Towels for Kristin

Kristin has joined a gym and is doing spinning classes. She called me and said - Mom their towels are gross - can you make me some that I can take so they'll know they are mine? Right on it Kris. I was at Sam's club and found this white towels - not great towels but a dozen for about $13.00. Great - cheap and if I make mistakes - and I did - no big loss. Good practice for the nice towels I bought to embroider for myself. I had a lot of fun learning how to monogram/embroider on towels and combining parts from different programs in the 4D software. My favorite - of course - Think Pink! Now, Kris can perspire - ladies perspire - they don't sweat - in style!

Erin's Dresser Scarf

I've always been interested in vintage linens and have loved- as did our Mother - the Madeira style dresser scarves and dollies. In the sewing world - this is Heirloom sewing. This is my first attempt at making a cut work dresser scarf or currently called a runner. Each design is a separate unit and with the use of 4D software you can combine the designs to make a mulitude of different designs. This scarf was done in five separate hoopings on a linen blend fabric. I made this for Erin to put on an antique oak dresser she bought at a garage sale for $10.00! We stripped it and refinished the dresser. They will be a great combination.

Derric's Laptop bag

Derric has been after me to make something for him. He has been feeling left out because everyone was getting bags, but not him. So he said make me a laptop bag. I found a pattern by Indigo Designs and Derric came up with the idea of using one of his old suits for the material. What a cool idea - a business laptop bag made from a business suit. He wanted to be able to put two laptops in it so I added an inch to the depth of the bag and also made a padded divider with pockets to hold cords and separate the computers. I also added a padded shoulder piece for the strap to slide through. Of course, he insisted on a personalized label. It came out pretty cool.

I took a class today at Knecht's Sewing with Deb Yedziniak who is a National Sewing Ambassador for Pfaff. We made this piece that could be used for a pillow top and learned new techniques using a ruffler foot, cording foot, and a three hole couching foot. Also created some stitches to use on the project. It was a most enjoyable class and I learned many new techniques. Thanks Deb. Look forward to more classes with you!

I was asked to make an adult bib - we'll all be there one day - . I've made other ones but red sauce stains the material or it may soak through and not do it's job. I was looking for the new laminated fabrics but couldn't find a design that I liked - and it's $20.00 a yard. I was at JoAnn's and the ladies there told me about a vinyl Heat and Bond. It is so cool! The vinyl has a paper backing that you peel off. The vinyl is lightly tacky. Lay the tacky side on the fabric, cover with the paper you peeled off and lightly iron with a medium iron. It came out really nice. It's a pretty light vinyl so that the finished item is still pretty soft - not stiff and hard. I put a self bias binding around the neck to make it more comfortable. I also put a pocket along the bottom of the bib to catch anything that might slide down the vinyl. The vinyl was about $10.00 for 2 yards - 17" wide. I was able to make 2 bibs from one package. It is lined with the same fabric but you could mix it up. This bib used 1/2 yard of fabric for one side. I loved this fabric. It's a black and white gingham with red cherries. It reminded me of a 50's tablecloth and thought that it was perfect for a bib. This would be a great way to make baby bibs in any material!

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I love this octagonal table runner/centerpiece. It's extremely easy to make and adds some nice color to the room. I made this one for my sisters kitchen table because - she has a yellow kitchen! Hope she likes it.

Here's another example of the professional tote that I made for a friend as a thank you for a thoughtful gesture. I'm always amazed that even though it is the same pattern they all look different with different style fabrics. I really enjoy making this pattern. It is pretty tedious but I love the finished product. I also made the wallet out of left over scraps. I used a Kona Bay fabric which I'm beginning to love. It is a nice weight 100% cotton fabric available at most quilt shops. The designs are beautiful. This one has a bit of gold in it that gives it a bit of an elegant look.

My husband just installed a window air conditioner - the last one on the self at Walmart - in my sewing room - so now even with this unbelievable heat I can go upstairs and do my sewing! YEAH!