My mother gifted me with a sewing machine when I got married in 1975 at the age of 17. Luckily she knew it would provide me a great source of usefulness and outlet for creativity for a long time to come. Soon after, we got pregnant and I set about making a quilt for my unborn baby. I can't stir it up at the moment to photograph for you, but it was crib size and sewn from hand cut 1.5 inch squares. Many more quilts and blankets followed, for both cribs
and big girl beds
And ultimately comfy blankies for my grandbabies
Of course one of the most fun things about having girls was being able to sew dresses for them
and suitcases full of outfits for their Cabbage Patch dolls
(Yes; I am a nut. I even made the cabbage patch head emblems)
When Erica was one I made her a Raggedy Ann doll and matching dress, and I've tried very hard to keep up that tradition for all the new baby girls that have come along since.
It wasn't long before I started sewing curtains for about every room in every house we lived in.
I didn't mind having to move every two or three years because that meant I could redecorate all over again!
I think for me it's always been more about the DO-ing of it than the final outcome
Which probably explains why (even tho most of my family doesn't understand it) I put as much thought and care into things I've made for online friends whom I'd only met once
Or in some cases never met at all.
As long as I had a reason to sew (ie; an outlet for it) that was good enough for me.
My constant companion, my vehicle of creativity for the past 32 years was a good ol' Sears Kenmore. Reminded me of a 60's VW bug. As long as you keep it oiled and clean it once in a while, it'll just go and go and go. Well, recently I started thinking I could probably handle an upgrade in the whole sewing experience, so....long story short;
Ta Dah!!! Meet my new friend Bernie!! 
You see how fickle I am? I didn't even bother to take a picture of my old machine before I whisked her into oblivion for the new and improved machine. OH I tell you what. Just like a person might shouldn't go from a chuggy ol' VW to a 500series BMW, I'm kinda wondering if I should've worked may way UP to this machine. It's a wow. I set it up Saturday night, scared to death quite frankly, and decided I'd wind a bobbin. I went through all the steps, and then said, "Well, why isn't it working?!" Ahem. It WAS working. Purring along so quietly I didn't even hear it! In the past when I wound a bobbin I'd get yelled at from both ends of the house, "My God, do you have to be so LOUD!?" Last night I sat here and watched the 90 minute video on the basics of how to use it and the embroidery component. I think this will keep me busy at least another 30 years. I am very VERY happy about it and just wanted to share. :-) And yes, I will def keep the good ol' Sears Kenmore. I want to start teaching the older grades at Caleb's little school how to sew and it will be perfect for that.
I photographed the machine with one of the final squares of my FreddyDotCom quilt that I will soon put together (I plan on machine quilting it now that I CAN!) and also a little box of pins that Freddy highly recommended...they're the only ones she'll use because they are SO thin yet SO strong. You can pretty much sew right over them and not even notice. They are called Little House pins and are certainly not cheap at 100 for $10 but that's still plenty of pins for any given project.
Well, if you don't hear from me for the next few days you know where I'll be!
Have a great week. xo.
OMG, I just saw your blog. I recently retired my Kenmore Ultra-Stitch 12, 1970's model and came into the new century! I don't have a Bernina YET but a Janome. I was also surprised how quietly the bobbin wound, had to chuckle at that!
Posted by: mary | May 29, 2008 at 08:06 AM
Jen, Did you say you're a grandma? I would never have guessed. I'm jealous. Wish my mother would have sewn beautiful dresses for me and now for my 2 gayles. I love the picture of Erica. She looks to be about my age- now. I am about 3. Just very very advanced, my mother isn't around and so I spend my days entertaining myself online.
;)
Thanks for stopping by Lola & Dahl. You're very special. I thought that before from reading your blog here and there and now seeing that you are such a wonderful mum....it touches me and I am certain my intuition was correct. With love, a much older than 3, Linda
Posted by: LD | February 23, 2008 at 07:52 PM
There's nothing quite like a dependable sewing machine - it's the first Christmas gift my husband gave me when we were just a courtin'. You make real treasures with your machine, I'm certain you and Bernie will be producing masterpieces together in no time, and I'm thrilled to hear that your old Kenmore will be teaching a new generation to sew - you go girl!
Posted by: Sue McG | February 23, 2008 at 01:24 PM
P.S. Is that a magnet on your quilt on the new machine? If it is, KNOCK IT OFF! :) Seriously, no magnets around the new computerized machines. I hated giving up my little magnet seam guide, sigh.
Posted by: Kathi D | February 20, 2008 at 11:57 PM
So much to see in this post! The sweet girl sewing, the curtains, and the new machine!! Congratulations!!!! You sure deserve a new fancy machine and I know you will enjoy it! The embroidery thing is so much fun, that alone will keep you busy for a long, long time! You'll need to use your old machine to sew while the new one is embroidering--you'll never want to stop. Yippee for you!!!!!! Woot woot woot!!!
Posted by: Kathi D | February 20, 2008 at 11:54 PM
congratulations on your new machine -- i too sewed on a old New Home machine that i bought myself with my own money from my first job eons ago-- oh i thought that machine was wonderful - it had a free arm (very cutting edge at the time) and ALL those stiches -- i sewed everything on that machine from clothes to curtains to quilts and then one day i got a new machine - a Janome and WOW -- it was sooooo quiet and sewed like a dream - and then that begat a Juki which sews like the wind - my family refers to it as the sweat shop machine --oh i love both my Janome 6500 and my Juki TL 98Q but i'll never get rid of my old New Home - its a trusted friend i'll have forever --
as i have waxed nostalgic about sewing machines, i realize that men use the same tone when they talk about cars they have owned - oh now i get it! LOL!!
