Fine Heirloom Sewing, Smocking and Hand Embroidery

"Baby will be well and smiling in little garments made by Mother, Auntie, Grannie and loving friends!"

Please join me as I teach the old fashioned techniques and skills needed to sew baby clothes. You will find lessons that start at the very beginning and take you step by step as we sew little baby clothes together. May you find much joy and pleasure in making them.
It's easy and it's fun!!

Visit My Heirloom Sewing Webshop www.oldfashionedbaby.com




Thursday, January 21

The Second Old Fashioned Baby Giveaway!

Jeannie's little treasures for OFB Giveaway 2!
Well, I didn't think I would have the pleasure of doing another Giveaway so soon but a promise is.... and I promised another one at 75 Followers.  I am so pleased that I have 80 Followers.  It certainly makes me feel useful!  So, I have collected some more of my treasures for you.  I will draw a random name from the comments from this post only and  I will draw (hopefully your  name) on February 1.
Same picture with the Vintage look.
Giveaway 2 includes the book (novella) "Emma's Journal" by Ed Rowell.  It is one I read over and over because it is so encouraging.  And the story is so compelling in it's own right that I couldn't put it down!  Here is an excerpt from page 1 , Emma's first jot in her journal. "When it's time for me to go, I just want to know that my life made a difference.  Lord, help me take advantage of every opportunity to touch others in ways that demonstrate your love"  Then the story unfolds between journal entries.
Also, you will find a length of off white antique lace, Bee's Wax,  3 antique Mother of Pearl button cards and a Mother of Pearl Cross.  Items that I hope you like as much as I do.



Please leave a comment about:


How many sewing machines do you currently use on a regular basis? Do you have a favorite?  Why is it your favorite?

35 comments:

antcan said...

I have 5 sewing machines including a serger and embroidery machine. My favorite and oldest is the Bernina 1090QE I have had for over 10years. It makes the most beautiful heirloom stitches. It even makes a feather stitch than can almost pass for handstitched. Thanks for your blog. I read it every day and use a lot of the tips

Kelly said...

I currently have one sewing machine and one serger. I have plans of getting a new embroidery/sewing machine, but right now I'm not able. My mother has one and I'm jealous. ;)
I found your blog just the other day and I love it! Thanks for all you do.

Martha said...

Will I be luckier this time? :) I am surprised to say that I have three machines. My Bernina 1130, a serger that I hate, and an embroidery machine. I need to learn how to use my embroidery machine more but I forget it is there. My Bernina 1130 I have had for 19 years and have sewn the paint off of the front. Love it.

Laurie said...

What a lovely gift - the journal sounds like a wonderful book!
I have 4 bernina machines, 1 Janome, and 2 sergers which are bernina and babylock. I really have 2 favorites in my sewing room - my Bernina Artista 200 and my Babylock Evole Serger. Both of these machines have "sew" many capabilities that makes sewing a breeze! I still learn many new stitches and techniques with both my favorite machines!
Thanks for your blog - I really enjoy reading it!

Goosegirl said...

I have 2 machines that I use on a regular basis, but each of my daughter's have machines too. I use my Janome Memory Craft 9700 daily. I suppose that is my favorite because it is the one that works!
I also have a 25 year old Bernina 910 that is completely worn out but I love her so I can not part with her. I received her new when I was 18 for winning the Oregon division of the Make It With Wool competition. OK, I will admit that the Bernina is really my favorite but she just does not sew well anymore.
However, I am VERY impressed with my Ahnalin's little Hello Kitty Janome. That is one great little machine!

seamsgreat said...

I have 3 sewing machines and 1 serger and they all have names. :-)

Hallie said...

I have one sewing machine that I am trying to use until I earn enough from sewing to upgrade! I have been thinking about getting a serger for nonheirloom sewing before I upgrade - not sure, zig zag works for what I have needed to do so far. Thank you for doing the giveaways! Photos of the items are so pretty.

Kathy B. said...

I currently have one sewing machine (Designer I) that I use and I don't even know how to do everything it can do--like machine embroidery, etc. I prefer to do that by hand. I do love the decorative stitches, though, and the smooth way it sews. I have a very very old Singer treadle machine in my sewing room that I have never used--it's just for looks! My grandmother had hers electrified and did all of her sewing on that for years and years. My great-grandmother never did get hers electrified and continued to use the treadle-type as long as I knew her. Wonder what they could have sewed with mine???

Smocking with Gwen said...

