Sunday, March 11, 2007

Sew Happy!

Don't laugh, but I got a Hello Kitty sewing machine. No, it's not a toy sewing machine. It's actually a repackaged Janome Harmony 1017. This is what started it all. Someone had linked to Chickengirl's Flickr picture of her blue Hello Kitty sewing machine. I clicked on it and then started googling. After finding out that it's not a toy machine and that it's manufactured by a real sewing machine company(Janome), I wanted one.

The blue one is a half size machine. The mint green one is 3/4 size sewing machine. It has a couple of extra stitch functions and can do button holes. And it has a faster speed, more stitches per minute. The mint green one that I got is a Janome Harmony 1017, but I don't know what the half size blue one is in relation to the Janome line. I actually prefer the look of the blue one more. The blue color and red cherries is more appealing to me(cleaner look). Why did they have to write "Sew Pretty with Hello Kitty" across the machine with little flowers? Well, I do realize that they are trying to appeal to a younger audience.

I know nothing about sewing machines or sewing for that matter, except for some simple hand sewing of knitted/crochetted things. The last time I used a sewing machine was in Middle School during a Home Economics class that I didn't do too well in. I have been wanting a sewing machine for a while now. Since I am a Hello Kitty fan, this worked out really well. This machine is a sturdy machine with metal parts. It's a good basic machine for a beginner like me. I was very intimidated when I took it out of the box, but I read the manual and followed the instructions on how to wind a bobbin and thread the machine. And then I tested all the different stitches on a scrap piece of fabric.

These Criss-Cross Coasters was my first project. I saw it on Chickengirl's blog and knew that they would be a perfect first project for me. The first one came out a little wonky, but the next four came out really well.
Then I made a tissue holder. The inside is lined with a dotted orange fabric. There were a bunch of tutorials online and I used them like a loose guideline to make mine to custom fit my pocket tissues.I can't believe I am sewing! It is so much fun.

My DH and I went to see the movie, 300, with our friend this weekend. I baked some Cheese Danishes to give to his wife that had to stay at home to take care of their baby. It wasn't really her type of movie anyways, so she didn't mind. After the movie, we went back to their place to see Baby Veronica and to snack on the cheese danishes. They were really yummy. The recipe is called Easy Cheese Danish from Barefoot Contessa at Home.
By the way, I bought the Hello Kitty sewing machine from AllBrands.com. It was Free Shipping, No Tax and I got $10 off for using Google Checkout. You can also buy it from Target and Sears, but online only. They do not carry it in their stores.

21 comments:

joyce said...

that is the cutest sewing machine. i heard janome is a very good brand. i remember first learning to sew, it becomes addicting just like knitting =)
those danishes look yummy! i must try them some time.

Anna said...

What a pretty sewing machine! I love that it's both Hello Kitty and a serious machine. Your coasters and tissue holder seem like a great beginning project, too. Very lovely!

Julie said...

Awww, such a cute machine! I've been meaning to try those coasters but haven't got 'round to them yet. Nice job! The danish look fantastic, yum!

Anonymous said...

OMG! Your sewing machine is darling! I want one......thanks for all of the great info. Also, thanks for admiring the chemo cap with the flower. I wish the recipient well.

Anonymous said...

Btw, your first sewing projects are perfect and very cute. Good job!

schrodinger said...

Cute machine! What fun you are having with all that sewing. I love the colorful fabrics you're using.

CynCyn said...

oh sew cute! (hahahah). If I didn't already know that I suck at sewing, I would be tempted to buy one!

Danielle said...

I've had a Janome sewing machine for several years now. I used to sew alot. I've made many quilts, and curtains. I don't sew much anymore, but my Janome has been a really great sewing machine. Your's is really cute, I love Hello Kitty too! Those cheese danish look really yummy, my mouth is watering here!

Anonymous said...

Your coasters and tissue holder look awesome! The fabrics are so cute.
A friend of mine has the Hello Kitty Janome and she says it's quite good. She's a huge Hello Kitty fan too. =)
I'm going to have to look up the cheese danish recipe now!

Anonymous said...

This is definitely the cutest and prettiest sewing machine that I've ever seen!!! And so are your coasters and tissue holders, they're such a joy to look at in this happy and cheerful fabric! Oh, I so wished that I could sew, but as it seems I've never managed to get the hang of it! But I'm really looking forward to seeing more of your sewing work!

Anonymous said...

What great sewing jobs! The end products look good. I have a Janome too but a normal white one, how I wish I have a Hello Kitty one too :)

Unknown said...

Janome makes fantastic sewing machines. I have two, a 3/4 machine and a full size quilting machine (both boring white). Let me know if you have any trouble! I'm in the same boat as you are in, all the sewing instruction I got was from a 6 week 6th grade sewing class! Your coasters are darling, and I look forward to seeing more sewn projects!

Anonymous said...

whoa and to think i just thought it was a toy!

Jannie aka Chickengirl said...

oh hooray hooray! I am so happy you got the hello kitty machine! Your coasters and tissue holders look wonderful!

Kristy said...

That sewing machine is so cute! You made a great choice for a first sewing project, too. It's simple but so pretty and useful :)

Dee Light said...

I LOVE that sewing machine!!! Too cute!!!

Anonymous said...

What a cute sewing machine -- and such impressive finished projects! I don't even sew, but I remember coveting a Hello Kitty one that hooked up to, of all things, a Gameboy.

Anonymous said...

Yay! You're sewing! Aren't those coasters fun to make? I'm afraid to start on them again until I figure out where they'll go; one person only needs so many. Great colors, by the way. And I'm also a fan of the Barefoot Contessa cookbook. Those danish look so tasty -- must make some soon!

Anonymous said...

What a cute little machine! I had no idea they were made by Janome. I might have chosen a different on for myself.

I like your tissue covers, the fabric you used really pops!

Elaina said...

I've got a Janome machine too! But alas, it's not Hello Kitty. That is awesome! I wish I had one... =P

Anonymous said...

Hi Oiyi

I like to check if u receive this in another box (hello kitty box inside) during shipment from allbrands.com? Thanks! Is the box big?