Let's talk sewing machines

I recently broke my trusty old Singer, 1985 - 2019,  a well loved friend. To say I was devastated is an understatement. My sister persuaded me to buy a fancy schmancy machine to replace it (a Brother FS130QC 130 Stitch Computerised Sewing Machine with Built-in Sewing Font and Wide Table with 3 Year Warranty, no less) So I was kept quiet playing with all the settings and feet.

But that wasn't enough for me. I found I was stressing the Brother, with all the layers of materials I was trying to use. So I screwed my courage to the sticking point and looked at new Berninas. Thanks to West End Sewing Machine Centre in Cheltenham  I was seduced by a Bernina 1008S. I doubt I will ever find a fabric it can't cope with!

I got home with it and immediately headed out to the local charity shops looking for fabric to practice on. Guess what I found? A Bernina 700 1964. That went straight to the sewing machine shop where a couple of days later it was declared to be clean and in perfect working order!

And I can't forget the scary machine!! My sister, the same one that talked me into the many stitched Brother, left me a present. A Babylock serger! I won't add a picture as I know they can be very, very frightening :)

On with the Adventure

A ReSewlution

Almost five years ago I changed my life. I started by giving up my lecturing job to do something, anything else. After 6 months of sitting round, prevaricating and enjoying the freedom I decided to set up a new business. I chose an area that I had absolutely no experience in, but found fascinating. Now, just about to file my fourth full years tax returns, and I am busier than I anticipated, maybe even a little bit too busy at times!


But I am more settled, have regular clients and something of a routine I am giving myself time to set up the crafty side of things!

I am still prevaricating, easily side tracked and, most of all, consumed by reading all about how others do the most amazing fabric art! Oh, and don't forget the dog! I took the opportunity to introduce a puppy to our lives

But now, new machines to hand, it is time I set up the business I first imagined when I was still in my 20s.

So here it is: Shabidashery: Adventures in Sewing