I remember when I got a new sewing machine that had special stitches. I layered some muslin and batting and just made random tracks across it in different colors, trying all the stitches. I happened to do it in metallic threads that I'd just bought at a quilt show. It was lying around for a long time before I figured out that I could cut it into the shape of a Christmas stocking and finish it up with a red cuff. My favorite stitch pattern on that old Singer was a little train engine. I have not been able to sew little choo-choos since moving up to a newer machine in 2005, and I still miss it, especially since my grandson was born.
Editing to add that another nice use is if you have plain everyday sheets and pillowcases, it's fun to trim them with some decorative stitches. It's more of a project, though, because you have to sew pretty far with each stitch, but you can do several rows, each different, and maybe change colors as you go.
Last edited by Rose_P; 05-18-2013 at 05:35 PM.