Fabric, Now to Find a Sewing Machine
by Laurel ~ November 20th, 2008
Last week I posted about my somewhat uncertain purchase of two chairs via Craigslist. I was uncertain about the wisdom of the purchase because one needs a rip/tear repaired in the seat area, and neither chair has a seat cushion, though one empty chair cushion cover came with the lot. Not being in NYC anymore, where I know where to go for fabric, I turned to the Internet and crossed paths with Fabric Guru. In general I do not like ordering things online when I know it has to match something. Monitor color is too unreliable. But I pressed on at Fabric Guru, impressed by the prices. Upholstery fabric can be expensive.
There was no way I planned on finding matching chair fabric. Instead I conceptualized chair cushions to be contrasting and perhaps even a little offbeat. I knew I wanted a deeper cushion and contrasting but compatible fabric on the top and sides. Plus cord or piping. While I had a browsing (not buying) attitude, as sometimes happens I found a combination I thought might work.
Throwing caution to the wind, I went ahead and purchased fabric and cord piping from the company, not knowing how they would actually look together when it arrived. Not too bad I think and all for about $45. It arrived rolled on a round cardboard core and not folded, another plus.
Now I need a sewing machine. I have an ancient 1970’s era sewing machine that belonged to my mother that I have not even used in a decade. Llewellyn wants to buy a new one for me. Suggestions, recommendations, what to avoid? Consumer reports will be publishing a report on sewing machines in March 2009 but I don’t want to wait that long. Thank you.
November 20th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
Very nice fabric selection – I will definitely check out Fabric Guru. As for the sewing machine…I got a Kenmore, near bottom of the line, sewing machine for my college graduation – 9 years ago? While a very strange gift for a college grad, it has been very well used without any trouble. It’s only been professionally cleaned once in that time – this year actually- and that returned it to like new condition. You might try a Kenmore?
November 20th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
Thanks for the feedback, good to know Kenmore is still in the running for sewing machines. I want to look at Kenmore for sure — the 1970’s model I now have is Kenmore, it just works unreliably. And for the record, I think its kind of a nice graduation gift!