The Crafts Dept. Blog Turns 1

February 13, 2011
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We launched our Crafts Dept. Blog a year ago to allow our talented crafters to wax lyrical about their work. The blog has since featured behind-the-scenes glimpses of our work rooms, tales of crafting heroics, and much more.

To celebrate the one-year anniversary of the blog, we gave readers a chance to win a Singer Futura Sewing and Embroidery Machine!

    Comments (60)

    Anonymous
    March 2, 2011
    I learned to quill from Martha's Craft Book and started making a quilled design around the Wedding Invitation and framing it to give as a wedding gift.. I give this along with a check for the newlyweds and I receive raves about the gift. I can't wait to try the wire lace mesh ribbon featured on todays show
    Anonymous
    April 1, 2010
    I would make a quilt using my t-shirts from vacations, concerts, and events.
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    I would make new director chair covers
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    I first sewed in junior high. I loved the feel of the fabric, the smell of new cotton, the steam from the iron. Later in life I taught myself to quilt. I machine piece and hand quilt. I have had one of my quilts in an exhibit my art class put on. I quilt and sew intuitively. I have done some hand dyeing and wish to make more quilts with hand dyed fabrics.
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    I would like to make a embroidery quilt panels for a baby quilt and then make them into a baby blanket.
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    With the Singer Futura Sewing and Embroidery Machine I would be able to teach the foster child I volunteer with how to sew. Our first project would be something special for her that was all her own such as a simple dress with her first initial beautifully embroidered on the front.
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    My mother suffered a spinal cord injury in 2002 and spent time at the Shepard spinal rehab clinic in Atlanta in 2003. With the brave people I saw there and the things we deal with daily I have come to realize there is a need for adaptive clothinng that looks nice and can be personalized using the embrodery feature. I would develope clothing to help make life easier in dressing and wearing.
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    my first project would be a quilt
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    My first project with the Singer Futura Sewing and Embroidery Machine would be a wall hanging of our family tree. I would make several, in order to share with each of our four children, my mother, and mother-in-law.
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    I would love to create personalized gifts for family and friends!
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    OMG. This would be such a great opportuniuty to have a chance to win such a great prize like this one. I have walked into fabric stores and stared at the wonderfull machines they had, but knew they were out of my reach. If I were to win this first thing I would do is use the embordory component to put a letter on all my decorative towels hanging. I have 4 children, 3 boys and 1 girl who loves to do arts and crafts with me. So together we would make a lot of princess things for her bedroom.
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    I am a Mom of 2 USAF sons! And I recently had a closed head injury and i am finding out I can't sew the way I used to. I even ruined my Viking Rose sewing machine a few months after the Hard collar was removed, due to trying to re teach myself how to sew again. I want to be able to make things for my grandson, who I have been unable to visit for 5 years now. It would mean the world to me to be able to make quilts for our injured Military personal no matter what branch they serve in.
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    I would love to have this machine to teach my daugher how to sew
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    This machine would be an amazing tool for my everyday life! I am a Mother, Girl Scout leader and Teacher. The Futura would help to save money on all of my home crafting projects. We are headed to a Brownie camp soon and my first project would be to personalize pillowcases for the whole troop!
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    I am a quilter and have many ideas for using embroidery in a quilt. I am sewing with a Singer from the 50's and one of the Singer's #221 from the 40's. WE are all old but still running great.
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    My reason is a bit different. I would like to give this wonderful gift to my mother-in-law Anna who has been sewing since she was a small girl in Sicily, Italy. She still crochets, embroiders, knits and even does stain glass but her hands don't work quite like they use to. She still uses an older machine so this Singer Futura sewing and embroidery machine would be a dream for her. She has 7 grandsons, and still makes wonderful gifts for the girls in their lives. Thank you for considering her.
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    I would love this machine. It looks so easy. I bought a machine a few years ago and it's so complicated I never use it except to sew a straight line.
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    I want to transform my spare BR into a sweet nursery for my 1st grandchild due in Sept. I would love to use all the extras on the Futura to make it truly special.
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    I would love to make monogrammed towel sets for each of my 6 children for Christmas. The Singer Futura would certainly make that job easier.
