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View Full Version : Who else knits or crochets or sews?



DrKym
02-19-2007, 09:28 AM
I know there are a lot of PTers that are crafty :p , but which ones of us are needleworkers?

I knit,crochet and sew, however I do not quilt. Now and then I will do Crewel or embroidering for a change of pace. (no I dont use the machine although mine can do it, it is more relaxing to me the old fashioned hoop way!)

I thought we could start a thread to swap some patterns(with our corrections put in as we all know we tweak em! ;) )

I was trying to figure out how to post a poll LOL but I have failed in the making of it rofl

Catty1
02-19-2007, 09:30 AM
ummm...when I was 22 (just a couple of years ago LOL), I decided to knit a scarf for my BF for Christmas. It started out with 40 stitches and ended with 60!

I think I'll stick to piano and doodling in my notebook at work.... :)

DrKym
02-19-2007, 09:36 AM
wooohoot figured out the poll thingie!

Blue_Frog
02-19-2007, 10:27 AM
Woo Hoo!! A knitting/needlework thread! Any and all of the above! :D I don't crochet or knit well, but i can passibly do. Im much better at sewing, needlepoint, cross stitch, etc :)

Its too bad you're not up here in TO, i'm going to a textile show this coming weekend that you'd prolly enjoy -- World of Threads 2007 (http://www.worldofthreads2007.cachelan.com/WebFilm/modules/albums/site.php?aid=FyEtea5vyWPRlWTchsi7kNTV7VsGpx79&view=WS&bgc=0&sd=7&hq=gp)
(yep, the 7-11 strikes again!)

DrKym
02-19-2007, 10:37 AM
ROFL GMTA miss 7-11!!!

Show looks wonderful! wish I could make it!

sandragonfly
02-19-2007, 10:38 AM
I quilt!! WHEN I ever get a new sewing machine.. :rolleyes: I miss quilting and make clothes, pillow cases, bags, cat blankets .. cabin log is my favorite pattern .. see one here (http://www.petoftheday.com/talk/showthread.php?t=94848) I made for my first niece (last picture) and I'm designing a new one! :D

my aunt knit/crochets all the time, always wondering how long it takes her to finish scarf, hat, sweater, blanket, etc.. she is so good!

DrKym
02-19-2007, 10:44 AM
I quilt!! WHEN I ever get a new sewing machine.. :rolleyes: I miss quilting and make clothes, pillow cases, bags, cat blankets .. cabin log is my favorite pattern .. see one here (http://www.petoftheday.com/talk/showthread.php?t=94848) I made for my first niece and I'm designing a new one! :D

my aunt knit/crochets all the time, always wondering how long it takes her to finish scarf, hat, sweater, blanket, etc.. she is so good!

Beautiful quilt! but the baby is prettier! ;)

As far as scarfs hats and baby blankets.........I was in hospital 5 full days and all 4 of my grandkids have new mittens hats and scarves! Nearly finished the blanket too! :p

sandragonfly
02-19-2007, 10:48 AM
wow..pretty fast. so, are they pretty easy? quilt vs knit.. ;)

DrKym
02-19-2007, 10:53 AM
I do not quilt....I have squares here from like 15 years ago when I thought I could be Laura Ingalls Wilder........I am not.LOL soooooooo for me crocheting is twice as fast as knitting, but knitting is very fast for me also. I adore sewing as my grandmother was a seamstress so we all learned at a very young age and I love the freedom in clothing it gives me.Along with new curtains, bedspreads, table cloths slipcovers etc.

Zippy
02-19-2007, 10:54 AM
I can sew but don't do it much.I hate to quilt.I have alwas wanted to learn to knit. :D

Sirrahsim
02-19-2007, 11:40 AM
I LOVE to sew. I wouldn't say that I'm fantastic at it, but I have made some pretty nice things. My current project is to make bugs for the walls in Leslie's (AdoreMyDogs) daughter's nursery! :)
When I'm gone with those I plan on starting to build up an inventory of supplies and make/sell custom teddy bears... I don't know if that will ever get off of the ground but it is an idea :)

Tyler's baby blanket... with the amount of work that I put into this I don't plan on giving it to him until he is WAY past the baby stage :D
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v143/sirrahsim/DSC05982.jpg
Close up of the pattern
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v143/sirrahsim/DSC05983.jpg
Blanket I made from a kit- SO easy!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v143/sirrahsim/DSC05984.jpg
Curtains that I still need to hang up
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v143/sirrahsim/DSC05985.jpg
Blanket that I made for my husband when he lived in Japan alone:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v143/sirrahsim/DSC05986.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v143/sirrahsim/DSC05987.jpg

Daisy and Delilah
02-19-2007, 12:29 PM
I'm a quilter. I quilt whenever I have spare time. I have always been a craft person. I've done everything from A-Z over the years.

