Machines make life better.. eventually

Sewing by hand is great.  You get that great authentic , custom crafted, artisan, imperfect look.  Blah blah blah blah blah.  It also takes me an hour to get through a one inch seam.  This statement definitely reflects more on me, than it does on the process of hand sewing itself.  In any event a friend of mine was nice enough to run some practice pieces for me just like the ones I produced by hand..  single seam with a top-stitch.

pic

looks awesome, I'm so excited this is going to be great.

cut to a couple of months later the night has come to try out my hand at using a sewing machine.  We are all set up, upholstery thread, heavier gauge needle, patience on hand.  

The initial seam goes down pretty fast and well. This is going to be great.  And now to the top stitch......  I'll let the following pics tell the story.

pic

pic

pic

pic

I can't seem to get the foot to run over the material.  Or rather it just feels as though it's way too thick and too much pressure pushing it down from the foot.  Having said that my friend was able to do it successfully directly after, so time and practice should deliver good results.  Well still not bad for a couple hours of learning.... I'll get their eventually.