Wednesday, September 30th, 2009
This is the design wall in my sewing room. It holds projects I am working on, prototypes of patterns and samples that are being interviewed. Right now it is loaded with junk bag examples in all kinds of color variations. The bag that is on the cover of the pattern was made using Moda fabrics and will be on display in their booth at Fall Quilt Market. I am not setting up a booth this fall, but instead get to booth hop, take the quilt store tour and go to School House. I can’t wait to visit with everyone – it’s so hard to do the visiting when you have to focus on the booth. I am planning to set up a booth at Spring Market in Minneapolis.
Happy, productive, awesome market wishes to everyone!
Wednesday, September 30th, 2009
You have no idea. No idea. There really is no explaining how hard this was, and at the same time, how exhilarating, liberating and exciting. I have treasured and protected this piece of fabric like a small infant child. All the while hoping to be able to use it and happily let it serve it’s purpose. It’s fabric. I love it. It is now something I can use daily…
I am using the Junk Bag pattern to make my tote for Quilt Market.
I couldn’t wait to free-motion quilt on this fabric! The stabilizer used in this pattern acts like a thin batting, so quilting just seems so right! I had some problems with my machine and just couldn’t wait.. The owner of Midwest Sewing where I am teaching some classes said I could use one of his machines while mine is repaired. I was so excited to try the 820 Bernina BSR . The stitch regulator is awesome! As you move the piece that you are quilting, the sensor sees how fast you are moving the fabric and adjusts the speed of the machine automatically, no need to press on the foot control! I have never had the chance to use it! The picture above is a close up of the free motion quilting I did on the machine – awesome, fast, perfect!
While I was at it, I took some pictures of some of the steps used in the bag directions. I love these binder clips. They hold everything in the right spot, I don’t worry about holes in my fabric or whether I can get the pin through all the layers.
Also use the clips to hold the lining in place. I used plenty! It helps align the fabric and keep it from wrinkling in the wrong spot down the road as you sew.
When stitching lining to bag around top edge, use quarter inch presser foot with guide. Stitch on lining side of bag (Refer to step 10 on pattern).
Working on the Bernina really spoiled me. I get asked often by quilters and sewers what machine I use or if I would recommend one. I really recommend that you visit a shop that specializes in machines and visit with the salesperson about what your needs are. My experience is really limited to what few machines I have been exposed to and there are so many special features on each machine, I couldn’t possibly keep up to speed like a shop owner can. I learned quite a bit visiting an open house at Midwest Sewing, here in Wichita and had some time to try a few of the Bernina machines while there. I have had one in the past and really loved it.
Ta-Da. I’m exhausted. Sewing really is a demanding, contact sport for some of us. But it’s a labor of love.
Bag back, quilted.
Bag inside pockets.
Now I get to add my fabric hang tag and bejewel and bling it up! It’s what I’ve been waiting for.
Happy Sewing, ladies!
Wednesday, September 30th, 2009
I am so pleased to announce my new line of gift cards! I love sending notes to friends and family and now with all the important communication that has developed as my business grows, it became important to have beautiful cards to send notes along with my products!
I know in the quilt shops, customers are more often than not making gifts for children, grandchildren and loved ones. The wonderful sewing notions, beautiful stacks of fabrics and soft yarns grab the hearts of us sewers! How fun to see them on sweet note cards.
Each set comes with three of the same card, matching envelope with stitched address label, and three button card tags. Send them with the gifts you make or give them to your sewing and crocheting friends!
Thursday, September 10th, 2009
I am excited to introduce my newest pattern, the Junk Bag! It uses charm packs, fat quarters, hanky fabric, ric-rac crochet trim and all the embelishing goodies we all love!
We are working, working, working to get things ready for the Fall Quilt Market in Houston. While I am not setting up a booth this fall, you can look for a model of this pattern in the United Notions Booth. It will be available for order September 15th. Many thanks to my friends and family for their support and encouragement! A special thanks to my quilt guild for inviting me to present and speak for them in June. Your questions and feedback regarding my patterns, and the Junk Bag are so appreciated!