Missy: Those blankets look like what my Grandmother used to do. At that time, she called it weaving on Monk's cloth. Is that the same? I still have some of her work. It was fantastic. Your work is beautiful too. :)

Cataholic
02-19-2007, 12:38 PM
Does double knotting my son's shoes count? :D

I would love to learn to knit or crochet, as it seems both these activites can be done quietly, in front of a TV, and while talking to others. I cannot stand simply sitting on the couch watching TV!

I do have a lovely sewing machine- I have used it for making cat toys. Exclusively. LOL.

DrKym
02-19-2007, 12:57 PM
This is made with worsted weight yarn...however I have made them with everything from sport weight(baby yarn) to chenille and wools. These fly off your needles are brilliant for beginners, and for experienced knitters you can make a few pairs in a day.

You will need 2 colors of yarn to have a contrast, or 2 skeins of the same color if you prefer them that way
sizes are so you can read the parentheses Childs S-M-L Adults S-M-L

1st color{3.5-4-4.5} ounces of yarn{4.5-5-5}
2nd color{1.5-1.5-1.5}{2-2-2}
knitting needles sze 7 ( I use a 5 on the childs small)
Entire boot is worked holding 2 strands of yarn together.

Gauging (yes I still do this)
with two strands done in a garter stitch (kniting each row) 16 stitches =4"

Sole
with two strands held together (both the same color) cast on
{60-64-68} {72-76-80}

work in garter stich until there are {7-7-8} {8-9-9} ridges (dont count the bottom edge )

Sides (cut one strand and add your other color)
Row 1 (eyelet row)
K2 YO K2 together, knit across to last 4 stitches K2 tog. YO K2
Row 2(decrease row)
K4, slP2 tog purl across to last 6 stiches, P2 tog thru back loop (tbl) K4 {58-62-66}{70-74-78}
Row 3 (dec row)
K4 slip 1 as if to knit, K1 PSSO (pass slipped stitch over) knit across to last 6 stiches K2 tog. K4 {56-60-64}{68-72-76}
Row 4 (dec. row)
Same as row 2
{54-58-62}{66-70-74}
Row 5 (dec AND eyelet row)

K2 ,YO ,K2 tog. slip 1as if to knit,K1 PSSO, knit across to last 6 K2 tog TWICE, YO,YO, K2
{52-56-60}{64-68-72}

Repeat rows 2-5 {1-2-3}{1-2-3} times
{44-40-36}{56-52-48}

Repeat rows 2-4 ONCE
{38-34-30}{50-46-42}

Repeat rows 1-4 {2-1-0}{3-2-1}

Cuff
Cut other yarn add in yarn from sole color
Row 1 (eyelet row)
K2,YO,K2 tog, knit across to last 4 K2 tog, YO, K2
Rows 2-4 knit across

Rows 5-8
Repeat rows 1-4
bind off all stitches, fold in half sew up bottom and toe seam weave in ends!

You can use a twisted cording you make yourself for the laces or a matching ribbon.

I will post a few pics of some of the pairs I have made as soon as the laundry is finished LOL, they wash and dry like a CHARM.

DrKym
02-19-2007, 01:00 PM
Does double knotting my son's shoes count? :D

I would love to learn to knit or crochet, as it seems both these activites can be done quietly, in front of a TV, and while talking to others. I cannot stand simply sitting on the couch watching TV!

I do have a lovely sewing machine- I have used it for making cat toys. Exclusively. LOL.

LOL yes! it counts.

