Did you snag sketch #142 from Stars & Stamps today? This is a really fun one. I like that you can use scraps of paper to make those cute ribbon strips.
Today I used some sample scraps of the new Christmas Pear & Partridge paper from CTMH. I love this set almost as much as the Mistletoe pack from a few years ago. It does have some really fun patterns and colors. I'm trying to get a few more Christmas cards done before the deadline for OWH... It's October 31st!
I also picked up a new toy yesterday. It was only $14 at Walmart and at that price I decided to give it a go. I'm a terrible seamstress and I can't even replace a button. I have no idea how to use a sewing machine. I failed Home Economics in Jr. High school. No kidding. So I was a little scared to try this tiny stitching machine out. But Eleanor Roosevelt says that you should challenge yourself by doing something that scares you, every day.
Challenge accepted, Lady Roosevelt! This little hand held stitcher is called a "Singer Stitch Sew Quick" and I was able to use it right out of the box. It comes with three bobbins and some other little tools and three thread colors. I know that as soon as I run out of thread I am in trouble because I will have to read the instructions again on how to fix that. Also I don't remember how to make a bobbin. :)
Pros: I stitched these cards in just a few seconds. The stitching is tiny and cute for cards making. The machine stitched easily through several layers of paper and it appears that you could stitch pretty far into a page if you wanted to, instead of just the edges. It is very light weight and it was much easier on my fingers and hands than hand-stitching an entire card. (My arthritis is beginning to become enough of an issue that things like this are important to me.)
Cons: Investing in a big sewing machine is not something that I have the money / space / need for at the moment. All I wanted was something to stitch on cards with. If I want to do stitching that is neat and tidy and even I am going to have to stick with piercing/hand stitching, or I am going to have to practice a LOT more with this little thingy. My stitches are uneven and wavy, but that's ok if you are going for that grungy stitched look. :) There doesn't seem to be an edge guide or way to help keep the stitch perfectly straight. I'm off to investigate this issue on YouTube. Also, the machine does not come with four AA batteries, and if you don't have any, you'll have to steal them out of your camera for a while. And that means that your blog photos will be crummy... Sorry about that.
All in all. If I can use this little stitcher, ANYONE can. I am pleased that it didn't jam, tangle or get stuck even once. I didn't poke myself with the needle, I didn't end up in a pile of knotted thread, I have minimal heartburn from the stress of trying something new AND I don't think that I even used any cuss words, at all! And i like how my cards turned out. Fourteen dollars, well spent. :) Thanks for stopping by!
13 comments:
Yay for your new toy! I have only used my sewing machine on about 3 cards, so this is good motivation to keep working on it. My stitches always look wonky, too, so I tell myself that is what I tried to accomplish. :)
Thanks for trying out this week's sketch. I love the rich colors you chose for those Christmas cards.
Hi Nancy, I think your stitching turned out fabulous. I like how it looks against the kraft paper and I really like how you stitched over the tops of the 3 strips on the 2nd card. Have fun with your new gadget!!
I think you did a great job and I love your product review.
thanks for showing us your new toy! your cards turned out great
Stitching does add a great look to hand-made cards, and yours turned out beautifully! I rarely drag my "beast" out of the cobwebs to sew, so this looks like a handy dandy little tool! TFS!
Your cards came out lovely with your stitching. I am "afraid" of my sewing machine so I haven't looked at it in 40 years. This little gadget looks like something I may give a try. If I can do it without cussing, it's for me. LOL enjoy your day and thanks for the info and picture.
Love the cards and I had to lol about the the sewing machine. I actually used to sew a lot -- made my sisters' skating competition outfits -- but it stressed me out so much (my sweetie called the process "swear and sew", lol) I gave it up and finally found my machine in the attic when we moved.
I gave it away to good Goodwill, then ended up buying a much smaller one last year, just for cardmaking. Which I've used twice, and didn't manage a straight line. But it does add a nice handmade touch and I think yours looks great so you've inspired me to try again.
Oh no...now I want that toy! I love the look of sewing on cards, BUT I CANT SEW FOR BEANS ♥ maybe that would be an. Ides for me too. :)
Singer should hire you for a saleperson! I have a regular machine that I use a lot, but, believe it or not, I've never used it on a card. Thanks for the inspiration! Great job on your cards and I love the papers!
Great cards, nancy! Your new toy looks fun. :)
I really like how these turned out. I would love to be able to add real stitching to my cards but a regular sewing machine is out of the question so I will stay tuned to see how you like this little tool as you use it more. Thanks for the review!
These turned out beautifully! Love those colors and patters on the kraft.
I don't know... your stitching looks wonderful to me. I love stitching on cards but don't have the room to get out my big machine just for a card or two. I'll have to check into one of these mini machines for myself. TFS!
Wow, I'm impressed!! Maybe I'll try some stitching.
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