Me Made May and other news...

 'I, Jamie of Such a Strange Girl, sign up as a participant of Me-Made-May '13. I endeavour to wear me-made-garments at least 3 times a week and every time I leave the house for the duration of May 2013'

  When I very first started sewing, me-made-May was a goal from the beginning. The thought of having enough clothes to wear for an entire month was exciting and daunting! Over the past year I feel like I have sewn enough articles of clothing to participate, even if not to the fullest extent. As you can see I geared my pledge to my predicament as a Stay at Home Mom. I'm home most days, I probably get out of the house about 3 times a week. I haven't sewn much "lounge wear" yet and I don't see the point in wearing a pretty dress or skirt to scrub the floors. I have a couple of tops that can be worn around the house, which I will try to get full use of, but I want to challenge myself to always wear me-made clothing when I am out in public., which I don't already do. I'm very excited about this. I plan to post weekly wrap ups showcasing what I put together.

 In other news, while putting together my Mad Men challenge dress, it became apparent that my sewing machine was not functioning to it's full ability. And it's full ability isn't much, considering I was sewing on a $125 Brother that I purchased at WalMart years ago. It probably needs a tune up but I wondered if it was even worth it. I don't want to knock it too much, though. It's served me well, very user friendly and functional. I would recommend it for any beginning seamstress. Still it was time for something more. I did a bunch of research and had my heart set on a Bernina. I found a dealer in my area, an adorable little shop in the nearby town of Culpeper, Va by the name of 145 Art & Design Studio.

Iphone shot of 145 Art & Design as they packed up my machine

 The staff was so very sweet and helpful. I was greeted warmly right when I walked into the shop and treated with kindness during my entire visit. They walked me through all the different features of the various models and even let me test out the machines. They offer many different classes and clubs. I recommend checking them out if you happen to be in the area. About 45 minutes after I walked in, I walked out with a brand new Bernina 350PE. 

I am in love. I have yet to sew a full garment on her, just some hemming and understitching here and there, but I can already tell I have upped my game.

 While talking to 145 Art & Design's staff I discovered that just a couple of store fronts down is a newly opened store, Exquisite Fabrics, formally located in Georgetown. How have I missed this? A real fabric store!? I didn't have time...or money...to check it out but I am assured it is phenomenal. I can not wait to go back and shop.

 I'm moving next month and our new place has enough space for me to have a whole sewing room to myself. What am I going to do when I'm not sewing at the dining room table? I anticipate being much more productive.