There is a really great book out there called teach yourself to knit in a day, I will find it on Joannes site, super easy I am told and very easy to follow!
I learned the hard way! by watching my great aunts needles fly, one took pity on me and taught me how when i was around 12. learned to crochet in the Girl Scouts :rolleyes:

emily_the_spoiled
02-19-2007, 01:07 PM
I knit and weave (yes with a loom). I couldn't crochet if my life depended on it. I have been kniting for over 20 years so I am pretty good at it, but everytime I try and learn to crochet I promptly forget everything. It is like my mind is a giant sieve and crocheting is water that runs right through it :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Sirrahsim
02-19-2007, 01:24 PM
yep D&D, it's the same thing :)

GreyhoundGirl
02-19-2007, 01:55 PM
Haha... I sewed a hole in Jenny's favourite toy once... Does that count? lol :p

Laura's Babies
02-19-2007, 02:25 PM
I knit, crochet and sew. Make quilts, cats beds and cat toys along with other things.

OH, I just made this... It was suppose to be a yardstick cat (Made from yarn)but it came out looking like a dog so I put doggie ears on it rather than cat ears.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/Grammy707/HPIM2912.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/Grammy707/HPIM2913.jpg

I am also working on a croched shawl right now. This one found here....
http://www.michaels.com/art/online/projectsheet?pid=e01333b

critter crazy
02-19-2007, 02:27 PM
I can Sew, but that is it! I would love to learn how to Knit or Crochet, but sewing is all I know how to do. I do sew very well.

DrKym
02-19-2007, 02:29 PM
I can Sew, but that is it! I would love to learn how to Knit or Crochet, but sewing is all I know how to do. I do sew very well.
Yes you do! I saw the bed for Rocky!!!

critter crazy
02-19-2007, 02:32 PM
Yes you do! I saw the bed for Rocky!!!
Ha ha ha ha ha! Thanks, i was pretty proud of that!:D

DrKym
02-19-2007, 02:44 PM
some pics of the slippers, a popcorn full size spread in peach, a throw in crochet work in purple, and a knit sweater that I did for Jasper.

DrKym
02-19-2007, 03:57 PM
Ha ha ha ha ha! Thanks, i was pretty proud of that!:D
You should be!! (even if Loki steals it more often than not ;) )

Karen
02-19-2007, 04:10 PM
I can sew, grew up making all my own clothes, but don't do that any more. I can embroider, and crochet, but find drawing much faster! I did embroider his name onto a co-worker's scarves a couple years ago, as he had lost several scarves, and had no way of knowing which black plain scarf was his!

DrKym
02-19-2007, 05:11 PM
I still sew a lot of my dress tops and almost all of my dresses, only because being busty, I can never get anything off the rack that fits just right, I wind up tailoring it anyhow. :rolleyes:

Rie Rie
02-19-2007, 05:21 PM
Mom, I think that dog is absolutely ADORABLE!!!!

DrKym
02-20-2007, 09:23 AM
Johanna here is the link to that book I mentioned,
a friend of mine in AZ used it and said it was wonderful, she had asked me to teach her , but we moved before I could!
http://www.amazon.com/Learn-Knit-Just-One-Day/dp/0881956473

If you want any tips or some really easy beginning patterns for you to make for your son just ask! :)

Maresche
02-20-2007, 09:42 AM
I knit, crochet, sew and quilt, but mostly knit. It is the easiest for me to transport so I usually take it everywhere.

I've made it a tradition to make a afghan of some sort for all my friends when they get married, but I have as of yet to get one done on time. I also make baby blankets and full layette sets for friends who are expecting. I'm pretty good when it comes to flat items but am getting better with hats knitted in the rounds and socks. I'm hoping to do Xmas stockings for my whole family for Xmas '08 (I have too many weddings and babies happening before then).

I haven't crocheted in years and would need a refresher. I'm good at sewing straight lines but not much else and mostly limit myself to sewing curtains and general mending. I quilted for awhile buy mostly have given that up for more knitting time. The results come so fast with knitting.

DrKym
02-20-2007, 09:51 AM
I love to knit but crocheting is faster for me actually, I guess because there arent nearly as many switch ups in a pattern, so I can crochet a sweater in a weekend but it would take me a week to knit it.!
I actually knit more often though, as I enjoy it more! (however last minute gifts can and have been done in a trip to the house :eek: placed in a bag and delivered with that Oh this?? it was nothing! ) Yes terrible confession but I did do my SIL shawl that way on a trip to KC kansas 5.5 hours WHEW! :p
She loved it and I was really happy that there had a been a bit of traffic!

ramanth
02-20-2007, 01:00 PM
Neither but always thought about learning. :)

Anita Cholaine
02-20-2007, 01:10 PM
All I can do is a very little sewing, like fixing little holes in clothes and things like that, but I don't think that counts. I do it really badly,, anyways :p

