Competition Time! Blog Candy!

Competition Time! Blog Candy!

Hi there!
Thanks for stopping by. Early start today.
Bit nippy though!
Just the weather for getting crafty, eh!
I’ve been oggling my lovely new sewing machine sitting all forlorn over in the corner for weeks.  
Dare I admit it? Still in its box …
Check out Sheep Farmer Dave in the background….
There’s never the time to make a plan,
or the space to get it out.
The sewing machine that is.
I ought to at least get it out of the box is see what colour it is!!
Shall I? Shall we look?
Ok . Hang on.
I’ve always been a Pfaff girl, and I’ve got a couple of old ones too, 
so why I now have a Toyota is beyond me! The other two haven’t seen daylight in forever either!
But. Whilst was setting up in the TV studio months ago, I was watching a lovely Asian lady on the other set at HOCHANDA working with this machine, and well! 
I just had to have it, didn’t I ?!!

Did I really buy a red sewing machine???
Ahh result! Teal. Much better!

Rather swish piece of kit, I must say.
Beginning to wish I’d paid more attention to the Asian lady…
or got her phone number…
or a blog address….
Oh good! English plug.

AND.
The OEKAKI 50 BIBLE!
Hallelujah! 

So now I’ve got the English plug and the English operator manual, there’s really no excuse.
Just one question: where can I buy some time?

must clear space behind machine for fabric to move freely.
Ha bloody ha.
Just had a thought.
Let’s have a Limerick party!
I will give you the first two lines,
then you copy them into your comment below 
and finish the limerick!
Ready?
There once was a woman called Jean
who bought a sewing machine…..
lalalalala
lalalalala
lalalalalalalala!
over to you!
Then on Friday, we’ll check the laughometer and pick a winner, and that limerickster will receive a £20 Clarity Gift Voucher.

You can dream something up to have us in stitches (groan) while you’re making your Star Book for the £30 Gift Voucher 
(see last week’s Friday Blog Competition!)
Both winners to be announced Friday…. 

Got to go.
Must stop larking about and get back to work.
Teehee….

lots of love,

122 thoughts on “Competition Time! Blog Candy!

  1. There once was a woman called Jean
    who bought a sewing machine…..
    She sewed and sewed and sewed all day,
    because she thought what fun to play….
    she made a dress she made a hat,
    then she thought how good is that xx

  2. There once was a woman called Jean
    who bought a sewing machine…..
    She twisted the knobs
    And pulled bits and bobs
    Now she's making a mixed media scene!

    You should stitch some of your cards Barbara just to have a play. I wish I had a machine. Maybe one day. Xx

  3. Gosh you're early today! Lovely looking sewing machine, wonder what will be your first make on it. My machine sits all forlorn waiting to be used but my excuse is it's weight and my very achy shoulders making it difficult to place it up on a table. What we both need is a dedicated sewing table. Enjoy your day. F x

  4. I got a new sewing machine for Christmas and it also is still in the box, it's just a plain white one (Janome) but supposed to make sewing so easy. One day soon I will give it a go. First job – take up my husband's jeans, when I find space to use it. Have a lovely day x

  5. There once was a women called Jean,
    Who bought a sewing machine
    She crafted all day
    And sewed all night
    But couldn't get into the groove
    Until Dave came along
    And caused a big song
    Marking Graceful Clarity

  6. Here is my Limerick:

    There once was a woman called Jean
    who bought a sewing machine.
    She wanted a gown
    handmade by her own.
    But stitched her finger
    and said to friend Ginger:
    The dress now is bloody and not clean.

    I´m waiting for sunshine today to make a photo of my star book ;-))
    Rolf xxx

  7. What a gorgeous machine! I need to kick my own rear into gear for using mine. Doesn't seem as scary now I'm older…lol.

    There once was a woman called Jean
    Who bought a sewing machine
    She took it out to her fields
    Hoping for good crop yields
    But realised she was in the wrong scene!

    Can't wait to see what you come up with, Barbara!

    Love

    Kellymarie

  8. Good morning Barbara..I am sat here tittering to myself…why oh why did you buy a sewing get machine. Especially as you already have a couple that are gathering dust…I have a machine doing that too..I used to do masses of dressmaking but the eyes are other what they were..the back isn't what is for bending over the table to do the cutting out. And as for the threading the needle..can't do it easily with glasses on AND the automatic attachment for doing it.

