bells and whistles.

So.....I know I've spoken to at least a few of you about how I adore my vintage sewing machine(s).  I love them, I really do.............BUT, I've been feeling for awhile that my skills are quite limited by their capabilities.  My first dear Singer, the one my handed down by my Grandma Flo, doesn't even have a built in zig-zag stitch.  It sews beautiful, perfect straight stitches, but I've acquired 4(!) additional machines at garage sales, in hope that I would find one that would perfectly fill the technical gap.  I've been doing a lot of research in the past few months, and after reading and hearing what so many other proud owners have to say, I decided to go for it last Sunday.  Meet my new Bernina Activa 230.

She (of course, she's a she.), is blowing my mind.  It's hard for me to believe that this is what Bernina has to offer in it's base line of machines.  She has 70 practical and decorative stitches, and the buttonholes are automatic.  As in, it remembers the size of the first one, so they're all exactly the same size. This, in addition to threading the needle for me, and a hands free foot release system.  Apparently my sewing machine ignorance worked in my favor for years as I had no idea what I was missing.  I can't imagine wanting much more than this. 

I've also moved and redesigned my sewing space.  Pictures of the complete room to come soon! 

Oh, and I have Mr. Obama to thank for the fantastic tax return that made this possible!  Also......Delip got a truck.  A 1986 Dodge Ram.  It's huge, but he's quite pleased, and I can't help but be happy, seeing that smile on his face!