I'd lov to learn how to knit, though, it must be fun to make your own scarves :D

DrKym
02-20-2007, 01:12 PM
All I can do is a very little sewing, like fixing little holes in clothes and things like that, but I don't think that counts. I do it really badly,, anyways :p

I'd lov to learn how to knit, though, it must be fun to make your own scarves :D

I am told this book is really awesome, and since knitting is VERY easy maybe you can give it a go!

http://www.amazon.com/Learn-Knit-Just-One-Day/dp/0881956473

It is a blast to make your own stuff and to make things for those we love!

finn's mom
02-20-2007, 02:27 PM
I used to cross-stitch, but I haven't in a long time. And, I know how to knit!

DrKym
02-22-2007, 03:55 PM
*bump*

dukedogsmom
02-22-2007, 05:57 PM
I crochet and play around with cross stitching.

Jods
02-22-2007, 06:32 PM
I JUST learned to crochet a few weeks ago. I will post the blanket I am making when I get a picture.

DrKym
02-22-2007, 06:36 PM
Cant wait to see it!

AvaJoy
02-22-2007, 07:34 PM
I knit Snuggles for homeless cats in shelters, and if anyone is interested in doing the same for cats, dogs, or any other critters PLEASE go to www.h4ha.org or more specifically www.snugglesproject.org for more information on approximate sizes, which shelters are currently in need, and how to donate your handiwork.

Expertise is not necessary; I straight-knit because I am not advanced enough to follow patterns or get too fancy, and it doesn't matter. The only criteria is that the Snuggle will offer some comfort and security to the forlorn critters awaiting adoption in those cold, stainless steel prisons. Of course, these poor babies are not particular about aesthetics, so missing a few stitches or using mismatched yarn is unimportant. Just make sure the medium you use is machine washable. If you sew or quilt, blankets are accepted as well. I posted many years ago about the efforts of this worthy organization, and when I noticed this thread I felt it appropriate to mention the Snuggles Project again. Perfect for the beginner to practice, and then mail off the piece to where a homeless animal will gratefully appreciate it! :)

Flatcoatluver
02-22-2007, 07:42 PM
The only thing I have sewed was Zoey's toys and my socks. They were not pretty. :p

whomeee
02-22-2007, 08:03 PM
Here are some pictures of things Ive done the quilt I made for my son, still have to finish the one for my daughter, I cross stitched a family tree then sewed it in a quilt I made for him.

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l176/whomeee/NewImage.jpg http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l176/whomeee/FishMailBox04-05-0600003.jpg http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l176/whomeee/FishMailBox04-05-0600002.jpg http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l176/whomeee/CopyofFishMailBox04-05-0600004.jpghttp://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l176/whomeee/AmbersMailBox00003.jpg http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l176/whomeee/AmbersMailBox00001.jpg http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l176/whomeee/AmbersMailBox00000.jpg http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l176/whomeee/Captured2004-5-100138.jpg
The last picture is of my daughter last summer after I put up the mailbox :D yes she is the same one hugging the chow below.

Blue_Frog
02-23-2007, 10:35 AM
Heres the scarf i finished last nite

Now with More PomPoms!®

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n19/bluefrog_ca/Craftster/scarf.jpg

Also, I call it my Dr.Who scarf, simply for the fact its 65" long ... and i'm 5'5", so its as tall as I am! :D

DrKym
02-23-2007, 10:37 AM
Heres the scarf i finished last nite

Now with More PomPoms!®

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n19/bluefrog_ca/Craftster/scarf.jpg

Also, I call it my Dr.Who scarf, simply for the fact its 65" long ... and i'm 5'5", so its as tall as I am! :D

WOW I love how soft the alpaca looks in that..........sigh

GSD4me
02-23-2007, 10:33 PM
I want to learn how to knit badly. I crochet already and i'm a hand quilter and beginning sewing machine.

kitten645
02-23-2007, 11:25 PM
I knit, cross stitch, embroider and sew. As a matter of fact I'm going to the Stitches convention this weekend in Santa Clara, CA. It's a trade show for knitters/crocheter's. It's my first one and looks to be fun!

