Sewing and Knitting?

I am the type of girl that loves technology and all the new doors it has opened for me! I have a really nice sewing machine, yes it's a manual one but hey, it works! I have been in such a "crafty" mood lately, I have been buying up every skein of yarn I can get my hands on! I must put a "halt" to that and actually start knitting down my stash. I have been collecting Malabrigo Arroyo, a gorgeous superwash sport weight yarn. My favorite color is Plomo. Hold your breath, here they are!

I am so in love with this yarn and of course the color! It's breath taking to behold and even more so to pet! I am gathering a sweater quantity to make a lovely sweater from one of our own Ravelry designers! I purchased the pattern and will be casting on as soon as the holiday's are over. I feel guilty knitting anything for myself and truthfully, there is no time! The pattern is Pauroxo by Jennifer Dassau which you can find on Ravelry! She really has some amazing patterns!!

Back to technology! I have been debating over new sewing machines. I am not an "avid" seamstress, even though I would love to be! I have been sewing since the tender age of 13. Do you remember "home ecc" classes? I learned to sew and fell in love with it. I had visions of creating quilts and quilted bags. I am creating new Christmas stockings for my family. I chose black burlap with muslin lining. I will post photos of those in the next blog entry. I did some research and of course I can't afford a Janome machine at this time. That would be my pie in the sky machine! I settled for a very nice Brother Project Runway machine. It was on sale and I had a coupon which was good for $75.00 off! I brought it home and before I knew it, my fiance Richard had it out of the box and set up on the dining room table for me in nothing flat! He was fiddling with the attachments and booklets and accessories, I was anxiously watching and waiting for something to get misplaced or thrown out. Neither of those things happened, and I appreciated his help! After I peeled him away from the table so I could "get" in there and look at my new machine, I loaded a bobbin and threaded the machine. I did some practice sewing using a couple of the 80 different stitches she offers. I can tell we are going to become vast friends! I am happy so far and will keep you posted. Here is her first photo debut!

As much as I love and adore my knitting, it's very slow going. I am really hoping that sewing will give me the instant gratification I am seeking at this time!