Hi.  

I recently learned that, in my wife's history, she greatly enjoyed
making 'bean bag frogs' using a rudimentary sewing machine, fabrics
and patterns, beans for filler, and all kinds of 'squiggly eyes'.

She seemed so delighted that I would like to provide her with the same
set up at home.  So I'm hoping that someone can identify for me:

- The appropriate set of materials, including URLS with best purchase
prices
- Where to buy a sewing machine
- Where to get the funny eyes
- Anything else that might help her get back into that hobby

Ideally, I'd love it if someone could set up the whole purchase for
me, get it delivered to my home ... even if there was someone in the
area who could come by and set it up for me, that would be ideal (so I
could surprise my wife and say 'look - here is your bean-bag frog
materials'.

I wouldn't mind paying a commission on this set up work.

Anyway - let me know if you hae any questions please.

---

Request for Question Clarification by umiat-ga on 02 Jul 2003 16:13 PDT

Hi, glennjers-ga!

 What a nice thought! I bet your wife would be delighted if you got
her set up to start back in on one of her favorite crafts.

First of all, as a researcher, I can only point you to online sites or
stores in your area that would have a range of sewing machines within
the price parameters that are acceptable to you. I would need to know:

 The state you live in and the closest large town (if you want to buy
from a store in your local area)
 Price parameters you are willing to pay for a sewing machine
 Whether you are willing to buy a sewing machine online and have it
delivered.
 Whether you are willing to go to a nearby store and select and
purchase a sewing machine if some suggestions are provided.

Ultimately, you will have to make the purchase under your own name and
credit card (or other means). A researcher cannot do this for you.

Secondly, your wife probably had favorite frog patterns (or made her
own) as well as favorite fabrics that she enjoyed in making her
creations. While I can provide you a site for a frog pattern complete
with the eyes and material that you can order initially, you should
also try to pick out some fabrics from an online store or local fabric
store that you think she would like. That way, she will have some
other fabrics to work with and can still use the original pattern (or
trace it, if need be)

I can also find the beans for filler, and the eyes, but ultimately,
you will have to complete the order. I am more than willing to walk
you through it. Is this acceptable to you?

umiat-ga

Hello, glennjers-ga!

 
 Okay, here we go! I hope you don't get too confused with the jumble
of websites confronting you. Before you have a look, I will try to
condense what I have into something less daunting so you know what you
are wading through!

 The initial bean-bag frog pattern is available at only one store,
called the Unique Spool. Your wife will have the initial fabric,
filler and pattern cutouts for as many frogs as you see fit to order.
I would start with three or more. Then, if you choose the easy route
to picking some fabric, I would select from some of the "Fabric
Bundles" offered at the same store. That way, you will have the
pattern and additional material ordered.

 The sewing machine, frog eyes, machine needles, thread and scissors
can all be ordered through Joann Fabric. You may also buy fabric
through them as well, although they only sell it by the yard. I have
given you some suggestions for fabric choices.  Joann Fabrics has a
store near you in case your wife would like help with the machine, 
would prefer to exchange it for a different model,  would like to buy
additional accessories, or look for more material.

 For further fabric choices, I have included some "Bundled Fabrics"
from Fabric.com. The fabrics are nice, but it means an additional
credit card order for one item.

 I also added the option of ordering from Sears, in case you would
like to order a sewing cabinet. If so, you can order the sewing
cabinet and machine from the same place. You will have to decide on
some different machine models since Sears does not carry the White
Brand. Another alternative is to order just the sewing table from
Sears.


==


STORE: THE UNIQUE SPOOL
http://www.uniquespool.com/index.html


BEAN BAG FROG PATTERN
=======================

Frog Heaven pattern:
Courtesy of Shirley Sloan of Coldwater Cottage Designs. Adorable
poly-pellet filled frogs measuring 16' from toe to toe. Make this
floppy friend from brocades, cottons, velvets and corduroys. Wholesale
pricing available.
Http://uniquespool.com/cgi-bin/ustorekeeper.pl?command=goto&id=C5370281&rtn=&previous_page=Patterns_-_Dolls.html&pid=22-4050


FABRIC BUNDLES:
==============
http://uniquespool.com/cgi-bin/ustorekeeper.pl

(If you prefer to order a few small fabric bundles here, instead of
complete yardage from another store, it might be a start. They are all
on this web page. The fabrics are beautiful!!!!!)

