Me Time

I’m in the market for a new sewing machine. My recent fabric design projects, making more art quilts and working on my new line of pattern designs has had me using my vintage

sewing machine on a regular basis. The machine I use now is a Singer Athena 2000 that I got free off Cr@igslist. It’s been a reliable workhorse but a bit temperamental –but again, FREE. A couple of months ago I had about $600 cash in my pocket and went to buy a new

machine. After research, comparison shopping, making concessions and kicking up my budget a bit, I still don’t have a new machine because it seems like I’m about $2,000 -$4,000 short

for the type of machine I’ve been wanting for the type of fiber art I’m currently doing. While machine shopping I was invited to attend for free (normally $49) a Bernina Tips and Techniques all-day workshop at Seams Like Home on Friday. The event included all supplies, breakfast and even lunch! I accepted the invitation because I figured I have a lot to learn, I’d get to demo some sweet Bernina machines without being rushed and my schedule allowed me to make time for a Cindy Day. I’m normally not a workshop or all-day event kind of person but when we were greeted with champagne Mimosa’s first thing in the

morning and later a hot, freshly prepared lunch I can quickly get used to these type of workshops! The machines that were featured in the workshop are the new Bernina 830’s that are way out of my league but magical to use their fully computerized touch screens -they even thread the needle themselves –no reading

glasses needed! While the workshop was a treat, the food delicious, give-away’s appreciated and the company of other women even fun, the $10,000 -$20,000 plus price tag puts these machines about $9,400 - $19,400 out of my price range!

I finished beading my entry for The Quilted Raven Quilt Challenge. The theme is “Winter Ravens” and the size needs to be 10 inches wide by 12 inches tall. Can’t wait to see what Kristen is doing for the Challenge

–she’s bringing her entry down when she comes home for Turkey Day! Entries are due by November 27 –there’s still time for my art quilt friends to enter by calling 278-3521 or visit the Quilted Raven, downtown on G Street for an entry form. Winners will receive gift certificates to one of Anchorage’s finest fabric stores!

Finishing up my totally fun "Cindy Day" of Mimosa’s (and sewing) with my “pack” in Girdwood watching Season One of Mad Men –Daddy-O and I are hooked on that series!