Hello?

I know. I know. I'm making a habit of these long silences. I just haven't been in a crafty mood lately. Today though, I got the bug, got out my box of ribbons, and got busy creating hair clips/bows.

Bows



Oh yeah. I've also been crocheting dish clothes. Random, I know. I was stressed out one day and decided I needed to do something mindless. I used a nice 100% cotton yarn. I found a pattern off of the internet (it is basically a single stitch with an open lace pattern on each end) and whipped out a few in a couple of hours. Here is one hard at work:

For Chastidy

Chastidy, I LOVE my little blue Janome. Until recently I sewed on an old, heavy Singer. I actually purchased the Janome because I needed a machine quick (my Singer broke down in the middle of a project and I didn't want to have to "shop" around for a big, expensive machine) and the price was very right. I figured that once I had it I could take my time shopping for my "real" machine. I wanted my new machine to be more portable and easier to store, which this one is. I wanted it to be easy to use, without a bunch of stuff I wouldn't use...check. I haven't found anything that it CAN'T do yet. It powered through putting a lightweight quilt together, so seems to be powerful enough (for me, at least). I haven't quite figured out why I couldn't find any reviews, etc. But seems to be due to the fact that it is a Kenmore with the Janome name. Hmm. I'm beginning to think that I won't need to get another machine, because I really like sewing on this one. Hope this helps.

LWR Quilt Top

My first project on my new machine was to put together a quilt top for Lutheran World Relief. A lovely group of LWML ladies at my church puts together many of these quilts each year. I know it's a little loud but will definitely hopefully bring a lot of warmth!

On its Way!

I'm finding out that sewing machines are like cars...everyone has their favorite make & model. But by far, I received the most positive feedback about Janome machines. Well, I finally purchased a new sewing machine, a Janome 1913. I will most likely be buying a bigger, more expensive machine in the next couple of months, but this one will be perfect for when I want to bring my sewing machine along with me (it only weighs 11 pounds!). Can't wait to get my hands on it.

Rock the Vote!

Hey, Everyone! Tracey over at Itching 2 B Stitching is hosting the Because I Matter Challenge and it's time to vote for all the June entries. Will you go over there and vote for your favorite project? You'll find my June project (the sewing organizer) as well as a bundle of other super cute things from very talented crafters. CLICK HERE

Don't Look Tracey!!!

Phew. It is finished...almost. That's right. ALMOST finished. I still have to complete a little bit of hand stitching around the zipper, and inside the lining. What a big challenge this bag was for me. I really am happy with how it turned out despite all the little quirks that got sewed in. I added the little fabric flower to spice it up a bit...what do you think?

Because I Matter Challenge--June Project

Because I scored a loaner machine from my very sweet friend Phyllis, I was able to finish my June entry for the Because I Matter Challenge over at Tracey's. This little organizer is the perfect size for all of my quilting and small sewing tools. It is lined with fleece so it is perfect for safely securing needles and scissors. Next month maybe I will dream up something bigger for myself, but for this month, I kept it simple.