Sole Cool Hot Iron Bag

A while back I got the Quickie Chick's SOLE COOL HOT IRON BAG pattern from my local quilt shop. I have now made 4 of these bags, one for me, and as gifts my mother, sister-in-law and a friend. The bag is a great way to carry your iron to/from retreats, workshops, classes, etc. The pattern was very clear and easy to follow.

The pattern is for 2 sizes, large and small. The bags I made were the large ones, but I will probably make a small one for my small travel iron.

I've now used the bag several times and it is so nice not to have to wait for your iron to cool when you are packing up just so you can transport it. The only modification I made to the pattern was in additional to the InsulBright and batting, I also added a layer of teflon material. No particular reason, I just wanted to be double sure.

Bernina Endless Embroidery - Table Runner

I made a table runner last week using the project from Bernina (Bernina USA Projects - Ode to Ireland Table Runner) for the 830 to learn how to use the endless embroidery feature. I was hesitant tackling this, but in the end it came out great. It took a little practice to figure out how to adjust to get the designs lined up, but now that I've got it, I can't wait to try more projects using the Endless Embroidery feature of the 830.

The photo below is a closeup of the designs.

Every time I do something new on this machine, I love it more and more.

Wedding is History - I'm Back Again

I've been busy the last few months making my daughter-in-law's wedding dress, so I haven't been able to post much. Now that the wedding is over, I thought I'd share some pictures of the dress in progress and then the finished dress.

Next is the finished dress with the beautiful bride and groom.

I had a blast making it (even though it stressed me out to the max) and learned a lot of new things along the way, including how to install an invisible zipper. In all the years I've been sewing, I've never done one, and can't believe how easy it was; there will be plenty more invisible zipper installations in the future!

And Sew On....Part 4 - Finished Jacket

This is a picture of the finished jacket. I actually finished it in time to wear to the Indianapolis Chapter ASG Annual meeting the first part of November, but just haven't gotten around to updating the blog with the finished jacket.

I love this jacket, it is so comfortable and very flattering to wear. This is the second one I have made from this pattern (Kwik Sew 2801). The pattern lends itself to a lot of different design possibilities for using embellishments. I think I may try doing something out of denim with it next.

I have a whole lot of projects that I want to tackle this year, in addition to all of the commitments I've made to do some projects (not the least of which is my soon-to-be daughter-in-law's wedding dress), so this will be a busy and productive year, I hope.

Happy Holidays!

Wishing everyone a joyous Christmas and love, peace and less stress in the New Year!

And Sew On....Part 3

And then there were sleeves!!!

I've finally mustered up enough energy to finally get back to my sewing. What a wild couple of weeks. I won't go into the details, but I wouldn't wish the trauma with work that I've been through on anyone. I'm starting to feel like I'm getting back to my old self emotionally, especially when I woke up this morning and I looked forward to getting back in my sewing studio.

All I have left to do is the facing and collar, so I should have this done tomorrow, probably with the exception of the buttons and button holes, just depends on how industrious I feel. I'm thinking self-covered buttons out of the jacket fabric. I love the embroidery and think that will work well instead of trying to find something suitable that wouldn't detract from the embroidery.

I don't usually do shoulder pads, but I think this one is going to need a little something. I typically don't like shoulder pads, and typically take them out of anything I buy that has them in, but I think the shoulder lines will fit me better with a little padding. I've noticed as I've aged (YIKES!) that my shoulders seem to droop a little now.

I've also been trying to sew with my left foot on the foot pedal of my 830 (not an easy feat for someone who has sewn all their life with their right foot). It is taking some getting used to, but I think I actually do a little better sewing that way, leaving my right knee free for the free-hand system. It also makes me slow down -- I have a tendancy to sew way too fast -- and I have better results.

And Sew On....Part 2

Spent most of the day yesterday getting my pattern cut out and embroidering the panels for the front. Looking good so far. I certainly didn't buy too much fabric, I was sweating whether I was going to get it all out of the 2 yards I bought. I only have little inch scraps left. Next time I'll make sure I get 2 1/2 yards for a jacket. Need to make sure I don't mess anything up or I'll have to go and get more.