hoping!
I have my mom’s sewing machine right now and my goal for the summer is to create something useful (& pretty!) with it. I don’t have a lot of experience, but I’ve made a few projects. It’s just been a LONG time since I did them!
When I was younger, I wanted to be a fashion designer. I used to draw all kinds of silly designs. I got my first machine in high school. It belonged to my Aunt Nancy in the 60s – she passed away before I was born, but the machine kind of made me feel connected to her.
But I didn’t REALLY start sewing until I got to college. I was a theater major, and costuming class was a requirement. I was hooked! I got a brand new sewing machine for Christmas in my first semester, and had all kinds of time to sew my own hippie clothes and get creative with thrift store finds and old jeans.
It’s been 15 years, but I still have that “brand new” machine, and have recently gotten back into sewing. This time, it’s curtains, placemats, and seat cushions for my new apartment, but with a new machine and serger, I could get back into clothing (I definitely don’t have time to zig zag all my edges anymore!).
I’m so glad I found your blog today – I’ve added you to my Google Reader. And I’m ordering your book today – can’t wait to get it! Thanks for the inspiration.
My sewing machine story has been a wandering one. I started on my mom’s machine that was a simple one from Walmart. I don’t remember the brand. I made my first projects on it-all of them purses. But the machine had constant tension problems and I could never figure out how to keep the tension right. It would get thrown off for seemingly no reason. I had to fight with the machine every time I made something. Ughh. The next machine I used I borrowed from a friend who had been keeping it in her closet. She had picked up an old metal Singer at a garage sale but didn’t know how to use it. The machine still worked and once I got it set no more tension problems! Yay! I used that machine for about a year and we had fun together. I had to get creative using it because it didn’t always do what I wanted but at least I wasn’t fighting it. Then after I got married I bought myself a sewing machine a Brother machine that is computerized. Its a beginner machine-the nicest I could afford but I do love it. It can do some fancy things and came with a quilting setup which I love because I got into quilting after I bought it. We get along wonderfully and I am having fun learning new skills.
I have a complicated and convoluted love/hate relationship with sewing machines. My marvelous Mom had the foresight to send us to sewing classes, alas the instructor didn’t like to teach. I continued to pick up classes here and there; so, I at least became comfortable with my way around a sewing machine. Alas, the sewing machines of the world had different plans for me. I battle constantly with correct tension (hello??!?!? As if I don’t already have enough of it!), whether it’s on the old Pfaff I inherited or the second-hand Kenmore I acquired a couple of years ago. Then I read that dull needles could throw tension out of whack, so I changed the needle…EUREKA! It’s blogs like this that help me stick with sewing instead of consigning my machines to the scrap heap. It would be rrrrreally nice to have nifty new machines…especially a serger since I’ve never really had the chance to create with one.
I really don’t sew. I’ve always wanted to learn, but you need a machine to do that. With these machines I could start that process.
Hi Brett, I’m so inspired to get back into sewing since I found your blog! Growing up with a seamstress and a tailor for parents it was inevitable that I picked up the craft. Naturally my mom focused on her customers orders and I had to wait till she had the time to put together outfits for me, so I started sewing for myself. That way, I was able to get more creative with the styles I wanted. Her sewing machine at the time was an old metal singer with a sort of platform pedal that had to be pumped up and down in order for the machine to sew. I was so happy for the endless creative possibilities, working with that machine never bothered me. Who knows what my daughter will think about my Shark Euro-Pro when she grows up!
I grew up playing with my Mom’s fabric scraps, creating elaborate fashion creations for my lucky Barbies. My first pair of high heels were bought to strut in a Junior High fashion show where I sported the panel skirt and matching shawl that I created. My mom gave me my current machine 25 years ago while I was in college and I still miss a particular blouse I made from a Ralph Lauren pattern. Sigh.
Thanks for this fun contest/walk down memory lane!
My grandmother tried to show me how to sew on her singer when I was little–apparently my attention span wasn’t so good back then! I would love to give it another try!!
I’ve recently started making quilts, really simple ones. It would be great to be able to sew more complicated designs and these machines would help me do that.
I learned to sew on my mom’s awesome Singer when I was little, and now am lucky enough to be “borrowing” her lovely new-used Bernina – and I’m sure she’d be as happy as me if I somehow became the owner of my very own machine. I’ve never had a serger but my dreams are definitely filled with the magic that is easy knitwear sewing, for reals.
I use to sew with my moms old singer. Something was terribly wrong though. It would constantly break needles and shoot the ends in any wild direction. Protective eye wear required. More like being in shop class than home ec.
OH PICK ME! PICK ME! I NEEED THIS. I LOVE THIS. PICK ME!
There was a time in my life when I was desperately poor, and so the only way I could get a decent sewing machine after having mine go out of whack was to scour the thrift stores. It was far less expensive for me to buy a machine that might or might not work for less than 20 dollars rather than to pay 60 dollars to have one I currently owned to be professionally cleaned and adjusted. The machines I got were usually in good working order, and had the added advantage of having all metal gears inside. This practice stuck, and even after being in a much better place financially in my life, I will take a heavy used clunker over a new plastic monstrosity any day!
My sewing/crafting journey began at a very young age. I learned to sew when I was maybe 9 or 10. My mom signed me up for sewing classes at a local fabric shop. She often made dresses and clothes for me, some beautiful and others not so much. I fondest memory was when I was in 7th grade, our school was holding a Renaissance Festival, and somehow I was chosen to the be the Queen or Princess or something, so my mom made a beautiful navy dress with flowing sleeves and a gorgeous headpiece. I had never felt so beautiful – super cheesy I know. However after high school, I never got back into sewing but for the past 4 – 5 years I have been searching for a machine and dreaming of clothes and crafts I could make. I hope I win!
The first sewing machine I ever used was a working Cabbage Patch Kid one! I wish so bad I still had it – my mom sewed all my clothes when I was little, and I wanted to sew too – I remember making a corduroy business suit for my stuffed koala bear! So weird. I used my mom’s machine from the 80′s for a while until I lost the presser foot in a move, now I use a cheap one off Craigslist. I have inherited my grandmother’s antique machine from the early 1900′s, but don’t yet have a big enough space to put it. These machines you are giving away would be a dream come true.
Hi, it’s my first visit here and I just L-O-V-E it!
Not just the great giveaway, sure I’ll always come back.
Well, my sewing machine was bought by my grandma at ’70s. It’s a good Singer machine (like most of the olds) and had a gorgeous manual use that teach useful stuff. Unfortunately, my grandma couldn’t read and therefore did not enjoy the full potential of your machine, but still has sewn clothes for their 14 children!
Now that I have the machine, I use it to make small repairs, sew bags and even clothes.
I plan to sew professionally and win this Singer Perfect Finish Combo would be the ideal start.
Excuse my English, I hope that you’d understand my story
New to the blog! Introduced by Design Sponge. Lusting after a machine. I have been borrowing my Mom’s for the past few years. Quite excited about digging into your book. Thanks for all the great info!
I love your blog! My mom is excellent at sewing and tried to teach me as a child. Now that I’m older, I really want to learn again. Your blog has helped tremendously! Thank you!
I have been sewing for more years than I can count! My first sewing machine was my great grandmother’s treadle. It dates from the 1890′s. For many years it was my only machine. It forced me to learn finishing techniques since all it did was go forward. No zig zag, no buttonholer. I even made wool suits for my husband on this machine.
I am now working a a costume designer for a dance company. Both of those machine would be wonderful to take to the theater. The machine that the dance company owns is not wonderful. We do NOT get along.
All the best in your new digs in Brooklyn Brett! Thanks for the contest!!
I am fortunate to have my grandmother’s Singer treadle machine and my mother’s Singer portable, both in great working condition. They both weigh a cajillion pounds — the treadle machine has cast iron supports. Both Mom and Grandmother taught me how to sew, and I spent many happy hours making clothes for myself as I grew up. The machines are pretty limited in what they will produce, and my sewing is becoming more and more of a creative, relaxing endeavor now. These new machines would greatly expand my repertoire.
My mom handed me down her first sewing machine. She bought it with her first salary in the 60s. It was a Singer 720 and I have been using it since. It’s a great machine very advanced for the time. It even had elastic stitch at a time where knits were not so popular.
I treasure this machine like a baby. And I thank my mom every day for having inspired me and given me her old machine. BTW, her new one is also a singer. So I would love to continue the tradition
When I think of sewing my thoughts go directly to my grandmother. She always had her sewing machine out when I was a kid, always fixing someone’s hem or taking in a waistline. She helped me to make my prom dress and my aunt’s bridal party dresses. I always saw sewing as a skill or craft, but it wasn’t until this past Thanksgiving when i was visiting when i realized how it was truly an art. She showed me her sewing technique portfolio that she had to create in school- I was surprised how similar it was to the sketchbooks i made in school. It was after this that I felt a deeper connection with my grandma. I always wished I could live closer and learn how to sew and make patterns from her. I would love to have a sewing machine to practice and make something for her – to show her my appreciation and love.
so.. please please please pick me! ;)
Just found your blog through nipperknits. I love the projects from your book!
What an awesome giveaway! As for my sewing machine memories, I can vividly remember my Mom sewing away at her machine for hours. It was the 70s and our house was ‘early American style’, meaning plenty o’ antiques – and also meaning that my Mom’s machine sat inside an antique sewing machine holder/stand! I used to love sitting at it and playing with the treddle (?) underneath.
My Mom used that machine to make all the curtains in our house and dress after dress for me and my 3 sisters. I also have fond memories of the clothes my sisters made for me (I was the youngest). I took my first sewing class through a summer program at the age of 12 and am sad to report, not much ‘stuck’. I’ve successfully made a couple pillow covers and roman shades for our house, but would love to try my hand at making my own clothes.
Disregard my last post. I didn’t mention my sewing machine story….
I learned to sew on my mom’s Singer Featherweight when I was about 11 years old. I made the usual doll clothes, then started making some of my own clothes. Then my mom got a a new machine, a fancy new Elna that used cams to make fancy stitches. I had some real fun finding creative uses for the stitches. Then came college, and I stopped sewing. as I didn’t have access to a machine. A few years after graduating and getting a job, I bought my first sewing machine – a Bernina 801 Sport. I think it was about $300 which was a lot at the time. That machine is still going strong! Many years later, my Mom’s Elna wore out and she replaced it with a computertized model. But the Featherweight still is working great and best of all – she gave it to me! I also grabbed my grandmother’s Singer treadle machine when she passed away. It cost a lot to have it shipped from AL to CA, but was worth every penny. It still stitches, nice even stitches.
What an incredable giveaway! Both my mother and grandmother were sewing advicates. So much so that my brother and I didn’t have store bought clothes until the first grade. My grandmother, though, was the ultimate seamstress. Her sewing room was amazing! Bolts of fabrics in the closet, her walls were lined with mini drawers holding bobbins, pins, threads in every color, anything and everything, and as a kid I loved exploring through the room finding silky ribbons and shiny buttons. Whenever I hear a sewing machine in action I’m instantly brought back to my grandmother’s overflowing sewing room, a room filled with projects and possibilities.
Your new book looks wonderful! My mum taught me to sew when I was just a kid, getting me to help her hand sew christmas decorations with my extremely large, uneven stitches. When I was about 10 I was taught to use the machine. She still has it – a cast iron Pfaff that weighs about 30 pounds and comes with it’s own plastic carrying case. That machine is extremely hardy – I remember jamming the bobbin almost every week, and every time we pried it out with needlenose pliers, and it remained unscathed. When I moved across the country for school, I wanted desperately to take the Pfaff with me, but alas. It is far too heavy to transport on an airplane. I bought a cheap machine to tide me over, but it’s just not the same. For one thing, it can’t handle thick fabrics or denim, and the bobbin case, the one time I jammed it, actually broke! I had to take the whole thing in for fixing and live without my machine for 3 weeks. It was a very hard time.
I just stumbled on this site and it’s amazing.
I actually learned to use a sewing machine in Home Ec (!) in middle school. My mom had an old Singer model packed in the basement that I used for a while after that. I stopped sewing in high school but my roommate got a beautiful Singer about a year ago and I quickly rediscovered my love of sewing.
My sewing story: I learned to sew when I was 10 years old. My mom putting me in sewing lessons. We had a very old Kenmore sewing machine, older than my parents 39 years of marriage. So old in fact, that it didn’t even do button holes properly. It was a matter of a lot of zig zag stitching and my mom always had to do them for me. I haven’t sewn anything in a while but I’m getting married in a month and I hope to sew for my new husband and home. This prize would really help me in that endeavour.
Congrats on the book!
Many memories of the two most amazing women in my life – my grandmother and mother – involve a sewing machine and so I’ve been thinking it is about time to find my own as we get ready to have a child of our own. As a small child, my grandmother would sit with me and push quilt blocks through the sewing machine, her hands on mine to keep the lines straight. I have always enjoyed opening her cedar chest with her during visits and reverently unfolding the stacked blankets being stored for family weddings, babies, or for the next shipment of baby blankets to an orphanage connected to her church. She is the most selfless woman I know, and her selflessness pours into the world through hours spent sewing each week.
My mom is not a quilter, but when I was growing up she applied her 4-H sewing skills to hemming and repairing our clothes and sewing us doll pillows and blankets. It seemed to me there was nothing she couldn’t fix. In addition to marveling at her, my sisters and I loved to play with the styrofoam blocks that held the sewing machine in its box. Laid flat, their holes, ridges and crevices made perfect “rooms” for our Fischer price people and their myriad adventures.
Though my own sewing skills are (so far) limited, I’d like my kids to grow up with experiences like mine that will give them patterned, cozy, lifelong memories.
I have a beautiful robin’s egg blue singer that belonged to my husband’s nana. it is a beautiful machine, and it was what i sewed on until one day i was heading down to the basement to do laundry – unfortunately, i had put the sewing machine on the basement stairs for some reason, and on my way down i slipped and fell into the machine, knocking it to the concrete basement floor and breaking it. i am still really sad about it. it was a wonderful connection to my husband’s nana, who has passed. also, sewing is a connection to my grandma (mom’s mom), who passed when i was 11. she sewed me and my dolls matching outfits, and taught me how to sew as well. i would love to be in her studio on the farm in new hampshire, sewing along with her.
My Mom taught me to sew when I was very young, probably around 1st or 2nd grade. She sewed all of her clothes and most of mine – this was back in the early 60′s. My dolls always had matching outfits/dresses, most often made by me with the fabric scraps. Thinking back, these earlier creations usually weren’t hemmed and had crude scissor-cut button holes, as the attachment that went on my Mom’s black Singer sewing machine was too complicated – sometimes for my mom, too ;-).
