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I kinda like the look of sewing on cards -- some times I think it would be a nice touch. But I really don't want to pull out the big boy sewing machine just for a few inches of thread...on some paper. So, what I want to know is -- can you purchase a teeny sewing machine for paper crafts?
Here is an easy idea to get the look without taking out the sewing machine or buying one---use the paper piercing tool and create either zigzags or straigt piercings....then take a needle and thread and zip them through...it takes little time and isnt hard to push the needle through bc the holes are already there.
I did buy one of those little machines and I ended up throwing it in the trash!
It wouldn't work properly and I couldn't see the eye of the needle to thread it without a magnifying glass. Apparently lots of folks had trouble with these.
Cammie's suggestion is a great one.
Also, our own JulieHRR came up with a technique using the paper piercing tool and a gel pen or marker. Instead "faux" stitches for the sewing challenged!
If you subscribe to the DD gallery, one of the themes was stitched and sewn cards. Lots of great ideas there.
Because I am easily enabled, I bought the Janome Mini sewing machine when it was on sale for $39.99 from Hancock Fabrics. I haven't used it yet, but I do plan on it. ;) I also had one of those cheapos from Michael's. I think I only paid something like $5-$10 for it.
I've also done the faux stitching. There's a tutorial on that here. The mat that SU sells is perfect for this technique. It doesn't come with the piercer but I found one for around $2 at Michaels.
__________________ "There is a very fine line between hobby and mental illness." -- Dave Barry
I'm sewing challenged so I bought the running stiches stamp set from TAC :rolleyes: I had gotten one of the cheapy cheap sewing machines, but I couldn't get it to do anything other than a plain running stich, so now I just stamp my stiches!
__________________ Amanda Allison - TAC angel #3779
Lovin every minute of it! www.amandaallison.ismyangel.net
I also bought the Janome Sew Mini machine and absolutely love it !! So easy to use and works like a real sewing machine! You can also use it for sewing fabrics, although not for heavier items like denim. Best 40 bucks I ever spent.
Seriously...get the Janome. Even not on sale, I think it would be a perfect choice. It only weighs 5lbs! I love it...it does the work of a full-sized machine, just pint sized. I can just keep it on the floor by my desk and lift it up with one hand to do a quick stitch. The only thing it doesn't do is make me sew straight, darnit...
Another second for the Janome! (or would it be fourth?)
I am *majorly* sewing challenged and I love mine!! This is my first sewing machine and love everything about it. It's inexpensive, light-weight and it doesn't take up a whole lot of space in my stamp area.
I also got suckered into buying the small craft sewing machine. I cannot even remember what it was called. I think it was made by provocraft. Don't waste your money or time. Can someone send a link to the Jan.... machine. It sounds better.
__________________ Did you know nearly 1 in 2 Americans live with chronic illness? chronic illness?
Another vote for the Janome machine. It's a great little sturdy machine with 3 ziz-zag stitches and 3 or 4 straight stitch lengths. You can get them at Hancockfabrics.com, sometimes on sale for $39.99 with free shipping, just keep a watch out for the sale. It's worth it!!
I like the Janome too - it's a nice little machine for sewing on cards and scrapbook pages. I cut apart my daughter's formals and created scrapbook pages by sewing on the fabric, labels, straps, etc. and the pictures of the events. Some of the dresses I had made myself so it is a nice memory for both of us without having to keep the entire dress hanging in the closet for ever and always!
I also use the Running Stitches Stamp Set from The Angel Company.
Thanks thuillier for posting this question... I have been wanting to get a machine but was wary of those small $5-10 ones. Thanks everyone else for answering!
I just ordered my Janome sewing machine yesterday and I'm looking forward to playing with it. I've seen some great cards with the stiching, I will still use my faux stiching set too, just not as often. With shipping and all I only spent 60.00 I just couldn't wait for a sell to buy it. We use to have a Hancock Fabric here in town but it closed last year, if I knew they had something like this then I would have stopped in a gotten it sooner.
I also have wanted to sew on my cards but I don't own a sewing machine. I was at Hobby Lobby today and found in the Scrapbooking area a Sew Crafty Mini machine by ProvoCraft for $5.99. Its for sewing on cards, scrapbook pages, cloth or any craft project. It comes with threaded metal bobbins (x2), threader, needle and bobbin thread rod. PERFECT for what I need.
I ordered the Janome a couple of months ago, and I LOVE it too! Sewing machines always intimidated me.. this one is a real honest to goodness sewing machine, but I think its size makes it seem more "friendly" to the non-sewer.
I have to say though, I still do faux stitching a lot, and am REALLY loving the TAC Running Stitches stamps.
Yeah, that sew crafty one is horrible. I never did get mine to work. It like didn't catch the thread from underneath and just made a tangled mess of the thread. I even let my MIL try--- she has been sewing all her life, and she couldn't get it to work either. Save the $5-6 from that piece of junk and put it towards a Janome.
Thank I will do that. I had not opened up my Provocraft. I feel so dumb..I was so excited to see it at Hobby Lobby thinking..."finally I can sew on my cards...."LOL. I come back home like a happy little girl ready to talk about my find....LOL. Thanks for the info! Like I said, I am totally new to this. I located a Hancock Fabrics here in Corpus and they are open tomorrow so I'll be there to buy the Janome "Sew Mini"....THANKS AGAIN.
I think I'm gonna get the Janome mini with the Hello Kitty styling.... Is that too cute or what??? lol
AllBrands.com has decent pricing, no shipping, and not tax.
I'm gonna check my local store and support them if they have it at a decent price.... but if they only carry the large machines, I'll go with AllBrands or Hancock's with a free shipping coupon. (WELCOME is the free shipping coupon I've found listed online)
Hancocks has a slightly larger 11 pound Janome that has more stitches on sale for $89 if anyone is willing to lug an 11 pounder around instead of the 5 pound mini. Their usual price is $129. It CAN sew denim whereas the mini can't.
I called my local store and they wanted $79 and would have to order it for me... and the only one they could get was the Hello Kitty one.... and then I would have to pay sales tax on top of that. So I went with AllBrands.com
QVC has a pretty purple one with a "Blossom" theme. You can get it and a kiddie learn to sew book for $60 plus shipping.
I called my local store and they wanted $79 and would have to order it for me... and the only one they could get was the Hello Kitty one.... and then I would have to pay sales tax on top of that. So I went with AllBrands.com
QVC has a pretty purple one with a "Blossom" theme. You can get it and a kiddie learn to sew book for $60 plus shipping.
I bought my first mini sewing machine for paper at Archivers, and it didn't work right from the beginning, I think it was a very cheap Singer, I can't remember the name of it. I went from returning it to Archivers right to Hancock's and bought the Janome Sew Mini. It works great! I love the size of it, and it's perfect for cards. It's fun to see stitching on cards. It's a great detail that gives the extra bit a texture that is sew appealing! hehe!
Does anyone know if this machine is any good? I'm hopeless at sewing. I hve no idea how to load a bobbin., so teh "automatic needle threading" sounds dreamy.
Brother Computerized sewing machine
AA0948
Model Number: CS-5000H
77 stitch functions
5 styles of one-step buttonhole with quick set drop-in bobbin
Automatic needle threading and a built-in thread cutter
Features variable needle positions
Electronic foot control and drop feed for free motion quilting
Includes a protective hard case for easy transportation
Colour: White
Warranty: 25 Years
Brand: Brother
Sewing on cards