DrKym
02-23-2007, 11:54 PM
ARRRRRRRRRGH I'm so jealous!

please post what you saw and did! How exciting! :eek:

emily_the_spoiled
02-24-2007, 07:59 AM
I went to Stitches East this past year when it was in Baltimore. You will have a great time :D My only words of wisdom are to leave the credit card at home and bring a pre-determined amount of cash. Otherwise you will be like me and your eyes are bigger than your wallet :rolleyes:

kitten645
02-24-2007, 11:42 PM
I had such a blast. So many beautiful things- so little money! :p It is mostly knitting and crochet but there were a few bead, button and other "embellishment" booths. I bought a ticket to go back tomorrow. Gonna look at some patterns in books I have and make a shopping list what I need and how much.
I highly recommend it to everyone. :D

tikeyas_mom
02-24-2007, 11:58 PM
I started crocheting my future babies blankie today, should be done in a month or so depending on how much time i have... I bought some yard (baby blue and pink mixed together)...
once i start a blanket/skarf i cannot stop working on it (eccessively) till it is done lol... I'm also a prefectionist about my crocheting too, i might restart one blanket four times before i get it right lol.

trayi52
02-25-2007, 06:44 AM
I knit, crochet, cross stitch, and do embroidery. I tried to quilt one time, but my mother-in-law told me my stitches weren't tight enough, so I just quit. I found out I love to knit, and crochet, he-he :D , my mother-in-law don't know how to do that, so she can't tell me how to do that. She can't cross stitch or embroidery either. I am going to try the quilting again though, she has become nicer to me and actually loves me now :D.

Anybody got any good patterns? All mine got burned up in my house 1 1/2 years ago. I have replaced my crochet needles, but haven't gotten around to replacing my knitting needles yet. I am going to do that soon.(OMG, Oscar just got in a little bitty drawer, Oscar! get out of that drawer, I don't won't to have pry you out with a crow bar :confused: ) Anyway, where was I :confused: ? Oh, yes my knitting needles that I don't have yet, I am going to replace them very soon.

Willie :)

catnapper
02-25-2007, 08:13 AM
I don;t do any of the things listed but I do needlwork. I do any type of needlework on linen -- cross stitch, crewel, pulled linen, hardanger, etc. I especially love the hardager stuff..... but its hard to do around 5 cats vying to pull the strings for you! LOL

DrKym
02-25-2007, 09:10 AM
I am unfamiliar with Hardanger :confused: , what is it? Can we some pics? it sounds neat!

DrKym
02-25-2007, 09:11 AM
I had such a blast. So many beautiful things- so little money! :p It is mostly knitting and crochet but there were a few bead, button and other "embellishment" booths. I bought a ticket to go back tomorrow. Gonna look at some patterns in books I have and make a shopping list what I need and how much.
I highly recommend it to everyone. :D

Oh major virtual Jealousy!!! :p

We are supposed to have something similar in St Louis this summer and if pans out, I very much want to go! they sound so fun!

catnapper
02-25-2007, 09:19 AM
I am unfamiliar with Hardanger :confused: , what is it? Can we some pics? it sounds neat!
From Wikpedia: hardanger (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hardanger_embroidery)

I find it incredibly relaxing to count the threads, cut the fabric precisely, and to meticulously stitch around the edges.... yeah, I'm a nutjob! :p And now that I'm talking about it, I am itching to do a small sampler with it. I haven't done anything in years thanks to Allen "helping" me, who passed on the torch to Pouncer and Flutter :rolleyes:

DrKym
02-25-2007, 09:25 AM
WOW!! Beutiful! looks a bit like tatting, very very pretty!

I am not sure I would have the patience!LOL :p

Daisy and Delilah
02-25-2007, 07:38 PM
I knit, crochet, cross stitch, and do embroidery. I tried to quilt one time, but my mother-in-law told me my stitches weren't tight enough, so I just quit. I found out I love to knit, and crochet, he-he :D , my mother-in-law don't know how to do that, so she can't tell me how to do that. She can't cross stitch or embroidery either. I am going to try the quilting again though, she has become nicer to me and actually loves me now :D.

Anybody got any good patterns? All mine got burned up in my house 1 1/2 years ago. I have replaced my crochet needles, but haven't gotten around to replacing my knitting needles yet. I am going to do that soon.(OMG, Oscar just got in a little bitty drawer, Oscar! get out of that drawer, I don't won't to have pry you out with a crow bar :confused: ) Anyway, where was I :confused: ? Oh, yes my knitting needles that I don't have yet, I am going to replace them very soon.