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    My mother was an excellent seamstress; however I never learned to sew, which I regret. I now have an 11 year old daughter who says she wants to become a dress designer. What a great way to spend quality mother/daughter time--and honor the memory of my mother--SEWING, to pass on her passion
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    I am from Alaska. Last February I suffered a stroke after I turned 50...since then sewing, quilting has really been my therapy. I was laid off from my job in October 2009 after 10 years. If I was so lucky as to win this beautiful machine, I would try to generate a living out of my crafts. I also would love to create some things to donate to the Covenant Houser for our homeless teens here in Anchorage. I have a heart for teens that some parents can't handle and have thrown away.
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    I am from Alaska. Last February I suffered a stroke after I turned 50...since then sewing, quilting has really been my therapy. I was laid off from my job in October 2009 after 10 years. If I was so lucky as to win this beautiful machine, I would try to generate a living out of my crafts. I also would love to create some things to donate to the Covenant Houser for our homeless teens here in Anchorage. I have a heart for teens that some parents can't handle and have thrown away.
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    The monogram shown on today's show was so beautiful that I would like to make a lovely linen tote bag. Perhaps I could use the machine to start a cottage business.
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    i would begin making crafts and gifts for my 5 granddaughters. I would have them help and we would be able to create so many happy and precious memories together. I love the look of embroider on many items.
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    i would begin making crafts and gifts for my 5 granddaughters. I would have them help and we would be able to create so many happy and precious memories together. I love the look of embroider on many items.
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    I have been trying to embroider by hand for such a long time and cant seem to get the hang of it. My mom has been patient with teaching me but Im not patient with myself. I would really love this embroider machine so I don't have to quit embroidery all together.
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    I have been trying to embroider by hand for such a long time and cant seem to get the hang of it. My mom has been patient with teaching me but Im not patient with myself. I would really love this embroider machine so I don't have to quit embroidery all together.
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    I would enjoy making more Black Apple dolls for my grand- daughter Amber. She just loves them! We had a problem with my 25 yr old sewing machine though. It just stopped sewing on us. Also- she would like me to teach her how to sew. It would be nice to have a reliable machine to accomplish this!
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    I would make the fabric Easter Eggs and projects for my grandson and my grandchild on the way. It has been many years since I have had a nice sewing machine.
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    Oh, my gosh...visions of fantastic projects are dancing in my head! I inherited my mother's sewing machine when she passed away 25 years ago. She made most of my clothing when I was little, and I used her machine to make all of my kids Halloween costumes and many, many other projects over the years...labors of love! Sadly, her wonderful Singer passed away, too, and I haven't been able to replace it...my son is always asking me why I don't sew anymore! I want to sew again!!!
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    If I were lucky enough to win the Singer Futura Sewing and Embroidery Machine I would begin by practicing on squares to incorporate into a quilt and eventually use it to create the wedding dresses my girls have dreamed I would someday make for them when the are ready to marry
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    I am an avid quilter and I am expecting my first grandcild in May. I would love to be able to incorporate embroidery with my quilts and make some "girly" things for her! After having two boys, I am looking forward to making baby girl things and making some memories for her!
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    I am an avid quilter and I am expecting my first grandcild in May. I would love to be able to incorporate embroidery with my quilts and make some "girly" things for her! After having two boys, I am looking forward to making baby girl things and making some memories for her!
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    my first project would be to decorate pillowslips for my grandchildren
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    My first project would be to monogram the new sheets in the guest bedroom. Joan T. Hunter metzhunt@charter.net
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    The first thing I want to make is a summer outfit for my 15 month old grandbaby named Aubrey. I bought some patterns a few months ago but dread the thought of using my 30-year old 'basic' sewing machine. Having a new Singer Futura would be a treat and give me many new options to create clothing. I would also look forward to teaching Aubrey to sew on it someday!
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    I would love to win the sewing machine so I could learn a new craft to make gifts for family, shut-ins, hospital patients and nursing home residents to brighten their lives and let them know they are in someone's thoughts and prayers.
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    I would be using the Singer to help my daughter to create her "fashions" as puts it. She is 10 and just joined 4H. She loves crafts and it is time to teach her how to use a Singer to bring her desings and crafts to life. This is the perfect opportunity to inspire her creative nature.