That black Singer was a work-horse. It had no reverse stitching (you flipped your project around to ‘back stitch’), no zig-zag to prevent raveling (at 8 or 9 I was sewing French seams), and was too heavy for me to flip up in the cabinet. I learned early on how to sew in a zipper and broke a few needles along the way. Finally in the early 80′s she bought another Singer. We were stylin’!!! Built in button-holer, zig-zag, and a few other decorative stitches – what more could you ask for! I still use it to this day. Wish my Mom was around to see what sewing machines do these days. Feed dogs drop, they embroider, and some even thread themselves! What more could you ask for?
While in my possession, that Singer has been thru 1 wedding dress, many a home decor project, 18 years of Halloween costumes, dozens of lap quilts for the elderly, countless rips and hems, and hundreds of Scout patches. Thank you Elias and Isaac!
BTW – Along with the Singer, I inherited fabric my Mom bought during the war (WWII that is) when she lived in Pensacola, FL where my Dad was stationed – she worked at Penney’s (back when they sold fabric). I haven’t found ANY project worthy of cutting into that folded stack of truly vintage fabrics.
My mom has always had a sewing room in our house. She made everything for my sister and I growing up. From Easter dresses to Halloween costumes. No matter how picky or stubborn about what we wanted, she always came through. I am always amazed by how my mom can tell me how much fabric I will need to do a project and then cut it out perfectly without a pattern!
Unfortunately, I haven’t quite got the same fabric thumb she has. I have two little ones at home and I try my best to make things on my sewing machine. My latest project was patching my son’s jeans, they actually turned out pretty good. :)
I am very intimidated when it come to sewing, I guess I need more practice. But no matter what, I always end up in my mom’s sewing room, looking at the newest project, fabrics and books that she has.
I learned to sew on my mom’s old Kenmore when I was little. The tension was always a little off, but that thing was a tank! I would spend hours creating mattresses and pillows for my Barbie’s. Eventually our babysitter taught me and my sisters how to sew hair scrunchies… We were hooked!
Congrats Brett!! The book looks amazing!
What a lovely contest! thanks…
I learned to sew the summer I was 9 years old between 3rd & 4th grade. I convinced the junior high home ec teacher to teach me sew in the summer school class she was offering. Well, basically I kept showing up and badgering her until she relented. The school had ancient black metal Singer cabinet machines just one step up from the foot treadle machines from the 40′s/50′s. I loved them. I still wish I could find one. This was the mid sixties so I made a Carnaby street hip-rider skirt, a wildly patterned a-line dress and lots of blouses. I continued sewing all the way through high school, stopped during college and switched to quilting in my 20s, switched to knitting in the early 80′s but am coming back to sewing again and am loving all the amazing fabrics that are so available now. I’d fer shure put the serger and the sewing machine to good use!
OOHHH! This is great, thanks for the opportunity! Look forward to reading your new book and trying out the projects. Thank you Brett!!
I started sewing by hand when I was about five years old. I guess I just picked it up from watching my Mom. She was too busy making clothes for her four daughters (lots of matching outfits, in typical 1950′s fashion!) to teach me to use her machine. So when I was about eight, my Grandma taught me to sew on her ancient Singer treadle machine. It was hard for a kid who could barely reach to treadle to coordinate the foot action and keep everything straight at the same time but I eventually mastered it and moved on to my Mom’s electric machine, which seemed like a breeze compared to Gram’s! Mom graciously let me use her machine for years despite the fact that I often left it in a big tangled mess of thread. My high school graduation gift from my parents was my own, brand-spankin’-new Singer Stylist! I’ve had it serviced often and to this day it’s been my one and only trusty machine. I taught my son to sew on it, I still love it and will treasure it always but perhaps it’s time for something a bit more updated…..
Congrats on the book! how cool is that? and so is your giveaway. I learned to sew on my moms Viking machine from the 1960a and still have that one and my own Viking I bought after college in 1981. lol They are great machines and still work well but I have dreams of updating! Thanks for the great giveaway.
Nice site! I look forward to digging in!
My sewing history:
None, at all, until I reluctantly accepted a new sewing machine for Christmas several years ago. Then it sat, unopened and judgmental, in the corner of my room for a whole year. I was terrified of it! Finally I got the courage to open it, read the manual & start testing it out with scrap fabric. Since then, I use it more & more, and try to remember that every time I screw something up, I get a little better.
I am so ready for an upgrade now. I’ve always wanted to try a serger too. I promise if I win it, I will start using it immediately!
WOW! Love sewing and yarning. I keep going over to my Mom’s or MIL’s and using their machines. This would be great!! I love making clothes for my little animal creations or linings for my bags. Once I get a machine there is a quilting class I would LOVE to take!! Thanks for the chance! Congrats on your new book!!
My mom put herself through school at a private (read: expensive) creative arts school in Detroit…Some of my earliest memories are playing in her sewing room and going through boxes of fabric samples as she sewed and quilted.
I’d love to continue the tradition, but hand sewing everything gets old! :) It would be so nice to be able to produce finished items more quickly & easily.
As early as I can remember, the ladies of my family have embrased themselves in sewing. Both of my grandmothers were amazing seamstress(es).
While growing up, I always looked forward to my summer break, since I was able to spend a week with my Grandma (Anne), who showed me the fundamentals of cutting a pattern, buying material and even sewing a straight line. I must have been 6 years old when I sewed my first pillow with her. I was so proud.
Over a period of 15 years, I enjoyed the quality time I spent with my grandmothers. I also looked forward to attending the crafts shows throughout the year. I was always amazed by the different talents throughout the local community. To this day, I can close my eyes and see my Grandma Anne at her sewing table hand stitching a teddy bear for an up coming show.
When I entered into my twenties both of my grandmothers passed away from cancer. However, their memories live on every day.
About three years ago, I had a baby girl. Like most mothers, I wanted to doll her up in ruffles and hip appeal. However, since I was still young in my career, I was on a shoe string budget. Thus, I returned to my roots. I started to sew again. Thanks to my loving mother, I was able to use her sewing machine in her garage. However, over a period of time, my work was noticed by my fellow church members, which resulted in a small business on the side.
I currently enjoy sewing mommy and me dresses for my daughter. I love to hear her say in her high pick voice, “You making me a princess dress like you mommy?” To top it off, about 3 months ago, I received my grandmother’s old Bernina sewing machine. Every time I sit down to sew with my little girl, I see my self as a little girl watching my grandmother eagerly.
I look forward to the years to come with my daughter. I hope through sewing I will be able to build the same found memories with her like my grandmothers did with me.
I just put a request in for your book at my library… there’s a wait list for it! I would love to win these sweet machines; I have a sewing machine I received in junior high as a graduation gift… the opportunity to win a serger too is amazing! I love to buy clothing at thrift stores simply for the fabulous fabric… and then create EASY to make things (like yours!) from it.
Mary
A few years ago, I packed up all of my things, selling the bigger pieces of furniture that I couldn’t keep – Including my grandmother’s vintage sewing machine table and Singer. Fast-forward through a few months in Europe, a move to another state, a break-up that led me to yet another state… and I have finally moved home. Just the other day I was bringing out my “new” machine, wishing I still had that beautiful table to sew on.
Congratulations on your book! Such an amazing accomplishment! I just adore your blog and am so glad to have found it! =)
I LOVE to sew! I’ve been sewing since I was 7! My mom and grandmother have always shown me the joy of sewing. I vividly remember many hand made outfits for my sister and I! My mom had taught my 4-H sewing class when I was little and I was hooked from that point on! I would sew my own Barbie and doll clothes from scraps of mom’s fabric. My sewing projects slowly got more involved from there. Sewing clothes to blankets and craft projects etc. My machine was tucked away during college years then after marriage it was pulled out again….I sewed my daughter’s nursery bedding, many craft projects for friends and family and a lot of my daughter’s dresses too. I still sew a lot of house decor for our home. The funny part is that I’ve been sewing on the same sewing machine for 28 years! It is my grandmother’s sewing machine….a 1954 Singer 301! It is a gem and I’ve just learned to live with the separate attachments for EVERYTHING! It has been the “tank” of sewing machines!!! I always remember my grandmother telling me when she first gave it to me to be VERY careful to keep your fingers far away from the foot because she once sewed her finger…I think of that EVERY TIME I sew! It is just so amazing to think of what that machine has sewn for all those years!!!!
Although I am very connected to my sewing machine I do feel somewhat limited on what I’ve wanted to create because some of the stitch attachments are not working well. I’ve ALWAYS wanted to save up for a Serger….It has been something that has always been put on the back burner though. My three kids needs have always come first. It has been a goal of mine to pass my love of sewing down to my daughter. I would love for her to learn on a machine that she can grow up with and hopefully pass down to her children! Maybe my two sons would want to learn too??? Who knows! This would be a dream come true for sure! Thanks so much for offering it!
awesome giveaway! i think id die from shock if i won..anyway sewing machine related story- my great gram was an amazing crafty woman..she loved everything and had ever sort of notion known to man..i inherited her knitting needles which i love and most importantly her sewing machine that folds into its midcentury style wooden desky thing (im amazing at describing things) i never used it and now use the desk as a table top for my contemporary sewing machine…but i love the feeling that she is close by just under my current sewing project..
I was sewing a decorative pillow for my sister and hanging out with friends. Silly me, I had my sewing machine on the floor and was just about finished when I ran out of thread and with only 6 inches to go! So I changed the thread and while doing that, my knee landed on the pedal and I literally threaded my finger! I quickly ripped my hand away and the need broke in half, leaving my finger stitched and with half a needle poking through. My friends quickly took a photo and then took me to the emergency room where I became the joke of the night amongst the doctors and nurses because I had “injured and stitched myself up all in one fine swoop”. Because the thread had been sewn into my finger and wrapped around my bone, I needed to have the needle and thread surgically removed and 3 stitches! After a week or so, I hand stitched the final 6 inches of my sisters decorative pillow. She still has it 13 years later. It took me several years before I picked up the machine again and yes, I still sew on the floor.
My sewing story starts with my grandmother, Nonnie. She always made my Christmas and Easter dresses, including my First Communion dress (dotted Swiss). I remember dreading trying them on when they were pinned as they scratched. Her fingers were so nimble; she made clothes for my Barbies as well, fashioned from the Barbie booklets. Unfortunately, a cousin got her sewing machine (it was in a console, and her knee leaned against the bar which activated the machine), but I have a large wooden box with spools and spools of her thread, most of them quite old. She was truly a remarkable, self-taught seamstress.
I had a sewing class in high school which taught little and I retained even less. But my mom has always been a creative and she shines behind her sewing machine. I would watch her projects come to life especially around holidays and that is where I knew you didn’t have to accept the status quo. Store made costumes were bland in comparison to what my mother created and often times less expensive. I have always created sewing projects in sperts but now that I no longer live near my mom, I have found myself craving the time with my sewing machine. Note: Nothing of mine looks as good as my moms but you don’t get pride from a store apron.
I learned to sew on my mom’s Singer Featherweight beginning at around 12 years old. It was scary and sometimes frustrating, but I am so glad that I learned on that machine. I know I would not be as patient teaching my children to sew without the haunting memories of that machine.
Loved the design sponge tutorial video!
Hi there!
I saw an ad for your new book on Design Sponge and I giggled to myself because although I love to sew, I’m fairly new at it, and I always joke to my friends that I’m a Type A personality who can’t sew in a straight line.
My grandmother taught me to sew 2 summers ago. My mom is a great seamstress and I always wanted her to teach me, but she knew that my mima would be the one to do it. So one summer afternoon I told her I wanted to sew. I wanted to make a patchwork pillow (because patchwork is obviously the easiest way to start sewing…). I went to the fabric store, got what I needed, came home, and started working on it. There were plenty of tears borne out of frustration on my part, and I’m sure plenty of frustration on my mima’s part that she graciously cloaked with patience for her overly ambitious granddaughter. But, by the end of the day I had my own beautiful patchwork pillow and a continuing bond with my grandmother. Since then my mima has kept newspaper and magazine clippings to give me for inspiration, and she’s purchased several great sewing books for me. She also gave me her sister’s 1991 Necchi – an anvil of a machine which is what I’m still using today. She is definitely my biggest fan!
About 6 months after I met my fiance, his wonderful Grandfather passed away, but before he did he asked that his sewing machine be given to me. It was like he already knew that we were going to get married (which is happening, but 5 years after he gave me the machine!!!)
That machine has brought me huge amounts of joy, from rekindling my love for crafting, starting my upholstery apprenticeship, sewing everything for my wedding and now will hopefully help me transition to starting my own business! Even as I sit here at work I am dreaming about going home to that machine and making sweet crafting love to it. I would love to continue using it forever, but alas it just isnt cutting it as an upholstery machine. So if I had a new machine I could put this one aside and keep it for those special projects!
I am so glad I found this site. Congrats on the new book, cant wait to get one. My mother taught me to sew when I was 10. I remember sewing on the tracing paper with all sorts of shapes on them, trying to follow the lines. My grandmother had a treadle Singer. She would spend hours sewing quilts. Thank you for the chance to win this amazing machine. Stacie
My mom bought me my first sewing machine for my 30th birthday, my fiance was the first to use it. His mother taught him to sew (mandatory for a stay at home mom who wears a size XXS petit and has w/four boys and one girl). He taught me and so far I’ve made one of everything. I think my favorite so far is the quilting, no sizing required!! We’ve also incorporated our sewing machine into the wedding, hand sewn save the date cards and homemade bunting decor. Pretty sure that one machine has saved us over a thousand dollars in the past 3 years!
I took sewing classes with my mom as a kid and used her sewing machine while growing up. I looove to sew and it would be amazing to win this prize! I think I would never leave the sewing table if I had this.
My grandmother was an expert seamstress. She worked in a very upscale tailor shop. I loved hearing her talk about the beautiful wedding dresses she worked on. She did have one of those black machines. She passed on when I was 16, so I never got the chance to learn from her. I wish I had her machine today….
I learned to sew in Home Ec in Jr. High. One day I asked my teacher what was wrong with the jumper I was making……she turned to the class and said “Class. This is what you DON’T do.” Ahem. Eventually finished the jumper which I shortened to a blouse length. The first time I wore it, the stitches began to come out. :) That was a very, very long time ago. On to the present. I’m in the process of making my first quilt. Put my machine away for a while (life kinda got in the way). Pulled it out again when I had a whole 2 days to myself, poof machine not working (2nd time in as many years.) Since I can’t get a new machine for a while, this giveaway is FANTASTIC. Thank you.
