The sewing machine and boxes of fabric have been unpacked at last and after a quick dust-off were set up in my study.
It’s been over eight years since I last used my sewing machine. It’s been in boxes in storage all that time. I have missed it.
After installing a fresh needle and new thread I’ve been re-connecting with it, trying to remember settings, thread tension, width and how to spool the bobbins. I used to make tote bags with it as a hobby, and although I’ve never been a confident or expert sewist I do want to learn more.
And oh, the fabric stacks… I am a fabric hoarder. There, I’ve said it.
I have scraps of fabric kept “just in case” for quilting and bigger projects dating back twenty years and more. Someone once said to me that the collection and use of fabrics were in fact two entirely different hobbies, and I can see truth in that.
I’ve started unpacking and sorting the fabric, but there are many boxes more to go through. Everything from Japanese silk remnants to upholstery fabric and all variables between..
I’ve decided to keep it simple this year with some homemade linen napkins and a few small sewn projects as gifts for friends at Christmas.
And yes, you guessed it. One particular napkin project for a friend who loves Scandinavian fabrics did necessitate more fabric to be purchased! This is a beautiful Marimekko linen from Finland.
So, as the temperature outside drops and the snow forecasts threaten, I shall be tucked up in my study happily sewing away.
Let the November shadows gather.
Ravencroft Skye 
I see you are a Singer woman too. I have a liking for Singers, they are so sturdy and workhorse like.
Your napkins look beautiful! The corner hems are just perfect. Do you keep your scraps too? Crumb quilting is a skill I am trying to develop (in my spare time).
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I do keep my scraps. Can’t waste anything. I used to have a Janome, which I loved. But it was in France where it was almost impossible to get it repaired or serviced, so I switched to a make that the French used. A basic machine, but it does what I need it to ❤️
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Basic machines are tough.
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They are. And to be honest I only ever use about three of the stitches, so the complexity of a machine is a bit of a waste for me
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Same here. Prudence (my treadle Singer) is straight stitch only, but she can sew through anything.
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And that’s what is needed 99% of the time! I simply wouldn’t use the functions on some of these more complex machines
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Same here. My daughter has a fancy machine with all the stitches, she uses them to sew paper.
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As a crocheter, I understand this completely! For me, it’s yarn instead of fabric. 😁
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Yes, I know a few people with yarn addiction! I can totally relate 😝
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