Thursday, April 11, 2013

I TOOK THE PLUNGE

Yes, as the title of this post implies, I took the plunge. It was something I had thought of doing for quite some time now but I wasn’t sure I’d do it. I thought about it and then I researched it and then I thought about it some more and then I just threw caution to the wind and went for it.
Perhaps I should start at the beginning.
Over the past few months I’ve been spending quite a bit of time online looking at sewing machines. The one I have been using I’ve had for nearly 40 years and it has been having some serious issues. I didn’t want to part with it as it’s been a good machine and we’ve spent many hours together. It has features that I’ve never seen on any other machine and I like those features. Because I wasn’t finding anything out there with all of the features I wanted I decided that I’d get the old machine repaired. I found a sewing center in my area that does repairs and when I visited them to see if they could fix what is wrong with my machine the woman helping me made a few calls and discovered they could order the parts my machine needed.  Yippee!!
Of course while I was waiting for her to see if they could order the parts I looked around and I found several of the machines I’d been researching online. Even though you’re pretty sure you know all about a machine because you know all of its features and have seen photos of it, seeing the machine sitting there in front of you is so much better. So, now what did I want to do? I’d order the parts and fix my trusty old machine. That’s the only sensible thing to do, right? So, that’s what I did and then I went home and the next couple of days while I waited for the parts to come in I thought about this one machine that I’d seen in the store and online and I knew I had to have it.
Now this is where the PLUNGE comes in. Not only did I get the parts for the old machine I went ahead and bought the Janome that I knew I had to have.
Here’s my new baby…….

I just finished sewing this.....


First time I did any machine quilting. Nothing fancy, just in the ditch but hey, it was my first time.



I made the quilt for this....


It still needs a mattress and a pillow or two. I picked up this darling little cradle at a thrift store last month which of course led to the need for the small quilt.
The week leading up to Easter a dear blogging friend sent me some baby clothes that she thought I might be able to use for the bears. Even though they were for new borns they were a bit large for my little ones but with some alterations I was able to take two of the dresses and turn them into four bear sized dresses.
Here are Bellamine and Wendy modeling their new dresses with the matching hair bows. I was able to keep the smocking and the style is much the same as the original dress.


And here are Clarissa and Beebe wearing their new dresses. Beebe told me that it was about time she appeared on a post.


Now that I have the new machine maybe I can get some clothes made for Olive and Lavanda who have nothing of their own to wear, just the borrowed jammies.
We’ve been having some strange weather so I think spring must have finally arrived. It’s still cold, windy and rainy but the sun has been peeking out from time to time. The cherry trees had blossoms that have been either blown away by the wind or washed away by the rain and the trees now have leaves so yes, I think spring has arrived.
Until next time, enjoy your day and as always thanks for stopping by.

20 comments:

Jan Conwell said...

Ooh, girl--we're movin' on UP! :~D Glad for your new machine. Enjoy!

The Bear's Blog said...

TWINS! 2 sets - yippee.

Hi Miss Maddyrose,

Your new sewing machine is bee-u-tee-ful and now you have your older machine for the heavy duty stuff. Great idea.

Heaps of Hugs
Prudence ♥

Hi Girls,

Are you countin' the days for summer camp? I am. (o:

OmaLindasOldeBaggsandStuftShirts said...

Oh I am so happy that you blogged. The dresses for the bearlings are precious. Thank goodness for good things that come in April size boxes. And I love your new baby....the machine looks like it should able to do just about everything. Love the quilt. Still need to do mine....maybe GK will finish it someday in the future.
Happy Day my SFAM, Smooches and Squoozes to you and the bearlings, Oma Linda

Cobblestone Creations said...

Congratulations on your new addition! What a lovely addition it is too. We'll all be expecting lots and lots of lovely things from you. Have fun and be sure to let us watch your adventures. xxx

Katy Cameron said...

Yay, congrats on your new toy :o) And well done for tackling the quilting too (heck, if I can do it anyone can lol)

Kays Kids said...

I am thrilled for you. WOw there will be no stopping you now. I love the girls dresses.
hugs
Kay

Christel said...

