Ode to a Sewing Machine

After reading an old blog post on one of my favorite blogs, Young HouseLove, I have decided to follow her lead and write a sonnet for my sewing machine. More specifically, what I’ve been able to make with my sewing machine. (It's important to recognize that I will not be writing an actual sonnet. It’s just a fancy word and I feel fancier for saying it. Mmkay?)
 
The wonderful Mr. Bug got me my sewing machine for Christmas 2009. I’m pretty sure he didn’t know what he was getting himself into or he may have gotten me something else—like a pistol. But poor Mr. Bug got me what I thought I really wanted so snaps for my man for being awesome! : )

I know, I know. It sounds like I don’t like my sewing machine. This is not true. I love being able to sit down and make something usable out of a flat piece of fabric and some string. It’s amazing what can be made. Even if I’m not really a skilled enough seamstress to make it perfect, it’s usually functional. : )

Strangely enough, I have no photographic record showing me opening the sewing machine; my camera battery died that Christmas morning. And the funny thing is that I didn’t even bust that bad boy out until February. It took me two months to build up the courage to get it out and try a project.

Eden in her brand new apron!

For some reason I decided that the first beautiful item to come from my magical sewing machine would be a toddler-sized apron. It’s not perfect, but Miss Eden was pretty happy with it.

From there I went nuts. Burp cloths, bibs, crackly toys, Halloween costume, school bags and skirts for the girls. I went nuts I tell you, NUTS! : ) But I have been having a really good time. I’ve even sold a few things which has been really cool. The sewing machine has definitely paid for itself by now. Possibly one or two times over. Here are a few of my favorite projects.

Eden's Dorothy Costume. I'm pretty proud of that one : )

Bibs

Burp Cloths

My little kitties at one of the craft shows we did : )

My mom, my older sister and I at another craft show. I was pregnant with Judah at the time, hence the sneakers with sweater look.

I LOVED these skirts I made for the girls for Christmas 2010. I got so many people asking where I got them. I actually have more of that material and I'm going to make more. : ) (Side note: this is my grandpa, who just so happens to be one of the coolest dudes alive. He's almost 96 years old and he still gets down on the floor to play with his grandkids and great-grandkids.)

Eden's preschool bag. Yes, I cut her bangs too short.

Adaleine's preschool bag. This thing made me work for it, but I'm really happy with it.

Why am I sharing this? Because I might attempt to make Eden a Toy Story Bo Peep costume for Halloween. I wanted to write this so I could look back on it and remember that I actually do like my sewing machine when I’m frustrated and considering throwing it against the wall. Well, it’s kind of heavy so maybe I would just give it a really dirty look. I’m lazy like that. : )