The one where she nearly loses a finger...

Picture this...

I'm just getting started sewing a super secret Christmas present for someone. Suddenly, my sewing machine decides to shell it's guts. I poked and prodded and did all I could think to do to save my precious machine...

No such luck.

I called the repair shop and explained the problem. "Well," he said. "We do free estimates, but a tune up will cost you anywhere from $50-70, plus the cost of repairs and parts". Um, how much? For this basic Singer I paid about $75 for 15 years ago that's worth about 48 cents? How much is a new one?

So...

We bought a new one.

I asked for a few recommendations from friends who know more about sewing machines than I can even pretend and since my budget was so low, and I'm nowhere near a professional seamstress, I went with the most recommended brand. A "Brother". Plus, it's the kind they use on Project Runway and if it's on TV, it has to be good, right?

It is.

I like it.

A lot.

Thanks super cute husband for letting me have my Christmas present a few weeks early!

The first thing I discovered was that the needle that came with it was not meant to be sewn through five layers of flannel. It caught my nose square on the tip when it broke off. At least it didn't blind me.

The second thing I discovered was that... oh my gosh... sewing machine can sew EVEN stitches? Add that to the list of things my old Singer was incapable of.

The third thing I discovered was that the feed dogs actually PULL the fabric as it moves. I didn't have to do any pulling (could explain some of my uneven stitches, eh?).

And the last thing I discovered was that them there feed dogs are VERY VERY sharp and they can and will cut big chunks of your fingers off. I reattached the skin (even though the super cute husband suggested I just cut that little flap off... sounded too painful) and slapped a band-aid on so I wouldn't bleed all over my fabric and went back to work. Eventually. Took me a few hours to get over my fear of the feed dogs.

(before you go feeling all bad for me or anything, just know that it actually looks worse in person... and feels worse than it looks)

I can't wait to share my super cute projects... especially the one item I made for Ishee. Oh my goodness... massive amounts of cuteness have overtaken my home. I would share, but alas, the child insisted upon coming home from school today so her project had to be put away unfinished until I have another day off from work.

Good thing, too... my finger needs a break (although typing is much more painful than sewing).