A Spoonful of Sugar

Make. Bake. Create.

Menu
  • Home
  • About
    • About Us
    • Press
    • FAQ
    • Disclosure Policy
    • Contact Us
  • Crafts
    • Crochet
    • DIY
    • Embroidery/Cross stitch
    • Gift Wrapping
    • Knitting
    • Miscellaneous
    • Paper Crafts
  • Holidays
    • New Year’s
    • Australia Day
    • Back to School
    • Valentines Day
    • Easter
    • ANZAC Day
    • Mother’s Day
    • Father’s Day
    • Halloween
    • Christmas
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Bars & Slices
    • Bread & Pastries
    • Cakes
    • Cookies
    • Confectionery
    • Cupcakes & Muffins
    • Desserts
    • Drinks
    • Ice Cream
    • Jams/Preserves
    • Main Meals
  • Sewing
    • Sewing Tutorials
    • Quilting
    • Sewing & Quilting Patterns
  • Family
    • Back to School
    • Family Fun
    • Our Home
    • Parenting
    • Travel
  • Shop
    • Pattern Store
    • Etsy Store

Pretty Pouch and my Pfaff

August 27, 2012 By Spoonful of Sugar - 17 Comments

Sewing is so relaxing when everything is going smoothly. It is so therapeutic to stitch away on a project while listening to music. However if you are having sewing machine issues – it can be an exercise in frustration. Over the past couple of weeks my trusty Pfaff has been skipping stitches BIG TIME. Usually every 5-6 stitches there is a giant skipped stitch. The unpicker has been working overtime. I have threaded and re-threaded the machine. Fiddled with the tension. Changed the needle several times. Given it a thorough clean and oil. Words have been uttered in frustration. (Sugar Sugar Sugar….)

I needed a small project to test my machine on after each adjustment so I made a little drawstring pouch to hold a small hand stitching project. (Don’t look too closely at the stitching – it isn’t pretty!!). At least the pretty fabric gave me something to smile about. The drawstring pouch was going to be a tutorial but I was way too frustrated!

Eventually I had an “aha” moment. I had recently bought a different brand of sewing machine needle when my local fabric store was out of Schmetz. I have now restocked the Schmetz and my loyal Pfaff Tiptronic (circa 2000) is once again stitching along perfectly. It really is a dream to sew on.

I had almost talked myself into upgrading to the Pfaff Quilt Expression 4.0. I was dreaming of the large 10 inch sewing space; the dual lights; automatic thread snipper; 200 stitches; and the Electronic Thread Tension.   Sigh… Alas, it was not to be…..

Which sewing machine do you dream of owning?

Edit: Stay tuned for a Pretty pouch Tutorial:)

Edit: You can find the Pretty Drawstring Pouch Tutorial here.

Filed Under: Sewing

« Maple Oat Cookies
Pretty Drawstring Pouch {Tutorial} »

Comments

  1. Anita says

    August 27, 2012 at 4:42 am

    I’m dreaming of the exact same machine as you. But I too will have to wait until my machine completely dies!!

    Love the pouch – it’s so pretty

    Reply
  2. ~ko says

    August 27, 2012 at 4:47 am

    I am soooooo thankful you posted this! Two weeks ago my Pfaff started skipping stitches!!!! I was at a complete loss and never thought for a second it could be the different brand of needle! I’m headed to the store just as soon as it opens for a new set of Schmetz! And the pouch is lovely by the way! Do post a tutorial 🙂

    Reply
  3. Peggy says

    August 27, 2012 at 4:53 am

    Love this little pouch. So pretty.
    I have the pfaff quilt expression 4.0.It is brilliant, unfortuantely i am not using it as much as I want to so i decided to sell it.

    Reply
  4. Cindy says

    August 27, 2012 at 5:41 am

    Well, despite your troubles, the pouch looks great! I have an older (2000?) model Viking and love it. But I know the new ones have all those cool things. Don’t think I really need it, but I can dream!

    Reply
  5. Suzan says

    August 27, 2012 at 5:45 am

    Skipped and irregular stitches can be so frustrating…along with thread breaking. Nearly every time I have that problem it turns out to be the needle. I start there first now! My current dream machine is the Janome Horizon. Oh, how I long for that machine…

    Reply
  6. Amanda says

    August 27, 2012 at 6:17 am

    I have my dream machine bernina 440 don’t think I’d ever be parted from it.

