I love my sewing machine. George bought it for me a couple of years ago, on our first furlough. I lugged it as a carry on all the way home to Tanzania and I am so thankful I did.
I’ve had a sewing machine ever since we were married, but my old one was…well…old. It still works, but it needs a new springy thing on it, which was hard to find in a short amount of time. Anyway… I’ve put my new one to good use, and would like to use it even more.
So, what does that have to do with Tuesday’s Tip? Sewing is a wonderful skill to have as a homemaker. You can make things for your home. Are you trying to think of ways to save a little money here and there? How about making cloth napkins? You could sew each family member’s initials on a corner (or whatever it is that you do to signify each family member) so that you can reuse them if they aren’t soiled, and you won’t have to share because you’ve forgotten whose is whose. We have a couple of small windows in our bathroom, and I took a white sheet, cut to size, and then hemmed it with a decorative stitch.
Sewing is a great avenue for making unique gifts for people. Linz just made a really cute camera strap. Hmm, I wonder who it’s for? 😉 (*raises hand* I know, I know!! ) I’ve sewed several items as gifts for people here: I made dresses for a couple of different girls, I’ve made several baby quilts to give as baby gifts.
Here in Tanzania, it helps greatly to know how to sew. I’m able to make skirts, especially, for Linz and me. And then as most of you already know, I made all the bridesmaids dresses and the flower girl dress for Julia’s wedding. Almost a must if modesty is desired.
If you don’t know how to sew, I highly recommend that you learn. Don’t have a sewing machine? You don’t have to spend a lot of money. Look on ebay or Craig’s List or in your local classifieds. You can start out small and work up. Instructions for almost any project can be found on YouTube.
Warning: sewing can be addictive! Going to the local fabric store can be dangerous! There are SO many pretty fabrics available and it is easy to spend more than you need to, so you have to be careful about that. Sign up to receive fliers, only buy fabric that is on sale, don’t buy on impulse. 🙂 Obviously sometimes it’s not cost effective to sew some things, but, that being said…
Get busy and have fun creating!
I have spent many hours sewing and quilting. I pray that I will have my sight and dexterity to continue for many years. My favorite machine is a Singer featherweight. It may only stitch forwards and back, but it is one I learned on as a child and appreciate its simplicity.
Thanks for the inspiration, Joy. 🙂 I can't wait to have my sewing machine set up again. Sewing and crafting is such an enjoyable and useful hobby. I am thankful for our Creator giving us that wonderful desire to create ourselves. I hope your day is wonderful.
Love, Debbie
I thought about you and this blog as I did some sewing and mending today! I'm really looking forward to doing some real sewing when I get to Trinidad! 🙂