Wordless Wednesday My Sewing Thread Collection

We purchased all this sewing thread and the holder it all fits into for $25 at a local antique shop.

Singer ZigZag Chainstitch Toy Sewing Machine Review... Why I Took This Back to the Store!

We bought my daughter Teela a Singer ZigZag Chainstitch Toy Sewing Machine Model A2207 (the new model for 2014) for Christmas this year. This gift was intended to be an pleasant experience for her to begin to learn to sew. Instead it was an utter disappointment. I guess I should have known since it was a "toy", but I was expecting something a lot better from Singer.

Teela posing with the toy sewing machine she received for Christmas before the headache began.

Problems we had:

• The machine runs on 4 x 1.5V LR6 "AA" batteries that are not included.
• On/Off switch is hard to push into position.
• The machine is very loud while running.
• The tension is difficult to get right and the tension dial comes off completely if dialed too much.
• Thread breaks easily while sewing with the machine.
• There is no bobbin, so no under/bottom threading to lock top threading to fabric.
• Both the zigzag and chainstitch comes out/unravels too easily.
• Can only "sew" light fabrics and paper crafts.
• It is nearly impossible to re-thread or change the needle. You need to unscrew the guard/protective cover every time you need to re-thread the needle or change the needle. This is very time consuming and requires a small screw driver the sewing machine doesn't come with.
• Spool compartment and storage compartment is hard to open and close.

Things we liked:

• It has cute alluring designs and packaging.
• It is lightweight.
• It has a carrying handle.
• Safety guard over the needle doesn't let little fingers be sewn.
• Pressure foot can be lifted up and down with a lever on the back like a real sewing machine.
• It comes with project materials (2 pieces of fabric that are already sized correctly for the project, 1 ribbon, 1 flower applique, 1 butterfly applique) and instructions to make your own bookmark.
• It comes with operators manual.
• The spool compartment holds 3 spools of thread that are included.
• Has a small storage compartment that holds a measuring tape, needle threader, and plastic needle that also comes with the machine.
• Foot pedal is sized for little feet.

We were both very frustrated and annoyed with the Singer ZigZag Chainstitch Toy Sewing Machine. We couldn't even finish the bookmark project because the stitches kept coming out. Then the thread came completely out of the needle and I had to try to re-thread it. After trying for about an hour to do so, I gave up. We ended up taking the toy sewing machine back to Walmart and getting our money back. I do not recommend this toy sewing machine to anyone!

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I did not receive any compensation for this post. I purchased this product myself and wanted to post this information to advise my readers of my thoughts about it so that they wouldn't go through the same headache as I did.

YouCanMakeThis Apron Knot Dress Review and Valentine's Package Giveaway

I was given the opportunity to review the Apron Knot Dress by Little Lizard King downloadable PDF. I love this adorable pattern! It has detailed step by step full instructions, diagrams, photos and directions. Multiple sizes are included in this pattern ranging from 6 months – 12 years. It also has a great deal of customization you can do with the many options it has. It is so versatile! You can use toned fabric scraps or an array of mix-matched coordinating fabrics. You can have your little girl wear it in the summer with a cute tank top or in the winter with leggings and a long sleeved shirt. It also has an apron knot dress pattern for an 18 inch doll. This pattern looks simple and straightforward. I am so excited to try it out when I get some new fabric!! My girls and their dolls will look so precious! I will be posting pictures and updating you with my results later when I get the chance to sew them :) In the meantime, enter the giveaway for the whole Valentine's Prize Package that is pictured below...

WIN IT:
YCMT is generously giving one lucky reader a chance to win Valentine's Prize Package. This Gift Pack of patterns include: sewing, crochet, and quilting. There are home décor pieces, as well as accessories and clothing items.

Valentine's Prize Package includes:

• Rosetta Bag by SisBoom
*This bag also has a video to go along with it too.
• Smitten Pillow by Kimberbell
• Crochet Hat Pattern Vintage Inspired by Kris Moore
• Love Elephant by DIY Fluffies
• Apron Knot Dress by Little Lizard King
• Bonus Pattern DIY Dish Love Quilt by DIY Dish (not pictured)

Mandatory:
Go to the YCMT website and tell me what other pattern(s) you love. Leave links in the comment for the item(s).

Additional entries:
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13. Tweet this: @finamoon: @YouCanMakeThis #WIN #Giveaway YCMT Valentine Prize Package http://bit.ly/xmvfZa (Daily Extras are Available)

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Make sure you leave me your email in all posts so that I can contact you. Don't forget to leave a comment for each task and the correct amount of entries for each task. This contest ends on Friday March 2, 2012 at midnight (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada). This Giveaway is open to all 18 years and over in the U.S. ONLY!!

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Thanks to YCMT for sending me a pattern for free to review and a package of patterns to give away for free. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review. Pictures of the dress(es) I make with the pattern I received and more of my thoughts about it will come later.

Wordless Wednesday Teela and Her Carry-Along Dolly In House

Lil Miss Dolls & Friends Review

I happened upon this very charming website the other day because they added me on twitter and I have to share with all of you! Katrina Marie is exceptionally talented! She makes these very cute mod looking stylish dolls and has been selling them and their patterns on Etsy and Artfire. Now she has just opened the doors to a new website about the dolls. She and her associates will be developing the website and adding more to it soon so stay tuned. Coming soon to the collection of seven girl dolls will be patterns and pre-made: clothing, Lil Sis dolls (which are smaller 18" dolls), Lil Pets (15" cloth toys), Friends (model friends and guy friends). You can even buy a kit so you won't have to spend your whole week looking for supplies to make the dolls or you could purchase a cottage license to sew and sell your own dolls. These dolls are safe for babies or children and are totally customizable to look like your child!! How cool is that!?

Anyway, for all you bloggers out there you can download a free pattern in PDF format for her Lil Miss MISSY Doll! Just make sure to spread the good word on your blogs about them. They also have the instructions on how to make the dolls on their tutorial webpage also as a free PDF download. So enjoy these freebies while you can!!