    Having said all that I look forward to seeing your makes. Lol

    Xx

  9. Good morning Barbara..I am sat here tittering to myself…why oh why did you buy a sewing get machine. Especially as you already have a couple that are gathering dust…I have a machine doing that too..I used to do masses of dressmaking but the eyes are other what they were..the back isn't what is for bending over the table to do the cutting out. And as for the threading the needle..can't do it easily with glasses on AND the automatic attachment for doing it.

    Having said all that I look forward to seeing your makes. Lol

    Xx

  10. very early today. when you find out where one could buy time would you kindly let me know? i need lots of it!
    love the colour of your machine. i have one too that i have never used as sadly i do not know how to sew and that is scandalous considering my mum was a seamstress by profession :'(…… hugs xx

  11. I am also guilty of having a sewing machine sitting in a box doing nothing. The box at least provides entertain for my cats who have "pooked" it to shreds.
    There once was a woman called Jean
    Who bought a sewing machine
    She worked at the treadle
    And earned a huge medal
    By sewing a huge dress for the queen.

    Time for you to inspire us to sew now?
    Warm wishes,
    Linda

  12. I keep meaning to get my old machine out and do some stitching on cards as that's about all it's good for.
    There once was a woman called Jean
    Who bought a sewing machine
    She stitched and she stitched
    Till she twitched and she twitched
    One day you might know what I mean!

  13. Oooh – lovely! I had a new machine some years ago and have used it quite a bit, but am yet to make myself any clothing on it. Funny enough my mum is called Jean and worked as a dress-maker too!

    There once was a woman called Jean
    Who bought a sewing machine
    With a nip and a tuck
    She coutured dawn til dusk
    But she never could find time to clean!

    Someone sent me a funny clip with advice in the 50s for women who sewed – I'll try to find it and share it on Facebook, so you'll be ready to use yours one day! Susan x

  14. Hope it works as good as it looks.

    Here's my effort:

    There once was a woman called Jean
    who bought a sewing machine
    Whilst kept shut in the box
    it was no use making frocks
    But it did stay lovely and clean

  15. Hi Barbara hope you have more luck than me bought one years ago tried it out with an old tea towel to see if it worked then put it back in its box, its in that cupboard with things I might use one day hope you have more luck than me.
    Here's my wee go…

    There once was a woman called Jean
    Who bought a sewing machine
    She stitched her man a pair of boxers
    That came right up tae his smelly oxters
    So his hairy bits were never seen

  16. There was once a woman called Jean
    Who bought a sewing machine
    But alas she'd forgotten
    To purchase some cotton
    Now that's an invisible seam!

    My sewing machine comes out so rarely I have to re read the instruction manual each time !!!!
    xxxx

  17. There once was a woman called Jean
    Who bought a sewing machine
    all she wanted to do was scream
    This Toy-ota be making me laugh
    No time for a dress or a scarf,
    She Put it back in the Box
    What a Pfaff.

  18. I am another who needs to find the shop selling time. I also have a brand new sewing machine (a Singer) still in its box unopened. I also have a 70 year old Singer, still in good working order and with its original instructions, and two other random machines which I inherited from my Mum (she bought those to replace the old Singer that I had "stolen". I need to get one of these out to take in all my trousers before they follow the example of Maria's skirt. Just need to find room on my desk to put it, and time to do the job. Love the limericks already posted. Have a good day and if you have the lovely sunshine we have, take time for a walk with Dave. xx Maggie

  19. We have all been there with those rash purchases. A bit like watching a certain craft lady on telly that always manages to make me want to buy all her goodies.
    There once was a woman called Jean
    who bought a sewing machine….
    It will stay in it's box
    Like the others she's got
    Till the packaging goes kinda green. M F M xx

  20. There once was a woman called Jean
    Who bought a sewing machine
    Her plans of a dress
    Ended up as a mess
    And she's now no longer that keen!

    That's my best effort ! Good luck using yours ! I used to make clothes when I was at school and after I left but not for years now…

    Hubby has just bought himself a wooden boat model to make – I'm going to be fighting him for table space now !

  21. It looks great!
    Here's mine:

    There once was a woman called Jean
    Who bought a sewing machine
    Tho much more of a slog
    Than writing her blog
    She JFDI'd a routine.