My mother taught me to sew when I was young and I will be forever grateful. I had so much fun helping her when I was too young to sew. I was always so careful picking up those little pins. Thanks for this amazing chance to win. I have always wanted a serger.
i have my mom’s old sewing machine. we used to pick a project to sew together each summer. but somehow i never really did much besides commission a homemade article of clothing. i would watch and hang out while she took care of the sewing. so, when i grew up and became interested in sewing for myself, she let me have her machine. it’s not super old and certainly gets the job done (i made 8 clutch purses for my bridesmaids on it!), but it has some frustrating quirks… :)
My mother always sewed me the most amazing costumes for Halloween–a blue fairy, princess Jasmine, Minnie Mouse…She gave away her sewing machine when I was around 12, and I’ve always regretted not learning. I love to knit, and I think it would be such fun to make something other than scarves and hats!
My sewing story!
I taught myself to sew spring 2010. I stumbled upon a sewing blog while I was looking for a crochet hat pattern. I started looking at the sewing tutorials and got super inspired. I realized I could never afford a machine so I looked on craigslist and found one for $40 and it actually worked…and I still use it and have taught myself all the basics with it. I would love to win a new machine to call my own!
http://www.mukweto.blogspot.com
That’s right, my grandmother had one of those old Singer sewing machines that folded down into a beautiful wood cabinet/table. She would spend hours on it making all sorts of things, from clothes to dolls. I wish I had an interest back then in sewing so she could have taught me how to sew. I’ve been crocheting for years and just learned how to knit about six months ago. I decided that my new passion is to make hand bags, clutches, etc. When I thought about hand sewing the lining into each bag it nearly made me give up the whole idea. But I happened to see someone giving away an old Singer online for free so I went and picked it up. I’m just in the early stages of learning how to sew, but since I’ve started I’ve had an explosion of inspiration on how to incorporate it into my crocheting and knitting. That’s a beautiful machine you’re giving away and I hope I’m lucky enough *fingers crossed* to win it! (P.S. I LOVE Knit & Crochet Today!)
My sewing story.
Growing up, my grandparents lived in an older ranch home. If you walked back through the hallway to the bedrooms, the laundry machines were on the left. Next to that was an expansive work table, that was re-covered annually with woodgrain contact paper. What was most amazing to me as a child is that the table opened up to allow my grandmother’s sewing machine to emerge. It was a secret world of sewing. Her seat fit underneath, behind a closed cabinet door, the door when opened was lined with spools of bobbins.
I loved it.
When we were young, my sister found a 1950s sewing machine in a barn on a property my parents owned. My dad dug it out for her and let her keep it. It was kinda smelly and very retro-looking, and it even came with its original instruction booklet! My sister taught herself how to use it, and though she always swore there was no trick to it, the machine would only ever work for her. She tried to teach me how to use it, but it simply wouldn’t work unless she was running it. I still don’t know how to work a sewing machine–but I want to learn, preferably on one that will work when I sit down at it! ^_^
I am so excited to find your website. What a great giveaway!
I learned to sew on my mom’s sewing machine though I never really had the patience to do too many projects. Now that I have a baby, I have been more motivated to try and sew more plus my inlaws gave me a sewing machine for christmas. I have made some pillows and burp cloths but I am definitely ready to try and tackle some more projects!
This is an exciting giveaway!!
My sewing machine story: I learned on my mother’s metal-bodied kenmore (NOT portable) that folded down into a desk. I loved that it operated via a lever you would push with your right leg, and to reverse direction you would press a cylindrical chrome button. It was a tank, and I believe I could thread it with eyes closed if you were to place one before me now. I liked the quiet focus my mom would display as she worked on floral flannel jammies for me or sewed on my brothers’ scout patches.
I have owned sewing machines since, and withthem, when things go wrong it is (all too) easy to blame the machine. But with mom’s kenmore, if you and the machine disagreed, you knew you were the one who did something wrong. :)
I am looking forward to the book. :)
First time to your blog, and I love it! Excited to find another awesome blog to read and more excited about the chance to win!! Show me that seerrrgeeerrrr! :)
When I was a kid I always sewed my dolls’ clothes by hand with the help of my mother who learned to sew with my grandmother that supported the family by making clothes.
I never had a sewing machine at home for several years ans always wanted one!
So when I turned 18 years old I won a sewing machine instead of a car! To explain better I must say that here in Brazil most people wins a car as present when they turn 18 (here you can only drive when you turn 18).
Now I’m 25 still have the sewing machine and don’t know how to sew right and still don’t own a car and haven’t learn how to drive! ;P
Well, my name is Rachel too and I am also new to your blog.
I knew how to sew as a child, when I sewed with my mom. She had a sewing table in the basement and we made little projects like books and jewelry cases. I remember an antique sewing machine (the kind built into the table, but I don’t think that’s the one we used).
In college, I found a sewing machine at a thrift store and bought it. I lugged it around with me for quite a while, but never used it. It’s probably because I didn’t even know how to thread it – without Mom there, no sewing got done. But I’m sure she’d be more than happy to help me re-learn.
I am a avid stitcher and knitter thanks to my mother’s patient instruction as a child. I am currently in the market for a serger (!) and have had dreams of owning one for oh-so-long.
Congratulations on your new book and thank you for your generosity!
My Grandmother refused to let me touch her electric Singer, but her old treadle machine was fair game. My mother drug it out of a closet & gave me her scrap fabric pieces & I started trying to sew doll clothes. I had no patterns, just winged it. It was so much fun, picking the perfect piece, trying to make it do what I wanted.
Congratulations on the new book—I love that sewing is coming back in a BIG way!
I bought my first sewing machine when I was about 11—a Singer school model. But I learned on my Mom’s machine by just inching along, turning the wheel by hand because I was afraid to use the pedal!
My grandmother’s Singer sewing machine now sits in my dining room. I’ve stuffed so many sewing odds and ends into the one drawer in the cabinet that I can’t open it anymore. And, next to the machine, I still have her sewing box, littered with zippers, bobbins, spools of thread, and buttons stored in old plastic pill bottles that bear my grandfather’s name.
The sewing machine sat in one of the two rooms on the second floor of her tiny house for my whole life. Years ago I took it home with me one Saturday, with her permission, and installed it in my own little apartment. She passed away last March, and the machine isn’t in working order these days. I like to think of her sitting there, working the lever with her knee, the clackity machine going loud as she made curtains, tablecloths, and clothes.
I grew up learning how to sewing from my Mother,she had an old 50′s Singer sewing machine,so when I was grown I got my own,which is old now.I would love a serger!! I had one many years ago, but it is no longer in use.
WOW what a fantastic set of prizes. Love the new site!
Lori
I don’t actually have a sewing machine story because I don’t (yet) own a sewing machine that works–I have this one that is massive and also a table (I use it as a table) with a giant iron looking foot rest thingy underneath and the sewing machine hangs upside down as long as you are using it as a table but then POW! there goes the sewing machine if you flip it over and behold you are staring at a sewing behemoth that doesn’t seem to work. But I digress.
My story that doesn’t (yet) involve a sewing machine is that I make giant fake taxidermy art (because an ex-girlfriend wouldn’t allow real taxidermy in the apartment–her mistake) so I sat down for several months and made a giant moose head with scraps of old fabric, cardboard, etc. I sewed it all by hand because I didn’t have a sewing machine and wouldn’t know how to use it anyways. But man, I bet it would have been SO much easier with a sewing machine. That’s where you come in, Brett, because I am going to embark on making a rhino soon and I think your sewing machine would be really exciting to use for that. I don’t know what a serger is, but I bet it would be handy too because you said it would be, and I trust you. I promise I will use it because I have friends who know how to sew and I bet if I ask really nicely they will teach me how.
What a very useful blog you have here! Lots of great ideas!
I tried to hem some jeans when I was young, and broke the needle. I thought I had ruined the entire sewing machine — I didn’t know you could change the needles! I finally let my daughter take the machine for her use (it’s only about 30 years old). I don’t have one at all now!
My mom taught me to hand-sew first. I made doll dresses. Then I got to use her White machine, which I still have. I’d LOVE to have an electronic machine and a serger. I also need that automatic buttonhole maker! Thanks for the contest Brett!
Well, to be honest, if I won this machine…I would give it to my mom. She has had the same sewing machine since I was born (and has turned out thousands of darling creations on it) and has wished for a serger for so long! Her latest project: making baptismal gowns for babies out of wedding dresses she finds at secondhand stores. I have timidly introduced myself to her machine, and have had enough success to want my own machine – we live 11 hours apart – but if we won, I would inherit her machine, and gladly gift yours to her. :)
My sewing machine story: I took two dressmaking classes last year and pretty much drooled over the Berninas that they have their – they are pure digital goodness. Unfortunately, completely out of my budget : ) As I was debating about what to do about getting a machine, my husband was doing some extra, pro-bono work for his boss, and mentioned to him that I was looking for a sewing machine. They had one in their closet that they never used, and now it is in my closet, though used : ).
Best of luck with the book!
My mother and grandmother were excellent seamstresses, as well as great at knitting, crochet, embroidery, you name it. I learned on my mom’s Singer and sewed a lot of my clothing when growing up because we were poor. My grandmother eventually gave me her Good Housekeeping (yes, that’s the name) sewing machine that was built into a cabinet. That mechanical war horse enabled me to sew clothing for me and my girls, make quilts for them, as well as mending and alterations. I’ve since gotten an embroidery/sewing machine but I’ve kept that old machine for sentimental reasons. I periodically set it up, run it through its paces, and oil it so that it will last. I would love to win this set!
I learned to sew from my mom and grandma when I was a young girl. When I was in college my mom took me to Sears and bought me a Kenmore sewing machine–one of the best and well-used gifts I’ve ever gotten!
Thanks for the opportunity to win this sewing machine and serger! Can’t wait till your book comes in at my local library!
Congratulations on the book! I’m a first time visitor- but will certainly be back! I don’t have a sewing machine but I really want one ;)
I’m looking forward to reading your book and getting some (hand) sewing done!
I’m a new reader at your blog, discovered you through DesignSponge, and all I can say is, how did I not know about your blog sooner?!! Congratulations on your new book, and I will be visiting your blog regularly!
This is such an amazing giveaway, I’ve always wanted to have my own sewing machine, but I haven’t been able to afford one yet. My sewing story is about my mom. When she was growing up as a child in Vietnam, her family had a limited income and my mom usually had to wear hand-me-downs from her older sister. But when she got to high school, she decided that she wanted a more fashionable wardrobe, so she taught herself how to use her mother’s sewing machine. She would take clippings of outfits from French magazines and try to recreate the look from home. It took a lot of trial and error, and plenty of hard work, but she learned how to sew and made fabulous pieces. whenever I look at old photos of her wearing amazing dresses and skirts, I am simply in awe. My mom also made many dresses for me and my little sister when we were kids. i still hang onto them because they’re made with so much love and care :)
With seamstresses in my family I use to make pocket change ripping seams for my sister when I was a teen. Back then when it would have made the most sense to learn to sew, I didn’t have the interest, yet the older I get the more enthused I’ve become about working with pattern and material. I have fond memories of my mother’s sewing room, and still have treasured childhood projects made for my dolls. When I moved to my first home, my mother came and spent a weekend to help me make dining room curtains. I’ve ventured into a number of other mainly “straight line” projects since such as Christmas stockings, zipper pouches, and children’s bibs. I find myself increasingly inspired to make something of the gorgeous stockpile of vintage fabric I’ve accumulated over the years, yet I’m still without a sewing machine to call my own. As a book and collage artist, I have so many ideas for transforming paper and pages too with stitch patterns. Getting a machine to call my own would allow me to mastermind some great new projects for my home and my studio. Thank you-thank you for this opportunity to win!
My sewing machine is a very basic but good model that my grandmother gave me. On a recent trip to visit her, I was talking about how much I want to learn to sew and start making my own clothes and home goods. She got very excited and told me she wanted me to take a sewing machine home with me (she has several). She then told me to go into her fabric closet and pick out my favorites. It was so sweet to see her excitement that I am more determined than ever to become a proficient seamstress.
My great aunt taught me how to sew. I think partly because she wanted to keep my sister and I occupied while she did things around the house. I first used a machine in jr. high in a home economics class. I could not figure out how to use it having missed a day of class and struggled through the rest of the semester! Needless to say, I’ve wanted to re-learn everything I know about using sewing machines. I’ve been meaning to pick it up since I recently got married, but have been too intimidated. I’m sure if I had a new machine, I’d have no excuse :)
My memories are of the really old sewing machine my grandmother used when I was little. It had NO electricity! I used to watch her move her feet up and down on the treadle and just wonder how it worked! But she sure could sew on that machine. What wonderful awesome memories of her!
I remember sewing as a child on my mom’s old machine, I was forever ‘breaking it’. Now that I know a thing or two, I think I was probably just breaking threads, maybe a needle (?) & my mom would tell me it was broken in order to get me away from her machine! I must remember to ask her about that! lol
When I got engaged 7 yrs ago I registered for a sewing machine that two of my aunts got together & bought for me. It is a Kenmore & it works alright for me, although I would LOVE an upgrade. The last two years I have been learning to quilt so it is getting quite the workout these days! I sometimes venture into bag & clothing (easy skirts for children so far) & often think about how handy having a serger would be. This is an awesome giveaway, too bad there aren’t a truckload to give away :)
I have been sewing since I was in junior high but I still love the ideas in your book!! They are fresh and fun and now that I am a Mom of three I could use some quick things to sew up! I think the great bowls are the best and they would make a wonderful gift… Thanks for the great ideas!
Hi,
I’m still blinking my eyes … such a great giveaway!
And just what I need … ;-)
I’m currently taking sewing lessons, after the summer break I will start year 2. And yes, i learned what a great machine a serger is!
I now have a second hand old Singer which is doing great but needs a repair now and then, the accessories are few, etc. I would love to get some more out of my sewing machine, i can do it now!
