Trying out and failing with the Lil' Sew & Sew

I've discovered that I'm not very good at sewing in a straight line - that said, I managed to create curtains to cover our front door window (which prior to this left our kitchen exposed to whomever was outside the door).  I used some free instructions (http://www.alternative-windows.com) and it took me about 6 hours to complete my task - and to manage to test out the Lil' Sew & Sew machine (available from amazon.com for about $24).  Unfortunately, the machine broke by the sixth hour and I had to continue by hand.  Have sent the unit back to Amazon for a refund. 

I had high hopes for that machine! Was hoping to make some baby things for the womenfolk in my life who have just had or are due to deliver their first babies!  My thoughts are with Michel & Dave at the moment and their little Isabella.  Looking forward to good news from Neomie, Emilie, & Eun-Ah (though I think her due date is far far away as yet!). 

The lil' Sew & Sew is essentially a toy sewing machine - its made to make the usual straight stitch but at two speeds.  The unit is fairly useful for a multitude of fabrics though because of its light weight design, the thread tends to jump from the tension twist and will snap frequently.  The needle managed to break at one point and drop into the unit causing the spool holder underneath (in the base) to also break.  Because most of the parts are plastic, it would be impossible to repair.  When I started using it, I would have given 5 stars - but by the time I completed the project the thread had jumped/snapped enough times to cause sufficient delay and the needle had snapped forcing a replacement and subsequently breaking the machine - that my rating would go down to 1 or 2 stars.