I consider myself to be a proficient seamstress, not advanced thats for sure - but proficient, I can tackle any project and get it mostly right most of the time - I can usually understand what is needed but I don’t tackle projects that are beyond me - I know my limitations but sometimes I like to challenge myself and push myself to learn something new.

My sewing machine has been a good old work horse 30 years old or so… It was given to me after my grandmother died. Its an Elna and has a few basic stitches, very heavy - it doesn’t move around much or vibrate when sewing - it sits solid on the table. It doesn’t break down … well once a spring snapped - but in 30 years thats pretty good going. I oil it and clean it regularly and in return it is capable and reliable.

But just recently I have begun to realise its limitations - it doesn’t do blanket stitch for example - and to put down the feed dogs I have to practically dismantle the whole machine and get out the screwdriver to remove the feed dogs (surely there is an easier way?) I am sure I can buy new fancy feet and accessories to extend it further, but the one time I did try that - I bought a walking foot for quilting - it didn’t quite fit. Well I suppose I am nitpicking here but the reason is simple my daughter wants her own sewing machine and I am thinking of giving her the sturdy reliable work horse and purchasing something slightly more advanced for myself. Having never purchased a sewing machine before I really need to do some serious research as well as making a list of what I really need and what would be useful as well as what I probably will never use.

I recently received a book which I have decided is going to be invaluable in helping me on this new journey to upgrade both my skills and my equipment. Encyclopedia of Sewing Machine Techniques by Nancy Bednar and JoAnn Pugh-Gannon, published by Sterling (April 1, 2007).

For those who already have the basics and want to know more - this is really a fabulous book, it covers a whole range of techniques with many different variables within each area. Most of the techniques are those in the creative realm, such as applique, cutwork, sewing braiding and doing fringeing, there is a section on heirloom techniques, which includes puffing, decorative hem stitching, lacemaking, monogramming, pintucks, ruching and ruffling etc. There is a big section of quilting and patchwork, and embroidery. After this creative/heirloom section comes a good sized section on basic techniques and includes bias binding, buttonholes, hemming, buttons, edge finishes, gathering, seam finishes and topstitching.

Each of these techniques has a page or two dedicated to them with additional pages for all the variations - for each technique there is an invaluable guide to sewing machine set up including stitch, foot, needles, thread, tension, feed dogs, etc and what materials are appropriate and any additional supplies. Images are clear photographic images in series with very good step-by-step instructions as well as a good explanation of what the technique is, its background and difficulty level and when it is should be used.

What this book does not do - it does not tell you what kind of machine to buy but it does give you a simple overview of the various possibilities when looking for a new machine. It also gives you a basic guide in how to care for your machine and how to get the most out of the machine you do have.

Each of the techniques give options with regards to presser feet - and how many there are out there that I did not even know existed - this book has opened a whole new world of possibilities for me with regards to making my sewing easier. Many of these techniques I probably will never do but I now know what I do want to do and what tools will make it easier for me. For example getting a freemotion foot for freestyle quilting seems like a good idea, and a button sew-on foot might make my life more fun and easier, I can’t believe I don’t already have a hemmer foot. There is an incredible complicated looking ruffler attachment, but what it can do - gathers and pleats can be stitched in intervals or continuously based on setting - wow! Something else new to me is the double wing needle - yes that rights two needles on the one shank enables elegant stitch patterns. And who else knew about the piping and braiding foot?

Well I could rave on and on even more - but I need to go and investigate my machine a little more and do some research. - Any tips welcome.