My count would be three machines. The sewing machine that I use most often is a Bernina 1130 that I purchased while we were living in Germany. When I returned to the US I found it costly to replace the motor to run on 110Volts so I now use a transformer to convert 220V to 110V...but it works. I have a Bernina 830 that was my first great machine. I use it because it does a better rolled machine edge. My sentimental one is a very old Singer straight stitch that belonged to my mother. Would love to get a new machine that would allow me to design embroidery! The choices are so confusing!

Unknown said...

I have two sewing machines and one serger. The one I normally use is a Brother digital sewing machine that I purchased around 6 years ago. It's a love/hate relationship. My other machine is a Kenmore - very sturdy and dependable. It's a shame the buttonholes aren't as nice as the Brother's. I would have stayed true to it! The serger is a top of the line Huskvarqa (?) I purchased last December. I'm afraid of it! so, I haven't used it!!!! I really enjoy your blog and try to read it every day.

Families Are Like Fudge said...

My one and only sewing machine is a Bernina 910. I received it for Mother's Day when I was 32 years old. We are both doing well. I love your blog and purchased the Priscilla pattern to follow your lessons. My first granddaughter is due in March. Thank you for your blog.

Unknown said...

I have 1 sewing machine, a Viking #1, and a Viking 936 Serger. I love my machine, have had it for 14+ years.
Love your blog and all the pretties.

Anonymous said...

Oh Happy Day! Another Jeannie B. giveaway!! I have three machines...a 19 year old Babylock serger, a 17 year old Bernina 1230, and an even older 830. Mostly, I sew on the 1230 and the serger....oh how I love my 1230. :)

Diana said...

I have two sewing machines, one that I inherited from my husband's grandma, one that I bought after I started thinking that sewing is awesome and one serger, I like my new sewing machine but I'm looking forward to inherite my mom's sewing machine, is an old Pfaff but is so solid and nice!

Amy Bailes said...

The sewing machine that I currently use the most is the Bernina 640 that my husband bought for me two years ago. Love it! I also have my great-grandmother's Singer that my great-grandfather bought for her in the late 1970's. A Singer Featherweight, two sergers and finally, a portable Brother that I use for taking to classes.

Stephanie said...

I own one sewing machine, a Viking. I like it because it has aneedle threader and some very helpful feet that snap on and off, which I use a lot - the 1/4-inch foot, the piping foot, lace joining foot, and a 5-row pintuck foot.

Anonymous said...

I have a Bernina, Middle aged like me ! I love it but am looking forward to when the kids are out of college to invest in an embroidery machine. Use it for everything from mending to heirloom to curtains. Couldn't live without a sewing machine !

Cassie said...

I have a plethora of sewing machines, including 6 treadles, several very vintage (50 yo+) electric machines, a Bernina 850, Viking Lily, a Babylock embroidery/sewing combo, and a Babylock serger. I use one of the treadle machines regularly for my Old Iron Club demonstrations, but my favorite by far for most of my sewing is the Viking, because I love the precision of the assorted feet. The Babylock feet are just plain clunky in comparison, although dd uses that machine all the time, because it has the most "bells and whistles." I love hand sewing, but I also love my machines!

Memaw's memories said...

I have two sewing machines, one of which is also an embroidery machine, and two sergers.

The small sewing machine is a Bernina, the embroidery machine is a Baby lock, and I have one Baby Lock serger and one Singer Serger.

I bought the Bernina so I could sew while the Baby Lock was doing embroidery, but my youngest daughter has carried it to her house. I will probably never see it again.

lizzie said...

I have 4 machines..all Vikings..Love the SE..use it the most...why...good lights..wide bed great sound..sews good...2 sergers 1 really old LOVE IT 1 newer hate it...

Anonymous said...

Currently I have 2 machines. One a Singer Quantum XL -about 15 yrs old and a serger. I have had my eye on a Bernina. Maybe oneday!

Robin Hart said...

I have 2 Berninas (640 and 180), a Viking 1100 and 2 sergers which really get little use these days. I love my 640 more than I ever did my 180, however the Viking makes the best pin stitch and you can 'scooch' the needle in tiny increments. Still the 640 is my favorite as it was bought by me on a whim without thinking long and it reminds me of my love of sewing each time I see it.

kbelcher said...

I have 3 sewing machines and 3 sergers. I have the Viking Designer SE and Designer Diamond and a Janome. I also have a felting machine. All the sergers are vikings. I like the SE the best for sewing. I have a WONDERFUL husband who bought these great machines for me.I am currently working on a mint green smocked dress and coat for my niece for Easter. Pray for me as a attempt the coat, since I have only been sewing a little over two years. I enjoy your blog and am always admiring your work.

