My new pfriend

I’m sad to report that the Sewmor is no more. She served me well over the last two years, helping me make two valances and about 30 pocket tissue holders and gingham bags to go with them (baby shower gifts). But even after a pricey tune up, the pedal wasn’t responsive and sparks shot out of the motor. I’d like to say I felt badass, throwing out sparks with my sewing, but really I’m a pansy and was worried about the fabric catching on fire.

My new Pfaff; I shall call her Pfyllis.

And so for Christmas, my dearest K gave me a sleek new Pfaff, the Hobby 1142. Cut to six months later, and I finally made something! I realized this weekend that I have an awful habit of collecting supplies for projects and not actually doing anything with them. (Shocker for anyone who’s seen my college scrapbook stash, still in progress 8 years later!) Anyways, my lovely Pfaff, which I shall call Pfyllis, in honor of my grandma and her Sewmor, and because my family likes to name things, helped me make two pillows — with piping! And because I was in GSD mode, I also hot glued K’s lap desk back together, re-framed my small collection of international dollars, and made a seashell plaque for my sister’s backyard. Yes, that is the sound of me patting my own back that you hear.

Cup Cake

My sister sent me a link to an article in Wired’s How-To Wiki: Make Cake in a Mug. Hello! You make it in the microwave with hot chocolate. I followed the directions and 5 minutes later I had chocolate cake. It was very dense, more a cross between cake and a brownie, but still tasty. This will be an impressive show for small children and tipsy adults alike.

Microwave Mug Shot

Chocolate Cup Cake

Stitch magazine

Certified Unfroufy

Have you seen the new magazine Stich? It’s made by Interweave/Quilting Arts, but this isn’t your froufy festive holiday vest type of stuff. This is the first sewing magazine I’ve seen that is geared towards young, modern crafters. The debut issue features “5 modern skirts” which are cute and wearable, and includes full size patterns. They review products, books, and up-and-coming designers. The Winter 2008 issue has ideas for simple to sew gifts like a laptop sleeve, an interview with the team behind Hable Construction, and a short piece about Spoonflower, the new company that prints fabric of your submitted designs. It’s like someone has been watching me browse online and then made a magazine about my favorite things! I’m really looking forward to seeing what they’ll do in future issues.

Sewmor Instruction Manual

If the manual looks wonky on Issuu, you can also check out the PDF version: Sewmor Instruction Manual. Enjoy!

Now I can sew more!

I recently inherited my grandmother’s Sewmor sewing machine, the attachments, and her notions and threads. The manuals, certificate, and even the business card from the dealer were saved, too.

My grandmother's sewing notions (but not her tackle box!)

There’s a note on the back of Mr. Amendola’s card that says “sold 12/14/57″ — I wonder if it was a Christmas gift? The sewing machine was bought in New Britain, Connecticut, from Mr. Amendola, whose telephone number is listed as “BAldwin 9-9568.” I love looking at the old booklets. I’m so glad my family kept all of the pieces together!

You can view the Sewmor Model 606 instruction manual at issuu.com/anej/docs/sewmor.

Buttons from my great-grandfather, a fire fighter from Massachusetts

The sun is setting, so I’ll have to wait to lug out the Sewmor. More photos to come!