I will spare you the Summer 2007 Sewing Machine Saga, but to make a long story short, the top that I cut out this summer to sew for Amira is finally finished. It took me five months, but that was really two nights of cutting pattern pieces, fabric and elastic, and a day's sewing on my new Bernette sewing machine.

I love this machine. So far, I've owned six machines. One I gave away to someone on freecycle, because I had another that was working and the first needed some repairs, then the second machine had issues that needed to be fixed, and I never had the time to take it in, then I bought and had to exchange a Singer twice, before I said never again. So, I waited, the Bernette went on sale, plus I had a 10% discount for being a homeschooling parent, and there was a $50 rebate. It still cost a little more than the Singer, but I figured it was worth it. Anyway, it works like a dream. The only problems I've had have been because of my lack of skill, the machine does exactly as it should.

So, here is my fourth ever sewn object.



I put the finishing touches on it Tuesday. There was a mistake in the pattern, I'm pretty sure, but I fudged my way through it, and since Amira has long hair, I don't think anyone will notice. The finishing on the inside is rather abysmal, but I'll work on that as I go. I did change a couple things. I made the straps shorter, because as the pattern was, the top wouldn't have covered her chest, they were so long. I think this pattern runs rather large, too, because I did the size three and it has a lot of room to grow for next summer. I also used the scalloped border of this eyelet, so I wouldn't have to figure out the whole hem thing yet. I had to take three pictures of her to get one I could use, because she kept scrunching up her shoulders for joy. She actually said that she was thankful that I made her shirt during prayer time this week. That was gratifying.

I have partners paired up for the November Colorswap, and I will post participants later today.

If you have one or more finished items this week, please sign Mr. Linky below and share all you have made. Your Finished Object(s) can be knit, crocheted, sewn, quilted, tatted, beaded, papercraft, woodwork or any other kind of craft. Show off what you have made! Please make sure you link to the exact post that shows your finished item(s) rather than just to your blog.

Labels: Fabric and Sewing, Finished Object Friday, FOs, November Colorswap

The deadline for registration this month is 12:01 a.m PDT. October 31, 2007. This is Tuesday night. If you wish to sign up, send me an email at arabianknits at gmail dot com with your full name, mailing address, email address that you check regularly, and blog url. This is open to knitters worldwide, but I am going to make a big effort to pair people within the same nation or at least continent, since there is only a month in which to allow for something to arrive. I am going to limit the swap to the first 50 respondents. Please feel free to spread the word about this, though.

The first thing to come to mind in terms of color is, of course, yarn, but please don't limit yourself to that. Handmade cards, candles, soaps, bath salts, stationery, candies, chocolates, knitterly tools or gadgets, knitting themed accessories and roving/fiber for those who are spinners as well are all good idea for gifts. Knitting something for someone would be a lovely gift. Including shipping, the minimum price for this swap should be considered at $25 (remember, that includes shipping and any packaging). I know how difficult it is to determine the monetary value of something handmade, or handspun or hand dyed, and I do not consider those things as cheap, but please keep in mind a general sense of the price of the package being sent. Participants should expect to receive one package and to send out one package for each round of the swap. Packages should arrive by the end of each month, preferably earlier.

Remember that registration for November ends 12:01 a.m. October 31, 2007 and the color theme is Grey and Black. Have fun! I will have assignments sent to you by the 5th of November.

Labels: Colorswap, November Colorswap