Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Check it out

Jaybird Quilts is having a giveaway.It's an I Spy template kit. That's right, a KIT!! Templates, instructions, and even the fabric (same stuff she used in making the hexagon topper tutorial.) This would be great project for all you sewing newbies out there, and even the not-so-newbies!

Hurry! Giveaway ends Thursday 12midnight EST.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Sewing Machine Meme

June is "Sewing Machine Month" over at Sew, Mama, Sew and they are posting all kinds of info on sewing machines and components (like accessory feet, buttonholes, needles, ect.). They also have a bunch of great giveaways.

I was really excited to see that they are kicking off the month by asking for sewing machine reviews. I've had a few friends lately scoping out new machines and I'd love to see for myself what everybody else out there is using. So I am joining in on the action.

What brand and model do you have? Janome Memory Craft 3000

It is a computerized quilting machine, and has functions specificly needed for quilting, but great to use for all kinds of sewing.  It's pretty heavy duty and able to sew through multiple thick layers of fabric.

How long have you had it? the machine is 9 years old, but I started using it exclusively the for the past 2 years.  

How much does that machine cost? It orginaly cost around $600 but this specific model isnt being made anymore.  There are still a few new ones out there though.  Similar Janome Computerized Quilting machines can be found here.

What types of things do you sew? I sew pretty much everything. The majority of my work is quilting, home dec projects, anything craft related and a small amount of clothing.

How much do you sew? almost everyday

How much wear and tear does the machine get? quite a bit. I dont go easy on it.

Do you like/love/hate your machine? I absolutely love my machine. I couldnt live without it. Once while it was in the shop for a tune-up/cleaning, I tried using my old machine and I just couldnt. I guess you could say Im spoiled now.

What features does your maching have that work well for you? I love the needle up/down button, which allows you to set the needle to always stop in the up or down position. And I couldnt live without the adjustable presser foot pressure.  And some of the extras that I really enjoy are the decorative stitches, built in needle threader, thread cutter, and snap on presser feet.

Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine? the only thing would be that all the buttons make little beep when pressed. It's a little loud at night when everyone else is in bed and I'm trying to sneak in a few more hours of sewing. I wish I could adjust the sound level or have an on/off switch.  It's not too bad though.

Would you recommend your machines to others? I would definitely recommend my machine!


If you havent check out Sewing Machine Month over at Sew, Mama, Sew! yet, you definitely should.  If you are new to sewing I recommend the "Feet, Feet, Feet" post.  Even if you arent new to sewing, it's great to be reminded what all the crazy feet are meant for, and even learn something you might not have known.

Monday, June 1, 2009

And the Winner is...

Thank you to everyone who participated in the giveaway. You all left such wonderful comments. I loved hearing what you thought of my product, and hope that if you didnt win, you'll visit The Zanie Zoo shop and check out my other items.  

Now onto the winner:
#17

Congratulations Marie Ann!!(of Nob Hill Noob)

Please email me at ZanieZoo@gmail.com with your address and I'll get it sent right out to you!