1) Laurel Burch Bundle:
100% cotton from Clothworks. 6 Laurel Burch prints plus a companion
fabric.  This is all the rage. 7 fat quarters in each bundle Fantastic
Felines.

2) Pin Dot Fat Quarter Selection:
100% cotton from Free Spirit. Wonderful selections of colors in muted
tones.
6 fat quarters in all.

3) Owl Bundle:
100% cotton fabric. Each Bundle has 7 fat quarters (18x22 each) of
fabric.


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++



STORE: JOAN FABRICS ONLINE
==========================
http://www.joann.com/index.jhtml;$sessionid$E2C32MAAAAHMGP4SY5FRIHR50LD2UEPO

Buy Sewing Machine, Button Eyes, Sewing Needles and Fabric by the Yard


SEWING MACHINE
==============

The sewing machine I would recommend, for the price, features and ease
of use is Model 2037. It is of moderate price, yet has all the
features needed for numerous projects and your wife can "grow" with
it!
   

WhiteŽ 2037 Sewing Machine - $219.00 ON SALE

"White's 2037 is wonderful for the sewer looking for several
functions. Features include 53 stitch functions, 37 built-in stitches,
built-in needle threader, adjustable presser foot pressure, rotary
hook, top drop-in bobbin, built-in buttonhole, adjustable stitch
width/length, snap-on presser feet, instant reverse, lightweight
aluminum frame, free-arm design, twin spool pins and built-in handle
and light. Comes with free instructional video, a cover and 10
assorted feet."
http://www.joann.com/catalog.jhtml;$sessionid$EZOCM5YAAAFMEP4SY5FRIHR50LD2UEPO?CATID=24842&PRODID=52660


Read Reviews at bottom of page:
http://www.joann.com/catalog.jhtml;$sessionid$EZOCM5YAAAFMEP4SY5FRIHR50LD2UEPO?CATID=24842&PRODID=52660#review

==

If you would like to review the other machines, please refer to the
Comparison Table at
http://www.joann.com/product/tables/white_table.jhtml?CATID=24842&PRODID=52660

Prices of machines can be found at 
http://www.joann.com/catalog.jhtml?CATID=25008 


EYES
====

You might want to order a variety of eye sizes so your wife can make a
variety of different sized frogs!

Cute and clever wiggle eyes (3 sizes) (2 per package) (paste or sew
on)
http://www.joannfabrics.com/catalog.jhtml;$sessionid$EYL5VRYAAAEQ0P4SY5FRIHR50LD2UEPO?PRODID=12242&CATID=53080&foreground=green

Cute and clever button eyes (2 sizes) 
http://www.joannfabrics.com/catalog.jhtml;$sessionid$EYL5VRYAAAEQ0P4SY5FRIHR50LD2UEPO?PRODID=12240&CATID=53080&foreground=green
(I recommend 1/2")

Wiggle Eyes 5mm-30mm (120 per package)(paste on)
http://www.joannfabrics.com/shop/shop_zoom.jhtml;$sessionid$EYL5VRYAAAEQ0P4SY5FRIHR50LD2UEPO?CATID=53080&PRODID=10820&SKUID=13568&_requestid=23804



SEWING NEEDLES
=============
Machine Needles 8/Pkg-Assorted Sizes 9/11/14/16: $3.22
http://www.joann.com/catalog.jhtml?CATID=25008&PRODID=47294&foreground=green


COTTON THREAD
===============
12 dark colors:
http://www.joann.com/shop/shop_zoom.jhtml;$sessionid$E3DCLJIAAAHYYP4SY5FRIHR50LD2UEPO?CATID=51614&PRODID=47407&SKUID=49816&_requestid=40114

12 light colors:
http://www.joann.com/shop/shop_zoom.jhtml;$sessionid$E3DCLJIAAAHYYP4SY5FRIHR50LD2UEPO?CATID=51614&PRODID=47407&SKUID=49815&_requestid=40148


SCISSORS
========
Fiskars Soft-Touch Multi-Purpose Scissors : $16.99
http://www.joann.com/catalog.jhtml?CATID=24988&PRODID=11995 


FABRICS
========
Unfortunately, they do not sell bundles, and individual fabrics must
be bought by the yard. If you know the colors and styles your wife
likes, you may want to order a few different fabrics (a yard each
should be enough) from the Casual Fabrics, the Calicos and the
Quilting and Novelty Collection.
http://www.joann.com/catalog.jhtml?CATID=50686



