25 January 2009

stephanie learns to sew

she no longer intimidates me.

my machine, who i have appropriately named betty jeanne (my mama's name), is no longer a mysterious wonder. i had a two and a half hour class at the bernina store and i think it wont be long before i actually attempt to make something. bernina is seriously great, free orientation class and handbook and all kinds of other tricks that just come with the machine. four out of the six of us there had the really fancy 700-something model (mine is a 220 and i still think it's magical).

the teacher would show me and another lady how to do something and then show the fancy 700 model ladies which button on their machine does it for them. at one point i exclaimed, "oh brother! next you guys are going to learn where the 'make dress' button is!" seriously, there are some crazy touch-screen machines out there. :)

but it's kind of like when thomas had a nikon d40 and had to manually learn how to adjust things- he learned a ton about photography! i felt like i was actually learning to sew. i can make a great looking button hole with a trick or two on my 220 and their machines can make it for them... i dont know, i felt kinda legit... like, "that's nice ladies... you can kick back and let your machine tacky up a quilt while i actually sew something on mine." :)

well, that's about the extent of my puffed up ego when it comes to sewing... next step, actually making something. check back someday for that... not too soon mind you. after all, me and betty jeanne (the machine) have just become acquainted, it takes a while to become BFF.

and what did the boys do while i was embarking on my journey to becoming the next great american designer on project runway... i mean, learning to sew?

they were at a nearby beach park watching the birds, getting their feet wet and sandy, running around, eating snacks, watching a bunch of newly weds take wedding photos and one couple actually get married with no one but a priest and photographer (and thomas and ambrose) around to witness...etc. etc.

it was a great day for all of us.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

hi stephanie:) im so jealous you are learning to sew. something i should probably learn...

have a great sunday!

Molly said...

I may stop by some day and let betty jeane to my button holes for me...I still haven't figured out how to do those on my machine!!!

Can't wait to see your first project. It will be amazing, no doubt.

. said...

All I can think about when I look at those big expensive machines with the computers, is how bad it would be if something in the computer went awry. I am all for learning how to do it with out a computer. I am looking forward to see what you make.

bettyjh said...

Oh My, I am so honored! Seriously, I never wanted a namesake becasue I didn't want anyone else to go through life saying, Them: "Your name is Becky?" Me: "No, It's Betty." Them "Oh, Debbie?" Me: "No, Betty, B-E-T-T-Y" Them: "Ohhh, Betty...That's my grandmother's name." Yes, it has been unusual growing up without anyone else my age having my name (who was not in a nursing home.) Anyway, after being a true-blue, proud Bernina owner for so many years I think it is perfect that you named your sewing machine after me. Thank you!

diana palmer said...

YOU GO GIRL. I'M REALLY EXCITED TO SEE WHAT YOU MAKE. BUT, MORE SO TO WATCH YOUR CLIMB (OR CLAW, RIGHT LADIES?) TO THE TOP ON PROJECT RUNWAY.

The Prigmore Family said...

Go get em tiger.

melissa said...

i wish i could take a class too. i need it! i'm excited for a follow-up, pallie.

ashley said...

sweet! you have got a nice machine there my friend. i sort of hate my $99 sears model machine, your going to love yours! can't wait to see what you make!

Ashley said...

Girl or Boy I am going to name my first child Betty. How do you feel about that mom?

shira said...

what week are you in? that is awesome, congrats! now little delmer will have a friend that's a boy instead of all the girls he's hanging out with.

liko said...

hooray!!!

rachel said...

my granny's name is Betty Jean.