Please pick me!
have a great day,
Carla
Please pick me!! :)
My mom tried to teach me how to sew. She sewed a lot, as it was less expensive and fun for her. Almost all my school pictures I’m wearing something she made. She even made me a bathing suit once (or tried to), as well as tried to make me a quilt (without sewing the layers together). I took a sewing class in 8th grade and made somewhat of an apron but learned pleats, button holes and hand hemming. I never really tried again as I didn’t feel I was very good. Since I have to wear skirts to work, I decided it would be easier to make them then spend hours in stores trying to find them or hours online. I started in April of this year (2011) and I love it. I could only afford a $90 Simple Singer and have been using that. I would love a better machine, and if I don’t win this, then one day I will get one. I’ve made about 12 skirts so far (I work 5 days a week so I need a few… and want a few more). I’ve also done one zipper bag, working on 2 quilt tops, finished 3 tops for me, and a few other items. I even got a hemming foot. I’m doing what I can with this machine.
sewing machine memories…my grandma had a beautiful one in one of those awesome wooden cabinets. You flipped up the machine and then flipped down the wooden piece that held it into place. I remember my mom making a ton of awesome halloween costumes on that thing. Which was sort of the only thing she ever really sewed!
I have sadly never had a lot of success sewing. I seem to always jam the machine or do something wrong, or break the thread. I would love to get good at sewing because i think i have an eye for patterns and fabric. I just can’t seem to figure out the complicated stuff that makes clothing really unique and stylish. Done basic things like put together a dog bed (with a zipper, no less, i was so impressed with myself on that one!) and whenever i move into a new place i usually end up making curtains because i can find much nicer fabric than the crappy curtains you can find at walmart. :)
My whole family sews…my Dad has one of those antique treddle Singer machines that he uses…quite impressively…my Mom has (had) a Singer from Sears that she sewed all my childhood clothes on (the machine now resides upstairs in my house, after she was gifted a fancy Pfaff machine that scares the bejebus outta her). I learned to sew in Home-Ec (7th grade) and took a class at a local community college (also while in 7th grade). In college, i ‘borrowed’ the dorm sewing machine and made loads of my own clothes. The machine was available to anyone who needed it – but no one else knew how to sew. (so sad). One Christmas my mom and i both received sergers, which was quite a surprise…and mine has seen lots of miles on it…and finally my husband bought me a Bernina for my birthday 10 years ago, which I am still using and will probably have to leave to someone in my will. Those machines never die…and it’s smart enough to drive my car, I’m pretty sure…
My Mother has my grandmothers singer from the 50′s that I grew up with. From my first Halloween costume, to my prom dress, that singer wurled and stitched away. It was temperamental, you had to hand rollover the engine every time you pressed the petal, but it always created such beautiful items with my Mom’s guidance. Some of my fondest childhood memories are me sitting on a step stool watching my mom create a masterpiece. :)
I have always had old junky sewing machines. I had one that I think I paid $5 for at a rummage sale, and I decided to go to work for a lady sewing dolls. Ack. After a few months, the gripper wasn’t even holding the fabric any more, and I had to quit the job.
my grandmother left me her old singer mounted in a rickety table. i had it for years and moved it from house to house but this year i finally decided to drag it out and try to use it. it’s heavy. the detachable part that makes the sewing surface the same width as the rest of the machine is missing. and i love it. i took a class and lugged it to the workroom each week to learn the basics. my dad made me a new part out of finely sanded wood. and now i can regularly be found spending friday nights with netflix and my sewing machine, making some pretty cool (if i do say so myself) pillow to sell around town.
My sewing machine was a 16th birthday present from my sister. I wanted a drill but looking back I was able to make so much more than I would have been able to with a drill. I’ve graduated to industrial machines at work but I still have my little Sears sewing machine at home that I pull out all the time.
My mom had an old sewing machine that was integrated into a sewing table. Do you remember those? I think she has a newer one now, but it doesn’t get much use these days. She used to make all of her own clothes in high school and college. I wish I had more knowledge and skill so that I could do just that.
What a wonderful idea to (finally) put a sewing machine and a serger together!
I grew up using a Singer machine. My mom taught me on an old metal version which is attached to it’s own wooden table. You know the kind that flips down and under itself to stow away? It’s such an antique now and I am sure it’s in need of a tune up. Though my mom and I have advanced onto other machines she still has the old table version as a wonderful conversation piece of history in her living room.
So excited to find your website. I’ve been sewing since I was about 8 years old and am now in my mid 50′s. I love it and started teaching girls to sew in my home a couple of years ago. I’ve started making aprons also and selling them. It is the greatest thing and now I have a granddaughter on the way… so I’ll be sewing lots for her. I’m looking forward to what I can glean from your website.
Oh and please enter me in your drawing for the machine and serger. Would LOVE to win! Thanks!
I bought my first sewing machine off of E-bay. I have done a few projects (mostly blankets). I would love these machines to expand the project I can do and be able to sew and create clothes and stuff for my girls. They love it when I make things for them.
i am currently the proud owner of two sewing machines… that don’t work. one is my grandmothers and one belonged to my husband’s grandmother. they’re both beautiful and built-in to exquisite wood tables, but just don’t quite work no matter how much repair i put into them. i’ve pulled off a few small projects on them, but looking to get a new machine that i can learn and pass on (in good working order) – i am about to become an aunt and would love to be able to spoil the little one rotten with homemade goodies!
I am using a simple Brother sewing machine that my mom bought for me my first Christmas living away from home. It’s been a good machine and I’d eventually love to get a serger and have the things I make look more finished.
Oh – this is such a wonderful giveaway. I first learned to sew on an old Singer treadle machine that was my grandmother’s. She had received it as a present when she was 13, and sewed on it with me for many years. I still have the machine in my garage – can’t bear to part with it, although we both moved on to electric machines many years before her death in 2000. I’m using my daughter’s machine right now – my old portable electric lasted a long time, but has gotten very cranky! My mother recently passed on her old serger to me when she got a new one a few years ago. I just can’t get the hang of threading it – and would love a new one! Thanks for the giveaway!
I tell everyone who is interested in sewing to get a new machine with a manual. Every time I use my machine after a long hiatus I can look at my manual and make no mistakes. I thank the sewing gods for it. Old machines are nice and pretty but I like knowing that I’m threading and caring for my machine correctly.
I am an avid knitter, but I have recently become evaluate with fabric. I am very excited to learn some sewing techniques and adore your blog. I haven’t been able to afford a good machine yet (two kids in day care…). This giveaway is amazing!
**enamored
(silly autocorrect!)
I taught myself to sew over 30 years ago – which is also when I purchased my one and only sewing machine, so I’m definitely due for an upgrade! Thanks for a wonderful giveaway!
I inherited my late mother-in-law’s machine and serger…however, when I finally got them out of storage, I found that the machine is missing all its presser feet and the serger is missing its power cord! So little by little I am buying replacement parts as I can afford them.
Oh my gosh! Great giveaway! I learned to sew in a home-ec class in high school and enjoyed it, didn’t sew for years until I came across an old machine at a thrift store and decided to try again. Unfortunately that machine never worked quite right but luckily my boyfriend’s mom was nice enough to give me her mother’s machine to get me started again!
Bravery was never an issue for me 35 years ago. No one told me I didn’t know how to sew. So, as a young bride, I bought a Singer. And I started to sew. I sewed matching nightgowns for my two sisters and mom for Christmas. One sister said she has a pin stuck in her neck in the middle of the night and knew where it came from. But they liked them.
Then I decided that I wanted a master bedroom that all matched. I had never had one in my life and thought this was as good a time as any. So I went out and bought 80 EIGHTY yards of pretty yellow and green flowered 54 inch fabric. The fabric lady was stunned when I asked for that much. It was 1.88 a yard so it wasn’t horribly expensive but still a shot in our wallet then so I knew I had to use every yard. I knew I could sew a semi straight line so how hard could this be? There were alot of mistakes and reworking done but I actually ended up with full length lined drapes for a corner window and two other windows. I had the guts to make a huge comforter with cotton batting and everything! I thought it was so pretty! I figured out how to make pillow shams so I made two big pillow shams. I then decided to make the dust ruffle – I had fabric left so I felt obligated. There were several yards left – less than 10 and I decided to hang onto that in case we moved and I would need to make curtains for new windows.
I can’t believe I did all that and invested so much into a horribly matching set for the bedroom! For heaven’s sake – everything matched!! It was crazy.
I made lots of things in those early years because my machine was great – and I could sew a straighter and straighter line. I kept that machine for 33 years. Several years ago it broke and I was foolish and gave it to my mother in law. I don’t know what she did with it but I couldn’t just ask for it back. So I went out and bought another sewing machine. That machine really did have something wrong with it because I could never figure out how to work it and so I bought another one a few years later. It’s still in the box since Christmas.
I’m scared to death to pull that machine out and try again! I want to make things so bad but I am scared I won’t be able to work this one either.
I have collected fabric over the years – hoping to sew again. I can imagine how crazy that sounds to have fabric older than your grown up kids waiting to be sewn into something lovely. I didn’t do the 80 yards again. But in the back of my mind I have hope that I’ll find another machine and be able to sew that one straight line – on a durable, long lasting machine that I gave away.
Can you help? Thanks!
My Mum bought me my first sewing machine when I was about 10 years old. It wasn’t electic, but a hand cranked varity. She bought it used for about 10 GBpounds. For all I know it could have been an antique. I loved it! I used to make all sorts of things for my toys and even a baby quilt. I think she got rid of my machine after I moved out to the States, but I find myself wishing I still had it. It would make a great conversation piece. I’ve become a bit more of a knitter in recent years, but I really want to get back into sewing again. I also think a serger would be a wonderful addition to a sewing machine. What beautifully finnished clothes it would produce!
My grandma gave my mom an old Singer. That was the first machine I sewed on. My mom eventually got a new machine that she never used. When I moved out I “borrowed” it and have never given it back. I get a lot more use out of it than my mom would! Of course, if I win I could give the machine back.
Wow! Great giveaway. I happened upon your tutorials on DesignSponge.com and have recently decided to get back into sewing again. This fall I will be signing up for beginners sewing class (it has been a long time!) in my neighbourhood for some basic sewing 101 lessons.
The timing of this giveaway is perfect! My grandmother knit, crocheted and sewed. She passed away before I got a solid (or any) grasp of any of these crafts, but I’ve since taught myself to knit. It’s my way of keeping my grandmother close to me, and I really enjoy it. I decided to learn to sew this summer and pulled out Nona’s old sewing machine to get tuned up. It was the same one that made my first communion dress, the “almost princess” dresses that she kept us in steady supply of and ball gowns for the barbies. Unfortunately, the guy at the sewing machine shop told me today that a gear is cracked inside and can’t be fixed. I’m a college kid who doesn’t have the money to spend right now on a sewing machine, but I would love to get my hands on one! Thanks!
Came across your video on Design Sponge. I’m ready to sew fabric bowls for everyone. I have been sewing for years. In high school I sewed all my own clothes and would splurge on Vogue patterns. Back then I had my mothers amazing old Singer machine. It was so fast and could sew through denim and leather, a must in the 70′s. I was just at my mom’s and she wanted us to go through her belongings naming what we wanted. The only thing I begged for was that old Singer.
My mom had a machine that was trusty, but not pretty. Then it broke. She also has an ancient nonworking beautiful one, that is a plant stand. I took a class in high school, and churned out an ugly skirt, and pants that didn’t fit. Now I have a teal Hello Kitty machine… its so basic, but makes me happy!
Congratulations on the book, Bret! That is incredibly exciting. BTW love your tips and projects for sewing on D*S, and I’d love to have the complete DVD set of you on the knitting show. You are their best asset!
I first sewed with my mom on her 60′s super heavy blue Singer that lived at the other end of the house, of course! Mom and my 8th grade home ec teacher taught me what I know. I sewed a circle skirt from a Simplicity pattern. I was too chicken to wear it to school, though. (peer pressure 8(). Then when I got married, I inherited my MIL’s (broken) brown Singer machine. When I started quilting in about 1990, I got the least expensive good machine I could find-a Singer! I’ve never sewn on a serger before or seen one in operation up close. I would use it EVERY DAY when I sew!! Soooooo exciting that I could win one. (oh please, oh please, oh please gods of the random number generator-please pick meeeeee.)
Thanks so much,
Betsy
I would love to have these sewing machines – I could sew a straight line (lol) and then some!!!
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My grandmother would always make us new pj’s every Christmas. So, I signed up for a sewing class which starts in a few weeks. My instructor and I decided that pj’s would be my first project. I am very excited to carry on the tradition that my grandmother started. I can’t wait to make pj’s for Christmas.
Thanks!
Jeanna
I’m super excited about this giveaway! I’m always borrowing/stealing my mother’s sewing machine so this would be pretty great for both of us.
I don’t sew very well, but I lust after sewing machines!
Congratulations on your new blog! I’ve been a fan of the old ‘craft room’ for ages now (even linking to it from my own blog). Now, I’ll have to go update my link! Your new ‘diggs’ look great, by the way! So excited about your giveaway! I could really use a new machine! How generous of you and your sponsor! Thanks for the opportunity to enter and for the continued great ideas/inspiration.
oops…nearly forgot to share my craft story…my earliest crafting memories began as far back as I can remember with a grandmother who made paper roses with us, would make us clothes that she (as a very talented seamstress) would make for us…painting…cooking…a very hands-on granny! I miss her every day. She (and now my Mother) suffered Alzheimer’s disease. I am so lucky to have known her when she could still share her talents with me. Today, crafting is my escape from the non-stop thought and care for my own Mother (now in a nursing home). Sometimes crafting is a catharsis that helps us through the roughest of times with joy and creation.
My mom gave me a sewing machine when I graduated from my high school graduation. Maybe some kids got cars or cash, but my gift was infinitely better. It’s still the machine I use today.
My mom taught me to sew on the machine her mom bought her when she was taught to sew. Mom made her own suits for work, which is great – she always looked unique. When I moved out of home mom bought me my own machine. At first I was very sloppy – to excited to plan and learn properly. But I’ve now got on with proper preparation and am working my way up to making my own suits too!
My great grandmother had a beautiful old treadle sewing machine with a wonderful old table. She kept it under the stairs in the hallway. It was beautiful!
I now use a more modern machine, but I think about how beautiful that machine was (and is).
My husband bought me a little cheapy machine for my birthday 2yrs ago. We weren’t sure if I was really going to ‘take’ to it, but I totally have! I’ve made tons of presents for my nieces, friends & family, and tons of home decor stuff. I would love to upgrade to a more sophisticated machine and a serger would just put e over the moon. I’ve had one on my wishlist ever since trying to sew with jersey on my sewing machine; it works…but not really.
