Curbly

I would be happy to do a tutorial on them.  I know what you mean, I'm not a quilter but I love that ruler.

Shelly

Hey Chris. Where is your Skreened.com post?

Buying a sewing machine at a sewing machine shop isn't quite as stressful as buying a car! However, there is a lot to choose from, which can be intimidating. But you seem to have a price in mind, so that should help. Having 'extra' feet is a great perk. That's one thing with Berninas, they have TONS of specialty feet, which can add up--but they're really cool! (Mine came with maybe 4 or 5, if I remember correctly.) A walking foot is good for bulky stuff. Machine quilters, especially, like them. Are you going to quilt? If not, I wouldn't pay extra for something like that right away; they're pretty expensive. Oh, that's another thing. I'd hold off buying any extras right away. They may sound good, but you might not need them. It's best to play with it and see what you need. Feed dogs are those grippy deals that draw your fabric through as you sew. They're under your presser foot. Too bad about the uppity Bernina people. If you do go in to browse/shop and they give you attitude, just ask them if they're condescending and rude to all their customers or if it's just you--that should straighten them out!!

The Janome looks interesting to me too. I like that it says it has speed control, which sounds like variable speed. The pressure foot adjustment sounds great—I think mine is suppose to be automatic, but I’m not sure. And it has a DC motor, which is very good. Is there a Janome dealer near you? If so, I’d absolutely go in and take it for a test drive. Also, I’d even bring samples of typical fabric (especially heavier stuff and lighter stuff) that you think you’ll be sewing. I will warn you, however, this is what probably got me to buy the more expensive Bernina–testing them all out. It’s like shopping for a car. They start you at the Toyota and then move up to the Volvo. You’ll probably want the Volvo. Oh, and speaking of Volvo’s, where is Janome made? Although nationality shouldn’t matter, as you know, it often does. Berninas are made in Switzerland, and that European engineering is apparent.

Let me tell you what I like about my Bernina. It has a DC motor, which means it starts and stops on a dime. No run on after I lift my foot off the pedal. Also, it is variable speed. The harder I press my foot the faster it goes. Berninas also have this ‘magic needle’; you press the front of the peddle (your heel) and the needle drops down into your fabric. That’s a great feature. I do like that it’s electronic–no nobs to mess with. The variety of stitches is good too.

Now, what I don’t like about it. Although having a variety of stitches is cool, most are unnecessary. It can be finicky as far as tension versus fabric is concerned. Because it’s all metal inside, it means it’s heavy–which is great in a quality sense, but if you have to lug it out every time you want to use it, it can get old. Of course, that probably won’t be an issue for you. Ultimately, it’s a fabulous sewing machine and does everything I ask of it, BUT it was a little over a grand. Now, I wish I would have bought a less expensive Bernina, as this one is a little ‘over kill’, if you know what I mean.

indeed it would! the article that it DOES link too, says your name "Chrisjob" and curbly.com. ill shall give you a link!

http://www.diylife.com/2007/10/12/make-your-own-air-fresheners/

UGH for some reason i cant post a comment on the blog i want to so ill do it here.

 did you know that your blog posted oct 8th about making homemade airfreshners is featured on aol, which then links to a page from Diy Life. 

i dunno just thought if you didnt know that you should!

hello there friend. i need help.ive been looking for this kind of paint that has this cracking effect when it dries up whn applied on wood.its hard to find same kind of paint here in my location.or do you have any idea on what can i add or mix to a paint to have that crackig effect? if so...it will really be a great help for me friend.