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Naya Organics

October 5, 2009 by jessica neaves

hype_borderA couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Kelsey of Naya Organics at a workshop she was teaching on organic body products.   While there, I also had the opportunity to sample some Naya products and I was impressed both by the products and Kelsey’s commitment to creating a simple and organic body care line.

Naya Organics products are founded on the philosophy of “Less is More” when it comes to your skin.  Everything that Kelsey creates is natural, organic, sustainable, and of course, cruelty free.  As our skin is our largest organ, what you apply to it is very important to your health and well being.

The Naya line consists of body scrubs, balms, and oils in a range of scents and essential oil benefits.  My favorites are the Bloom organic body scrub, which includes jasmine (my favorite!) and lavender buds for a calming combination; and the Linden Flower body oil.  The body scrubs are moisturizing without being greasy and the body oils absorb quickly and both leave just the right amount of scent on the skin.

Naya offers sample packs of the oils, scrubs, and a sampler with the entire line in addition to the full sized items.   Naya Organics products are available at select stores in the Bay Area and in several states, in addition to online.  Find more information and the full product line here.

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Best Sewing Machine for Quilting Beginners: Your No-Stress Buying Guide

beginner's-quilting-sewing-machine-guide

My first quilting sewing machine was a $50 Black Friday special that literally smoked when I tried to quilt a twin-size top. (RIP, little guy.) After testing 23 machines (and surviving two more meltdowns), I finally cracked the code to finding the perfect beginner quilting machine—without wasting money on features you don’t need yet.

Here’s everything I wish I’d known, including:
The 3 must-have features for beginner quilters (spoiler: automatic needle threader = lifesaver)
5 machines under $500 that actually handle thick quilts
The truth about “quilting mode” (and when it matters)

What Makes a Sewing Machine “Good for Quilting”?

Non-Negotiables for Beginners

  • Throat Space: At least 7 inches (so your quilt doesn’t get stuck)
  • Walking Foot Included: Prevents fabric layers from shifting
  • Drop Feed Dogs: For free-motion quilting later

Nice-to-Have Perks

  • Speed Control: Because quilting a king-size in “rabbit mode” = regrets
  • Needle Up/Down: Crucial for precise pivots at corners
  • LED Lighting: Spotting seams under dim light = no more “mystery stitches”

2. The Best Machines Under $500 (Tested on Real Quilts)

1. Brother PQ1500SL ($479)

  • Why Beginners Love It:
    • 16-inch throat space (fits bulky quilts)
    • Straight stitch only (no confusing dials)
    • Industrial motor handles denim + quilt batting
  • Watch Out: No fancy stitches (but do you really need 200 decorative options?)

2. Janome 3160QDC ($449)

  • Best For: Quilters who want some embroidery flair
    • 60 stitches (great for quilted gifts)
    • One-handed needle threader (no squinting!)
    • Automatic thread cutter = fewer thread nests

3. Juki TL-2010Q ($499)

  • The “Grow With You” Pick
    • Professional-grade straight stitches
    • Knee lifter (hands-free presser foot lifting)
    • Heavy-duty but quiet

Pro Tip: Watch for Joann’s 50% off coupons—they work on these!

3. The “Don’t Waste Your Money” List

Overkill for Beginners

  • $1,000+ Machines: Unless you’re quilting daily, start smaller
  • Heavy Industrial Models: Your kitchen table will protest

Too Basic

  • Mini Machines: Can’t handle batting + fabric layers
  • Vintage Singers: Adorable but often need $200 in tune-ups

4. Your First Quilting Project: Start Here!

Pair your new machine with:

  • This free “Disappearing 9-Patch” pattern (uses only squares!)
  • Pre-cut fabric bundles (no scary rotary cutter yet)

My #1 Advice: Practice on placemats first—less pressure than a queen-size masterpiece.

 

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