Sunday, September 19, 2010

The Little Engine That Could…A Metamorphosis

Recently I called a friend who sews over to ask her for a little help. I had recently purchased a very inexpensive ( and with a coupon too!) Sew E Z mini sewing machine from Jo-Ann Fabrics. I had decided to try my hand at pillow making and I couldn’t get the bobbin to work.

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And when she saw my mini sewing machine she laughed….

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Big…loud…robust…guffaws. But I haven’t made a thing since my eighth grade home ec apron and I couldn’t see investing in a sewing machine until I had tested the waters. But, I am a determined soul…sometimes for better; sometimes for worse…and I needed pillows.

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You may remember that I posted here about having chairs in the family room reupholstered. I had looked around for complementary pillows for the sofa. But that seemed a waste when I had fabric left.

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So I persevered in spite of my friend’s lukewarm encouragement. I think I can….I think I can :)

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First, I tried my hand at a small pillow. Okay….

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Then a larger one.

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Slipcovers here I come! :)

I am joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday. Visit her here…you are sure to be inspired!

Thanks for stopping by to see my little makeover! I am so glad you came. Don’t forget to say hello!~~Susan

23 comments:

  1. Oh I love your newing machine and your pillows look fabulous. You did a wonderful job. Mine is about 35 yrs. old and just a very inexpensive one at that, but I love it. Works great for me. Nothing fancy, but I have made numerous drapes, tablecloths, pillows by the hundreds and lots of other things with it, so you just keep on going. You did really good. Hugs, Marty

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  2. Your pillows turned out well. You did a great job, but I am laughing at the machine, too. If it gets the job done, it's just fine. Unless you intend on doing serious sewing, there is no need to buy an expensive machine. When I went to the hospital for my knee replacement, I told my husband that if I died on the operating table, he should know that there are big bucks worth of machines in my sewing room! I have top of the line machines that I dearly love.
    Beckie

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  3. Oh, you are off and climbing! Love The Little Engine Who Could.
    Your pillows are going to be fabulous and so are the slip covers. You are very energetic. ~ sarah

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  4. I'm backing you up! I hadn't sewn since my 7th grade blouse project (which I still haven't finished and it has been many, many decades since I started it). I wanted to make things like pillows, tablecloths, napkins--simple things. Maybe a curtain or two? Aprons? So I purchased a very basic Singer. My dear sewing, quilting, fabric artist friend laughed and called it a "disposable". Well, guess what! Her $6000 or $10,000 or maybe more "do everything machine" broke down and she had to borrow mine for a project!!
    Love your pillows!

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  5. No more "I think I can"....now you can say "I did it". Your pillows look great. Looks like your little machine was worth the money!
    Jane

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  6. I have a very basic Singer and still don't use have of the options is has. Sometimes the simpler the equipment the better. Yours is wonderful and did a beautiful job, so there you go! Congrats on your pillows, cannot wait to see what you make next!

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  7. You did good Susan! Never you mind about your chuckling friend, I think your pillows are great!
    Cindy

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  8. Great Job! The pillows are lovely!!

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  9. Cute sewing machine, and your pillows look great-have fun!

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  10. How wonderful Susan!! I am so happy to see your forging ahead. I too haven't sewn since home ec in 8th grade. In May, I took a big step and had my 22 year old sewing machine serviced. I am determined to one day sew again. Now to take that next step and put some thread in that needle!
    Fondly,
    Ann
    @
    The Tattered Tassel

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  11. You did a great job. What a cute sewing machine.

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  12. It's not the equipment...it's the operator who is talented...congratulations!!! You did a great job!!!

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  13. Congratulations on your new little engine! :) You seem to have kept your sewing skills - your pillows look wonderful!
    be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  14. COograts on a job well done, Susan! Can;t wait to see the slipcover, lol. The sewing machine's so cute!...Christine

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  15. Congratulations! You did good and I like your pillows. At least you have a sewing machine.
    I loaned my heavy Kenmore portable (bought in the late 60's) to my daughter a few years ago and have NOT seen it since - need to ask her about that!
    When you figure out how to make slipcovers, let me know. I have a couch & love seat in a dark green and burgundy strip that needs some attention. :-D
    Glenda

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  16. That is suppose to be "stripe". My fingers type faster than my brain works. :-D

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  17. Great job with your pillows and I know you can tackle the slipcovers. Just remember, measure twice.

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  18. Thats where it all begins...first a pillow, and before you know it you will be whipping up drapes and quilts..lol. Sewing is like that, it is a creativity magnet. Your pillows came out great...love the fabric you chose.

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  19. Beautiful pillow. I liked you cute machine.
    Thanks for your sweet comments in my blog.

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  20. Good for you! You did great! I don't sew at all, so this seems like a big deal to me!

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  21. I've really got to get some slipcovers. Yours are great!

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  22. Oh poor you! She shouldn't have laughed...in front of you! :)
    You did a great job! I bought my 9 yo gdau a Singer for little dollars in Target. That way they will leave mine alone!
    I could never do slipcovers, it would look like a bag tied in the middle. :)

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  23. Fun story. You did a great job with the cushions.

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