Wanted: $350 Cuckoo Clock??

I saw this cuckoo clock featured in a post on Hello Craft and want. it. so. bad. It is a modern take on the traditional cuckoo clock and there is nothing hokey feeling about it. It's sleek and beautful.

The clock, featured on http://www.momentoitalia.com/, was presented at the 2008 International Furniture Show in Milan, Italy. The web site shows it in two different color schemes/styles. I prefer the white and brown one to the left. It is very natural.

I would love to have this clock in a house of my own, but unfortunately, the $350 price tag is a little too steep. I wonder if there is a way to reproduce the look without spending the cash.

To read the post on cuckoo clocks at Hello Craft click here.

Dusting Off the Sewing Machine

I went home to Madison (where my parents live) this weekend and was suddenly inspired to unearth my Singer Featherweight II sewing machine from the depths of our basement. I have been so inspired by the crafty blogging community over the past few months and have decided it's time to pick up where I left off with my lovely machine.

There are, however, a few problems. #1 - There is a crucial piece missing on my sewing machine (don't ask me how I lost it, I have no clue)...the clear bobbin cover that holds my bobbin in place and makes it possible to sew. #2 - The instruction manual/warranty information is also missing...this one isn't as big of a deal because I can order a new manual online at www.singerco.com. #3 - The pedal is missing...also required for sewing.

Hopefully, I can take the machine to a local repair place and have them order me a new clear plastic bobbin cover. I can order a new instruction manual and view the warranty info online... so that's not so bad (thank goodness for the internet!). The pedal is missing right now... but I'm sure it is SOMEWHERE...it has to be! I searched all of the plastic bins at home that house the old stuff from my childhood bedroom and couldn't find it. So now I must conduct a search of the many boxes/bins full of junk that I have at my own house.

If I can get these three snags squared away... I should be on the track to whipping up outfits and crafts in no time! After all these years (about five or six) of not sewing, I am a little bit rusty with my sewing machine skills. I think I am going to look into taking a class to get myself re-oriented with my sewing machine. Can't wait to see what I can create!