The Brother PE800 embroidery machine is packed with embroidery designs, features, and accessories and includes a sizable 5″x7″ embroidery field. I first started with a 4″x4″ hoop machine and later traded up for a 5″x7″ machine after my first year of embroidering. While the smaller 4″x4″ hoop size is okay, the 5″x7″ opens up many…
Choosing interfacing for your sewing project can be a daunting task. There are SO many options. Sheer, heavyweight, fusible, sew-in, and more! And for me, at least, picking the right type of interfacing is nowhere near as fun as sewing the actual project. Applying fusible interfacing can also be confusing to a beginner sewist as…
If you’re looking to compare the Brother SE600 vs SE625 sewing and embroidery machines, I’ve got you covered. When I first decided to purchase a Brother embroidery machine, I was overwhelmed with the options out there. If you’ve never used an embroidery machine, how do you even know how to pick the best machine for…
The Brother SE625 sewing and embroidery machine will be a reliable, feature-rich addition to your craft room. I love having it in mine! A combination machine, the Brother SE625, functions as a computerized sewing machine and embroidery machine. While the 4″x4″ embroidery area is small for dedicated embroidery enthusiasts and the stitching speed’s a little…
The Brother SE600 sewing and embroidery machine is one of the most affordable and well-loved Brother combination sewing and embroidery machines. While its 4″x4″ hoop isn’t right for everyone, the Brother SE600 is easy for beginners to learn and appeals to those of us who want to sew and embroider with one machine only. I…
I’ve been wanting to make my daughter a DIY drawstring backpack to carry her ballet gear for ages now. As a trial for this project, I repurposed an old men’s dress shirt to a drawstring backpack. This helped me come up with my drawstring backpack pattern, which I’m sharing now in this tutorial. This simple…
The Brother PQ1500SL quilting and sewing machine is a high-speed machine that’s perfect for quilters looking for an affordable mid-range quilting machine. It isn’t an entry-level sewing machine, and it isn’t too versatile, but it’s not meant to be that way. It pieces fast at up to 1,500 stitches per minute, and it also takes up…
Brother has released their new Brother ST150HDH Strong and Tough computerized sewing machine, and we’re all wondering the same thing. How does it compare to the other heavy-duty sewing machines for home use? And with several of Brother’s other heavy-duty machines discontinued, will the ST150HDH be a suitable replacement? I think you’ll be impressed with…
To create the perfect stitch, you need to know how to adjust your sewing machine tension. Why? Because poorly adjusted tension can ruin any sewing project. You might end up with huge thread loops on the bottom of the fabric or find the lower bobbin thread pulled to the top of the fabric. The stitches…
If you’re reading this Brother SM1704 sewing machine review, you’re probably wondering if it’s the right sewing machine for you. The Brother SM1704 sewing machine is a full-size, lightweight sewing machine that, in my opinion, will appeal to a few sets of people: A beginner sewist who doesn’t want to spend an arm and a…
With many Project Runway Limited Edition sewing machines available, you’re sure to find a near-perfect sewing machine for you, whether you’re a beginner or more experienced sewer. If you’ve been inspired to start sewing new designs, this post introduces you to some of the most well-loved Brother Project Runway sewing machines. I’ll start by covering…
Typically sold at Walmart but also available from other retailers, the Brother SQ9285 sewing machine has emerged as one of the most full-featured Brother sewing machines you can purchase without trekking to a dealer. This sewing machine has a ton of stitches, presser feet, and even its own monogramming font. In addition to its emphasis on…
A lightweight, computerized sewing machine, the Brother CS5055prw itself offers a lot of options for experienced sewists and has many beginner-friendly features to appeal to aspiring sewists as well. It’s a reliable sewing machine that offers decent versatility for a fair price. Dreaming of becoming a fashion designer like the contestants on Project Runway? Need…
Brother debuted the Brother Project Runway series of sewing machines, one of the most popular options being the Brother CE1125prw. While the newer Brother CE1150 sewing machine is slowly replacing the Brother CE1125prw Project Runway Limited Edition sewing machine, I’m leaving this Brother CE1125prw review up for reference for users looking to purchase preowned. This…
This easy sewing tutorial will teach you how to repurpose a men’s dress shirt into a DIY drawstring backpack that’s fun to carry around. This project won’t take more than 30 minutes to complete, and there are no complicated steps–even a beginner can sew it! Upcycling Dress Shirts is So Eco-Friendly My husband goes through…
The Brother CS6000i sewing machine holds a special place in my heart. I purchased the sewing machine years ago when I began sewing more seriously! Thus, I speak from experience that this is a great, inexpensive sewing machine that’s easy to use, especially for beginners. However, there are still some drawbacks to the Brother CS6000i,…
If you’re a beginner on a strict budget, the Brother LX3817 sewing machine is a great, simple sewing machine to start expanding your hobby with. It doesn’t come with much more than basic features, but you’ll be able to get started easily with the simplicity of this machine. You’ll find yourself mending or altering clothes,…
Let’s learn how to alter an adult pillowcase to make it into a toddler pillowcase! Seriously, this has to be the easiest DIY toddler pillowcase tutorial you will ever read–it takes a total of 2 seams. It’s also a perfect beginner sewing project for a Mom who doesn’t have the time to learn how to…
The Brother XR9550prw Project Runway computerized sewing machine is a Project Runway Limited Edition sewing machine worth checking out. I mean, who hasn’t heard of the show Project Runway by now? Since December of 2004, Project Runway has inspired beginner and experienced sewers alike to step up their game and design and create new fashions…
The Brother HC1850 sewing machine is one of my favorite sewing machines based on its versatility. It features over a hundred built-in stitches, many types of buttonholes, and even alphanumeric stitches. This computerized machine also has many beginner-friendly features, such as automatic needle threading, a quick set, top drop-in bobbin, and an automatic drop feed,…
My favorite sewing projects are upcycling, refashioning, and repurposing because they’re eco-friendly, and the fabric is free–meaning the pressure not to mess up is less. One of my most recent upcycled projects involved using an old button-down shirt jacket to sew a quick and easy DIY envelope pillow cover. Since there were buttons on the shirt,…
While not the snazziest sewing machine out there, the Brother XR3774 is an affordable Brother sewing machine with enough features to get beginners sewing immediately. It even has enough accessories and functions that more advanced sewing enthusiasts can enjoy. For example, the automated needle threading, easy bobbin winding system, and quick-set, top drop-in bobbin increase…
The Brother XM1010 sewing machine is a lightweight, full-size sewing machine. Of the full-size Brother machines, it is one of the lightest and smallest you will find, making it one of the most portable sewing machines as well. A very basic sewing machine, it also comes in as one of the cheaper Brother sewing machines…
This Brother XM2701 sewing machine is a great beginner sewing machine with enough features to get you started sewing hassle-free. And, as your skill level increases over time, there are enough intermediate features that you don’t need to toss it immediately for a more advanced model. Thanks to the automated features and affordable price point,…