Non-Automatic Buttonhole Foot Tutorial

It really is not supposed to be complicated to use a buttonhole foot.  Most of the sewing machines nowadays come with an automatic buttonhole foot (like the one shown on the left--this came with my old sewing machine).  But since I got my sewing machine 2nd handed, I was left without any accessories besides the standard foot.  When I looked online, I was unable to find a buttonhole foot for my machine.  However, there was a set of sewing feet on sale that included a buttonhole foot (of course, the picture on eBay was too small to show what each foot looked like.)  It was after opening the package, I realized that the buttonhole foot in the set is not automatic--it does not have the button guide plate nor the bracket on the side.  How do I use this foot? I searched online with no avail.  Nope, I am obviously the only one who does not have an automatic buttonhole foot.  *sigh*.  If you are a proud owner of a non-automatic buttonhole sewing foot, please let me know!!

I rested the case for more than a year and I dared not sew anything that required a buttonhole...until today.  I spent the Thanksgiving week reorganizing my sewing room and just so happened to have both buttonhole feet side by side.  It was then that I had a chance to compare the 2. All I needed was to determine the buttonhole size and push the buttonhole lever at appropriate time.

 I selected the buttonhole stitch on the machine and pull down the lever and attached the sewing foot.

Typically, buttonholes are sewn from the front of the presser foot to the back, starting with the tag bar.  **Double check with your owner's manual for the exact steps of your buttonhole stitching.

 So I set the movable attachment to where I wanted the buttonhole to start its bar tag.  There is a red indicator on the foot (right next to where the foot is attached to the machine) that can line up with the ruler-like markings on the left.  The red indicator marks the needle position.  Once the the presser foot was lowered, the movable attachment was locked in place.  Press the foot control and the machine will start step #1 and #2. 

After the bar tag and the left bar of the buttonhole were sewn, and the movable attachment would not go back any further, it was time to push the lever back to let the machine know to go to step #3 (move the needle back to the front tag bar).

 When the red indicator lines up with the marking where the beginning needle position was (front tag bar), I pushed the lever so the machine would sew the right bar. (step #4)

After the right bar of the buttonhole was sewn, and the movable attachment would not go back any further, it was time to push the lever back to let the machine know to go to step #5 (sew the back tag bar).

And there's my buttonhole with the not-so-automatic buttonhole foot!  Woohoo!!

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Ballet Shoes Pouch

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Tap Shoes Pouch

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Vanna Zipper Pouch

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Organza Hair Bows

The youngest is already into the color black.  For her dance classes, she only wears black leotard and black dance t-shirts.  I need to add a little color into her dance wear.  Thankfully, she loves these hair bows.  Let's see how long it takes her to ask for a black one.
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Chococat Zipper Pouch

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Zipper Pencil Pouch

 I made a sundress for F 2 years ago.  The fabric has really beautiful gradation of color that reminds me of sunset.  I used this same fabric to make a pencil pouch for one of JJ's best friend, AL.  I hope this pouch brings her a smile every time she uses it. =)

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AJ Zipper Pouch

This is a birthday gift for a very creative and artistic friend who makes everyone she talks to feel special and cared for.  AJ is generous and so kind.  She's stylish yet modest.  She's definitely a beautiful lady inside and out.  Happy birthday, AJ!

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Hosanna!

Hosanna!  God saves!
My way of walking with Jesus in preparation for the holy week is to remember what the cross means.
Two weeks ago, after children's church, I saw a long snapped tree branch in the middle of the parking lot and brought it home.  I thought about the different projects I could make with this branch.  Then, this idea came.
My devotion has been about the priesthood, Tabernacle and reconciliation.  This project is an appropriate reflection that my Lord, the ultimate high priest, Jesus, has paid the price once and for all to redeem the sinful and to reconcile them to God.  Hosanna!  God saves!  Praise the Lord.

1. 1. On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
      The emblem of suff’ring and shame;
      And I love that old cross where the Dearest and Best
      For a world of lost sinners was slain.
      • Refrain:
        So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
        Till my trophies at last I lay down;
        I will cling to the old rugged cross,
        And exchange it someday for a crown.
   2. Oh, that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
      Has a wondrous attraction for me;
      For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above
      To bear it to dark Calvary.
   3. In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
      A wondrous beauty I see,
      For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
      To pardon and sanctify me.
   4. To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
      Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
      Then He’ll call me someday to my home far away,
      Where His glory forever I’ll share.

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Zippered Phone Pouch

After a few weeks at my new job, I was very happy to be sewing again. This time, I was sewing for my friend SL.  I call this pouch her "good job sticker"! Thanks, SL, for being so patient and trustworthy! Hope you think the wait was worth it.

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Vintage Finds

Joanna told me about a gold mine of free sewing materials in my neighborhood.  The owner was cleaning up her garage and reserved a bin of goodies for me.  I have nothing vintage in my house (things that are worn or need to be discarded do not mean vintage).  When I opened the bin, I thought of the word "inheritance."  It gave me goosebumps that I was about to peek into another's life.

There were a few pieces of strawberry napkins.  Cute!  

Lovely laces.

Spools of colorful thread (will find out if they are "too vintage" to use).

I had no idea what this thingamajig was.  The lady just stuffed it in the bin and said "why not."
I am so thankful that at this day and age, I could find instructions for ANYTHING online. Click here for the link.  Guess I will be playing with rhinestones pretty soon.

 Then came THIS.

It opens up to reveal several compartments.  I immediately thought, "hey, great for cupcakes!"  (sorry, it was lunch time and I was overdue for a meal.)  Then, again, it might be best for jewelry storage on a nightstand.  LOVE the cherry embroidery.

Loads of buttons!  

 La Mode buttons are still easy to find now a days.  They run anywhere from $1.60 to $7 per package.  Look at the price back then!  60 cents! BTW, isn't it cute that this lady used the back of the package to jot down measurements, notes or calculation (the numbers did not add up though)?

 While the buttons now are almost always made in China with no description in the back, these buttons were mostly made in Japan, with "Guaranteed washable" printed in the back.

 I don't see Sears buttons anymore.  Not to mention for just 49 cents.  The others were 29 cents.  Again, guarantee to be washable!

Guess there used to be a Vallco Drug that sold discounted Chic buttons for 12 cents a package.

Lastly, a few yard of Italian waist band elastic (the wrapping board was a piece of wood, not cardboard) and washing instructions (with extra button and yarn) for a sweater.
I promised the lady that I would send her a picture of how I utilize these sewing materials.  Thank you, for passing down a piece of your life to me.
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