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[Corinna29]

Welcome, Gayle! Congratulations on your upcoming retirement.

[gaylem]

I made it. I am out of a job. Hooray. Was tough getting there with the additional load of work duties the last couple of weeks I was there. Since then have been walking a lot to get my health back. Sorry to be slow in getting back with details.
Last October when I went to the state fair I said I will look at, but not buy a Cover Pro serger. Even if they knock $50 off. I wanted to wait for retirement. Well....they knocked $100 off. I purchased a Janome CP1000 at that fair for $450. As we know takes another $100 in accessories to get it really going.
I have used a White Juguar 228 4 thread serger for 20 plus years. I upgraded to a Juki 655. I want 5 threads for cottons. My sewing machine is a MemoryCraft 8000 I purchased used. I have operated a variety of sewing machines over the years, all preowned machines. Only my sergers have been new machines.
I prefer sewing everyday clothing. I like comfortable fit and had trouble achieving it once I hit my 40's. I used Nancy Zeiman's pitvot and slide method and got by. Since 1991 I primarily use sewing software (upgrading versions) borrowing occasionally from commercial patterns.
I also sew what many of us probably make - dog beds, hot pads, clothes pin bags, a curtain, etc. I am not really interested in home decor sewing.
I sew to lose myself in the process. I find it relaxing with a productive outcome. I like to continually improve my speed and sewing skills. I learn mostly by reading, trying, and a rare seminar if available and fits the budget.
Hope I can occasionally contribute to the community - and know I will have questions.
Thanks for all your good wishes, Gayle in Texas

[MartySews2]

Gayle, sounds as if you have some wonderful equipment to work with now. I retired in 2001 and thought I would get a lot of sewing done but life keeps getting in the way. Oh well, our only child is in college now so my days are free for the most part. I joined the American Sewing Guild and keep busy with that plus other sewing clubs in my community. I sleep a lot and play a lot on the computer and sew sporadically. However, there is no hurry. Enjoy your retirement and be sure to post photos of your projects.
Marty

[JPrice]

Welcome, they must sew a lot in TX.