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    I have 8 nieces
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    I have 8 nieces
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    +I+Want+my+own+Futura+Embroidery+machine+to+make+wonderful+presents+for+my+family.+I++have+made++quilts%2Ccurtins+
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    I would embroider everything! Especially the blankets I make and donate to hospitals for sick children.
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    My puppy is 175lbs and we can't find a bed wide or long enough for her. I would make a big fluffy dog bed for my English Mastiff, Silvie. Then I would stitch her name and some feminine decor on top.
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    My puppy is 175lbs and we can't find a bed wide or long enough for her. I would make a big fluffy dog bed for my English Mastiff, Silvie. Then I would stitch her name and some feminine decor on top.
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    I have been sewing sense I was 8 years old. I learned to sew from my mother on my Grandmother's Singer pedal machine. I have made everything from costumes, clothing, draperies to handbags. I lost my job of 20 years in August and have been doing side sewing for money. If I won this machine my first project would be tote bags with my sons baseball teams logos on them. Who knows everyone may want one. But I sure would have a lot of fun with a embroidery machine.
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    I have always made little girls dresses from vintage embroidered pillow cases. Since I became unemployed, I have found that selling these dresses to friends has given me a little extra money. Finding affordable pillow cases in good enough shape to use has been a problem. With this machine, I could embroider material to create the same look, something my thirty eight year old machine can not do. What a blessing this machine would be.
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    Being unemployed at this time, I would have plenty of time to make curtains for my entire appartment. This would help while I am looking for a job, to keep my spirits up.
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    I would make a baby quit for our first greatgrand son due in august . My fingers not so flexible this would be great . I have 9 granddaughters ,some of which would love to do projects on this machine.This would help with the love of crafts for themselves.They are always busy at grandmothers house always wanting to make something.Hope there is a way you can transfer your old patterns to this Futura machine.
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    I have only had one sewing machine in my life and it is 38 years old! I have made tons of crafts, clothes, household decor through the years and still use it, but it is not working so well anymore. I just recently lost my job of 32 years because of disability. I believe I could use the embroidery part of machine to try to do a little business of sweatshirts or T-shirts, and sew and embroider pet items to make some extra money from my home.
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    What a great machine! I have been sewing since I was seven. Mom sat at her Singer and I used scrap fabric, needle and thread. I have had a basic machine for 35 years sewing clothing and crafts. I would make embroidered quilts using the fabrics I have collected through the years and also some of my favorite pieces of clothing that I have never been able to part with. Just think of the possibilities!!
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    I've wanted one of these machines for years, so I have a long list of projects. I would start out by dressing up my boys clothes with all of the creepy-crawlies they love.
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    I've always wanted a Singer Sewing machine with all the wonderful features! Until recently I have used a treadle machine most of my life .For my first project I would love to use the embroidery attachment to embellish pillow cases or towels for gifts for family and friends.
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    With the embroidery machine I would first create a comfy bedding with my favorite colors for each of my children. I have 2 boys and 2 girls, green and blue for my boys and purple and pink for my girls. Also to complete that i would make 4 pillows with their first and last name on it, thus it will be a forever lasting gift for my kids. and a nice warm bed set for me.
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    Im an artist. Ive never had a sewing machine. The thought of getting my hands on some recycled fabrics (shirts and jackets) makes me giddy! Cotton, felt, and denim--Oh My! I can see my first project as a one of a kind beautiful over the shoulder purse! Embroidery is just icing on the cake!!
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    This would be my first sewing and embroidery machine but i have been wanting to learn so bad. This would make that possible. I have been searching for the perfect crib and curtain set for my new daughters room and with this machine I could make exactly what I want.
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    With this great ebmroidery machine i would do pillow cases with my family initials. I have just recently lost my job and it would be great to learn something new in this hard time.
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    I am new to embroidery but am fascinated by all the new things available to crafters who love to sew. I think I would to try crazy quilts and other mixed media quilting projects and to incorporate embroidery.
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    I have always wanted to make embroidered napkins, which would be passed on through generations of my family. The recent death of my mother has produced regret that I didn't get this done sooner. Having a beautiful machine like this one would afford me the chance.
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    Ooh la la..............Large monograms, and flowers and animals for my QUILTS :)
    Anonymous
    March 31, 2010
    I would probably just experiment for a while, til I got it just right. Them make a purse suited to my needs with embroidery decorations.
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