JOANNE STORES NEAREST NEW YORK CITY 
(in case your wife wants to exchange machine or have some one on one
instruction. She can also select fabrics in smaller portions.
===================================
http://joann.know-where.com/joann/cgi/selection?mapid=US&place=NEW+YORK+CITY&region=NY%2CUS&option=

Great South Bay Shopping Center
735 W Montauk Highway
West Babylon, NY 11704-8219 



++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++



STORE: FABRIC.COM
=================

Bundled Fabric Assortments:

Bernatex Half-Yard Cotton Print Assortment: $45.00
Fabric Content: 100% cotton
Description: You will receive half-yard cuts of 30 different small
prints
Fifteen yards total
Washing Instructions: Machine Wash/Tumble Dry
http://store.yahoo.com/phoenixtextiles/asst-036.html


Cotton Print Grab Bag: $23.95
Fabric Content: 100% cotton
Width: 45''
Description: 10 one-yard pieces from current inventory Image does not
necessarily represent assortment which is packed randomly.
Washing Instructions: Machine Wash/Tumble Dry
http://store.yahoo.com/phoenixtextiles/asst-cgb.html


Dupioni Silk Assortment: $40.00
Fabric Content: 100% silk
Description: eight half yard pieces, a total of 4 yards
54'' and 44'' widths, assorted colors
great for doll makers, crazy quilters and handbags
Washing Instructions: Hand Wash or Dry Clean
Fabric Weight: lightweight
http://store.yahoo.com/phoenixtextiles/asst-012.html


Novelty Conversation Cotton Print Assortment: $29.00
Fabric Content: 100% cotton
Width: 45''
Description: 10 one-yard pieces form current inventory. Image does not
necessarily represent assortment which is packed randomly.
Washing Instructions: Machine Wash/Tumble Dry
http://store.yahoo.com/phoenixtextiles/asst-nc.html


Grab Bag: $14
Description: Assortment contains at least 14 total yards in 1, 2 or 3
yard pieces. Random assortment of fabrics from entire inventory of
knits, wovens, prints, etc. Image does not necessarily represent
assortment which is packed randomly.
http://store.yahoo.com/phoenixtextiles/asst-gb.html



+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++



SEARS.COM (if you would prefer to order from this store)
=========

Do you need a sewing table, or will a card table do just fine? 

Click on "Sewing Center" under the Appliances Section, and then click
on "Cabinets".

If you do choose a sewing cabinet, make sure you order the "Custom Fit
Insert" if necessary.


===


If you would rather choose a Sewing Machine from Sears as well, click
on "Sewing Machines" and look at the models that are similar in price
to the White model from Joann Fabrics. Just remember, you don't need a
fancy, heavy-duty machine at this point, nor do you need a serger.



+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++



BEAN BAG FILLER:

 Traditionally, many people use rice. birdseed, small beans, dried
peas or lentils. In lieu of trying to find a source online to find
plastic pellets, your wife might decide what she prefers to use after
making the patterns you have ordered. She may have her own preference
for the filling she used in the past.


====


 I do have one suggestion. You might want to call your local Joann
Fabric Store (as posted above) and make sure they carry sewing
machines in their store. I think it would be wise to have a store
nearby that could offer help on the machine if needed. I would also be
happier if they could give you a second opinion on that machine model.
I am feeling a bit responsible about recommending it in case your wife
prefers another machine.

 I am so impressed that you are creating such a wonderful and
meaningful surprise for your wife! She will undoubtedly be thrilled at
your thoughtfulness and willingness to encourage her in a hobby she so
enjoyed in the past. She must be a very special person for you to go
to such great lengths....and you are obviously very special as well.

 Please let me know if I have left anything out, or if you need
further clarification. I will be more than happy to help if I can.

 I'm signing off with a big smile!


umiat-ga

  
Google Search Strategy
bean bag supplies
Bean bag frog patterns
Joan Fabrics
Sears.com
Fabrics and sewing machines
  
(I asked the editors to remove your phone number from your
clarification to respect your privacy)

---

Clarification of Answer by umiat-ga on 03 Jul 2003 00:26 PDT

The URL for the Bean Bag Frog Pattern is not highlighted:
http://uniquespool.com/cgi-bin/ustorekeeper.pl?command=goto&file=Patterns_-_Dolls.html%20

Also, the website for Sears.com is
http://www.sears.com/sr/homepages/sears_homepage.jsp

Sorry!

Very thorough and informative - just what I was looking for :-)

I'm glad I could help. Thank you for the nice comment and very generous tip!