I can’t even imagine how it would be to have these wonderful tools at my disposal! I learned to sew in high school home ec class back in the late 70′s. I made a brown pillow with a ruffled edge. (yuck). Then in the 80′s, as a young mother I got the itch to sew halloween costumes for my wee ones. So I went to Sears and bought a Kenmore 12 stitch machine. And made my kids look like little tigers and bunnies. The machine still works perfectly and has been a good basic machine, helping me with my crafts. Someday I will pass it down to my daughter.
My grandmother had one of these beautiful old readle sewing machines. Everytime when I visited I was admiring it and imagined the clothes she’d been sewing with this machine for her family of 14… I don’t even know if it still exists.
I have never really used a sewing machine,a but my grandma had one and I can remember when we tried to sew barbie clothes by hand she would whip them up for us on her machine. I would love to learn!
My father brought a few sewing machines home one day. They were payment for fixing one of my friend’s aunt’s (not really sure who any more?) computer. There were 2 or 3 sewing machines, and I don’t think that half of them worked or worked well. There was one though, in an split pea green travel case. An older singer, with a slight yellow tinge. The thought of sewing with a machine was totally fascinating to me, before this I sewed everything by hand (mostly ballet slippers and patches). I was about 14 and a freshman in high school. I claimed this machine early on, even to my father’s insistence this was his machine and I was only “borrowing” it. I still have my Singer Touch Tronic, and its still running. My father has stopped asking for the machine back, but still makes sure I have it every time he visits.
Wow. What an amazing giveaway! My sewing journey started when I was very little – but my mom gave away her beloved old Singer when I was in college. So I bought a cheap machine just after school and have been working with it ever since! Recently I upgraded to a Bernina and am still learning how to use it.
‘Santa’ gave me my very own sewing machine when I was eight years old. A tomboy, I promptly told my mom that Santa accidentally put my name on that gift and it was really meant for her. Needless to say, my parents convinced me that it was really left for me. I slowly taught myself how to use it, as much as could be self taught at 8 years old, sewing items like beanbags. Now, I LOVE to sew novice items for my daughter…and I’m still using that sewing machine. It’s been through countless military moves and jams in the bobbin area are just a part of sewing for me! How exciting it would be to have a new machine!! Maybe it would even inspire me to finally take a class I keep I keep talking about!!
I started to sew when I was about 12 yrs old. I started with Barbie clothes then rapidly progressed to sewing for myself. I am tall and this was the only way, back then, to get clothes that were long enough for me!
I’ve sewn everything from my wedding dress to home decor and most of my children clothes when they were little.
I still love to sew, but I don’t sew for myself as much anymore.
Thanks so much for such an exciting giveaway!
My mom taught me how to sew when I was 6 or 7. I remember the first thing I made really clearly… It was a pink checked flannel shirt, and I was more proud of that thing than pretty much anything else in my life (hey, it was the early 90′s)! I did it all on her old portable Singer, and continued to use and love that machine until I went to college. My mom got me a cheap machine for college, which I have been using since. I would LOVE a new machine, as not only do I use it for work, but I am starting to take up quilting and don’t know if my (well loved but well used) machine will quite be up to it!
I have been sewing since I was quite a little girl. I remember watching my older sister sew on my mother’s black Singer machine. It only sews straight and in one direction. I don’t really remember learning to sew, it was just something that we all did at home. I have three girls of my own now and they all sew. I have always wanted a serger and a new sewing machine would be awesome. The sewing machine I have is getting quite a workout this summer with my two younger daughters. This is a wonderful giveaway.
My grandmother, Baba Katarina, sewed on a old Singer treadle sewing machine. I watched her sew quilts on it. She taught me how to use it when I was quite young so I could make doll clothes. I went on to use electric machines in school and later my mother bought me a full featured machine that could do fancy stitches and all. But I always loved that original treadle machine and kept it all these years. It now resides with my daughter in a place of honor. And it still sews.
Oh my GOODNESS! I would LOVE to win a new sewing machine and serger! As a young girl, I used to sew small projects and skirts on my mom’s machine. I can remember going to the fabric store with her and listening to the employee cutting the fabric with those big sharp scissors. I loved the sound of it. When I married mom bought me my first little machine. I used it to sew curtains, skirts, projects, etc. Then it broke. Had it repaired. It broke again. No repair. Sad, I know. So years have gone by and I have this “ITCH” to sew again! This would be a wonderful way to start again. Thank you for such an awesome giveaway!
My first project was an apron, courtesy of my Girl Scout troop. It was made of yellow-and-white gingham, and had a pocket on the bib that we cross-stitched a red heart onto, using the gingham itself as a grid. A few of the moms brought in their machines, and we all learned how to thread and run one. Ironically, looking back, the material we used for that apron was so thin that it wouldn’t have been very functional in the kitchen!
I got my machine, a Singer Touch Tronic 2001 Memory Machine, about seven years ago. I was driving down the street with my mom and it was just sitting at the end of someone’s driveway on a sewing table, with a chair, looking like it was ready for someone to sit down and sew on it. I made my mom turn around and we went back and stopped. There was no sign asking for money but I went up to the door and checked that it was just free for the taking. The woman told me that it used to be her daughter’s but she no longer wanted it so I was more than welcome to it. Luckily we were in my mom’s SUV so we could load up everything including the furniture. The only thing missing was the power cord / foot pedal, which I was able to find at a local SewVac. There I found out that my machine was from 1978 and it was the first computer-controlled sewing machine. I found a copy of the manual online and I’ve just recently found all the original accessories for it online, including a bunch of special feet. Right after I found the feet, my machine broke. I paid to get it fixed, which took a while due to lack of parts, but it is missing a few functions now. I still love my old machine but a new one wouldn’t hurt either!
I started as a wee lad on my grandmother’s treadle, just playing around. In grade school, my mother insisted that my sisters and I learn how to sew. Then for a high school graduation gift, we all got a portable Singer sewing machine, (except for one sister who broke the tradition and insisted on a camera). I have a very old, used Singer now, but use my daughter’s when I need to (she has a fancy-pants electronic machine).
Wow! What an amazing giveaway.
My mom has had the same (ancient) sewing machine my whole life. When I was in college, she bought me my own sewing machine, but I’m still generally too scared of it to use it much. I took a “make friends with your sewing machine” class at a local fabric shop a year or two ago, which was lovely, but yep–I’m still a bit too scared to get the machine out and use it regularly. I always get flustered when something goes slightly wrong. I dream of having a sewing mentor to look over my shoulder and help me out until I figure the whole thing out!
My mom had a Singer electric that I learned on but my Aunt lived next door and she had an ancient Singer treadle sewing machine. My cousin would let me try to sew on the treadle now and them but I guess I am one of “those” who can’t walk and chew gum at the same time. I never got the hang of treadling and moving the fabric along! Thanks for the chance to enter your giveaway and congratulations on your new book!
Right now I’m learning to sew on a 60′s Slant-o-matic Singer. I love this thing! It was given to me by a co-worker who had it laying around his house for years. He was going to just toss it and remembered that I did “crafty stuff” (I’m mostly a knitter) so he asked me if I wanted it. So, now I’m learning to sew.
Both my Mom and Grandmother were avid sewers when I was a child. It wasn’t until I got marries and got a new sewing machine as a wedding present did I start to make clothes and use the machine. Now I use it mainly for quilting. It’s how I keep my sanity.
Growing up my Mom always had a Singer machine and although it wasn’t “fancy” it was a good old workhorse. She gave it to me when she got a new one and it was as heavy as a horse! It had a beautiful turquoise plate on the front and I wish I had it still.
My sewing machine was a Christmas gift from my dad a few years ago when I decided I wanted to start sewing again. I loved sewing with my grandma and my mother in-law sparked my interest again. Now I sew dresses for my girls. I love it!
I have used Singers all my life! My sewing machine and serger are both about to go ~ the serger is about 15 years old and the sewing machine is about 10. I use them both everyday. I would love to win!!!!
I started sewing way back when I would watch my grandmother who seemed like magic, making quilts and gowns curtains you name it she could make it. And she didnt always need a pattern. I always wanted to be a designer but never made it to college, as I just didnt have the money, got married young and decided being a Mom to my children was more important. So now I make may daughter clothes and make there beddings everytime they change their style… Do small alterations and some major ones for people. I would love to have a new machine to do what I enjoy but cant afford it
OH.WOW. I would truly ♥ to sew with a Singer machine. Grandma had one years ago. And I’ve never seen a Singer serger in action – would heart that, too!
Love your blog! Thanks for giving me a chance to win this combo. Good luck on your book tour.
looking forward to reading your blog and hope to learn from it- would love to win the contest i could use a new machine and serger!!
I havent sewn in years but would like to get back into it. I have a small dog that is begging to have some outfits made!
My sewing experience takes me back over 50 years. My grandmother use to make my mothers dresses by hand until she was able to afford a Singer machine, very basic of course. My mother bought a Singer when I was very small and made a lot of my clothes plus taught 4-H. I bought myself a basic Singer machine with my first bonus check at work. I now teach my grand daughters how to sew and one grand daughter is now selling her creations at art fairs. Singer machines are the best in my book. I haul my machine to Florida every winter so I can continue to be creative.
Creating things…that’s what it’s all about. Do it yourself and teach others to do the same. We’d be a happier world if we all used our creative talents for good. It’s sew interesting how many yearn to learn to sew now. Fabulous!
Singer was the machines in our Home Economics classes. I’ll never forget those valuable lessons from long, long ago. Thanks Singer!
My mom and I have been searching daily for a serger on Craigslist for months now, only to have them all snatched up before we get them. We’d love to win this set!
Oh how I’d love to have a serger!
My mom taught me some of the basics of sewing when I was a little girl. I’ve made some clothes, home decor projects, and quilts. My first sewing machine was a Singer!
I have a Singer 377. Its really old and heavy, but i love her, she only does basic stitches though, and i have been thinking of upgrading to a new machine, but i feel really guilty, like i would be cheating on my first sewing machine.
I bought her 2nd hand, and she was all battered and scratched, but i cleaned her up, and put some pretty pictures on her, and made a lovely cover from thrifted material! http://sewingbycandlelight.blogspot.com/2011/06/wohoooo.html (see pic here)
I started self taught myself to sew a couple of years ago, and found the wonderful sewing community through blogs, at the moment im completing a Garment Construction course that i am loving every minute of.
My Santa wishlist would be a new machine and also, a serger is on my unrealistic wishlist as the price is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyy beyond my purse :)
But will keep my fingers crossed for a glimmer of hope with your fantastic giveaway!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) Dreams may come true!
I grew up on Singer machines because it’s all my mother has ever owned. So naturally I too have followed in her footsteps. I love sewing and would do it everyday if I could. Some people have “retail therapy,” well mine is “sewing therapy.” Just to come home and settle down at the sewing machine and run a few stitches along fabric makes all my woes disappear. I have not a care in the world when I’m in my sewing zone.
The sewing machine I remember was one that done straight stitch only. I couldnt do any thing else on it. It was a singer.
My friend taught me to sew when my son was born. I wanted cute baby clothes for him, and I have loved sewing since then. Little did I know that when my bouncing bundle of joy turned 9, he would start begging me for a machine of his own. He designs his own quilts, and sews them up for family members. The truly tragic part….he has more accurate seams and straighter lines than I do! I would love to have this machine to give to him, so I can get MY machine back from his clutches! He has been asking to try his hand at serger quilts, but I have managed to avoid letting him get at mine up to this point.
I have too many stories to tell. I learned on my mom’s Kenmore cabinet sewing machine when I was about 10, I think. My mom didn’t sew, so I have no idea why she had the machine. I didn’t sew much as a kid after I took lessons, but after college I got heavily into costuming and medieval reenactment. I love being able to tell folks that I made something or have them say how wonderful my hubby looks. :)
My granny raised six of us grandchildren, along with her “change of life” baby, my uncle. He was her 7th child she raised. Granny raised all seven of us without running water, and had four of us in diapers. That was the late 50′s, so these were cloth diapers. She and pa-paw had a big farm and garden. I don’t know where the tiny woman got all her energy or how hard she had to push herself, but she got up before sunup every day. We had a big breakfast and big dinner every day. Of course we all helped on the farm. Granny could do anything whether it was milking cows or hunting. That was a great environment us. She would make time to get some sewing done on her very old Singer treadle sewing machine either early in the morning or late in the evening nearly every day. I loved to hear that hum as she sewed. Every time I see one of those I feel tears well up, as they are now as I type this. I was the only grandchild interested in sewing or quilting. I “got” to sit on the floor by Granny and thread the machine for her since she had trouble seeing the needle eye.
I am imagining all of the lovely things that I could make with those wonderful new Singe machines. I need to go through my patterns and my stash :-)
After a terrible attempt to sew in Home Ec class my grandma taught me how to sew but it ended up being years before I really got to try again. I had an old family Remington when I got married but when the wire rotted away my hubby went out bought me a new machine. My skills are slowly improving thanks to great friends, great library books and great you tube videos! I can’t wait to pass these skills down to my girls! (and boy!)
Hi, I started sewing back when I was 10 years old, which is about 59 years ago, on a treadle sewing machine of my mothers and I haven’t stopped since. My mother and I use to go to town on Saturday to get the chicken feed, so that we could pick out the sacks that had the designs on it that we wanted clothes made out of. Yes, that is what my first clothes I remember making were made out of, chicken feed sacks. Oh my, they had flowers, patterns you wouldn’t believe. But alas, all those clothes made out of those sacks had to be starched and ironed, no permament press, etc. like we have today. Over the years I have made my prom dresses, my daughters prom dresses, wedding dresses, bridesmade dresses, my grandaugher’s wedding dress, clothes for all 5 kids and just about everything. Now I am into making rag quilts, rag purses, rag totes and complete nursery sets. A new machine and serger would fit right into what I do.
My mom taught me to sew when I was a kid. One time she told me to watch my fingers because she knew someone who sew through her finger. I remember that every time I sew. Now I try to teach others to sew and other crafts at my weekly craft night with some great friends. I’d love a new machine so I can teach others to sew too!
