It Starts Somewhere

As long as I can remember, I have always loved to work with my hands. Anything DIY, as long as I could imagine it, I wanted to make it. As a teenager, I decided, what better way to showcase my art and love of fashion rolled into one..., than to enter a school where that's all that's taught! Major wise... So that's what I did.  And looking back now, I'm thankful that I did. This school, taught me all the basics.. 

And when I say basics, I mean everything from sketching to draping, from fittings on student models to an actual end of the year, runway show. Much, like these reality runway shows, but at a slower pace... In school, we were taugh from day one, on  super duper fast, green metal Singer Machines, and what seemed like an even faster serger. I was always scared of it, thought I'd lose a finger.. Still am, But, ten digits later, college, marriage and kids swept into my life and sewing became a distant memory. I guess, in hindsight, it seemed as if I traded sewing for cooking, one love for another! At least, I was still using the hands... Anyway, as the kids got older and the chores evenly shared, I found, if managed right, I could have some me time... And this being true, I purchased a sewing machine, a Singer, which personally, I  hated. Gone were the days of the fast metal that gave me a thrill, instead I got slow & plastic. I managed, however to make a few dresses and some skirts for my girls, but seriously... Ugh.. So I gave it to the mother in law... Haven't seen it since. Fast forward some years later and the girls are now asking for maxi dresses... But honestly, something about making your own clothing.. The feeling you get when your wearing something you've made.. I love it, It's amazing.. 

I decided, that this time around I was going to do it right. And thanks to the internet, I did my research, everything from brands to speed,  from weight and mobility to stitches per minute . Geez, it felt like homework. As a mater of fact, in my search to find the perfect machine, I learned that slow and plastic were now replaced with computerized and fast! Not sure if makes sense, but if you sew, you know what I mean... So basically, it WAS homework! Anywho, I narrowed my search to two brands, Bernina & Janome. I cant remember what I read, (May have been the price tag on some Berninas') but I decided on the Janome Memory Craft 6600.  Let me tell you, I love my work horse! I Couldn't be happier... She apparently likes me too.. Plus, I got her at a good price, and although my husband would disagree, thanks again to Google, I knew what they were going for. I also have full warranty and I can trade her up when I'm ready. Sold!!!! 

So I've started this blog to Kra-ni-kel my sewing progress or lack of it. Be so kind & let me know what you think! In the meantime, here's a shot of my baby girl Jan.