SINGER 4423 Heavy Duty Model Sewing Machine

Every once in a while I have to get a new sewing machine. Let's face it, with everything I sew, machines eventually need to be replaced. They tend to not be worth fixing, so a new one every couple years is certainly in order.

This year, I had to replace my old machine. Okay, so it's not that old. I bought it only two summers ago. But the motor had an unfortunate accident and would cost more to fix than a new machine would, so I went shopping for a new one. I tested out several models before finding one I absolutely loved.

The SINGER 4423 Heavy Duty Model Sewing Machine was perfect for my needs. It was high speed, meaning I could get the professional results I pride myself on as quickly as possible. And when they said heavy duty, they meant heavy duty. It handles even my largest projects with speed and precision. The fabric feeds smoothly and it's incredibly easy to set up. And the SINGER 4423 Heavy Duty Model Sewing Machine has 23 built-in stitches, which is a couple more than my old machine, giving me more variety.

But the best thing about this machine is its ability to handle heavy weight fabrics, or even multiple layers of heavy weight fabrics. My old machine was heavy duty, but it couldn't hold a candle to this thing. So if you're looking for a new machine for more than casual sewing, you might want to try the SINGER 4423 Heavy Duty Model Sewing Machine.

How to Fashion Design Series with Bob Martin

I love products that help people unfamiliar with sewing methods and techniques learn something new. But what I love even more are products that are useful for both the novice and the seasoned pro. This is what I found in the How to Fashion Design Series with Bob Martin.

This product explains the process of designing and constructing a garment from start to finish. There are three DVDs, each focusing on a particular step of the process. The first DVD explains garment construction. You can learn to sew seams and will actually construct a garment as you follow along.

The second DVD gets into fashion drawing. These lessons start at the very beginning, so it doesn't matter if you're artistic or not. You can still learn to draw out unique and beautiful fashions. This is probably my favorite of the DVDs in this set.

But let's not forget the third and final DVD. During this series of lessons you will be introduced to the entire design process. Do you want to create your own designs either for your own use or perhaps as a way to start your own business? This is the DVD for you (though you'll need the other two as well).

The entire series is well worth the investment for anyone interested in more than simply following a pattern.

Project Runway Fashion and Figure Drawing Set

I like to do more than sew. I like to design. I mostly design clothing, but I will occasionally design other items. I usually just use a pencil and a sketch pad when designing dresses and other garments, but this isn't always an easy thing to do for a beginner. In fact, a creative friend of mine wanted to begin designing, but she needed a little more help than pen and paper could provide.

Imagine my delight when I came across the Project Runway Fashion and Figure Drawing Set. This set, which comes with a 12" wooden mannequin, also has step-by-step instructions for designing the garments of your dreams. In addition, it comes complete with paper, colored pencils, and eraser, and a sharpening paddle. In a word, it's perfect for the budding designer.

My friend certainly loves it and is using it to learn to design. It can also be used by younger children. I would recommend it for anyone under the age of 8 years, and certainly not for under 3 years due to small parts (choking hazards, you know). If you're looking for a product that helps you learn a little about fashion design, this should be on your list.

Sizzix Big Shot Pro

I'm always looking for products to make my life easier, so when a friend suggested I try her Sizzix Big Shot Pro for all my cutting and embossing needs, I jumped at the opportunity. I fell in love immediately with the versatile machine. I could suddenly personalize garments, home-decor items, and all manner of accessories quickly and easily. It cut my fabric into applique shapes without any fuss and was generally a joy to use.

The Big Shot Pro features a 13" wide opening. This means I can use it to cut or emboss virtually anything. For a few projects I did require some of the optional accessories, which my friend luckily had already. These accessories widened my ability to create new and unique items. Though I mostly used the machine for garments (since this is the focus of my business), I also tried it out when making accessories for my home. Mostly pillows, and let me tell you, I created some lovely pillows with this machine. Most of them have since been stolen by my friends and family, so it looks like more pillows are in my immediate future.

I was so happy with the Sizzix Big Shot Pro that I couldn't help but purchase my own, plus accessories. It was well worth every penny, and I'm currently designed new and unique products with this machine in mind.

Kreinik Metallic Threads

I love unique products that are easy to work with and enhance the beauty of my projects. So when I found the vibrant metallic threads from Kreinik, I was overjoyed. These threads glitter and sparkle, adding pizzazz and vibrancy to many of my projects. I use them for embroidery or even just to sew a hem and am always pleased with the results.

These threads come in many colors and are available in a variety of sizes to accomodate all your sewing and craft needs. Choose from textures such as ribbon or braid and watch your sewing and craft projects come to life.

These threads can be a little irritating to work with when they curl or twist, but there are a couple simple tips I've discovered that can solve both these problems. Neither of these tips apply when using Kreinik metallic threads in a sewing machine. First, when taking the thread off the spool, wet it just a little. That will get rid of the curl. And if you find your thread twists as you work, try using shorter lengths. This will also help preserve the quality of the thread itself.

These and other specialty threads are a little more expensive than your average sewing thread, but they're well worth the cost whenever you need something with a little spice.

Susan Winget Fabric Collection

I'm always on the lookout for beautiful fabrics that are easy to work with, and I love prints most of all. So when I stumbled on to the Susan Winget Fabric Collection, found at Joann Fabric & Craft Stores, I fell in love. these fabrics are 100% cotton, so they're easy to work with and they can be used for garments, home decor projects, quilting, and so much more. I use them to make summer dresses and pillows, though I'm sure I'll find even more uses for them as the summer wears on. They also iron well on a low setting, making life easier for me since I absolutely hate wrinkles.

So if you have the time, search through some of the available patterns and consider ordering some of your favorites. My personal favorite is pictured here, called Butterfly Drawn to the Light, but there are many other choices for anyone interested in lovely fabrics. Some of my favorites include:

• Le Jardin Texture Blue
• Seaside Gardens Coral
• Beauty & Grace Butterfly Lt Green
• Parsley & Sage Allover

But these are only a few of the fabrics I've used in my summer projects. I strongly recommend them for anyone interested in wonderful fabrics that are easy to work with. They'll enhance your sewing projects and make you love fabric shopping all over again.

OLFA 45mm Ergonomic Rotary Cutter Review

Okay, I'll admit it. I'm a little slow to try new products. I like the old fashioned way of doing thing. Slow but reliable, the old fashioned way gets it done every time. But I received an OLFA 45mm Ergonomic Rotary Cutter for my birthday this year, and I love it. The slow snipping with scissors is a thing of the past for me now. Instead, I use my new toy.

This product features a blade constructed from the highest quality tungsten steel, so it never fails to do the job. Its precise cuts are perfect for cutting out many pieces needed for sewing, especially if those pieces have straight edges. But I've also used my OLFA rotary cutter for curved edges. It cuts through multiple layers of fabric and can also be used on leather and vinyl, which did indeed impress me. I've also used it for things other than sewing. All in all, I love this product. It lets me fly through projects as a speed I've never enjoyed.

The best thing about this neat little tool? I also received a selection of blades. I have a straight blade, but I also have a pinking blade, a scallop blade, and a wave blade. Perfect for most projects. And there are other blades I can add as well. I highly recommend this product to novice and experienced crafters alike.