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.

Colette Patterns

As a seamstress, I use both my own sewing patterns and those patterns created by others. For this reason, I'm always on the lookout for excellent patterns. I thought I had all the best sewing pattern sites bookmarked until I came across Colette Patterns. These clothing patterns were absolutely perfect. I couldn't believe I hadn't found this site before now.

The patterns are breathtaking with easy to follow instructions. They're vintage-inspired, but designed to be comfortable for modern men and women. Beautiful and unique, these patterns have served as inspiration for some of my own newer creations.

It's not just the styles that caught my attention. It's the quality of the patterns themselves. The patterns I've ordered have come in printed booklets with linen covers and even stitched bindings. A very nice touch and reminiscent of days gone by. They even include a glossary of sewing terms so even beginners will be able to follow the included instructions.

I love the patterns and recommend them for anyone interested in patterns that appear vintage but are much more comfortable and designed for the modern wearer.