    Reply
  7. Lisa M says

    August 27, 2012 at 6:23 am

    Firstly, your little pouch is very pretty; looking forward to the tutorial.
    I have a quite a few machines – a Pfaff Grand Quilter, a Husqvarna Sapphire, a Pfaff general basic sewing machine and my sentimental favourite, a Brother My Star (my first machine). I also have an overlocker. I am so happy with all of them that I don’t dream about other machines, however I have recently fallen for the Singer Anniversary edition machine for its modern take on a vintage design. I am very lucky to have my machines, they serve a purpose.

    Reply
  8. Heleen Groot says

    August 27, 2012 at 7:37 am

    You are much braver then I am. If my machine was doing that I would simply run away (not screaming, but close) and have “someone” sort it for me…..So I am not dreaming about any sewing machine. They scare me! I do love the pouch. Bet you I can do it by hand!

    Reply
  9. Amy DeCesare says

    August 27, 2012 at 8:15 am

    I drive a Pfaff, too..an older 2040 model, but I love it! I sometimes wish for a Bernina, but I would definitely look at Pfaffs again first, if I ever buy a new machine. So glad the fix was very simple!

    Reply
  10. Terriaw says

    August 27, 2012 at 9:32 am

    That IS a pretty pouch! I still love the Shabby Chic look, even if my husband isn’t crazy about having it all over our house 😉 How wonderful to figure out an easy fix to the sewing machine tantrums!

    Reply
  11. Nicky says

    August 27, 2012 at 3:06 pm

    Maybe it is the planetary alignment my pfaff was being a little dodgey yesterday too and I turned it off in frustration – try again today

    Reply
  12. Mrs A says

    August 27, 2012 at 3:52 pm

    Lovely pouch! I bought a big bernina 820 a year ago, its a fab machine, I love it 🙂 I keep eyeing off some of those long arms, but they are too bulky and I would need another spare room!

    Reply
  13. alwaysquilting says

    August 28, 2012 at 12:26 am

    It is interesting to note that, as with all things, not all brands of machine needles are of the same quality, and some work better than others in particular machines.

    I love schmetz needles and, although I rarely use any other brand, I will be more aware of the needles that I purchase in future after reading your post.

    Reply
  14. Elisa says

    August 28, 2012 at 1:55 am

    So pretty 🙂 I LOVE those heart pins, can you tell me where you purchased them please. Elisa x
    liseylou1971@ymail.com

    Reply
  15. Clara says

    August 28, 2012 at 7:31 am

    I’d like to have the Pfaff ambition 1.5…. it would be perfect for me!!! yesterday was my birthday and my husband asked me “what would you like most as a present?” …… the new sewing machine, I answered!!!! Well….. I suppose it’s on the way to home!

    Reply
  16. Joana Magalhães says

    October 23, 2012 at 12:07 am

    Lovely!!!
    Just the kind of ideas I like!!
    Thank you for sharing them.
    Joana

    Reply
  17. Kim says

    August 16, 2016 at 10:05 pm

    I have a pfaff classic style quilt and love it also have a 12 year old singer that is going to live with my daughter and a Toyota overlocker

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Threads
  • TikTok
SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER
×

Categories

Archives

PURCHASE PDF PATTERNS

We offer over 100 affordable PDF sewing patterns available for download from our store website or Etsy store. Each pattern includes detailed instructions, numerous photos, and templates.

