How many of you own a sewing machine? 

How many of you use it to DIY household items?

What items have you DIY with your sewing machine?

I own one

But I seem to do my sewing at everyone else's house :)

although that will now change since everyone else's house is now 8 hours away :(

I've made throw pillows, and I can't think of anything else (there has to be more...) I did make all my bm's totes for part of their bm gift... but that's not for the home, doesn't count...

I don't, but I want to buy one!  DHs response was "ooookay".  He doesn't like to say no unless he has good reason, but I'm sure he's thinking "will she actually use it?".

One idea, is I want to make burp cloths for one of my best friends who is pregnant.  I also think it would come in handy for making things like pillow covers, etc.  My mom made so many things when we were younger, then when her machine broke she tossed it and won't buy a new one.  I think brushing up on my skills pre-kids would be a good idea.  I just don't like how much a machine costs :\

I think I will use mine more often when we start a family... There are a ton of things I'd like to be able to make instead of buy.  I too will probably brush up a little before that time comes, as it's been just about a year since I've done any sewing...

I got mine for christmas 9 years ago, and I actually think DH has used it more than I have.  He's sewn somethings for his hunting and backpacking gear :)  It'll earn it's weight eventually!

Okay, dumb question time... :-)

My mom has been trying to convince me to get a sewing machine. (She can't sew, BTW. LOL!) She thinks the part of me that likes to DIY stuff will absolutely love sewing. I am extremely skeptical. I would LOVE to be able to sew, but right now if I see any DIY tutorials on blogs, Pinterest or elsewhere that require sewing...well, I skip right past them. I don't know why, but I'm so intimidated by sewing!

How hard is it to use a sewing machine? Are some things easier to make than others? (i.e. pillow covers v. curtains)

IMO you need patience and no distractions... those are the two things that stress me out and I can't concentrate on what I'm doing and then I'll end up pissed off beyond belief and end up walking away and more often than not never finishing what I was working on.

As for making one thing compared to another, it all depends on the difficulty of the design.  I have had a lot of luck working with the pattern packets you can pick-up at stores like Joann's.  They have clear directions and easy to follow templates.  I have run into issues when I try and wing it, making it up as I go along just sets me up for frustration unless I sit and really formulate the plan of attack before hand.  But I would assume that once you've been sewing for a little while, getting the hang of techniques and things will help you along better.  Like they say practice makes perfect, I know that trying something totally detailed and intricate is going to take some real patience and concentration to get it done right!

But that's just how I feel about it

Pillows are CAKE, its a straight, simple stitch... things like clothing and details like ruffles are where it gets a little more intricate and takes tons of patience.  It also depends on the fabric you are working with, if it's super slippery or thick it can be a giant PIA.  My mom taught me how to sew when I was pretty little, and I even had my own mini-sewing machine and used to make pillows, blankets, and even doll clothes.  Aside from helping make Ky's FG dress (VERY tedious), and ring pillow (simple), I haven't done much of anything with a sewing machine since I was probably 13!! LOL  I'm VERY rusty!

mis1110 hit the nail on the head: PATIENCE!!!  Do it when you know you have lot's of time that day, and be patient with yourself.  I have done simple projects - aprons, "quillow" (remember those?!), wrap around skirt, pajama bottoms (super fun with all the cute fabric patterns out there).  I have always followed a pattern, but considering I haven't used a sewing machine for 10 years I'm a little nervous about how rusty I am!

I was also recently motivated by seeing on a blog how the lady makes her own fabric napkins, and that is a super simple project to start with!  And considering how much fabric napkins cost at a store, I thought "I need to start making my own!".  The lady from this blog recommends this book, but you'll want to check it out from the .com site :)

http://www.amazon.ca/Sew-Skills-Projects-Accessories-Accents/dp/0811876497/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1316103268&sr=8-1

I have a sewing machine, and I love to sew. However, what I don't have is room to set up my sewing machine, so it sits on the floor, squeezed between the bookcase and table in the office. I end up hand stitching everything bc it's too much work to get it out and find a place for it. (You can imagine that my sewing has been downgraded to simply reattaching a button, patching a hole, or repairing a hem. I can't wait for a new house with ROOM!