Do Not Do This

I would not recommend getting your finger in the way of the needle when you are doing machine embroidery.  It is not pretty and doesn't feel very good either.  I'd show a picture of the wound, but it would probably make your stomach turn, so I'll spare you.  All I was doing was trying to smooth the fabric a little as it was going, didn't think I was that close, but unfortunately I got distracted and it surprised the heck out of me and went through my finger.  If you need to do something like that, be sure and stop the machine first!

July 4 Time to Relax

Not much new around here.  I've been doing a little sewing, but nothing exciting enough to blog about.  Did go to the International Quilt Show in Cincinnati in April.  Had a wonderful time and will go back again next year.  Cincinnati will be hosting it for at least 3 years.  It is a wonderful venue and I hope it stays much longer than 3 years!  Got some cool new tools that I need to write about; it's on my list of things to do!
I did teach two classes last Saturday for the Indianapolis Chapter of the American Sewing Guild.  Both classes were for projects on the serger.  The first was a jacket, and the second was a puzzle blouse.  We had a great time.  Below is the class sample that I made for the jacket.  It is made out of rayon batik fabric.  I really like the jacket and will wear it a lot.

This weekend I worked all day yesterday on the week 1 blocks for the HoopSisters 2011 Mystery Quilt.  The mystery started June 1, so as usual I'm a little behind, but I am enjoying it.  This is my first HoopSisters quilt, so it's a learning experience, too.  I'll post pictures when allowed.  Right now it's still a mystery so I have no idea what it is supposed to look like in the end.