Christmas Ornaments

I'm already looking at making Christmas Ornaments. Have any of you made the Santa's out of light bulbs? I have saved my burned out ones and want to try my hand at it. Plus I want my grandbeauties to do it with me.

So have you? IF SO, do you consider it a hard craft? Easy? Intermediate?

I HATE SEWING. So please, no sewing crafts. But if you have any others, I'd love to hear them. It's never too early for Xmas.

Here's a link that might help:

http://www.allfreecrafts.com/christmas/lightbulb-santa.shtml#

Here's a link, JJ. I'd be making them myself.

http://familycrafts.about.com/od/lightbulbcrafts/Light_Bulb_Crafts.htm

Those are so cool. They aren't the ones I have instructions for, but these you gave will be easier, I'm thinking.

THANKS!

Does anyone own a sewing machine? I want to purchase one but, at a loss as to what type and/or make I should get. What should I look out for? I have never owned a sewing machine in my life and, except for those which I used in tailoring class in school, I have not been near one for a long time. A very long time. I think JJ's Christmas home craft idea has just inspired me to make Christmas cushion covers, table runners etc. Hope someone would be able to help out because I am raring to stitch something!

I still have and on the rare occasion, use my sewing machine. Before cycling passion bit me, I sewed alot. Nearly 80% of my wardrobe.

Perhaps a shop has/could recommend a used sewing machine to buy? Features I would look for:

*straight stitch, zigzag of different variations, serge stitch (of different variations)
*ask for hands-on demo how the sewing machine is threaded to lift the bobbin thread out,
*how to the machine reels on thread on the bobbin--is it easy and guarantee to be tangle-free.
*how does it make buttonholes automatically.
*zipper-fit installation?
*table-top is perferred, with capability to remove part of sewing bed, to do difficult corners, etc.
*can change different needle sizes and which companies will it accommodate?


My machine is nearly 30 yrs. old so I have no digital/computerized features. So I cannot advise on such features.

Thanks ever so much, Orchid! You made your own clothes? That's fab! It'll be some time before I get to your level. I must overcome my clumsiness with needles first as I used to break them in sewing class...a lot. I'll have to start with table runners and anything that deals with straight lines. Over and beyond, the machine will have to do for me...like the zigzag.

I'll print off your tips to take with me when I traipse off to John Lewis on Saturday to check out what they have there. The wonderful thing about that shop is that they have fabrics as well and hands-on demo. I'll be like a child in a sweet shop! Many thanks again.

Better you than me, Lola! LOL! But I do wish you luck. I love hearing someone rave about a new-found passion. It's refreshing, isn't it?

Lola
I replaced my trusty sewing machine last year..I loved my old machine and it earned its living from cot sheets to childrens clothes and many fundraising projects.One great thing it had was the ability to sew stretch stitch..very handy for activity wear.
Alas it retired...
what I bought is so much lighter...and for me that is a bonus..I tried to buy one as near as possible to my first one.
It is a Toyota..like the car!!!

let us know what you decided..

I bought one from John Lewis, MA. The cheapest (£49.00)and coloured pink (one has got to get her priorities in order ) but, it does 10 stitches and is ideal as a start-up machine for me. I have not used it yet as the lady from Church, who is supposed to teach me how to cut patterns for my first project (Christmas cushion covers) does not arrive from holiday until mid-November. Wish I lived close to you...I'd be sewing away by now!

Mine was from Argos..which meant there was discount and a free offer for a dust cover..my first machine was a Brother...cheaper than the usual Singer at the time..but an almost identical just a copy from abroad..
The old one..I knew every noise it made..kept her oiled and used a paintbrush to dust the workings. she was an old friend..must get acquainted with this new one..
In High School the first lesson was threading a machine..and helping the pupils kept me on my toes.
You mentioning your purchase has got me keen..keep me posted.

JJ...I've never heard of Lightbulb Santa's...so, you've got my curiousity up now...how do you keep the glass from breaking? I guess if I looked at the links I'd figure that out, eh? Duh!!


Good luck to you who are looking into sewing again. I used to love to sew...but, now, it's 'in the mood' kind of thing. I have to force myself.

I bought this one, MA.

http://www.johnlewis.com/230657781/Product.aspx

I'm actually going to try to conquer my ineptness with sewing machines. I was never good at tailoring in school...always broke the needle or the thread snaps off. The lady at the shop said that I must not pull too much. I said that when I did that in school, the fabric gathered instead and all the thread ended up in one confused mess.

Dee, I have wrapped some of my lightbulbs in layers of stockings and just glued the faces. Those, I will put at the bottom of the tree...for the little pairs of hands that just "have to" touch them.

Lola...that's a cool idea.