A Shiny New Tool

After nearly a decade of stitching together, my 1960’s Japanese made Montgomery Ward sewing machine was limping along, no longer able to handle much more than a simple mending seam, (when the tension managed to hold). I finally admitted to myself that it was time for an upgrade, and ordered a Bernette Academy 05. So far it’s working out great! My sewing machine lives on my work table in the living room. Since it is always out at the ready, it needs a dust cover, and it might as well be a fun soft sculpture to brighten up the room when it is a baby playroom, yoga and stretching studio, or space to hang out with friends.

I found myself at home. Alone. On a sunny afternoon. Ideal creative conditions!

My friend Katy tried out sewing as a hobby. She recently decided it’s just not for her right now, and offloaded her supplies. A woman of decisive action! I was the beneficiary of a trove of nice fabrics, including swaths of linen from old sheets, and some vintage Marimekko textiles that her grandmother had purchased. I began my dust cover by tearing out seams and ironing out this bright yellow pillowcase with wobbly white stripes. It was just the right size for the main section.

I cut out semicircular shapes measured to fit the dimensions of my machine and quilted the yellow fabric together with another old cotton pillowcase and some cotton batting leftover from a long-ago quilting marathon with my friend Tuesday. I had a few yards of thrifted yellow calico with little flowers that was just right for a ruffle of petal rays. Lined lined with some thrifted interfacing, it has just enough structure to stand up. I love when everything I need for a project is already in my stash of sewing materials.

The new machine had no problem stitching through many layers of fabric and batting when I attached the border section to the front and back quilted arcs. I love how it turned out.

Et voilà, a sun/flower.

Now quick, put away that iron and cord before the baby comes downstairs!