This is the second video in a new series, sharing about my sewing machines. Today, I'm talking about my vintage Singer Featherweight 221. I inherited this machine from my great-aunt and have only been using it for about 5 months. So, I’m definitely not an expert. This isn’t a machine that I need to have (because my main machine does everything it does and more) but I have really enjoyed using it. It just has a lovely feel and a gorgeous sound, that I really find soothing while piecing my quilts. (You can check out part one of the series here where I share about my Janome Horizon MemoryCraft 9400.)

Today, I'm sharing about my main sewing machine—my workhorse—the Janome Horizon Memory Craft 9400QCP. I'll be sharing the things I like about the machine, the things that I don't like, how much I paid for it and give a short demonstration of a straight stitch. I bought this machine a little more than three years ago, in 2019, and I’ve used it a lot so this is all from experience over a length of time. That said, my preferences, may not be the same as yours. (Check out this post with tips for finding a sewing machine that works for you.) This is the first video in a new series, where I talk about the sewing machines that I use regularly. I hope you enjoy it!

In honor of earth day today, I’m sharing some quick tips for making the most of your fabric yardage. Most of these tips will help you use less fabric and create fewer, smaller scraps. But a few will help you find ways to use the full length of fabric, again with the goal of creating fewer, smaller scraps.

My big goals, and probably yours too, when buying and cutting fabric are to save money and reduce scraps. I try to buy only the amount of fabric that I need and cut it efficiently. Watch the video below or read on for 10 tips plus one bonus!