Even my sewing space has a Christmas tree this year! It’s been a while since I decorated the entire house. Christmas finally feels “normal” again. Our mailbox has Christmas cards. I wrapped several presents using actual wrapping paper instead of gift bags. Clark Howard’s Christmas Kids is in-person this year. Invites to holiday parties, luncheons and dinners have returned. Several homes in my area have really pulled out all the stops with their exterior holiday lights. Likewise, our local town has upped its game with new light displays and holiday event offerings. Big Girl enjoys our evening rides to look at Christmas lights. I’ve made sugar cookies, crafted with the kids, and re-discovered some favorite holiday movies.
Gifts this year are practical and/or handmade. I made a personalized READ pillow for each of my nieces and nephews. My inner librarian thoroughly enjoyed spending time at B&N selecting the just-right book and magazine for each kid.
Here’s to a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours. I’ll be offline enjoying the season with family and friends. See you in 2024!
Nowadays, many people buy their sewing machines online or from a big box store. Your sewing machine probably came with a few basic accessories including an all purpose foot, zipper foot and a buttonhole foot. With a few simple additions, you can make your sewing time more productive, enjoyable and comfortable. I’m sharing what upgrades I made to my Elnita EC30, which I use at home, for teaching and as a travel machine.
Upgrade your presser foot thumb screw to one that is more ergonomic. Janome uses the thumb screw pictured on the far right on its higher end machines. The same screw also fits the lower end Janome and Elna machines. Well worth the $4.00 investment. Your fingers will thank you.
Add the feet also featured in the photo: 1/4″ foot, zigzag foot with the spring (if your machine didn’t come with one), and an open toe foot.
Add an LED light strip, especially if the machine’s lighting is dim.
Buy a mat to place under your sewing machine. It cuts down on machine bouncing and protects your table.
Consider an extension table, especially if you travel or take your machine to sew days and classes.
6. Invest in a comfy seat cushion, This one stays packed in a canvas tote I take to sew days. It also comes in handy if I decide to sew at the kitchen table while streaming a movie. 7. A wheeled sewing machine trolley is also nice to have if you plan to sew outside your home with friends, attend retreats or take classes. Visit your local big box craft store to see what’s available.
Do you plan to RV, fly, or travel extensively with your sewing machine? Consider a padded bag or a wheeled under seat carry-on. I have flown with my Featherweight and my Elna STAR in a 16″ black Travelpro underseat bag. The ATL airport is huge and I do not want to schlep a sewing machine on my shoulder the entire way. It took some maneuvering but I managed to get the Elnita EC30 safely in the case. Here she is packed for a flight. Normally, she travels in a different case when going by car. I’d like to take her to Boise, Idaho next May. Friends have told me that they’ve found similar rolling totes at Costco and Walmart. Whatever you decide, don’t put your machine in the cargo hold.
If you’re a quilter, you’ll probably want to add some specialty feet such as an open toe walking foot, quilting guides and a free motion foot.
If you’re into garment and heirloom sewing, you may want to add other specialty feet.
Visit your sewing machine manufacturer’s website to learn about compatible accessories available for your machine.
Places to buy extra feet and sewing machine accessories: Ken’s Sewing Center Pocono Sew & Vac Amazon.com Sewing Parts Online
Any products linked in this post are products I actually purchased and use with my own sewing machine(s). I receive no renumeration for any of these recommendations. I’m merely a satisfied customer sharing what worked for me to help newer sewists improve their knowledge.
Meet Kaleidoscope – the East Cobb Quilt Guild’s fundraiser quilt for the Georgia Celebrates Quilts Show coming to Marietta in June 2024.
Several members of the guild collaborated to make this quilt a reality. Yours truly made some of the strippy purple FPP hexie units you see in the upper right of the quilt. I’ll be sure to take a picture @ QuiltCon!
Interested in winning this quilt? Get all the details here!
Come Stitch With Me 