New Member of the Istmelaniedarling Sew Family: Singer 14T970C Coverstitch Machine

Well I did it Sew Family.  I bit the bullet and purchased a coverstitch machine this weekend.  I've been eyeballing them for sometime now, but wasn't sure exactly what I wanted.  I recently came across the Janome Coverpro 900cpx and was sold on it based on the reviews and the fact that I have the Janome Memory Craft 6600p sewing machine, which I absolutely adore.  

The price of the Coverpro was not in my price range so I was hoping over the Christmas holiday there would be specials and it would be marked down.  I even saved one in my cart on Amazon.com just in case, but I didn't find that the price changed anywhere.  

While at my local Joann's this weekend, I was shopping for fabric for a clients project and while waiting for my number to be called I perused the sewing machine area.   Not to purchase just looking at what they had.  I began talking with the sewing machine area sales person and I expressed to her that I couldn't wait to purchase a Coverstitch machine.  Her eyes got big and she said "if you are interested in purchasing a machine today, we have a closeout special on the Singer 14T970C."  I told her if the price was right I was interested.  She showed me this particular machine, and explained a little about its functions.  I wasn't sold immediately, because I wanted to know the price before I even got interested.  She explained that the machine is regularly $699.00 and that it is now a closeout and will not be offered in the U.S. any longer, and I could get it that day for $290.00.  They only had one more .  I then asked about why it was no longer sold in the U.S., and she explained that this particular model didn't sell well in the U.S. but overseas they sold lots.  Hmmmmmmm was my first notion.  

My number was called for the cutting table so I walked away and told the Sales Person I would think about.  Still nervous, but the price was right.  I said, what the heck, this could be my blessing.  So after my fabric was cut, I went back over and told her I wanted the machine and asked about the perks.  She allowed me to play with the floor model while she went to get the one I was purchasing, and I found it was easier to thread than my Brother 1043d.  

I looked on the internet to get reviews and information (yes after I purchased), backwards I know. Couldn't find very much at all.  Actually several people noted that as well.  I did find this review: S14T970C Review, which was very long but very informative.  

Yesterday was actually my first day playing with my new machine.  I threaded it and re threaded it to get that hang of it.  I know already I am going to have to play around it to get comfortable with it. The similarities of a Coverstitch and a Serger can be confusing, but I am excited about learning. I actually have two 1/2 Sergers so I only needed a Coverstitch only machine, Here are a few pointers I've noticed so far:

Things I like so far:

• Its not very noisy at all. 
• You have to thread one difficult area
• Easy to thread

Things I don't so far like:

• The placement of the lever to lift foot sucks
• Not very much room under presser foot

As my friendship grows with my new buddy, I will let you guys know how it goes, until then, Happy Sewing!

McCall's 7020: That Hooded/Cowl Neck Tunic/Dress Thingy

I refused to let my long weekend go without sewing something for myself.  I had a couple of client projects I needed to finish, and I did but I vowed to get something done for myself.   When I first saw McCall's 7020, I was excited about it all.  It looked boxy and I thought it would very unappealing on me, so I payed no attention to it at all.  Then I saw the post of Mimi of Mimigstyle wearing it and how she styled it and I really knew I wanted to make it, with the modifications she suggested:

I added 8 inches to the Hood/Cowl and stitched the pockets to the front of piece of the tunic so they wouldn't swing about inside.

I paired them with a pair of leather side trimmed tights or skinny jeans and booties.  I really like both looks. 

Happy Sewing!

Selfless Sewing: Giving Back and Sewing for the Youth of My Church

I belong to a small community church in Orlando, Washington Shores Presbyterian Church.  Our congregation is small but rich in history.  Our members are older, and most are either community leaders, and retired educators.  I think that is why I love it so much, I feel at home, and it is not overpowering but nurturing.  Because my Church is dead smack in the middle of a inner city community and right next door to an elementary school, we have children that attend our church who parents do not.   

Every Sunday our church provide a hot meal to the children when they come.  A good hot meal with, eggs, bacon, toast, biscuits, grits, sausage, well you get the picture.  We have members that really reach out to the children in our community and we love having them.  

I was asked to help with the Annual Christmas Program, and if I would provide my sewing services and make much needed costumes.  I was glad to be apart of giving back to these young people who has given our church so much life.  

Here are a couple of the costumes I made:   

and I will share more when with the children wearing them when I can.   I was tasked to make 4 Angels, 5 Wise Men and 5 Shepard's.  

I thank my wonderful coworkers for providing sheets that I used to make most of the costumes.  I work with a wonderful group of people who are always eager to support. 

Happy Sewing!

Self Drafted Batwing Top - Thanksgiving

This top was actually made in November, but I'm just catching up on my blogging.   I was inspired by my friend Shari Williams of My Daily Threadz.     

When I saw hers on her blog, I knew I had to have it.  I wanted something cute that I could wear on Thanksgiving day with my family.  It was a cool day, in the mid 50's which is cool for Florida especially in November.  I don't get to wear fall gear that much because of our weather here, but I look forward to those cool days and nights when I have an opportunity.  

Added my favorite pair of Steve Madden Boots and my ensemble was fashionable and functional:

It was really quite simple to make.  I just used a top I had already, folded it and traced it on the fold.  I added the cowl neck and sleeves, and walla!!!!!  

Happy Sewing!

Oh What A Busy Month!

My Husband and I celebrated our 10th Anniversary at the Dreams Palm Beach Resort, Punta Cana , Dominican Republic, (All Inclusive) early this month.   The trip was amazing and we had wonderful time.  We were able to share our trip with my cousin and his wife who was also celebrating their 6th Anniversary. They are authors of this trip as they visit the Dominican Republic every year to celebrate their union. We were thrilled when they invited us to share.   I am so very blessed to have a husband who is so very good to me and my son.

Happy Anniversary Babe!

Quick Review of the Resort:

Food:  Amazing, several different restaurants to choose from.  No reservations necessary.  Food being served poolside all day, and on the beach. 

Service:   Awesome, the waiting staff was eager to accommodate and refresh.  We tipped a lot so we had staff almost at our side every moment. 

Room:   Absolutely beautiful.

Only Con:  Mosquitoes in our room was out of control the first few days.  We complained to the hotel, and they fumigated immediately.  It didn't help at first, but after a couple of days it was much better though we didn't really get rid of all the mosquito's though.  Next time we will take our own spray. 

Summary:   I loved the country, the resort and had a great time!

Happy!