IÂ’ve long admired cards with stitching. Even the straight stitch really adds a wonderful touch. Why then do I not add this dimension to my cards you ask?
The machine is in a storage room in the basement where there is no lighting or electricity. It is not a portable model. If I want to use it I have find a chair, then get my nose down to needle height and run extension cords.
In addition to these obstacles, my machine is about 30 years old. You canÂ’t push a button and have it make fancy stitches. In order to get it to make the stitch I used, I manually install a plastic cam to tell it to do that. The machine only came with 6-8 of the plastic disks with different stitch patterns. This was one of the two really different ones, so I stuck it in the machine. I should be grateful that it has any stitches besides straight and zig-zag shouldnÂ’t I?
So I got the chair, ran the extension cord and stuck my nose down to needle level so I could see what I was doing in the dark and came up with this.
See those dew drops standing proudly in the corner there? Those are my first REAL dew drops and not my homemade ones. For these I need to thank Kathie McGuire. She sent me a Christmas envelope filled with fun things, that included an entire package of dew drops in various colors.
Will I ever go to all the trouble to sew on a card again?
Registered: March 29, 2005 Location: Nevada Posts: 11671
Wed, Dec 30, 2009 @ 6:33 AM
First of all this is an amazing looking card.....I LOVE your stitching and the wonderful sentiment! Second, I got such a kick out of your story and trying to imagine you going through all that just to sew on your card! So very much your effort!
Registered: February 6, 2008 Location: Northern Chesapeake Bay, Maryland Posts: 5495
Wed, Dec 30, 2009 @ 6:34 AM
LOL...Loved your description of why you don't sew on cards!! I related to the old sewing machine that was put away and didn't do much anyway...but your card and it's fancy stitching is absolutely BEAUTIFUL! I usually do sew on cards but not with my old Singer...I bought a Janome Hello Kitty 3/4 Sewing Machine and although it doesn't have this beautiful stitch that you used, it does offer some options other than straight stitch and it isn't in a storage closet, either! LOL
Thank you for sharing your story and your beautiful craftmanship. Love the Dew Drops too!
------------------------------ Linda's Blog: My Little Yellow Cottage "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit;
for without Me you can do nothing." John 15:5
Registered: March 20, 2005 Location: Butler, PA Posts: 77633
Wed, Dec 30, 2009 @ 6:34 AM
What an absolutely beautiful card. Faux stitching for me. I bought a sewing machine 2 years ago and have never opened the box. You did an awesome job in the dark!
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If you open someone's card, you must have liked it...please leave a comment to encourage them!
Registered: December 8, 2005 Location: New York Posts: 738
Wed, Dec 30, 2009 @ 6:39 AM
beautiful card...the stitching makes it gorgeous! I loved your story but I think you better find a place to keep that sewing machine out (and in a well lit place) as your sewing rocks! TFS!
Georgia
P.S. I would frame this one and keep it as a reminder to your story!
Registered: November 12, 2007 Location: Denver, Colorado Posts: 288
Wed, Dec 30, 2009 @ 6:43 AM
This card made it worth it to go thru all that effort. tee hee I had to laugh because that's the way it was with me. I had a machine that sat in closet for at least 8 years - got it all out and then it wouldn't sew on the cards correctly. Baa humbug. I was so determined I went and bought mind you - purchased a new machine for $200 that is computerized stitches and it works beautifully. I better be sewing up the whole world to spend that money for a new sewing machine when I barely even sew. ha Wonderful card Bonnie - love the verse and that is a beautiful stitch.
Registered: June 14, 2009 Location: Keller, Texas Posts: 8597
Wed, Dec 30, 2009 @ 7:00 AM
What a pretty card! My 30+ year old Singer won't do that stitch. It does 2-3 fancy stitches, but I'm not sure I could get them evenly around the card like you did. Love the dew drops too as well as the color combo.
Greywolf
------------------------------ Val (a/k/a Greywolf)
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Registered: July 27, 2007 Location: Dublin, Ireland Posts: 131604
Wed, Dec 30, 2009 @ 7:08 AM
I think the sewing looks great, and you should definitely do it again. But I do understand where you're coming from - I have to set mine up on the kitchen table, so then I have to take it straight back down again. I could lug it up to the attic, but then when I want to dress-make, I'd have to lug it back again. Discs - my goodness, that brings back memories!! I have a 20 year-old brother, and an antique Singer that only does straight, forward and reverse, but my mum's machine that I learned to sew on had discs for the fancy stitches.
I love those warm, soft, rich colours and the choice of stamp.
Bring your machine up into the warm and use it again .