I was spoilt for Christmas with a lovely new sewing machine. I am now the proud owner of a Pfaff Quilt Expression 4.2 Machine and can’t wait to have some time to put it through its paces. My sewing room is temporarily a guest room, so I have set myself up on the dining table and have made a couple of quick projects while I learn all the functions. It sews like a dream and I love the automatic tie off, extra throat space, and dual lights. I am sure it won’t take me too long to get used to it.
First up, I have made a New Year’s Tea Towel. When I was a child, calendar tea towels were popular. With that in mind, I have appliquéd 2014 on a plain white tea towel purchased from the local supermarket. If you need a hostess gift for a New Years Eve party, you could make a loaf of bread or a cake and wrap it with a tea towel like we did here.
Project Instructions:
Using Word, I printed out {2014} in a font and size to suit. (I used Bodoni MT Black in size 160). I traced the characters in reverse onto the back on some double sided appliqué web (e.g. vliesofix or steam a seam). The numbers were then ironed onto the wrong side of colourful polka dot fabric, and cut out. The paper backing was peeled off and the numbers were placed in position on the tea towel, and fused in place with the iron. Lastly the numbers were sewn around twice to hold in place.
We love to add some colour to ready made tea towels/dish towels with appliqué or patchwork. You can see more of our decorated tea towels here, and here.
Best wishes for an extra special 2014!
What a great Christmas present. I have three sewing machines. My old faithful one which is basic and really heavy not many settings. Then I brought a Brother machine with lots of settings. Still can’t get used to it. so it gathers dust. Then I brought a mini sewing machine for those little jobs when you don’t want to get the big machines out. I have no sewing/ craft room so mine live on a shelf in my bedroom. So it’s always a pain to set everything up then have to put it away. Love your tea towels a lovely idea. Have a Happy New Year.
Rosezeeta.
Nice! I bought myself a 4.2 for Xmas as well and I love it! Here’s to lots of great finishes in 2014.
looks like a great machine and that bigger throat space will be great for quilting
Have fun playing with your new machine!
Happy New Year Lisa and Sarah. Look forward to keeping I touch in 2014 xx
Sew Jealous. I want to sew.