A New Hat!

In this blog posting I have to show off my little sister's craftiness!  I got a special Christmas present.

I needed a black hat that covered my ears.  It's cold outside!

The flower is removable!  My sister is making me more flowers in different 

colors, so I can match the outfit I am wearing at the time.

And you all know how I love a little bling, so she used a rhinestone for the button.

She knows me well! 

She has another one in the works for my birthday.  

And, I can't wait to show you the hat she made for my baby girl!

TTYL!

Christmas Shoes

Merry Christmas!  Experimenting with baby shoes, I had to make a pair for my little girl for Christmas.  She turned one on Christmas eve ;0)    I had to tweak the pattern because my fabrics wouldn't work the way the pattern said they were supposed to...but I think they turned out pretty good.  They matched her Christmas dress of course.

TTYL!

Baby Shoes

At this point I'm making Christmas presents and I don't want to ruin the surprise.  BUT!  I am doing a few things as I go...


A friend of mine sent me a link to this lady who sells baby shoe patterns.  I bought 3 of them and have tried one so far.  My little girl is quite the walker and our wood floors are very cold, so I made fleece slippers for her!

FIRST was the prototype...

It's reversible of course because I like everything to be complicated!

I tried it ballerina style first because it looked so sweet, 

but it absolutely would not stay on her foot.

So I added straps onto them instead, but it only 

keeps them on when she's walking.  If she crawls or sits her 

little toes wiggle them right off.  I'm at a loss!

I think I'm going to try the next size down and see what happens.

Baby feet are sooooooo sweet!!

TTYL!

Top Stitching and Life Done Right

Many of you will agree that if the top stitching looks bad, so does everything else!  MAN!  You do all that work, and then in the last few minutes of what you hope will be complete victory, something ALWAYS goes wrong!!  I, of course having stupid high standards for my self, like to make sure that the top stitching is also in a contrasting/complimentary color.  I don't mean to make life difficult on purpose.  It's just what I like!


Now remember I am still new at all this.  If my brain goes into overload and my eyes glaze over as I'm reading a 'how to'...I'm not going to use that tip.  So here are some tips that I have researched and actually understand:


1. Use a longer stitch length.  Tried it, and yes it helps!


2. Slow down.  Tried it, and yes it helps!!


3. Use the actual presser food as your guide, not the measurement lines on the plate.  
      Tried it, and yes it helps!!!


4. Trim everything as much as you can before folding it right side out and then press it.
      Tried it, and yes it helps!!!!


One thing that I have discovered for myself is that the type of fabric, thread, and needle combo makes a BIG difference.  Can't help you with that one, but I'm sure someone on the internet can :0)  I do practice runs with the fabric many times before I get it just the way I want it.  Even then, no one is perfect. 


This got me thinking (like usual) about life.  How much better would life be if we took it in stride (used a longer stitch length), slowed down, used God (our presser foot) as our guide and not the world (the measurement lines on the plate), and trimmed all the excess.  HA!  Sounds so simple, but even at the sewing machine...application is not as easy as it seems.  So take out your manual again (the B-I-B-L-E) and find the right combination you need to get it done right.


Happy Sewing!  TTYL!

Fraternal Twins

As promised: my 2 new bags.  So these guys are similar yet not quite the same.  It's been interesting using the same pattern with different types of fabrics.  They all end up doing something different than the last, and obviously I have to adjust accordingly.  It's like they each have their own personality!  Who'd a thunk?!?!


We'll go with our teal beauty first...

The handle on this one ended up being very sturdy, but because of how thick it all turned out I couldn't put a button hole in it.  I had to sew the straps on instead. Not what I wanted, but still looks nice.

The fabric does have a shimmer to it!  It was actually in the indoor/outdoor fabric section.  I'm thinking it should hold up nicely even though it looks otherwise.

A white inside and teal paisley cell phone pocket.

Now for our fun red sister...

I love this red corduroy!  It's soft and fuzzy :0)  It also makes a great pop of color against the white and red paisley fabric. 

This one cooperated with the button holes, so they are functional!  

I also think the flower button is too cute!

And on this one I put the red fabric on the outside 

and the paisley on the inside of the strap.

Hope you liked the twins!  They are already bought ;0)

If you liked one of these and would like one for yourself 

just shoot me a message on my contact me page.

TTYL!

Yesterday's report

We got up to 90 hits yesterday!  So close, but I won't complain ;0)  I will have two bags to post next week, and I'm excited to try for the 100 again.  Have a great weekend!


TTYL!

Thanksgiving Wishes

Thanksgiving begins today at the Leja house with preparations and busyness to get ready for tomorrow, just like many of you.  Be sure to step away from all the stuff and reflect on all the blessings God has given you as you celebrate with your family and friends.  Make it a deliberate attempt to sew a new tradition in your home-quilt of thanks and praise.


This year, in our family quilt, we have a square for a new birthday in our home, potty training success, new wonderful friends, lessons learned, loving extended family, an exciting stage performance, the realization of a new talent and the start of a new business for me.  I know there is so much more and I take all these things for granted.


Psalm 107:1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.


Celebrate and give thanks this weekend.  Talk to you on Monday.