Hi Maddy, I know..long time since I've been here..sorry. But..I am so happy for you to not only have your old trusted, and true maching fixed, but to have a brand spankin' new Janome no less! Woohoo ! And, look what you made! A tiny perfect quilt! Great job, it will look great in the mini crib. XOxO Christel

Magic Love Crow said...

We are having snow and freezing rain? I think maybe next week, we will have Spring ;o) So now you have two sewing machines? LOL! As long as you use them both, that is the main thing ;o) I love the quilt! It's going to look great in the cradle! I love what you can find in the thrift store! The new dresses for the girls are beautiful! Take Care ;o)

orchid0324 said...

My Dearest Maddy;
How GREAT that you could keep your precious old machine and had a WONDERFUL brand new JANOME(v^_^v)~*  Oh, and it is a Japanese maker, I think.
From the picture, the new one seem to have lots of way (design) to saw; You do deserve having functional one♡♡♡
Your quilt is beautiful; congratulations on your first try☆☆☆
Bellamine, Wendy and Clarissa,Beebe look really proud having new dresses and SO lovely(*^_^*)
I am happy to see how you spent your days worthwhile.
I am so sorry for my belated comment. Tonight, my husband is out with his band group p;) Take Care of Yourself, my bs in America♬♬♬

Sending you lots of love and hugs from Japan, xoxo Miyako*

Hill Top Post said...

One can never have too many machines. Happy sewing!!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

What a beautiful new machine! I know you'll love it! What cute things you've already made! It's fun to have a little bed for our special dolls and bears! Have fun this weekend with your sewing!

Jan said...

I looked up your machine to see what features it has and it sounds like a real bargain that will do everything you need and then some. Glad you are happy with it and obviously you have already put it to good use. Your quilt looks quite marvelous and pretty and functional. What more could one desire from a quilt?!

IrelandBrady said...

Happy Day! A new sewing machine, with which to play!

How exciting Maddy Rose! I am so happy for you, and I love what you have created ... the machine quilting on the quilt is beautiful! Does the machine also embroider? Did you also embroider the floral design on the white?

Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!

Leny said...

Hi Maddy,

Love your new "baby" great machine!!

Hugs,Leny

April said...

Isn't is wonderful to have your Old Sewer with her new parts! I feel the same..when you go through so much with a trusted friend, they are a partner-not just a machine. I still have an old (Broken) Kitchen Mixer, just because he and I have so much history together. But a NEW machine as well- The Best of both worlds. And look at your Quilt!!! I have never made a quilt and admire anyone who can!!! The crib will look darling with its new quilt. And of course the Bears look FABULOUS!!!!! Love to you (And I still want to know about Bear Camp?????) XOXO, April

Maggie said...

Maddy, the quilt is really nice! I can barely recognize the fabric as being one of the pieces I gave you. The bears' dresses are just adorabe. You knew you were going to love your new machine, 'cause you liked mine!
xoxox

Ascension said...

Hola Maddy
Una gran idea, esa maquina se ve fantastica.
Solo hay que ver la maravilla de trabajos que has hecho con ella.
Me encantan los vestidos de tus ositos.
Feliz fin de semana!!!
besitos ascension

Anonymous said...

Oh Miss Maddy Rose, what an amazing new sewing machine. Look at all of those options! I wouldn't have a clue what to do with it but it really looks impressive. ;-) I think it's wonderful that you are repairing your old sewing machine anyway because really, what is life without nostalgia and those things you know you can always turn to and depend on?

You know I love that sweet little cradle you found as well as the wonderful quilt you made for it. The bears are really styling now.

It always makes my day to hear from you sweetie. All my love to you, Mina

Crystal said...

Congratulations on you new sewing machine. You did exactly what I would have done, fixed the old AND bought a new one too! Enjoy it. I've yet to have the time to use my new one I bought two months ago!! ;-)

Flora said...

MaddyRose ,I have owned a Janome for the better part of 20 yrs, same one, the darn thing just keeps going and going...I know you will be very happy with this one!!!
Blessings,Flora