Handcrafts by Heather said...

On a regular basis (i.e. just about every day) I use three machines: my viking emerald, my viking serger, and my bernina stand alone embroidery machine.

My most favorite machine to use though is my gunmetal green viking 21a from the '50s because the motor positively purrs. I've named her 'Cora' and I imagine sewing with this machine in my high heels (like the picture in the manual) and deep red painted fingernails.
If I would put time into finding just the right accessories for this machine, I am sure I would love it even more. just haven't had the time to track down the right narrow hemmer etc. some day!

Babies and Bags said...

I have a wonderful Bernina 180. I have had it for about 13 years and she is my best friend! I have an old Benina deco embroidery machine which needs to be replaced with a newer model and I have a serger that I curse often! Now I need to put my Bernina to use!
Sue

Anne said...

I have Bernina 1630, Bernina serger and a Deco 650. I mainly use for Wee Care projects now that I am a nanny. I have a mechanical Elna waiting for my niece to ask for...no interest in sewing.

I love having my "sewing fix" with your blog. The rose pictures are luscious.

Unknown said...

What a lovely gift!! I have a Babylock Ellageo that I use the most. It sews and embroiders beautifully. I also have my mother's old Kenmore, a Singer Featherweight, and a Imagine and Mylock Janome sergers. They all get a lot of use, but the Ellageo is the "go-to".
Sara

Debbie said...

I have 3 machines that I use on a regular basis with my Babylock Ellageo being my most favorite because I use alot of embroidery and it has many decorative stitches. I found your blog only a couple of weeks ago because I've just been able to start sewing for a "little" girl again. Thank You so much for your inspiration.

Terri said...

Oh! I just found your blog(from Maggie B's blog) and I am "sew " excited....I'll be up up half the night reading if I'm not careful. And you have a "giveaway" to boot!
I have been blessed with 8 machines!
My favorite to sew on is my Viking D1, favorite serger is my Viking 936 and they are my favorite because I love Heirloom sewing and the precision is wonderful. I have found myself more interested in hand work lately though. I also have a Babylock Ellageo(always set up for Machine Embro.), a Babylock eclipse (set up to serge my jeans). I have 4 others but don't use them as much as these.
I'm so happy to find your blog!!

Susan H. said...

Hi Jeannie, Thanks for your wonderful inspiring! I read it just about everyday...Well I have 2 sewing machines and 2 sergers. I have a Bernina 1530 that is a great machine and a Viking Designer SE that is my baby. although I use both of them about the same.My sergers are a Bernina Funlock and Viking 936. Continue to post what you are doing (Projects) because I really like your blog your doing such a wonderful job and thanks for sharing your work!

Elisabeth Rose said...

I use my Viking Designer 1 for everything! It is great for heirloom sewing, quilting, and embroidery! My "other" machine is an 1876 New Home Treadle. I don't use it often, but someday I'd like to sew a baby dress on it just to say I did!

Sarah B said...

I currently own 11 sewing machines (including my first, a Singer 221,from 1953). I have mostly duplicates for two homes: 2 Pfaff 7570, 2 Bernina 1260, 1 Elna 9000 Diva, 1 Innovis 4000D,1 Baby Lock BMP6, 1 Baby Lock Evolve Serger, 1 Viking 960 serger, 1 Pfaff serger (?model #).
My favorite is my Pfaff 7570 because of the 19 needle positions and the IDF (integrated dual feed.
Sarah Minton

Unknown said...

I use a Bernina 210 for taking to class and a Bernina 200 for sewing and emb. at home. So far the 210 has handled all stitches I have needed in classes and sews wonderfully and is light weight.

Unknown said...

I have an Elna quilting machine (but I don't quilt yet) and 2 Singer Featherweights and a 1960s cabinet model Kenmore that's perfect for heavy-duty projects. I use the Elna for making garments that require special stitches. However, my very favorite "machine" is my hands. They're always with me and don't require electricity.

At this time in my life hand sewing is many hours of productive relaxation. Suzanne

ShirleyC said...

I own 3 machines - an embroidery machine, a serger, and a small sewing machine. I use the small sewing machine the most because it is easy to handle, and I can sew while something else is stitching on the embroidery machine. I do love my Imagine serger, because my eyes can't see like they used to, and it is so easy to thread. I think I need them all!

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