  22. There once was a woman called Jean
    Who bought a sewing machine
    She was in over her head
    Lost sight of the thread
    And sewed her nose to her spleen……

    Boom boom!!
    Hope everyone is well and dandy, hugs for any who need or want them xxxx

  23. Looks like there is all kinds of good limmericks going on…

    There one was a woman named Jean,
    Who bought a sewing machine,
    It's color was teal,
    When she did the reveal,
    And now she has no time to clean!

  24. There once was a woman called Jean
    Who brought a sewing machine
    She said how meen
    The plug is no where to be seen
    So she took to her groovi
    And got into mindless Tuesday
    Who needs a machine

  25. There once was a lady called Jean, who bought a sewing machine,
    The needle she tried to thread, but chose a vodka instead.
    A bottle of Smirnoff later, she thought the machine was against her.
    Jean felt a bit woozy, her clarity had gone,
    So she thought sod it, it's taken too long.
    It was all too Groovi, the machine wouldn't go. So back in the box and let's watch another demo!

  26. There once was a woman called Jean
    who bought a sewing machine.
    It cost so much bread
    she could not afford thread –
    Now Jean's mean machine's a has-been!
    Tonbridge Sue

  27. Hoping we're allowed more than one attempt.

    There once was a woman named Jean
    who bought a sewing machine.
    This Renaissance in Teal
    was bound to appeal
    to any aspiring Craft Queen.
    Tonbridge Sue

  28. Hi Barbara
    Oh there are some good laughs today, I'm going to think on this one. I've had to chuckle though, my mother in law is called Jean and she loves sewing! I will have to watch what I say!!!
    What a lovely snap decision purchase – now didn't you have to alter a dress for Grace the other day- the machine would have been useful then!!
    Hope you've had a good day playing and have managed some you and Dave time too.
    Love Diane xxxx

    1. Hi Diane, not crafted today, had a go at yesterday's blog card last night, couldn't do it to save my life. Couldn't do the fine line stuff too shaky. Had a day out with friends to get over my disappointment. Ha ha! Hope you are well. Love Pam xx

  29. There once was a woman named Jean
    Who bought a sewing machine
    She stitched and she sewed
    till she grew grey and old
    And the clothes she made, she sold.

    Best I can do I'm afraid.
    Gayle x

  30. There once was a woman called Jean
    who bought a sewing machine….
    She kept it pristine,
    All nice 'white' and clean.
    But like Madam Gray,
    She called it a day,
    Took it out of its box to play,
    And is now sewing happily away.

    My best attempt!

  31. Good luck with buying some time Barb! I saw that machine on TV and loved it – a great colour. The best I can do is:

    There once was a woman called Jean
    Who bought a sewing machine.
    Her intentions were good
    but really she should
    have stuck to her crafting scene!

    This has been so much fun, reading all of the above – Gilly xxx

  32. My New Home sewing machine is one of the first computerised ones bought thirty years ago when we were first married and what fun I had running up dresses and also supplying a local school in Bath with embroidered Christmas stockings for the children who otherwise would do without. I also have my mum's last machine – she went from treadle to basic Singer which only sewed in a straight line to this one with a few additional stitches; this was supposed to be used on my cards to save my one. However since I brought it home and had both brought up to scratch (we have a friend who is a sewing machine engineer) they have remained untouched but side by side in a cupboard. I still have lots of silk I bought in the Far East years ago, so who knows!

    And now for the Limerick – I have visions of Jean using her old man as her tailor's dummy!

    There once was a woman called Jean
    Who bought a sewing machine
    She pinned and she pressed
    'Til her dummy was dressed
    Now her old man looks fit for the Queen!

    S xx ;~}

  33. There once was a woman called Jean
    Who bought a sewing machine
    She stitched in the nude
    Not thinking it rude
    But her friends found it strange and obscene.

    This one's a little nearer the knuckle x

  34. Hi Barb,
    My ambition when I retired was to make a quilt. My Mam ( God rest her) was a time served seamstress and I inherited an old black Singer machine that was converted from treadle to electric for me. Years later I decided to buy a new machine and took Mam with me to advise. I wanted one that did everything and all she said was. " you don't need all those stitches. The more that's on it, the more there is to go wrong! " so I bought a Janome , one that had 6 stitches I think possibly more but not many. She tried it and was impressed so that was good enough for me. Dave bought me a beautiful purpose built cabinet that is gorgeous and I was all set. I've now been retired 4 years and haven't even attempted the quilt! But one day I will do it. Now for my attempt at the Limerick :

    There once was a lady called Jean,
    Who bought a sewing machine
    She thought it was a Pfaff
    Dave said " This should be a laugh"
    Jean replied " Don't be so mean!"

