A tea cozy, that is. I’ve had these pictures for months now. These are pictures of a little tea cozy that my mother made. She sent them to me with a note about how easy they were to make but then she didn’t send the instructions so I’m going to have to get on her for those!

My mother is the reason this site exists at all. She knew I was looking for a new online project when she happened to mention how frustrated she was when shopping for a new sewing machine for her grandaughters – my nieces.
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I wasn’t sure about tackling a review of the Brother PQ1500S quilting machine. I mean, it’s not exactly your standard starter option. It’s meant for serious quilters but some of the features have much broader appeal and based on some of the questions I get, those just starting out may be taking on projects that would benefit from the power, speed, and size of this machine.

This is also one of the most affordable, nearly industrial – yet still portable – quilting machines you can buy and the price just keeps getting better. It’s a twin to the Juki TL98Q with some small differences yet at a considerable discount.

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Here’s a popular question these days: How do the Brother CP7500, CP6500 and the CS6000i sewing machines compare to each other? The features seem so close that it’s hard to tell if one is better than another.

The good news is that you almost can’t go wrong here. All three have great ratings and offer excellent value for the price (ALL three are under $200!) but one gives you just a bit more for your money. (Surprise ending up ahead: the better bargain is probably NOT the one you thought it was!)
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Want a really good deal for under $200? Add the Brother CP7500 to your short list. The rounded styling and pink trim are just the pretty icing on an incredibly functional, computerized piece of cake.

Come December, this one is sure to be a holiday gift favorite. The model is comparably priced to the manufacturer’s most popular model, the CS6000i, and matches it in every way but with an added bonus of 10 additional decorative stitches.

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Just in time for Mother’s Day, Brother is offering a rebate on the LB6800PRW embroidery and sewing machine for purchases made at authorized retailers between April 15, 2011, and May 15, 2011.

While you can actually get the 6800 in a couple of different packages, each distinguished by the letters following the 6800 in the model number, the rebate is only good for the PRW (Project Runway) version.

This combination embroidery and sewing machine is identical to the very popular SE400 embroidery machine.
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Compare the PE770, PE780D and the Janome MC300E and find out which of these machines offers you the best combination of price and features.

Earlier this week, a sweet woman who visits this blog asked for some advice. She’s in the market for an embroidery machine she can use to create finished goods that she’ll be selling. (As an entrepreneur myself, I get all goose-pimply when someone mentions they’re starting their own business. All those possibilities!)
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The Singer 7256 Fashion Mate sewing machine was awarded the Consumer Digest Best Buy Award for good reason.

Beginners love the easy controls and feature set. The high marks from other users mean we might have finally found a Singer option that reminds us why this manufacturer was the standard for home machines for as long as it was.

Released in 2009, this model is an upgrade to the 7466 and if you look at the two side by side you’ll see that the design has been completely redone. It’s much more stylish with rounded corners and a fun, green splash across the bottom.

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The sturdy base and boxy construction of the Singer 4411 are reminiscent of reliable machines we’re used to seeing from this manufacturer and it’s not just subliminal.

This machine does something special. It mixes some of the must-haves of today’s home favorite features with power like a commercial option so that hobbyists who need speed and strength in a light weight unit can have it without spending loads of money.

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Buy a sewing machine online and have it delivered within 24 hours?  Done!  Such convenience!  But would you?  Should you?

Under the right conditions I absolutely, without a doubt, would (and have!) but not everyone feels the same. 

Some of you will say “no way”, “nada”, “never”, and “not on your life”.  But, for certain people, buying online is a way of life.  Those with hectic schedules, or who live in locations inconveniently far from major shopping, or who get a thrill from leveraging online deals to save money go to the internet first.
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It’s not thread, it’s not fabric, it doesn’t even come in a box but our new sewing machine finder tool brings its own kind of fun.

Shopping for sewing machines is fun but it’s also a lot of work. The question I get the most often has to do with comparing different models to better understand the variances. This was what drove my mother crazy when she tried to find a great machine for my nieces.

It’s been a couple of months in the works but Sewing Machines for Beginners officially launches a new tool on our site that we hope will make some of that comparison process a bit easier.
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