I have been sewing since the age of 7, and have the scar to prove it! When I was 7 years old, my grandma was out for a visit. I was hand embroidering while talking to my grandma. I got distracted and forgot where I put my needle. (I was sitting on the carpet in my living room.) I leaned back and put my hand on the carpet, and found that needle! It went into the palm of my hand and broke off! Ouch!!! The eye of the needle was inside my hand, but no one knew. About one month later, it started working it’s way out the back side of my hand. My Dad took me to the doctor, and it was removed (the needle was completely black). My Mom punished me by taking my sewing kit away for a year. It was cruel and unusual punishment! Lol! I still have the scar, 50 + years later…
When my mom was dying, one of the things she kept insisting that I do was to take her sewing machine back home with me. It is green Singer from the late 60s-early 70s, bought new in my childhood or perhaps received as a wedding gift, totally unfancy by today’s standards but a complete workhorse (and with its own lid/carrying case!). She made so many clothes for herself and me on that machine (I have a couple of her patterns and the dresses she made from them) that I can only imagine how many hours of use it has seen. I’m ashamed to admit that I need to put it in the shop for a tune-up.
My sewing story?
It was a dark and stormy night. I was six or seven. My Mom was at her sewing machine and I was up in bed supposedly sleeping. She was secretly making a new wardrobe for my Barbie as a Christmas present for me. I crept out of my room and peeked over the banister to see her sitting in the dark but for the light of her light blue-coloured Singer. She was a teacher who worked hard and took courses at night to improve her salary to support us. She grew and canned all of our vegetables. She threw fancy dinner parties. She did everything for my brother and me. She made yogurt in her spare time. I can so clearly recall at that young age wondering how on earth she had the energy to stay up late making miniature outfits for a plastic doll but most of all I wanted to learn to sew just like her.
I learned to sew by hand in Brownies. I learned to sew on a machine in junior high home economics. In high school I even made a few outfits – patternless and ill-fitting but what did I care? I was sewing. What I never learned was to make the time for sewing like my Mom did. Now I’m a teacher and I come home tired like she did but I do not sit up in the night to “indulge” my desire to sew. My mom even gave me the blue Singer once but I gave it back when she saw it covered in dust and dirty laundry during a visit…I could see that she hated to see it sitting unused.
Then, a couple of weeks ago, my friend’s four-year-old shared her Barbies with me. Her Mom had found some Barbie clothes at a garage sale. They were obviously made from the same pattern as the tiny disco-inspired clothes my mother had made. Another mother who MADE time to sew for her children had stitched them with care.
Today I am going to find my Barbie and sew her something fabulous even if the laundry and the dishes stay dirty…
I started sewing when I was about 13yrs old. My mom has an old Singer from the 70′s that I taught myself the sewing basics. The more I sewed, the better I got :) I made my 1st purse out of my husbands acu Army uniform with that machine, and I just treasure that purse because its a little piece of him I can carry with me everyday. It means alot since he is half way around the world! I would love to win these machines! Im in serious need for an upgrade :) Thanks for the opportunity to win and congrats on your new book!
-Jennifer
I learned to sew when I was in elementary school. My mom sewed when she was younger, even winning the Make it Wool contest in high school! When I was in high school, she bought me my own machine, a brown Singer, just like hers. I didn’t sew for a few years, but I started back up when I got married. My mother-in-law was a seamstress and that is how she provided for her and my husband. She recently gave me her 1930s black Singer that she did all of her sewing on.
I know sew quite a bit for my son and also for the house.
This is an awesome givaway!
I have been sewing since I was a little girl. I now have two Etsy stores where I sell my wares. They are costumefaire and puttingonthedog. I was blessed with a wonderful old 50′s Singer that I found at a swap meet in Colorado for $20. It paid the bills when I moved back to Texas for a job that did not work out. I started making costumes for a lady who had a Ren faire booth. I recently gave that machine to a friend and I have a “school machine” Singer which I love. A serger and a machine with all of the bells and whistles would be loved at my house. They would be used every day to produce things “Made in America” with pride.
What an awesome giveaway! Thank you!
I first learned to use a machine when I was a little girl. My mother let me use her industrial machine to sew a dress for my barbie doll. It was so intimidating, trying to sew a little dress on such a big machine. She still has the machine. And it still intimidates me. LOL.
My grandmother used to work in a sewing factory in San Antonio TX many many years ago. She had one of those Black Iron sewing machines that come built in table. I remember she would sew these beautiful dresses and make curtains… I think that’s why I change out my curtains every season lol. I remember siting at the machine but I couldn’t reach the Iron peddle to sew so I would pretend lol. I told myself one day I would learn to sew something . She was never able teach me =(.
My mother bought a Singer 501 back in 1959 to sew a clown costume for my brother. This is the machine that I learned how to sew on. Girls used to be required to take home economics- I remember learning how to cut out a pattern and the many hours of taking seams in and out to make my first shift dress. Over the years I used this machine to do alterations, make wedding gowns and costumes for my children and grandchildren. Also even helping a friend repair the sails for his sailboat. I considered this machine to be one of my most valuable possessions.
I thought I needed an upgrade- purchased a lightweight portable when my job took me overseas. The new machine just never quite made it and I always found myself going back to the old standard.
I am a fiber artist, I create one of a kind art-to wear items. I dye the fabric (usually silk) and then construct clothing.
My 501 is now 52- I think maybe she is in menopause. She is tempermental and I never know how she might sew from day to day. My mechanic tells me that she is over the hill and I need to break down a buy a new machine. I do not have a serger- I know that this would be a valuable asset to my studio. Maybe it is time for an upgrade and then I will be able to soar as a designer. but the 501 will always have a place in the studio- they just don’t make them like that anymore (all steel)
I can”t wait to see your new book, congratulations on that. I learned to sew on my grandmothers treadle machine over 50 years ago and I still have the machine. I don’t use it anymore but it will always be precious to me. I purchased a Singer Genie machine in 1974 and I used that machine to sew most of my and my youngest daughters clothes. It actually died on me 2 years ago and I cried.. It was a part of so many memories and I felt like I had lost one of my best friends. I would love to win this new Singer combo and look forward to seeing more projects from you and the crafty quilting members..
My future story: I will win this prize, through my old cheap broken sewing machine out and my new crafts will be of a much higher quality. This will help me expand my starting business (sewing exclusive clothes for a new local shop in my country (Lithuania)) because now I can not complete my ideas just because of a bad equipment….
Of all the contests I have ever entered….this is the one to win!!
My grandma was a sewer who made clothing for her family and crocheted gifts for friends. I’ve always thought it’d be a great skill to have for repairing items, passing on to the next generation, and maybe saving some money–but never really learned anything more than hand sewing buttons even though I had some exposure to machine sewing. So about three years ago, I began teaching myself by making a dress for my daughter. I bought a $68 sewing machine from Target (not wanting to invest a lot of money in something I may or may not like) and began the adventure. Dress making has become sort of an Easter tradition for us and my daughter has also been learning. It’s been neat to learn together! Now that machine is sounding a little stressed and who wouldn’t want a Singer!! Thanks for the opportunity and congrats on the book!
Hi Brett,
Just happened upon your post on Facebook, I sure could use a new machine! I had learned sewing both from my mother-by hand, and at school home econ. class -machine. When my two girls were small I made all of their holiday dresses and Halloween costumes,either by hand or with my machine that my Aunt had given me when my husband divorced me, I no longer had time to do all that, and got out of the loop. Now that my girls are grown and out of the house, I want to get back into the sewing groove, especially if grandkids are soon to be ….but I can’t seem to get my old machine to work. Have been pricing machines but can’t quite afford one yet, it would be awesome to win a Singer, though! Thanks for the opportunity, have a nice day :)
Angela
I started sewing when I was in the 4th grade. I joined 4H and one of the areas was sewing. My babysitter taught me to sew on her machine. I made a shift with buttons down the back. I continued to sew using the machine of a friend for several years. My mom and day bought me a Singer 626 when I was in the eighth grade. I was taking home economics at the time, and the rest is history. I still have that machine plus a 6233 and a ce-250. I would really like to explore serging. Thanks for the opportunity.
I want this so much…come on random number generator! come to mama
either way I am so happy I found this blog…it has inspired me to go back to sewing and to get over my fear.
Here’s my story…
I always wanted to learn to sew, but never did. I was too busy being Daddy’s tomboy. Then I got a little machine to learn to sew backs on the pillows I cross-stitched. But I never learned how to use it. I was too busy cross-stitching so my parents bought it from me and gave it to my baby sister. Then a lot (really – decades) of time passed and I had a baby. And I still didn’t learn to sew.
And then both of my grandma’s died.
My mom got her mother’s machine and (being the incredible seamstress that she is) her mother-in-law’s as well. For mother’s day, we got my mom a new machine with bells and whistles. She asked me if I wanted Gram A’s machine in Grams O’s case. I said yes.
And I MADE time to learn to sew. It connected me to them. And I fell in love with making something. Something my child can wear, something she can cuddle, something she can be excited to see come together (she’s three; knowing Momma made it tickles and amazes her and fills me with unspeakable pride). I made us matching dresses and when people in church whisper: “I bet she made those!” I take it as a compliment (as it is meant).
But I don’t have a serger! ;)
Hi this is my first visit to your site, but I am not a stranger to Singer. I learned to sew in grade school on a Treadle sewing machine. My current sewing machine is almost 30 years old and I am teaching my Granddaughter who is 6 yrs. to sew on it. Both of my daughters learned to sew on this same machine. It still works just not quite like new. Sure would be nice to have a sewing machine with all the bells and whistles. I don’t own a serger but I would love to have one.
My mom had an old machine given to her by an aunt. It had a large metal pedal that ran across the bottom of the machine. It was big enough for both feet! Although it was old, it still worked and I remember my mom actually sewing on it. She made rag quilts and pot holders. It was beautiful! I wish I had appreciated the beauty of it back then as I do now. It was given to my sister who has it displayed in her living room and I still love it.
When I was very young my granma let me sew some on her machine and it was fun. When I graduated high school, my other grandpa gave me my grandma’s sewing machine she used before she passed away. It intimidated me for a long time. I learned how to use it and now I have a newer sewing machine but I would LOVE to have a serger. I have been considering starting a sewing class for young girls (middle school age) but don’t have the money to purchase machines to teach more than one girl at a time. This prize would allow me to do that. So, wining would be AWESOME! Then I could pass on my love for sewing to other girls!
My mom sewed most of my sister and my clothes on her Singer. She also took a tailoring class to learn how to make my dad’s suits. He was an international coach and other people often asked him where he got the excellent suits. For Christmas 1976 she gave me the best present ever. It was a hope chest with kitchen goods (pots and pans) towels, linens and best of all my first ever Singer! It was green and weighed a ton! It had both straight and zig-zag and a setting for buttonholes. My mom said it was better than her old machine with different cams for different stitches. I started making my own clothes with it and even after all four children were born I made most of their things. Now I still make my own special things but have a new grandson to sew for. I’d love the new machines to expand my repertoire.
My mom got her Singer sewing machine around 1950 & started teaching me to sew when I was 10 yrs old. She bought me my own Singer in 1969. Mom passed away over 30 years ago, but I doubt she would have bought a new machine, that’s the way she was — nothing wrong with the old workhorse! I still have both machines and still use mine, even though the “old” one still runs just fine. (And I will keep it forever because of the memories.) I’ve been thinking of getting a new Singer so I can do all the “fancy” stuff instead of being limited to a zigzag stitch! I would be thrilled to have a new machine AND serger, wow! There’s nothing like the feeling of completing a sewing project (whether it’s clothes or crafts) and raking in the compliments!!!
I have always been fasinated by sewing . I took 6 years of Home Ec in Jr and Senior High school just for sewing. we never had a sewing machine at home then that I could get to work right. After I was married I bought a refurbished JCpenneys machine that has worked great now for about 35 years. Over the years i have made projects for my boys and a few home dec projects and gifts,but never had a whole lot of time to spend doing it and working a full time job. Recently i became disabled and have to much time. I have been trying to learn heirloom sewing . I have a beautiful new grandaughter. First little girl in my life and would love to be able to make all beautiful things for a little girl.My machined is really dated and unable to do alot of the stitches for these Have been looking for a new machine but most are over my budget on a fixed income . This would be a wonderful combo. I think i could make anything with them .
Congratulations on your new book! And what a wonderful giveaway. My machine is ready for retirement as it no longer does a straight stitch, but has decided to do an itsy bitsy zig zag stitch instead! And here sitting in my knitting studio, is my mother’s old (I mean really old!) Singer, complete with its wooden case. I think it’s time for a new machine!
I just started learning how to sew and have made some really cute things! It’s so addicting! This would be awesome to have!!!!
My mom gave up on teaching me to sew when I was younger after I ran my thumb through the machine 3 times. I have tried to pick it up on my own with limited success with different machines I have found at yard sales. Maybe having a brand new machine with instructions would make a difference.
I learned to sew on my grandmothers old green machine. I loved it! Now I have that same machine and it still works like a charm all these years later.
Congrats on the book!
It would be so awesome to win!!! Oh the things I could do……
The first thing I ever sewed was at age 9, a flattish pillow thing with some gorgeous organza ruffle made from remnants of a dress my mother had made me – aqua polyester knit. I still remember that the dress chafed a bit under the arms, but I loved the color so much I wore it anyway.
I have my grandmother’s Sears-purchased Singer sewing machine and could use an upgrade. I’ll give my friend Candy J. the serger if I win – so two people (at least) will be made splendidly happy by the prize.
I inherited my Grandmother’sSinger treadle machine. I remember what fun I had as a kid learning to sew on it. My dream is to own a longarm quilting machine. I’ve made several tops and would love to quilt them myself.
OH MY! All of my machines are down and I can’t afford to fix them! This prize would be an awesome win!
Wow! What a great prize.
I learned to sew on a Kenmore that my mom bought in the 1970′s to make a cheerleading unform for me. It isn’t fancy, just does a straight stitch and a zig zag. Would love to win something a little more modern!
Hi! My name is Camilla and I’m Italian: I’m new here and found you via facebook singer page… this is a WONDERFUL prize! I never win anything, but this time I must try!
My sewing machine story starts a few years ago. I’ve always been a creative person and I wanted to make whatever came to my mind since I was a kid: I built small puppet theaters out of paper bags, ghosts mobiles out of kleenex, I made paintings, bracelets, beads necklaces, doll clothes, candles, felt… well, I loved to keep my hands busy. So, about 6 years ago I decided I must have a sewing machine. I had to fight for it, because I didn’t have money to buy it and my parents thought this would distract me from study (they were right, but I’m much happier right now!). I spent every night talking about the one I was dreaming (a Singer 7422) with them and they were always saying NO.
I don’t remember why they decided to buy it, in the end. Maybe they where exausted. : )
Unfortunately right now that machine is broken. It went out of phase last summer and the person who had to repair it, broke it even more. It sews only straight and back. Not zigzag or other stitches… : (
Anyway, I spent most of my money in fabrics and patterns, hoping to find a new good sewing machine for my hobby time. Right now I’m making blankets and hats for my baby daughter… I hope she will get the crafty side from her mummy!
