The first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem, right? So in the spirit of self improvement - my name is Lisa and I am creatively challenged. I really really want to be creative; I just have no idea how to get there. I am an accountant. I like lists and instructions – tell me how to do something and don’t leave anything out. This has meant things like counted cross stitch worked really well for me. I didn’t have to be creative, just follow the directions and you are practically guaranteed results. When it comes to creating something on my own is when I get stuck. I usually have an idea of something I want to do – but no idea how to turn it into specifics. If I do manage to get materials and a plan together, I usually put so much pressure on myself to do it ‘perfect’ that I never actually get started. However, there have been a couple of times I actually finished something I started and am able to hold something I created. Typically this only happens once as I have stressed out so much over the given project that I can’t bring myself to do it again. I know, I’m a whiner AND I’m lazy. So…here we go!
STEP 1 – Narrow down the options
The first step in my journey to creativity [no clue how many steps this is gonna take, so bear with me] is to pick ONE hobby! I tend to let something get too big too fast until it become overwhelming. I have done cross stitch, sewing, knitting, crochet (for about 5 minutes, couldn’t get the tension right) and I’m an okay cook. I have decided to focus on sewing. This is something I have had a little experience in and have always wanted to do well. My mom taught me some as a kid. She wasn’t a master seamstress, but she could hold her own with a machine. I took home economics in junior high and have been sorta dabbling and figuring stuff out as I go. I’ll post some of the simple blankets and pillows I’ve made for my kids when I can. But straight seams are the only thing I am really any good at stitching.
STEP 2 – Find the Right Tools
I am currently working on a JC Penny sewing machine.
I have no idea how old this machine is, but it was given to me so I have made it work. I think it could be a really good machine with some loving care. I just don’t know how to do that and have no clue how much it would cost me to maintain it. I had to replace a broken bobbin winder and find a new foot when I first got it and that was a challenge. The store I took it to did a lot to help me, but you can’t just go down to Penny’s and buy parts, kwim? I should be receiving my annual bonus in the next month or so and when I do I am going to purchase my very first brand new machine. I am CRAZY excited!!!! My husband is a computer graphic designer by profession (and, I have to admit, far more creative than me). He saw that I was looking at sewing machines and said, “I’ll only get one that lets you make custom embroidery”. I was not even considering an embroidery machine, but he got me thinking....this could be fun! We visited a few stores and looked around a little and have decided on this one :
I have no idea how old this machine is, but it was given to me so I have made it work. I think it could be a really good machine with some loving care. I just don’t know how to do that and have no clue how much it would cost me to maintain it. I had to replace a broken bobbin winder and find a new foot when I first got it and that was a challenge. The store I took it to did a lot to help me, but you can’t just go down to Penny’s and buy parts, kwim? I should be receiving my annual bonus in the next month or so and when I do I am going to purchase my very first brand new machine. I am CRAZY excited!!!! My husband is a computer graphic designer by profession (and, I have to admit, far more creative than me). He saw that I was looking at sewing machines and said, “I’ll only get one that lets you make custom embroidery”. I was not even considering an embroidery machine, but he got me thinking....this could be fun! We visited a few stores and looked around a little and have decided on this one :
It’s a Brother Innov-is 2800D. Isn’t it pretty? J The plan is he will handle the creative, software design stuff and I’ll learn to use the machine.
I am an all-or-nothing kind of crafter. If I am going to do something, I want all the instructions and materials possible. I start buying stuff related to the particular project/hobby before I really know what I need or even want. I am not allowing myself to buy ANYTHING sewing related (with the exception of the machine) until I know what I need and what I do not. This is where sewing lessons come in. I found some semi-private lessons offered locally and am going to start next month. I want to learn to do things the right way so that when I do get up the nerve to make something unique, I’ll at least know what I’m doing. I’ll be sure to post pictures of my progress.
STEP 3 – Space and Storage
And now, the question becomes space. I am currently just setting up at the kitchen table after the kids go to bed. This will not be practical with a full embroidery/sewing setup. I really do need a dedicated space if I plan to make this hobby successful. DH steps in again and says he will put a desk together for me in our walk in closet. This will be a project all on its own, but when we are done I will have a quiet space just for my machine. I won’t have to pack it away each time. It will be ready to use whenever I want it. YAY!!
A hobby is really just a nuisance and general pain-in-the-keister if you don’t have a place to work and a neat place to store it when you are finished. The worst is when you are ready and motivated, but you can’t find something you need or don’t have a place to spread out. i.e. when you wanna sew, but really don’t want to clean the kitchen and the table is cluttered with dishes and homework. Yeah – this happens a lot in my house. So, on to the ‘sewing closet’.
A hobby is really just a nuisance and general pain-in-the-keister if you don’t have a place to work and a neat place to store it when you are finished. The worst is when you are ready and motivated, but you can’t find something you need or don’t have a place to spread out. i.e. when you wanna sew, but really don’t want to clean the kitchen and the table is cluttered with dishes and homework. Yeah – this happens a lot in my house. So, on to the ‘sewing closet’.
This is my before picture. Keep in mind I have already done some preliminary cleaning, so it looked worse than this three days ago. The plan is for DH and I to both clear out the clothes we can’t or won’t wear anymore and eliminate the totes that seem to be multiplying in here and put a desk along the back wall. The wall shelf will stay and become extra storage space and a counter top style desk will fit under it. I will have small cabinets under the counter for small storage and things I need handy.
This shelf was already built in and has served as my craft storage up until now. Again, I recently went thru and tossed and organized what I had. I have a plan for this, too and hopefully I can make it work the way I envision it.
This is where we have put the ironing board since we moved in. Really, this is the only place we can have it since we have little kids and a rather cluttered house...but that's a whole other project.
STEP 4 – Learn the Right Way
Sewing has been something I have just sorta figured out as I went along. I think I have finally taught myself everything I can (which is actually kinda pathetic) and now need to seek professional help - stop laughing, I know exactly how that sounded! Sewing Lessons start in February!
If you still have your Penney's machine, you should keep it. As you start sewing and quilting more, you will learn that it is nice to have another machine. Say you are doing an embroidery or decorative stitch on your new machine, and you are sewing straight seams on your other machine. It is nice not to have to change stitches all the time. You will also learn, that no matter how nice your new machine is, your older machine is built like a tank, and will sew through just about anything. Vintage machines are excellent for sewing through jeans seams and repairing those heavy denim clothing articles. It probably has all metal gears, which the new machines lack. I collect old vintage machines (not really into the mid 70's and beyond as that is when they started using nylon gears).
ReplyDeleteVintage sewing machines are very easy to work on, and if you would like, I can send you instructions to work on it yourself. It's very easy, and only costs some sewing machine oil, maybe some white grease, and some TLC, and some TIME. Very rarely do you need new parts, and if you do, they usually are very available on ebay and by doing a google search. There is a lot of online support for just about anything you are looking for.
My guess is your old machine just needs some oil and TLC.