June 02, 2008

my bear + a tea towel show + sewing machine advice?

My bear. My latest adventure in sewing and embroidery. You see this piece was inspired by yet another fun show that I was invited to submit my work to, as well as share with you again too! You can get all the details here.


Once again perfect timing considering my latest "needle & thread" obsession.

This bear was hand embroidered on one of the tea towels I ordered. Then I embroidered a piece of vintage fabric on his belly, cut him out and stitched him on my favorite blue velvet. Then he was stuffed so you can give him a good squeeze. Since all of my other bears are gone, this one I’m keeping. Not to mention he was a labor of love that I am not ready to part with. But I really like the effect of embroidering a "drawing". Honestly it feels like I’m wanting to push open a new direction in my creative world, and this is how it’s happening. Little by little, just trying something new. I wonder what will be next?!

Oh and I almost forgot ~ I’m officially on the search for a new sewing machine, just a basic, simple, straightforward one is best. If you have any recommendations, I’d really appreciate it!

Comments (10)

I like my Huskystar (so much that it's covered in a layer of dust *eyeroll*) but someday hope to upgrade to a Bernina or Pfaff.

You never think you want the bells and whistles until you start actually using something!
For a very affordable machine that performs like a much higher priced one, try a Janome. I have a Memory Craft 4800....luv,luv,luv it!
This is just adorable. I love the mixed colors you used to embroider him with.
Very creative, indeed. Your craft is really expanding. I look forward to each day and am always excited about a new piece that you share.
My co-blogger Elise and I recently undertook a sewing machine hunt. My first sewing machine was the most basic Singer machine. At the time I intended to do very little sewing but what do you know I ended up being an almost daily sewer! It turned out I needed a lot more bells and whistles than I ever thought I would. You might end up just as hooked. I bought the best I could afford with the intention I'd have it for many, many years to come. If you'd like to read about our experience stop over at

http://funkyanddelightful.blogspot.com/2008/05/bernina-girls.html
How adorable! Embroidery is something I'd like to do more of. I love the feeling of handstitching. As far as sewing machine advice, buy the buy the best that you can afford. I've sewn on cheap machines, and it is awful! Like Michele, I just bought a Janome Memory Craft and I'm pretty happy with it. I would have loved a Bernina, but it wasn't in my price range.
Whoops, I meant Margaret, not Michele, sorry!
I had a clunky old Singer for awhile (which cute as they are, I don't reccomend!) and eventually upgraded to a husqvarna Viking which is a pretty simple model by today's standards but I just love it. Some machines are just plain cranky that's all there is to it - but the Viking just does what you want it to and you barely even have to ask!

Good luck in your hunt - and congrats on a lovely Crafty Synergy interview!
Marisa, This is fantastic! I LOVE all of the work you have been doing in fabric these days.

I really really love my Janome RX185. It is pretty basic, but is easy to use and tough-as-nails (I use it to sew through paper in addition to the usual array of fabrics). I've had it for 8 years, and totally dig it.

*

Good luck!
Ohhhh, I love this bear! I particularly love the square in the middle. You are such an inspiration!
anyone have an older janome (I just bought a used RX185) and wondered if anyone ever used this model?
No booklet came with it so I am just wondering