A New Machine July 29, 2007

Ok, so here is the problem with those FREE classes. I went to one today to learn how to make this "quick and easy" heirloom bag. It turned out it was really a sales pitch for the new Designer SE that was on sale. I had a mantra all the way through the class. It went something like this: "I will not fall for the gimmick, I will not buy a new sewing machine, I love my sewing machine, I don't need another machine, it doesn't matter how good the deal is, I wouldn't take it if it was free". Well, you probably get where this is going right! For the record though, I want to be clear that I did leave the class without purchasing a new Designer SE. It was the next day when all of my girlfriends came over to make fabric postcards. I just happened to run out of glue and we just had to go back to THAT store to get some. You know, if I was going to be in the area for a $0.99 glue bottle, why not pick up a new $5000 machine right. It made total sense at the time. I am the never regretful owner of a new Husqvarna Designer SE. Sadly, of it's many wonderful feature the two that sold me were the light (yes the light) and the ability to switch between sewing and embroidery without taking the machine apart. Happy Pictures Later!

Fabric Postcards - July 29, 2007

So the SGSG (Sewing Gals Sewcial Group) got together last week and found out that we had a friend with some health concerns. Patty brought up the great idea of doing a group project to bring up her spirits. Amy suggested fabric postcards. I had never made them before so it took a group effort to get me up and running, but I think they turned out quite nice. Here are a couple of tips:

1 - Make sure you buy fusible backing and cut it to 4x6
2 - Embellishments make even the most noticeable mistake fade away - but be sure to add them last
3 - Use a clear plastic photo frame as your template for cutting
4 - A 4x6 "postcard" stamp adds a great touch to the back of the postcards

Total cost $0.10-$0.25 each using fabric scraps. The embellishments are the most expensive part.

My favorite part of the project was the fact that they were so small that I was inspired to try things that I wouldn't otherwise try to do on a large scale project. On my pink postcard I began experimenting with my Fabric Decorator function of my embriodery software. I had never done it before, but it turned out well and I learned a few lessons that I can use as I use it again.

Heirloom Bag - July 28, 2007

Read above for the real story of the heirloom bag. This was an enjoyable experience. In hindsight I will say that I am not overly interested in the heirloom style, but it is good to know what our machines are capable of. The problem with this type of project is: sewing in a straight line is way harder than you think. I'll need some tips if I am going to repeat this project. I did find out about the wing needle that makes great little holes in your fabric as you sew decorative stitches. I bought one to play with, I thought I may even be able to use it for more modern designs to add a touch of texture.

No intentions of doing this again.