WEB STORE ETSY STORE

Instagram

Mini Stocking, Maximum Joy 🎄 These scrappy mini st Mini Stocking, Maximum Joy 🎄 These scrappy mini stockings are the sweetest handmade gift idea — just the right size for lip balm, chocolates, sewing notions, or tiny treats. Quick to sew, beginner‑friendly, and perfect for festive table settings or teacher gifts.I used the Tilda Merry Little Christmas fabric for a nostalgic, Scandi‑inspired vibe and I’m loving how they turned out.✨ Christmas in July Sale: All Christmas patterns in my Pattern Store + Etsy Shop are 20% off until July 31.💬 Comment CHRISTMAS and I’ll send you the link to the Christmas patterns.
💬 Comment STOCKING if you want the Mini Stocking pattern specifically.Let’s make this season handmade and heartfelt 💕#christmasinjuly #scrappysewing #ministocking #christmassewing #sewingpattern
✨ Christmas in July ✨ A little festive sewing joy ✨ Christmas in July ✨A little festive sewing joy — sweet Christmas patterns to spark your creativity and help you get ahead on handmade gifts. Think mini stockings, tiny houses, cheerful coasters, and small makes that bring instant Christmas magic.Comment CHRISTMAS for a link to my Christmas patterns. All Christmas patterns are 20% off until July 31 in both Pattern Store & Etsy Shop.🎄 Scrap‑friendly
🎁 Perfect for gifting
🌟 Beginner‑friendly
📥 Instant downloads#christmasinjuly #christmassewing #festivesewing #sewinginspiration #makersgonnamake
Mini Treat Pouch ✂️✨ I love sewing these little po Mini Treat Pouch ✂️✨ I love sewing these little pouches — they’re fast, fun, and such a sweet way to use up small scraps. This Ruby Star Society version is bright, modern, and perfect for tiny gifts or organising your sewing space.Beginner‑friendly, quick to sew, scrap‑friendly, and always a crowd‑pleaser.Comment TREAT and I’ll send you the pattern link.Pattern Details: Mini Treat Pouch — available in my Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.#MiniTreatPouch #sewingpattern #scrapfriendlysewing #beginnersewingprojects #quicksewingproject
The Sew and Stow Pouch is one of my favourite prac The Sew and Stow Pouch is one of my favourite practical, giftable makes — bright, scrap‑friendly, and so handy for crafting on the go. Patchwork hourglass cover, clear mesh panel, zipper pocket… it keeps everything organised and easy to find.It’s 25% off this week only. Comment STOW and I’ll send you the pattern link.#sewingorganisation #sewandstowpouch #sewingprojects #sewingcommunity #patchworksewing
Modern Quilt Blocks Essentials ✂️✨ Clean lines, bo Modern Quilt Blocks Essentials ✂️✨ Clean lines, bold shapes, scrap‑friendly layouts, and fast, satisfying makes — modern quilt blocks are some of my favourite designs to sew. They’re beginner‑friendly, endlessly versatile, and perfect for pillows, minis, and full quilts.Swipe through to explore 10 of my most popular modern quilt blocks — each one designed to be simple, striking, and fun to stitch.If you’d like the full collection, comment BLOCK and I’ll send you the link to all 75+ quilt block patterns in my Pattern Store.#modernquiltblocks #quiltblockpatterns #scrapfriendlysewing #quiltinspiration #sewingcommunity makersgonnamake
Colour Crush: Green 💚 A fresh little collection of Colour Crush: Green 💚 A fresh little collection of green makes — soft mint, leafy tones, cool blue‑greens, and those pretty mid‑greens that always feel calm and uplifting. Green is one of my favourite colours to sew with… it’s soothing, versatile, and works beautifully across so many projects.Swipe through and tell me which shade of green you’re loving right now.If you’d like the pattern links, comment PATTERNS and I’ll send yoy a link to my pattern store straight to your inbox. All patterns are available in my Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.#colourcrushseries #greeninspiration #sewinginspiration #scrapfriendlysewing #sewingcommunity
Follow on Instagram

Featured Pattern

Travel Sewing Kit Pattern

Featured Tutorial

Retro Drawstring Bag

Featured Recipe

Lemon Pound Cake

Connect

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Threads
  • TikTok
SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER
×

Popular Posts

  • Teen Craft: Monogrammed Notebooks
  • Charm Square Fabric Tray
  • The Sewist’s Guide to Crafting Comfort: Handmade Gifts for Relaxation and Self-Care
  • English Paper Piecing Made Simple: A Beginner’s Guide with Projects to Inspire
  • Cord Cosy
  • Apple Crumble Slice
  • The Art of Small Makes: Why 1–2 Hour Projects Spark Creativity

Copyright © 2026 Lisa. K. Cox - A Spoonful of Sugar