All through my youth, I wanted nothing to do with anything domestic, whatsoever. Nobody in my family sewed. I had to fight to get out of taking Home Ec. in middle school & to get into Industrial Arts class instead. I got all A’s in Industrial arts & mechanical drawing classes & was very proficient at making a work bench! Fast-forward 20+ years. I’m a Mom with a beautiful baby girl & all the other Moms are making the sweetest sundresses, pillowcase dresses & quilts. Somehow, a pink workbench just doesn’t cut it. Seemingly, out of nowhere, a desire to learn the art of sewing bubbled up & my husband dutifully went right out & bought me my first sewing machine, which I didn’t even know how to turn on. I enrolled in classes at local shops & eventually learned enough to make a closet full of sundresses! Today, I’m teaching this wonderful art to my 6 and 11-year-old daughters & have progressed to Halloween costumes & quilts! Who says old dogs can’t learn new tricks?
I grew up with three brothers, I being the only girl. My mom used to stay up late at night and make ALL of my clothes…shirts, shorts, dresses, my first coat was from the bottom of her long coat. She sometimes made my brothers shirts too. Once they became unhappy that she was spending so much time with me, fitting my clothes as she sewed,..(don’t think she had a pattern, she always talked about making clothes for her paper dolls.) As I grew older, she of course taught me how to sew, and I always felt that someday she would hand her Singer machine down to me, but she gave it to one of my sister-in-laws. (yes, it hurt) Anyway, my daughter got one from Santa when she was in junior high, and seemed to start out like my mom, without a pattern. She never really liked patterns, and jumped right in making quilts with no training. I get to use my daughters machine when she was not in the mood to sew, but when she is ready to sew, I can’t touch it. It is still the same today as then, and she is 23 and ready to marry in June. I told my husband that it is my turn for a sewing machine of my own…yet I’ve still not been able to afford one. I saw the Singer contest and my heart, well, my heart is “on hold.” What can I say to an opportunity like this, not just a Singer, but extra stuff that would make my heart sing like a Singer. Mom always bragged about her Singer, that it would hum along quietly with her as she too would sing. I would be able to make my own curtains and drapes….and maybe, just maybe some baby clothes for a grandchild or even a quilt. Thank you for this opportunity to make someone very happy.
I avoided sewing machines like the plague and stuck to hand sewing for the longest time because I’m a Klutz and figured I’d put my fingers through it. At some point I realized hand sewing was a bit impractical for anything other than mending and making dolls & puppets (as I did when I was a kid). Then I found a 1970-something Singer Starlet at the thrift store for $25. It has worked like a dream all these years and is now like my baby. Costuming, upholstery, clothing…. it’s allowed me to do amazing things – you name it! I <3 my Starlet!
p.s. I still don't hem though (hate).
My mom taught me to sew in elementary school. She used a sewing machine that was almost as old as she was, back then. Now, she uses the exact same machine! It’s getting on in years, though, and it doesn’t do so many things that modern machines can; things that would make sewing life so much easier for her. So if I win these, I will promptly send them to my mom. :)
H Barb,
Oh my gosh, that’s so exciting! I’ve never seen your site before, but I want to congratulate you on publishing your book all the same. Winning a serger and a new machine right now would be so amazing, I’m actually leaving my full time job so I can go to apparel design school full time, and I’ve just never been able to afford replacing my tired, shaky, run down old Shark Euro Pro, let alone getting a new serger! Thanks for this opportunity!
Hi, I could write you a book !! My Mom had her mothers foot pedal sewing machine, Her singer that she sew on and her Elna that she use for special stitches, and special outfits. She was a seamstress!! She worked in several fabric stores that the same man owned and she had more material at home that I got to choose from for my clothes!! I would come home from school and go thru my closet and tell Momma I don’t know what to wear to school tomorrow, or tell her about a dress i seen on a friend and I would have that dress on my door the next morning to wear!! I guess i was about 13 when she bought me a dress to wear for Christmas because she could not sew for awhile cause she was sick!! She made me pick it out. that was not easy!! nothing looked like what she made me!! When i graduated, my parents sent me to Kansas to stay with an uncle and aunt, and mom gave me every credit card she had and sent me to Houston to go shopping. I came back with a pair of sandals that i bought myself. My cousin went with me and i told her there is nothing there i want to buy!! My Mom taught me how to sew, when i took sewing in school. no one was allowed to bring what they made out of the room when class was over except me, My mom taught my teacher how to sew and if she could not answer my questions then i went to mom that night with what i was making and got my answers!! we had to do two different projects at home for that class. Mom made me make 4 dresses, 4 skirts and 1 blouse, and 4 shorts and 4 tank tops. All my hand!!!! I never touched a sewing machine. The second project was my wardrobe for the next school year. I had 3 months to do this. and she taught me to sew on her singer then her elna. I made 14 dresses!!!! When i married Mom bought me a Kenmore sewing machine. I have been married 42 years and it is still sewing!!!!! I want to do embrodery and quilting and my machine won’t do it and my fingers are not in shape to do it anymore. So i would love to win that singer sewing machine and serger!! It woud make my day!! I am home all day, can you imagine what i could do with that machine and serger if i had it!!! My mom woudl be smiling from Heaven!!!!
I have been around sewing all my life….grandmaw sewed for others on her Singer Treadle machine and then an electric one as well as for a living at a golf bag company. When I married my first Christmas gift from my husband was a Singer Sewing Machine from the local department store. I have been sewing on Singer and loving every minute of it for 50 some odd years….I still have that first machine!!! Can’t go wrong with anything that has Singer on it….
I inherited my love for sewing from my paternal grandmother. She made hundreds of pieced quilts though she never quilted them but tied them. She gave me a lot of her scraps and I am blessed to have one of her bow tie quilts. … My worst memory of a sewing machine is when I was a senior in high school we had a new shop come to Fort Wayne, kind of like a flea market/antique shop… well there was a beautiful treadle singer machine in the window and I went in and talked to the shop owner about if I could put it on layaway and pay for it when I could and he agreed. I was so excited. But even though I made monthly payments for several months I went back one day to get it and he had sold it to someone else. I felt so betrayed and very used.
Good morning Brett! So glad I stumbled onto your web page thru FB this AM. I to would LOVE a new machine. Who wouldn’t!! Right? I learned to see at my grand mothers knee, on a Singer pedal type machine in the 50′s. She made all my dresses, beautiful ones with lots of ruffles and wide sashes that tied in the back! All of my dolly’s had matching ones also. Later would come barbies doll clothes then matching shirts for my boyfriend and me in the late 60′s.Orange pasley ones. We wore them to school every Monday and Friday. When I was 13, I was allowed to sew by myself. My mom wouldn’t let me touch her new Singer Golden Touch and Sew, so I would use the old pedal one of Granny’s. She told me, ” Baby you can’t hurt this one.” Well I have been thru several of my own over the years and I would love to have a new one with all those bells and whistles!!THANKS!!
I had a Kenmore sewing machine that my parents bought me for a gift upon my high school graduation. I used that machine for years and years until my adult daughter bought me a new one (bless her heart). It is very basic but has served me well for several years now. I am way ready for an upgrade as I approach retirement with plans to sew up a storm!
Been sewing on a singer since I was 9 years old. It was a treddle maachine belonged to my Grandmother. My mother still has it she is 92. I am 2. The one I have now was given to me in 1992. I would love a new one I do a lot of sewing.
My mother taught me to sew at age 7 or 8. I took Singer sewing lessons, winning my own machine while in high school. Then I taught Singer sewing lessons. One of my students competed in San Francisco at the National Finals. Singer Company sponsored my National Merit scholarship to Oklahoma State University where I majored in Clothing, Textiles, and Merchandising. Now I enjoy sewing for my grandkids.
My very first sewing machine was an antique cast iron singer. It was a manual treadle machine! It weighted a ton, but once I figured out how to change the tension for different projects, It ran like a tank and never broke! It was originally my grandmothers machine, and my mom still owns it.
Now I own a Bernina Activa 220, which is the machine I learned on in my fashion program at Western Michigan University. It is a dream machine, but I would love to win this contest so that my friendly crafting group could have a learning machine and several people could sew together and learn together at our weekly crafting get togethers!
I love a singer sewing machine. Way back in the ’50′s I took sewing lessons at a Singer sewing center and have loved sewing ever since. I Would love to have a new sewing machine and serger. I want to be able to sew dresses for my granddaughters.
My grandmother and my mom made many of my clothes growing up. My mom even made my junior high prom dress. I can appreciate it more now than I did then. They never taught me how to sew, but an older lady friend gave me her heavy 1950′s machine and I’ve tried to teach myself. I would love a serger and to learn how to make blankets and quilts for others. I love other crafty things and can see how this would increase my joy 1000%!
Ooh, I have a nice sewing machine story!
Sewing has always been a part of my family on both sides. My mother’s wedding dress (along with the 4 bridesmaids’ & 2 Mother of the dresses) was made on Grandma’s 1960′s Singer. My favorite toy, growing up, was a giraffe Mom made on her Singer. It only got it’s body, ears, & mouth done because Mom told me, at 3 years old, that he was “MY Pal” before legs, horns,or eyes could be added. My 1st sewing project was a stuffed animal I made for a cousin on that machine. It was a little dog. (A fair 1st attempt, If I do say so myself.)
Due to a natural disaster, we lost mom’s wedding dress. However, I was lucky enough to be handed down Grandma’s machine along with a couple girl’s dresses that were made for my sisters and I. I still use Grandma’s sewing machine & have sewn several Halloween costumes, home accessories, doll clothes, scout badges & anything my daughter has comissioned me to do in her 11 years. Now I’m teaching my daughter how to sew & she is loving it. Next, is a doll’s cocktail dress my daughter saw in human scale & wants to duplicate.
Sewing has always been a part of our family & Grandma’s sewing machine has always been a part of it. With luck, I can to pass it onto my daughter one day and continue the legacy of sewing in our family.
Growing up, both of my grandmothers sewed. However, I never had any interest in it. Only late in life (after the birth of my first child) did I really try my hand at sewing (with a cheap little Singer) and discovered that I really enjoyed it (and I think I am fairly good at it too!) By this time, one grandmother had passed on, and my other lived 1000 miles away. By the time I moved back to my hometown, my other grandmother had died as well. Before she died, she requested that I get her sewing machine (as I was the only one who sewed). My grandfather, though, asked if my cousin could “borrow” it as her daughter wanted to learn how to sew. My cousin and I don’t get along, but I agreed thinking her child shouldn’t suffer and it was only temporary. However, that was five years ago and my grandfather now denies that my grandmother ever left it to me. It breaks my heart because not only was it a much nicer machine, but she wanted me to have it. While no machine could ever replace hers (no sentimental value obviously), I would love to have a nicer machine than I have now since I have gotten more and more into sewing and my little one is very limited.
Congratulations on your book!!! What a great giveaway!! Can you also give away skills/talent :0). I am amazed on the talent some people have. Wish to be on of them.
My frustration is with the serger, mine is over 20 years old and would love a new one that is easier to use, I would love to sew more but need more confidence, my great grandmother had a treadle machine with a shuttel bobbin and she crocheted,but it didn’t get passed down to my Grandmother or mother,they were busy working,just wish I had a sewing mentor.My hubby had a old Riccar macine and when I took it out to use it the stitch pattern cam cracked from dry rot so I ended up getting a used machine on Ebay, when it arrived half the attachments were missing so I had to order them.So it’s nice to have more than one machine
I learned how to sew from my mom on her old Singer 328. A few years ago when I was back home , I brought it out west when I returned so that the machine didn’t end up in a dumpster somewhere. I am not using iit right now but have lots of memories of sewing until 2am and my grandmother shouting, Debbie , go to bed! You make more mistakes when you are tired! Boy was she right lol!
Learned to sew as a child from my mother and now have many requests from others to teach them to sew. I am so happy as I was beginning to think sewing was a dying art. I am part of an artist/crafting community in the Steampunk movement. Would love to have these to donate to the center, so they can be used by the community- people who cannot afford their own machines or do not have space to store them.
My mom taught me to sew when I was very young on her Singer machine and I was making my own clothes by the time I was 13 on that same machine. Now I sew clothes from my Etsy shop for children and teach kids to sew. I love teaching kids to sew and love the feeling it gives me when they make their first garment. They are so excited to know that they made a skirt that they can wear and show to their friends.
I don’t have a serger, so I really could use one. I got my first sewing machine when I was 6 years old. A little red crank one. I started sewing in 4-H when I was 10 years old. We made potholders and other simple items. I took sewing classes in Home Ec. for 4 years in High School. Learned a lot there. Had a fabulous teacher. Made clothes for my daughter when she was little. Now I make quilts and purses and other items. Both my grandmothers made their own clothing from newspaper patterns which they designed. My cousin which is an avid sewer says I need a serger. I’m glad that I found this website. I will visit it often. Thanks.
When I was in the 6th grade, my dad had his first of four heart attacks. My mother, with her 8th grade education, had never worked outside our home. However, there was one major talent she had…SEWING. And so, with my dad recuperating from his heart attack, my mother started advertising, mostly by word-of-mouth, Sewing for the Public. She put a sign in front of our house and her “career” as one of the best seamstresses in our town began. She could sew, make money and still take care of her family from home. She could make anything: from wedding gowns, Azalea Trail Maids gowns, to men’s suits (yes I said suits), lined curtains, etc. I was so very proud of her but as a typical kid, I don’t think I ever told her. She taught me and my sisters how to sew. When I taught English at a private school in Georgia, I began teaching sewing too. The girls in my class loved it!
I have used other machines, but always come back to Singer. They are truly the best. My machine has been in the shop several times in the past 2 years. It is getting old, and I would love to have both a new machine and serger so badly. My husband wants to buy both for me, but with this economy, we just can’t do it right now. So, a new pair would be the best gift ever. I look forward to winning!!!!!
I am a die hard Singer lover. I saved up my money in high school and bought my very own machine. I learned to sew Barbie clothes on that thing. I had it for 26 years and when we moved the movers broke it. It was not repairable and the machines I have purchased to replace it, just not the same. Miss my old Singer but love the newer ones as well.
Would love to win a new one and a serger too. Oh my.