    Never was much good at them, but it's got the correct number of lines!
    Love Alison xxx

  35. Love my groovi design club used already.
    There was a woman called Jean
    Who bought a sewing machine
    Although she was keen and the machine teal green
    She began to scream
    Groovi or stamp, sew or emboss
    If only the time was ideal

  36. There once was a woman called Jean
    Who bought a new sewing machine
    She got knicker elastic
    At a price quite fantastic
    So it's goodbye to that big safety peen. ( peen is Scottish for pin! )

  37. What a coincidence Barb…my post yesterday was all about me finding my sewing machine in the loft which I thought I got rid of years ago! I have just made a witchs' cape for my granddaugher…such fun after all these years.
    OK so onto the limmerick

    There once was a woman called Jean
    Who bought a sewing machine
    For 10 years it sat
    In a box out the back
    And now it is far from pristine!

    Boom Boom!Enjoy your evening x

  38. What a coincidence Barb…my post yesterday was all about me finding my sewing machine in the loft which I thought I got rid of years ago! I have just made a witchs' cape for my granddaugher…such fun after all these years.
    OK so onto the limmerick

    There once was a woman called Jean
    Who bought a sewing machine
    For 10 years it sat
    In a box out the back
    And now it is far from pristine!

    Boom Boom!Enjoy your evening x

  39. I got mine on a very good deal froM C&C and guess where it has been since it arrived?? Lol.
    There once was a woman called Jean
    Who bought a sewing machine
    Funky and bright and cost far too much
    It hid in the cupboard and was never touched
    It's mow being used by her grand-daughter Kathleen.
    Xx

  40. I got mine on a very good deal froM C&C and guess where it has been since it arrived?? Lol.
    There once was a woman called Jean
    Who bought a sewing machine
    Funky and bright and cost far too much
    It hid in the cupboard and was never touched
    It's mow being used by her grand-daughter Kathleen.
    Xx

  41. Oh dear this has really got into my head!

    There once was a woman named Jean
    who bought a sewing machine.
    Flicking the switches
    made all kinds of stitches
    creating the GROOVI-est scene!
    Tonbridge Sue

  42. Here goes a true story , probably not a limerick tho .

    There once was a woman called Jean
    Who bought a sewing machine
    She sewed and sewed ,and sewed
    A blouse, a skirt, a dress, a slip
    And not one of them did fit
    Since then ,the machine has never more been scene !

  43. There once was,a woman called Jean
    Who bought a sewing machine
    She had visions of granduer
    Being a fashion designer
    But alas it was only a dream!

    Sorry not funny but best I could do.

  44. there once was a woman called jean ….. who bought a sewing machine….. she sewed up a storm ….. made clothes right on form … and even made the time to clean! a bit of a fairytale i know x

  45. I'm going to be dreaming in blimmin' limericks tonight!

    There once was a woman called Jean
    who bought a sewing machine.
    She showed her fiancé
    It tickled his fancy –
    Now, guess who's the dressmaking Queen?
    Tonbridge Sue

  46. There once was a woman called Jean
    Who bought a sewing machine,
    The colour was teal,
    Matching her cotton reel
    Sewing parchment to card
    That can t be so hard?
    Dave exclaimed….. that wasn't part of the deal
    X X X

  47. Late tonight, have been in London today at the Royal Academy. Went to an exhibition entitled Monet to Matisse – Painting the Modern Garden. It was great, so many beautiful paintings from so many talented artists, well worth a visit if you can on till the end of April. Brain freeze now though so will have to think of a witty limerick tomorrow. Xx

  48. Love my groovi design club used already.
    There was a woman called Jean
    Who bought a sewing machine
    Although she was keen and the machine teal green
    She began to scream
    Groovi or stamp, sew or emboss
    If only the time was ideal

  49. I learnt to sew on an old hand powered Pfaff. My mam still has it of course. Nothing on those old machines to go wrong and so it still works today. I have thought about getting an oekaki but still love my Bernina I got for my 18th birthday and this also still works a dream. Did get a brother recently for a host of fancy stitches so couldn't warrant getting another one! Too late for my brain to come up with a limerick. Much Love Jayne

  50. Hi Barbara, It looks a lovely machine! my machine lives behind a set of drawers having not seen the light of day for a very long time!

