summer outfit

This weekend two factors, one unprecedented, one quite unremarkable, coincided. First, it rained and secondly - much more exciting - I bought a new sewing machine. After 2 years of dutiful service it was time for my cheap, little Singer to find a new home (and it quickly did at a friend's place). We had a good time together, but after my sewing skills and, perhaps more to the point, ambitions gradually developed I was getting quite impatient to upgrade. So I went to a local dealer who had an armada of sewing machines for me to test and swoon at. Since this was one of these purchases extraordinaire, I was especially keen not to buy a machine online, but to have the opportunity to try out, get advise and also have a place nearby where I can go to for repairs and help. Even better, my machine comes with three one-to-one lessons and I can't wait for this lovely Scottish lady to show me some tricks, - she will be my first not book or web-based teacher! Of course I was already brand-biased (1, 2, 3, 4) when I entered the shop and upon finding out about my German roots the shop-owner quickly suggested a Bernina since, so he said, '3/4 of their parts are actually manufactured in Germany'. (What is the link, shall I henceforth sing Ode to Joy while sewing?) Well, to cut a long sewing-trial short, I finally settled for a Bernina 380, - love at first stitch. And so I spent this weekend blissfully in front of my shiny machine sewing a summer outfit for my 4 month old godchild who lives in a place of the world where sun hats, short sleeves and featherlight fabric are actually appropriate.

The 2 playsuits, the jacket and the little shoes are from IPE (there are also various hat patterns in the book) and the bucket hat is from this fabulous new book. So far the new machine and I get along splendidly, only the buttonhole function is a bit of a hurdle. But I'm sure there are more rainy weekends to come...