THOUGHT OF THE WEEK - How Are We Living a Legacy of Faith?

Paul wrote, "I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, lives in you."........ 2 Timothy 1:5

God never extends days beyond purpose.

Faith--genuine, indwelling faith, faith that has lived in you through every season of your life--is the secret power of preparation for every one. Don't allow changing times to change who you are. It is dangerous to lose your identity in your circumstances. Redefine your purpose, gather your assets, and keep on living and giving.

T.D. Jakes

Multiple Presser Foot for Singer Sewing machine

How To Make A Knife Pleat Ruffle

How To Make A Knife Pleat Ruffle

Quick and Easy Fork Pleats

CHOOSING A SEWING MACHINE

A sewing machine is your most important piece  sewing equipment, so please select on with care.  There are a variety of models available to fit any budget or sewing need. Types range from a basic beginners machine which has a basic zigzag and a few built in stitches.  Most budget to mid price machines are mechanical machines, which means that you manually adjust the stitch width, stitch length and tension. A mechanical machine is driven by  a single motor.

This is an example of a basic beginner’s machine.  It is my very first sewing machine. I purchased this machine back in 2002 at Wal-mart for approximately $89. I made this purchase without having a clue about sewing or machines. I did not do any research as I am suggesting to you.  Thank goodness for me it works well still.



You can also buy an electronic machine that uses advanced computer technology. A computerized machine contains multiple electronic motors synchronized by a computer. The result is a variety of built-in stitching options.
Here is an example of a couple electronic machines. The Futura doubles as an embroidery machine and connects to a computer via usb cord. 

Look for a machine to match your sewing projects.  Buy a machine that satisfies your sewing needs, but don’t pay for features you will never or rarely use. Talk to fabric store personnel and friends who sew. Ask for demonstrations and try out and compare several models.
Your sewing machine’s manual is key to getting the best performance from you machine. I have made my manuals my best friend.  I have read each from cover to cover.  A majority of all major repairs could be avoided if owners would read and follow the guidelines in the manual.  If your manual is missing, contact the manufacturer for a new one to ensure that you get the right manual, include the model number of your machine with your request.  This number is usually stamped on a small metal plate secured to the machine. On a free arm machine, the plate is located to the back of the machine; on  flatbed machine it’s located on the front.

THOUGHT OF THE WEEK

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we maybe be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”...2Corinthians 1:3-4

One of the many names for the Lord is Comforter.  He has the ability to bring peace to every trauma.  In fact, this God of all comfort even catches your tears and collects your pain.  You will live and love and experience loss before your life is over.  Losing some things will help you appreciate what you still have.

You will not always see what tomorrow holds, but it is a great comfort to know that your God holds all your tomorrows.  Whatever you do, take time to get to know Him, because you will need Him.
Now take courage, and understand that “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5).  Your night may seem long, but when it is over, there will always be morning. 

Understand that it is God’s grace that has protected you and provided for you, brought you through and secured you, calmed you and comforted you.

Times change and seasons change, but not God.  He is the same God who brought you through your past and promises you your future.


T.D Jakes

TIP LINE - (TIME SAVERS)

1. Keep supplies close around the area where you are sewing.
2. Have good lighting.
3. Store and label like notions together.
4. Buy extra bobbins and keep extra wound in basic colors.
5. Keep equipment in prime condition and follow maintenance schedule for your machines.
6. Acquire and learn to use time saving attachments for your machine (i.e. zipper foot, hemmer foot, etc)
7. Mark all pieces of pattern at the same time.
8. Sew as many pieces as possible before going to the pressing table.
9. I like to group all my projects by color so I don't have to keep changing threads and bobbins.
10. Keep work area pleasant.
11. I like to listen to audio books while I am working, especially on tedious tasks.
12. Keep good reference books and/or materials close.
13. Keep a notebook close.

M6841- RED CRUSH

Pattern Description: Top with front pleated drape and narrow hem.

Pattern Sizing: Medium

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the easiness of the pattern.

Fabric Used: Polyester Knit

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Definitely

Conclusion: Highly please with end result.
More pics to come.

THOUGHT OF THE WEEK

 






"Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered"....Romans 8:26

Real prayer was not made for human ears. When we earnestly pray, we are surprised at how inner feelings we didn't even know we had come to the surface.

True prayer is deep cry for divine assistance! Nothing fuels prayer like need. The presence of need will produce the power of prayer.

Prayer is the confession "I do not have it all." It is the humbling experience of the most arrogant mind admitting, "There are still some things I cannot resolve."

The presence of prayer is , in itself, the birthplace of praise. Prayer is your acknowledgement of the sovereign authority of God.

T.D. Jakes

THOUGHT OF THE WEEK

“Consider it pure joy....whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”...James 1:2-4.

In spite of the pain you can become a stronger and better person.  Sometimes it seems difficult to have the proper perspective when we are going through a trying time. But to continue to allow feelings of despair to overwhelm us is neither healthy nor wise.

Remember that God works through distress to bless. Every trial can bring us closer to God if we let it.

Anthony Collins

V8939 - RED VELVET CRUSH

 

Pattern Description: Close fitting pullover dress has collar and stitched hems.

Pattern Sizing: Size 14, Size 12 in waist, and size 16 in hips.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? I thought it looked better.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Everything was fine.

Fabric Used: Velvet

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: NoneWould you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes

Conclusion: Love it

 

 

More pics to come with me in the dress.

INSPIRATION PT4 (Suits & Separates)

I think this is a Vogue pattern?  Any suggestions???