    There once was a woman called Jean
    who bought a sewing machine

    She filled up the bobbin
    And started the threadin

    But it took her so long
    She got bored of the machine

    So popped it back in its box
    And got Groovi instead

    Much Love
    Kim xx

  51. Hello Barb, wow that is a very swish looking machine. I am sure you will find time to do something with it, and there will be some inspiration for us all. Some of the limericks are very good. Take care all. Bx

  52. Morning Barbara, That is a lovely looking sewing machine, loving the colour. Like you, I have two machines, one of which is a compact embroidery machine, both just sat there on top of my sewing table, I haven't used them for years, also up in my craft room at the bottom of my cupboard sits an overlocker machine, that hasn't been used for years either !! I have great ideas to make quilts, but haven't actually had 'any time' yet to even start !!! I would love to be able to 'buy time' too.

    There once was a woman called Jean,
    who bought a sewing machine,
    it sat there for ages,
    while she looked at the pages,
    the manual was 'online',
    please God give her more time.

    Lots of love from Patricia xx

  53. Morning Barbara, That is a lovely looking sewing machine, loving the colour. Like you, I have two machines, one of which is a compact embroidery machine, both just sat there on top of my sewing table, I haven't used them for years, also up in my craft room at the bottom of my cupboard sits an overlocker machine, that hasn't been used for years either !! I have great ideas to make quilts, but haven't actually had 'any time' yet to even start !!! I would love to be able to 'buy time' too.

    There once was a woman called Jean,
    who bought a sewing machine,
    it sat there for ages,
    while she looked at the pages,
    the manual was 'online',
    please God give her more time.

    Lots of love from Patricia xx

  54. I would like a new machine but cannot justify it really. I do not sew quite as much these days, I used to make all my clothes and my daughters dresses. Anyway had a little think about the limerick.

    There once was a woman called Jean,
    Who bought a sewing machine,
    A Groovi pattern she took,
    To stitch a brand new look,
    And now she's a sight to be seen.

    I love the colour of your machine, very smart. Better get sewing Barbara. xx

  55. Hi Barbara. Love the colour of your new sewing machine. You need one of those trolleys from IKEA as it looks the perfect match.

    Here's my attempt at the Limerick

    There once was a woman called Jean
    Who bought a sewing machine
    Her DH was fuming
    Divorce is now looming
    So it sits where once he had been !!!!!

    Love
    Linda xx

  56. Hi Clarity crew
    how's about this ?

    There once was a woman called Jean
    who bought a sewing machine…..

    The thing went amok
    and sewed its own frock…
    t'was the finest, she'd ever seen !

  57. There once was a woman called Jean
    Who bought a sewing machine.
    She first made a dress
    For granddaughter Jess:
    By Friday she'd made seventeen.

    There once was a woman called Jean
    Who bought a sewing machine.
    With fabric and spools
    She made costumes for ghouls,
    Ghosts and witches for next halloween!

  58. There once was a woman call Jean
    Who bought a sewing machine
    Short on time but not thread
    She took it to bed
    And stitched a new quilt 'in her dreams'!

  59. There once was a woman called Jean
    Who bought a sewing machine
    She bought three reels of cotton
    as she had forgotten
    whether her fabric was red , blue or green

  60. Hello I'm a newbie so hope it's ok to join in:
    There once was a woman called Jean who bought a sewing machine
    It sat on the shelf for week after week but this was the day she'd give it a peek.
    Oh dear! Oh no! What have I done? I'm in a real pickle methinks
    My lovely machine needs cotton and threads
    Not Brayer, stamps or inks!

  61. Just in time, here is my try……

    There once was a woman called Jean
    Who brought a sewing machine
    She zigged and she zagged
    Said "Hmmm that's not bad"
    Now she sews all her cards like a dream!

    XX

  62. Hi Barbara
    I've had a little think and here's my try –

    There once as a woman called Jean
    Who bought a sewing machine
    She said ' what a mess!"
    As she zipped up her dress
    Now on clothes she spends not a bean!

    I hope I'm not to late to enter.
    Love Diane G xxxx

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