the best things in life are free.

I've wanted a sewing machine for quite some time now. I always delay getting one because I am afraid to spend so much money on something when I am not sure I will actually use it or be good at making things with it. I have friends who sew and I am jealous. Still, I have been reluctant to make such a large purchase without knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt that I will be a skilled seamstress and will use my sewing machine every single day - making curtains, clothes, gifts, etc. with the greatest of ease.

Yesterday, something truly exciting happened. Andrew found a sewing machine on craigslist for free! This sweet, old woman in Dundalk who apparently had four machines and "just wanted someone to get some use out of" one that she wasn't using was giving it away! We went to pick it up yesterday and I couldn't be more thrilled.

This lady bought it new from Sears in 1976. She took immaculate care of it - it still has the original receipt, manual, and all kinds of attachments and special parts. And what's even more fabulous is that she even gave us the cabinet for it - so it's all set up and ready to go!

Trish, my sewing idol and neighbor, came over yesterday and helped us look it over. Andrew oiled it up and cleaned it and...it works wonderfully! I even made a silly little pocket and put a note in it and put it in Trish's mailbox to show her my handiwork!

My first official project is going to be a bag. I started working on it this morning and it's looking a little dicey. I know practice makes perfect in these situations, so practice I shall!

I told Andrew last night that, in honor of our first Christmas in our own home, I am going to make us all matching Christmas pajama bottoms for Christmas morning. Something in his response makes me think he'll be secretly hoping I give up sewing before it comes to that, but I think we'll all be adorable in our matching jammies!

Wish me luck as I set out to learn a new skill! Even if I don't make it as a seamstress - at least it was free!