Willie, for quilt patterns, try Marcia Hohn's website. I think it's: thequilterscache.com If that doesn't get it, just Google her name and it should give you the link. Go to the dropdown on the page and it has a category of a gazillion quilt patterns(or something like that). Click on that and you'll get a gazillion great patterns. Instead of hand quilting, try some machine quilting. I find it pretty easy and I love it. The machine does the stitching for you. Have fun!! Please PM me if you can't find the website :)

Blue_Frog
02-26-2007, 10:35 AM
Hey -- I saw this at a college Fibre expo this weekend, and thought you might enjoy it -- its' all freeform crocheting :)

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n19/bluefrog_ca/Craftster/DSCN3087.jpg

and here and here

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n19/bluefrog_ca/Craftster/DSCN3089.jpg

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n19/bluefrog_ca/Craftster/DSCN3092.jpg


:)
_A_

DrKym
02-26-2007, 10:38 AM
HOW NEAT!
What a really imaginative way to use up scraps!

Ceph
02-26-2007, 10:42 AM
I do some quilting here and there....I have also made dolls and embroidered, and knitted...I pretty much like anything to do with the needle...here are a few of the things I have done....

I was making this for my ex-boyfriend (he loved spider man), but now I think once I am done with it I will make a small one that is similiar only a square for myself and then sell this one....its warm and nice though....I just dont think I am much of a spidey girl...lol.
http://filebox.vt.edu/users/catehelf/Quilts/Spiderman%20top%204.jpg
(all those pins...my hands were raw and bleeding by the time I was done...soooooo painful)

http://filebox.vt.edu/users/catehelf/Quilts/Spiderman%20Webs%204.jpg

http://filebox.vt.edu/users/catehelf/Quilts/Spiderman%20Webs%202.jpg
It's hard to see on the top layer, but I am hand quilting the webs into this one...it takes a huuuuge amount of time, but it looks awsome...this is the first quilt I have ever worked on



http://filebox.vt.edu/users/catehelf/Quilts/Thomas%20the%20tank%20engine%20quilt.jpg
This is something I have made the pieces for but have not yet put together...I figure when I am out of school I might have a little more time :) It's prolly going to be going to a friend of mine's kids :p

DrKym
02-26-2007, 10:47 AM
Beautiful Ceph!

critter crazy
02-26-2007, 10:59 AM
Since you all seem to be experts here, i would like to know what is the best Brand/type of sewing machine to strat on. I have always done all of my sewing by hand, but would like to buy a sewing machine! I have used one before, but it was years ago, so I need a pretty straight forward one, that is easy to use. I have seen tons of Digital ones, what are they for? Pardon me for being dense, but I realy have more clue!:D

DrKym
02-26-2007, 11:04 AM
Maggie ,
A good simple Singer or a Brother are both fine machines for a reasonable price. Walmart carries both and you can get a plain machine for around 100.00.

Once you are way comfortable with them, you can always upgrade to other types. :)

critter crazy
02-26-2007, 11:11 AM
Maggie ,
A good simple Singer or a Brother are both fine machines for a reasonable price. Walmart carries both and you can get a plain machine for around 100.00.

Once you are way comfortable with them, you can always upgrade to other types. :)
Okay realy stupid question, but how easy are they to thread?? I have a very hard time threading needles, which is one of the reasons I would like a sewing machine. My problem is, I have no sight in my right eye, and becaus of this I have no Depth perception, so I am hoping they are slightly easier. i have one of those Needle threader thingies, but even that can be a challenge.

emily_the_spoiled
02-26-2007, 11:12 AM
Start with the "basic" machines and you can always get the fancy ones later. But the basic machines aren't so basic anymore. They will do button-holes, zippers, etc. I remember when all of that stuff was not available on the starter machine :eek:

DrKym
02-26-2007, 11:24 AM
Okay realy stupid question, but how easy are they to thread?? I have a very hard time threading needles, which is one of the reasons I would like a sewing machine. My problem is, I have no sight in my right eye, and becaus of this I have no Depth perception, so I am hoping they are slightly easier. i have one of those Needle threader thingies, but even that can be a challenge.
The one I bought and was still under 150 has an auto threader on it so I dont thread needles either as my eyes are really bad also!
(20/400 in left eye and 20/200 in right) and since I dont always wear my contacts................needless to say the auto threader was a must for me :p LOL

