Happy 4th of July!!

Are you celebrating with family today?

Our kids were all busy, so DH and I are grillin' and chillin'.

We just got back from a month long trip, so a little chillin' is definitely needed! :-) While away we picked up my DMIL's sewing machine. DH's aunt had saved it for one of his sisters, but they didn't want it--so we asked if we could take it for DD and they were very happy to keep it in the family.  It is a National, Model FA630.  I don't know very much about it other than it was made in Japan. 

DMIL took very good care of it and has notes in the book, stuck to the machine, on the needle packs and just everywhere! It is really a trip to read them and think about her. She did a LOT of mending with this machine.  She & DFIL farmed, and raised 5 kids... 2 boys + DFIL = a lot of jeans to mend! :-)

 

I cleaned and oiled it for DD and then took it for a test drive. 

Oh my goodness~ this machine is a work horse!!! :-)

I had this bag that I wasn't able to topstitch with either of my domestic machines, so I wondered if this machine could do it~ it sewed through everything I had thrown at it so far and would you believe it did!!??  It acted like it was sewing through butter!!

This is the Artemis Shoulder Bag.

 The pattern is by Tori of Toriska

I am not sure where I got the faux leather, I really liked it, but sure learned a lesson about it~~ just too thick for my little machines. Hmmm, I wonder if DD would let me 'borrow' her machine... long term? :-)  LOL

Until next time~

Happy Stitchin'!!

Play Ball!

Are you having a good summer?

I had some fun playing with my Crafter's Edge Crossover II machine recently.

I used the Beach Ball die..

And made some balloon balls for my grandkiddoes!

These are just too fun! I tried 2 different ways to insert a balloon~ by leaving a seam open and by making a buttonhole. The buttonhole was by far the better way. It seemed like leaving an opening in a side seam made the ball slightly wonky.  I made these when my kids were small, and when I saw the Crafter's Edge die I just knew I had to make them again. The great thing about them is that you don't have to worry about a child biting or inhaling balloon bits. When the balloon loses air, just take it out and insert another and blow it up. 

The kids had so much fun batting them around. If your kids are older another fun way to play with them is to insert a marble in the balloon~ the balls go wacky! LOL

In the above pic you can see my buttonhole vs side seam. ;-) 

Looking for a little indoor (or outdoor) fun for your littles?

Try balloon balls! :-)

Until next time~

Happy Stitchin'!

A Fun New Bag~

 I had the pleasure of pattern testing a fun new pattern from Kris of KM Designs. 

This is the 'HallieJade Mini' and the pattern is loaded with extras!

It can be made in faux leather, cork, decorator fabric or quilting cottons.

I chose a fun cotton print and quilted it to foam for body.

This little bag is small, but looks are deceiving!

It has a hidden front zipper pocket, a hidden back pocket for your phone or whatever. An inside sunglasses pocket and a zipper pocket!

The sides have snaps so you can make it smaller when carrying a little, and open the snaps when you have more to take along.

The straps convert from a mini backpack to a crossbody bag very easily. 

With minimal hardware and options for the front closure, this is a really fun pattern.

 

There are 2 versions, the Mini and the Mini 2~ with or without the front pocket.

You can find all the info HERE but be quick~ the sale is through the weekend. ;-)

Until next time~

Happy stitchin'!

A Bit of Sewing!

I used to sew clothes all the time~

especially when my kids were growing. It was not only economical, but I loved it!!

When I saw the Crafter's Edge Bumble Bee die I immediately thought of my DGD who sings a bee song to me and loves to watch the bees in the flowers.  

I looked for a ready-to-wear top, but there was nothing I liked so...

or should I say 'sew'... ;)

I found a McCall's pattern  (M6541) and made her a little top. :-)

 I really enjoyed sewing the top and making a bumble bee pocket was so fun! I was never really a fan of fusible applique, but I have changed my mind! LOL

I cut the appliques with my CE Crossover II machine after pressing some Heat & Bond Feather Lite adhesive to the back of the fabrics. For the bee's head I added a layer of fusible interfacing before the adhesive so the body wouldn't show through as much. 

I appliqued the bee onto the large hexagon (also in the Bumble Bee set) with a machine straight stitch,  and did a little hand embroidery before sewing it to the pocket hexagon. (Right sides together and leaving an opening for turning.)

I guessed at placement on the top, but it I think it came out great!

 And my DGD was sure happy! :-)

Tell me~

are you interested in clothing sewing, or strictly quilting?

I have more fun projects ahead!

Until next time~

Happy stitchin'!!

Meet The Penny Quilt

 Erica @Kitchen Table Quilting  released a new pattern today,

and you can read all about it here~

The Penny Quilt

I loved testing this quilt! I knew right away it would be the quilt for my small stash of Dr Seuss

fabrics. I chose red with white polka dots for the sashing. 

I think it makes such a happy quilt!

 

Be sure to check back to Erica's site a couple times over the next few days as she shares more versions and the tester quilts. So much inspiration!!

Until next time~

Happy stitchin'!!

Adventures in Binding

I am not a fan of cutting bindings for my quilts~ I inevitably get a strip cut wonky, with an elbow or my ruler slips and the whole strip ends up off. :-(

So I was thrilled to find the 2½ inch strip die arrive with my Crafter's Edge Crossover II machine.

And I was not one bit disappointed! :-)

 The die is super thin and  open on each end so it can be moved along your fabric to cut the entire strip.

I could easily place it by feeling the little groove catch at the edge of the previous cut.

See how thin the die is and the little groove that does the cutting~

You can click on the image to make it bigger. I had to take the photo in a bit of a dark corner otherwise I got too much shadowing.

I tried 4, 6 and 8 layers of fabric. :-) I found that with the 8 layers I got a few skips... 8 layers is not recommended, but I had to try. ;-) . 6 layers cut great with no effort on my part. The handle turned very easily. :-)

And in the blink of an eye, I have binding cut for 2 different projects!

No elbows, no slipping of the ruler, no problems!

I love it!!

 

I will be back when my bindings are sewn on. ;-)

Until then~

Happy Stitching!!.

Time....

I think I would like an 8 day week! :-)

Time seems to be moving so fast! It is nearly the end of April!

Where have I been?

Well, there is always that bunch of stuff I can't show you, but in time I can. :)

I wanted to show you this wall hanging today~

 I received it in the mail last week and am still just, well, nearly speechless!!

I was so surprised!! A sweet friend made it and sent it to me.

She knew it was my motto. LOL And its my colors!  

And it is just perfect.  ♥

I have found the perfect place to hang it so I can see it every day. :-)

Until next time~

Happy stitchin'!