Posted by: Carol Funicelli | February 20, 2008 at 12:40 PM
Jen, I learned to sew on my mom's old Kenmore and I loved it. Then my first sewing machine was from Montgomery Ward, and it lasted me for 25 years and only died because I never oiled it. Oops. Sometimes the machines that just go forward and backward are a breath of fresh air. (But your new machine looks like a real rock star!) Enjoy!
Cheryl
Posted by: Periwinkle Vintage | February 20, 2008 at 10:48 AM
Jen, That was a lovely trip down memory lane. I also made many little dresses with pinafores (my favorite), and I'll bet the costumes that you produced for your little ones could fill a book. Quilts were not my thing, but I am inching closer to the possibility. Your blog is an inspiration, and I wish you the best with your new machine. Can't wait to see what comes from that. Susan
Posted by: Susan at black eyed susans kitchen | February 20, 2008 at 07:09 AM
WOW! You are quite the talent! I just love all the quilts and doll clothing, and the curtains... With what little sewing I know, my 10yr old daughter and I sew creations for her American girl doll. She enjoys it very much. That reminds me, she got a couple of pattern books for her birthday that we haven't sat down with yet. ;) I also have material to sew a couple of curtains for the house.... just need to do it! Thank you for the inspiration!
Hugs,
Shannon
Posted by: Shannon J | February 20, 2008 at 05:54 AM
Hey I was 17 in 1975, too!
Old machines that serve us well are like old friends. Not that I don't want to make new friends (I'd love a new machine). But they become a part of you. Mine is noisy,too. Its an older Bernina but I still cherish it. Maybe someday I'll get a new one?
Posted by: Nanette | February 19, 2008 at 09:30 AM
Oh Jen!!!! Fabulous for you!!!! I cannot wait to see what you come up with using this beauty! Hugs... Also, thanks for sharing your sewing history.
Posted by: dawn | February 19, 2008 at 07:56 AM
Congrats on Bernie!!! It's wonderful and I know your loving it. But go in and say hi to the old one every now and then ok? LOL!! Your little girls in there dresses are adorable!!! So are the curtains you've made.
Posted by: redgeraniumcottage | February 18, 2008 at 10:38 PM
Mom...nice story. Decided to comment today, I always read this yet rarely comment. Love the pics...don't have the ones of us! Oh our dolls were so stylish! Your machine certainly was a well paid off investment, I know this one will be too! Hey, I was a cute little 3 year old, I want one! Ok, just kidding, not today. Love you, I know you will make the world proud on your new machine, so have fun!
Posted by: Erica | February 18, 2008 at 07:52 PM
Jen,
HOW EXCITING!!! Congrats on your new purchase. I hope it will give you as much pleasure and happiness as your old machine, and you will make many more beautiful and incredible creations!!!
Posted by: Barbara | February 18, 2008 at 06:59 PM
Married at 17!!!!! :-)
I love the farm animal quilt.
And your new machine, she's a beauty. I am little jealous, but let's say it too loud, or the Husky might hear.
Posted by: Sarah | February 18, 2008 at 05:18 PM
Love the new banner and border. So cute. Where'd ya get that font?
Congrats on the new machine. I look forward to seeing the fruits of your labor.
Posted by: dana | February 18, 2008 at 04:42 PM
Love all the photos and the story, can't wait to see how you LOVE your new machine. Congratulations. xo
Posted by: pam | February 18, 2008 at 04:09 PM
Yay!!! Bernie's home! You were so tickled when you told me about your new purchase. As matter of fact, I want one right now. Girl, happy, happy sewing to you! I can't wait to see the finished FreddyDotCom quilt. It will be amazing!
Posted by: Doe | February 18, 2008 at 04:07 PM
What wonderful things you've made through the years. I can't wait to see what you make now with this amazing machine! Kim
Posted by: BabyTease | February 18, 2008 at 03:47 PM
I have a 33 year old Kenmore also and it still works like a charm. I am curious to see how you like the new machine. I have thought about a new one many times but this old Kenmore just keeps going and going - like the energizer bunny! Keep us posted on your thoughts of the new machine - maybe I will be convinced to retire my old faithful.
Posted by: Anne | February 18, 2008 at 03:10 PM
I can't wait to see the finished quilt!! Get goin'.
Post ASAP!
Posted by: Michelle Infantino | February 18, 2008 at 03:04 PM
Jen, you enjoy that new Bernie. I bet you will having it purring in no time! xo, suzy
Posted by: suzy | February 18, 2008 at 02:54 PM
Ahhhhhhhhhh, I just love looking at that blanket! And so does Taylor. She spells out the words and tells me all the things she sees which means huge progress around this house. I'm just about ready to retire it to a wall in our room for a few years as she's getting rather energetic and I don't want it ruined.
Her Raggedy Ann resides on her nightstand. Just as cute as ever. I should really put her picture in the dress right next to it. Yep, that's what I'm gonna do.
Your gifts will be treasured for many many years Jen. If we don't meet in this lifetime I'll see you on the other side.
Posted by: Michelle Infantino | February 18, 2008 at 02:51 PM