Singer Sewing Machine

My mind was thinking of getting a sewing machine a few weeks ago for the convenience of "repairing" the minor wear and tear clothing, and also for sewing up loose threads on the new clothing. 

Without mentioning to each other, Clet also has in mind to get me a sewing machine so that I can help him to  do alterations and repair on his jeans and clothing.  

At first we thought of getting a basic one without knowing the technology has advanced to providing many sewing functions which impress us very much.   After seeing the demonstrations on a couple of machines at the Singer outlet,  we decided on 988 model.  This has become my early birthday and Christmas present for this year.  A present is never come too early and I am very happy with it.  But this is not a heavy duty machine, materials as thick and as hard as jeans are not advisable to be sewed with this machine.  Clet is a bit disappointed on that.  

it comes with a cover

this model has got a digital screen and 156 patterns

these are some of the patterns that this sewing machine can produce including the button holes

these are the accessories which I will have to figure out how to use some of them

the pedal and a casing for the accessories.  

I have attended basic sewing classes years back, now I will have to rely heavily on the internet to guide me should I want to make a skirt and a dress.  Will tell you my first sewing project on my next post.

Interest in Beading crafts

Like mother like daughter, Crystal shares similar interest with me in many areas.  One of it is the beading works.  At one time, I was very into beading projects.  I invested in tools, beads, findings, books and time just to pursue my interests.  

I used to follow the patterns from the books to get bracelets done from night till dawn.  I have made myself many earrings and necklaces which I still use them when I am out and about.  I also gave many of my handmade necklaces, earrings and bracelets as presents for birthdays and Christmas.  It's fun but I have no time for beading projects ever since I started my full time job some 3 years ago.

But my tools, beads and findings have not gone to waste.  Crystal has been asking me to let her do some beading works when she was still small, I disallowed her because she couldn't handle the bits and pieces then.  Since she is bigger girl now, she can handle the beadings pretty well after giving her a few steps guide. I bought some glass beads in different colours and sizes for her to mix and match.

 Some of the beads, findings and tools 

 beads

 and findings

Now she would start her beading projects whenever she has got the mood in it.  She did 3 necklaces over the weekends.  I help her with the opening and finishing part of it, the rest is all up to her creativity.  She did a pretty good job in colour matching.  

she designed this necklace for me with faceted glass beads, I told her I need a longer necklace, this is what she came out with.  A design with tear drops beads.

faceted clear and blue glass beads necklace and rainbow glass beads necklaces (named by Crystal)

3 necklaces designed by Crystal.

She used this rainbow necklace to tuition today. 

the necklaces are stored in this organza jewelry bags  

CROSS STITCH

By looking at the cross stitches hanging at the walls at my little home, my memories brought me back to when I was still young and free. During that time, I spent hours and hours, days and nights patiently stitching to complete pattern after pattern of cross stitches. That’s one of my interests then and I was very much addicted to it. I am not a pro on this but the interest kept me going until I got married and pregnant; the morning sickness was hard on me that time that I couldn’t do much on anything; then with the arrival of the little one and another little one after that, I just couldn’t find the time to go back stitching any more. I was glad that I had completed a number of cross stitch patterns so far which gave me a great sense of accomplishment and real satisfaction especially when there’s someone gave words of compliments. My last project was an attempt to complete the “Last Supper” pattern and it is still about 40% to completion. Here I would like to showcase some of my completed cross stitches. There are a lot of free patterns to be downloaded from the website nowadays unlike those days we got to buy patterns from the shop where choices are very limited. I am sure I will be back again when my girls are a bit older probably I could share my passion on cross stitch with them too..

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"Swan Lake Country Home"
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