Daisy and Delilah
02-26-2007, 11:26 AM
The Singer or Brother from Wal-Mart is by far the best way to start. That's what I did. Alot of the new machines have needle threaders on them(although I don't care for mine and don't use it). CritterCrazy: get yourself a little magnifying glass to see the needle better or wear the magnifying glasses(a must for me). Those machines aren't too hard to thread. I think you'll be fine.
A little tip when threading a needle: instead of wetting the end of the thread, wet the eye of the needle. Your thread will go right in. It works for me every time.
Alot of machines are digital these days and more expensive(usually). My Bernina has that and it's just a feature for changing stitches, displaying what modes you're in on a screen, etc. Basically, it's just computerized(hence the higher price) Some machines of course are digital embroidery machines. Most of the time, very costly, but they do awesome needlework automatically. Good luck and have fun!! :)

Ceph
02-26-2007, 11:43 AM
I use the singer from walmart...it covers pretty much everything I need...though I prefer to do the actual quilting by hand.

Daisy and Delilah
02-26-2007, 12:18 PM
Great job Ceph!! My son is a Superman addict so I need to make him a quilt. Time is the problem though, as you said :) Your hand quilting is great! I do hand quilting but I just don't have a whole lot of patience for it. It's almost a lost art these days. Everyone is using the machines and especially the long arm quilters. It's an explosion! The quilt shop thats closest to me has a machine and you can pay to train on it. I keep saying I'll go over and learn it but I haven't found time to go. I have a dozen quilt tops that need finishing :rolleyes:

Ceph
02-26-2007, 12:38 PM
lol, I would love to use a long arm quilter, but I started that one by hand and I dern well plan on finishing it that way :p....I actually sewed about half the blocks by hand before I finally bought the sewing machine...lemme tell you, that was pain...lol. Thank hand quilted webs would prolly be a little hard to do on a machine I think, and doing it by hand gives it a slightly more rustic feel (as rustic as spiderman can get) I think...more love put into it you know :p....at least that was the original plan.

I think it's also poofier by hand...lol, mI just love rubbing my hand over it....it combines all three layers so well :p...and the bottom layer is a very heavy soft warm fabric :)

Thanks for the comments too :)

Daisy and Delilah
02-26-2007, 12:49 PM
Hand sewing is very labor intensive. I have a "Grandmother's Flower Garden" that I sew by hand when I feel like working on it. That's usually a hand sewn pattern anyway. With my arthritis, I love to use the machine for everything.

I love the look of hand quilting. There's nothing like it. However ;) , my machine has a hand quilting stitch. So far, I can't get it to work right. It would look pretty cool if I could figure it out. I do quite a bit of free motion quilting too. It takes alot of practice. I love the way it looks. My machine also has a stippling stitch on it too. It's cool but time consuming. I would rather just do it myself.

Did you check out the website I posted for Willie(page 2 I think)? You'll love it!! Marcia Hohn is fantastic!! :)

kimboe
02-26-2007, 04:55 PM
I knit hats and mittens and little accessories mostly. I making wristwarmers right know and a hat. I get most of my pattens for knitting from www.knittingpatterncentral.com .They have alot of good ones there.
But I also sew, right know i'm making curtains for my bathroom and cushions.
I"ve started a quilt but haven't finished it. It's been almost three years and its still sitting there... :o I should probably finish it already.

kimlovescats
02-26-2007, 08:28 PM
I sort of dabble in sewing, crocheting and machine quilting. I enjoy doing simple and quick projects! ;)

critter crazy
02-26-2007, 08:31 PM
Thanks for all the info guys! I realy enjoy making things, and cant wait till i get my sewing machine!:D

kitten645
02-27-2007, 01:47 AM
I went to the convention again on Sunday :p Gave me a chance to go home and find the patterns I wanted to do and make a shopping list so I avoided going nuts and buying everything in site...though I did make a dent in my wallet :rolleyes:
Sunday wasn't as crowded as Sat so I got a chance to see things I missed on Sat and booths that were to crowded to manuever. The most interesting thing I saw was a woman that takes your pets fur and weaves it into yarn!! I'd heard of it before but actually seeing her spinning a bucket of ..and I know I'm going to maul this...Alsatian Malamut??? It was so fluffy!
There were people there from all over the country including a lady from Alaska that raises Muskox for their wool! She's got big broom looking things that the ox rub against and that's how she collects their "fiber" (not sure if wool is the proper term.)
Learned alot this weekend...back to my stitching!! :)