My mom taught me to sew on her featherweight when I was young. I sewed my Confirmation dress and my prom dress on it. I still have it. Now I tend to be a sewing machine addict. I just love the varieties and styles the companies have produced over the years. Any time someone has a sewing machine to get rid of they ask me if I am interested. Whether the machine is working or not, I usually say yes. I have or had treddle machines, featherweights, older machines, newer ones. I finally decided I had too many and sold some at garage sales and some I got fixed and donated to our local thrift store hoping someone that can’t afford a brand new one can enjoy the thrill of making something with them, like I do. I still collect them but try to restrain myself. And still donate when I can. I have a few that I use faithfully sewing the quilts that I make out of used clothing, usually from pants/jeans, that have become big hits as gifts for my friends and their families. The only new sewing machine I have owned was a Christmas present from my ex-husband 27 years ago which was a Montgomery Ward brand. It passed away about 15 years ago. I have never owned a new Singer or any kind of serger.
I grew up watching my mom sew and got my own machine as a Christmas gift when I was about 17 or 18. Although I don’t sew as much as I’d like to these days, I have a little girl and I’d LOVE to start sewing for her more!
I would so love to win this!! I feel like there is a Sewing Goddess inside of me just dying to be released! My Grandfather worked for Singer in their corporate offices. My Mother still has her old Singer machine in one of those pop up desks. I never have had my own machine until a couple of years ago when I was given a New Home Memory Craft 6000. I have sewed one blanket on it and now I can’t get it to work right. It would be nice to have a simpler machine to learn on. As a little girl I would sew little pillows and clothes for my dolls by hand. Just give me a needle and thread and I would do something with it! So, I guess you can say I’ve been self taught. I love to watch the Singer hour on HSN and see all the new machines and what they can do. I would like to be able to learn how to properly sew on a machine and maybe launch my own etsy shop!!
My mother always told me stories of her Bubbe sewing things for her. Since my mom never sewed I grew up dreaming of learning to sew. Last year I decided to take the plunge and got a simple machine. I got a Pixie Plus to start learning how to sew, what a mistake that was. It broke within 2 days and left me in tears. My husband surprised me with a full blown sewing machine that weekend and I’ve been sewing since and dreaming serger dreams.
I first learned to sew in 4H when I was young. I always have loved to create things. My mother bought my first sewing machine at age 10. It was a Necchi and I had it until I lost it in a house fire when I was 35 years old. That was a great machine. It was still being used and ran like a dream. I have never found a sewing machine I liked as much.
Would love to win this. Have been sewing forever. So great to have sewed for my children, now sewing for grandchildren. Hope they have as many great memories as I do.
My mum told me that when i was a little girl, i used to stand and watch her and my aunty sew pyjamas and bed linen for my siblings and i, she would make crib sheets and all sorts of soft furnishing, purely because she could not afford to buy those things and whenever she was given fabric she would make them. At the time i was mesmerised by the sound of the old singer machine they used and all the facinating things it could do, I recall going into my mothers bedroom and seeing this cream colored box with a handle on top and two latches on the bottom sides and being intruiged as to whether or not the machine that sounded like a train was living underneath it.
Then when i was around 10 i spent most of my leisure time using old clothes cuting them up and dressing my two younger sisters up like models and putting on fashion shows for the family, At this point i was confident with hand sewing techniques which i just seemed to grasp from watching my mother! it was when i was 13 that i had an opportunity to take a textiles class in school and i was introduced to the sewing machine again and instantly fell in love with it, we used a basic Singer machine at the time but i just loved how the fabric moved under the needle!
Then almost 3 years ago i decided to invest in a machine of my own (my first) and of course i got a singer Tradition machine and have been in love with singer machines and sewing ever since. My inspiration was definetly my mother and aunty who not only taught me what sewing is (through observation) but how to make ends meet in very poor economic circumstances, which was the best lesson of all
That is a great package. It would nd so helpful in my home. I love. to make stuff for my 4 kids
Growing up I always tried to sew. My Mom tried to teach me. Every single time she’d show me how to do something then move aside to let me try, I would touch the machine and it would break. Finally we just gave up. Fast forward to adulthood and one day I said why not. I went out and got myself a little Singer machine and went home. I sat and stared at it for hours trying to convince myself that it was new so it shouldn’t break. Finally I grabbed the thread and I have been sewing ever since. I’m now working on my second quilt and totally love sewing.
No great story. Just have an old kenmore sewing machine. lost my accessories box for it. Haven’t sewn in about 30 years Currently saving for a new machine. Would love to sew for my grandchildren and do some quilting. . I saw that your book “Sewing in a Straight Line” was out, went to my local Barnes and Noble, they hadn’t even unpacked your book yet. Got my copy and I can’t wait to try and make everything in it. I love, love, love it! Everything is simple but beautiful. The bowls are ingenious. I find it very helpful that you also talk about sewing tools in the book. Thank you for such a great book I can’t wait till I can get a sewing machine and start making the all the projects in your book. Everyone should buy this book, it’s terrific!
Thanks for the giveaway! For the first time in 46 years I do not have access to a working sewing machine! I could so use both! :) I learned to sew at 4 years old sitting on top of several Sears Catalogs at the kitchen table on my grandmothers Singer, a small little black feather weight machine (my mom is still using that machine). I still have the first items I made, clothes for my doll, Gloria. The sewing machine that I have used since highschool gave me many years of wonderful service, it was a work horse and sadly they do not make the parts needed for repair any longer. Thanks again for the giveaway!!!
I love my sewing machine. It is really nothing fancy but it broke recently and when I took it in for repairs, the woman at the shop said “this is why it is an excellent idea to have a back-up machine!” I think she was just trying to get me to buy one of her machines but that doesn’t mean she was wrong!
I’ve never used a seger though and would love to try so this contest is great! If I win will have my back-up machine and a serger all in one shot! Thanks for the chance to win and I love you blog!
I learned to sew from my mom on an old Husqvarna Viking machine that was all metal and weighed probably 50 pounds. That thing was about as basic as you can get but it was a beast. It got my mom through her fashion design classes and me and two younger sisters through many years of 4-H fair projects. Since I left home 10 years ago I have wanted my own machine but have not bought one for one reason or another. I miss sewing a lot, and I cannot count the times I have refused to buy something because, “I could sew that for so much cheaper!”.
I just discovered your blog but am an instant fan. I am going out to buy your new book immediately, and then tell all my crafty sewing freinds to buy it too. This give away is one of the best I’ve ever seen for sewing lovers like me!!! Good luck with your blog tour and your book :)
What a wonderful prize to wish for! I have my Grandmothers Singer Treadle…..I have a little Singer from the 1940′s that is the same model as the one my Mother made all our clothes on, even prom dresses. I have the Singer that was a gift when my girls were small and I made their clothes….It is over 40 years old…What a joy to have a new machine to piece my quilts on, and make dresses for the Princess Granddaughter….and a serger….oh my ….Well, that’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it….Hope to get a copy of your book soon…. Thanks you for the opportunity to win this awesome prize….
I have been using my grandmothers 1960s Singer Futura ever since I took my first sewing class in college. I’ve used it to make countless pieces for gallery shows, decorate four apartments and my first home. However despite my best efforts the old girl has been more than put through her paces and I’m not sure if another trip to the repair shop will really be of much assistance. Either way I’ve loved it forever, but I def. need something I can actually sew on.
Congratulations on your new book! I’m so very excited to see what it entails- i’ll look for it on shelves! I’m a newbie in this area, so a how-to guide and some supplies are exactly what I need :) I’m an interior design student so i’m very excited to learn and apply the skill to my (future) career. I’m so glad design sponge posted about your new book, i think your blog will prove to me helpful in my new adventures of sewing! I hope your tour goes smoothly, and I’ll check back on the blog for helpful tips and projects :)
xoxo,
dana
Hi! My sewing story- I bought myself a machine when I was early married, from a thrift store, for nine dollars. It turns out that it is a wonderful machine, all metal bits and sturdy and strong, but I dind’t know that then.. I just knew it was heavy. It sat in a corner for several years…. waiting on me to get unintimidated. Finally one day I said- forget this. I want to learn to sew, I’m going to do it. And I took out that machine, and found some scrap fabric, and began. Now my friends come to me when they want to learn something… sometimes thing I don’t know how to do, but I figure it out and find tutorials, and we enjoy sewing together. It is one of the greatest gifts I’ve every given myself, that nine dollar sears kenmore sewing machine from Deseret Industries!
I got a sewing machine when I was about 13. I really really wanted one. My parents got it from a thrift store. since receiving it I have made two pillows and a few panels to surround a bunk bed so my kids could have a club house in their room. I think there is something wrong with the machine though cause I always have problems with it when i try to make something…this is why I haven’t made much. I plan to have my friend look at it who is an amazing seamstress. I love making things and would love to learn how to make my girls dresses and costumes. I am an aspiring seamstress.
Please save me from my pathetic lack of knowledge/skills! I don’t even know what a serger is! it looks magical! I am dying to learn to sew, i get all giddy thinking of the glorious things i could make! 400 different stitches?! Whaaa?!!! There’s more than one?! My mom, my grandma, my aunts, they all sew but i never learned. I also never learned to cook (My husband suffers daily. ask him about the time i couldn’t get water to boil. really.). Am I likely to hurt myself on these shiny new sewing tools? YES. would i be proud as hell to have a brand-new, blood stained duvet for my bed that i made myself? ABSOLUTELY. okay, rereading that, i realize that i sound a little creepy. but that’s just how much i would LOVE to have these fancy new toys and learn some sweet sewing skills.
I was a bored student who had no free time to spend with crafts and stuff. So i quit school (I was 16 years old and it was my last year at school here in Brazil), bought an old Singer 260 and learned how to sew. Now I’m 18 and opened a little craft’s shop in my neighbourhood.
Hope you can send the prize to Brazil! Or maybe I can send it to my cousin who lives in Chicago (if I get lucky, of course, hahaha).
Since we grew up without a lot of extra money in the household. Mom did what she could to make money go farther including mending our clothiers with her OLD Singer machine & making small items for us to use. My wife has her own old machine, plus a newer one that she uses. I like her older machine which is mounted into an old desk looking sewing table. It is in our computer room next to my desk, so I can see it (generally with one of our 2 kitties laying on top of it).
Hi I have a wonderful sewing story. I spent 2 weeks with my grandmother each year as a child. She was a seamstress and sold Avon to put food on her table. I remember her old Singer treadle machine that my uncle converted to a foot pedal. She designed clothes, sewed from patterns and did alterations. I was so proud of my grandmother. She was too busy to teach me but she game me scraps & let me use the machine a little. My mom also was an avid seamstress, making ALL of my clothes, church,school & play. I learned a little bit about sewing in school and taught myself the rest. I am teaching myself to quilt now. I have so many nice memories of the art of sewing.
I was the family Tomboy, never wanted to be domesticated, refused Home Economics in high school, left
4-H so I wouldn’t have to do the sewing project, rejected all attempts by my mother to teach me to sew, but I would work on her machine for her. My father could fix anything mechanical and I watched him fix the machine so I knew how, but use it to sew NO WAY! The old saw of “Never say Never” came back to slam me big time, after all my refusals to be domesticated I had a daughter and when she was about to start school I could not stand the clothes available to purchase. So one day I went to town and purchased a pattern and the incidentals needed to make the outfit, that night I was babysitting for a cousin who had her mothers new Singer, so when the kids went down for the night, I pulled out the pattern and fabric and cut out the dress. After reading the pattern guide I began to follow instructions and in two hours I had the dress done with only the hem to finish. I went home and since it was late I waited til morning to ask my Mother if she could show me the best hem stitch for a dress for my daughter. She was dumbfounded when she found I had made this dress on my own and on a strange sewing machine, she called everyone in the family and told them. From there on I began to sew all my daughters clothes through school, for homecoming, proms, and weddings. I also moved to a new city later after the kids were gone and began managing a Singer Sewing Dept. and my education of machines grew into the Embroidery machines. Sewing snuck up on me and pinned me down and I keep sewing for grand and great grand children. Love it!!!
I remember watching my grandmother sewing when I was under 7 years old. One christmas years ago my parents took her machine to get it repaired, but the person said it was beyond repair and that they were able to take some of the parts from my grandmothers machine and put it in a new body. So it is not exactly the same machine that I watched my grandmother use, but I love it. My dream is to own a serger and upgraded sewing machine to continue the sewing in my grandmother’s memory.
I started sewing when I was about 10 years old. My mother taught me but because I thought I could do anything after a couple of lessons I told her I had it figured out and from that point on I basically taught myself. I began sewing on a Singer and when I was 16 my mom bought me my own Singer. I continued sewing and when I got married at 19 the first Christmas present my husband bought me was a new Singer machine. I sewed on that machine for the next 30 plus years and still have the machine today. I didn’t sew during that period for several years but when my son informed us that twins were on the way I got inspired to begin sewing again. I started lookin for a more modern machine and of course bought a Singer again. I love it and started making lots of baby clothes. About a year later my daughter also had a set of boy girl twins so the sewing has continued to this day. With the help of an embroidery machine my daughter and I have recently opened a small web business so the sewing continues!
My mom used to sew all my clothes when I was little, and I hated it. She and my grandmother tried for years to get me to learn to sew, but I refused! In college I met some design-savvy friends and a switch in my brain flipped; I was hooked on sewing. My grandmother immediately bought me a cheap little Singer and I’ve been using it ever since!
I grew up on a farm where my mother taught my sister and then me to sew on older machines. Singer was a name well known in our household. I have a newer machine now, but still fondly remember those days.
What a giveaway! Thank you to you and Singer for offering this!
My sewing story is that I have a very old second hand Brother that I got from Craigslist and I could really use an update. I love sewing and creating things, and especially want to start using a serger. I’d love to start sewing clothes and diapers…These two machines would be such a blessing! Thanks again and good luck on your tour. I’m going to pick up your book :)
I have sewn on only a few machines, but I have sewn for more than 30 years. I started with a little Singer in my room, sewing skirts and dresses. I had a newer Singer for a time and took it with me from California to Montana-where I moved, newly married. I continued to sew clothing and learned to sew quilts and as I had children, I stitched clothing for them. I moved to Denmark for a few years, without a sewing machine. But you will never guess what I found at a thrift store! An old, black, hand crank Singer sewing machine. It worked. seriously, how could it not?Iol I sewed table runners, baby quilts and curtains while in DK with that baby. I am now back in the states and nursing the old Singer, but, she is having a hard time….would love the chance for a new one right about now.
I learn from my gram she had a threadle that gramps made electric and we would sew and I loved it and miss her