Cool Tools

When the latest edition of Nancy's Notions arrived I was thrilled to find a multi purpose seam gauge.  Not only multi purpose but almost three times the width of my own little gauge.  I had been dreaming of one and thought it would be great if someone created a longer edge gauge to save me time.  Lo and behold it was in the magazine!  It was on my list of ASAP buys only to be disappointed.  They were out of stock!  So I made sure I checked back on the proposed restock date and was able to order the tool of my dreams...the 5 in 1 Sliding Gauge

Next is my 4" curved Fiskars.  These are great for cutting my embroidery thread close to where I knot it.  Yes!, I do knot when I embroider.  I use these in cutting my quilting thread as well.

3rd is the magnetic wand.  Mine is actually plain red and rectangular.  However JoAnn's didn't have that one and this on is much cutter.

Last is the Mini Iron.  I do not have this item but it's definitely on my wish list.  I can't even begin to tell you the times when I've need a tool like this.  Also at JoAnn's

Embroidered Dresses

Grace & Eva

Here are the dresses I made for the girls. I did a stem stitch on Grace's and a split stitch on Eva's. You can see in the picture that I put the bow's in different positions. The hem reaches their ankles.

I used a jumper pattern from Common Sense Patterns, however I changed the bottom. I didn't like how short it was so I take two 45" wide by 36" or 37" length pieces of fabric and sew them together. Then I gather them and fit it to the top of the jumper.

Currently working on...

A dress for Grace and Eva. I will try to post pictures Wednesday of them in the dresses. I hope to be posting more craft ideas and such soon. I was having such a time with blogger. So what are you ladies currently working on? Any spring projects?

Catching Up

I have done a lot of sewing for Christmas and nothing to show for it. I didn't take any pictures.

I did complete that skirt I've been working on. You can see my daughter in it here. Not the best view, but you can see the lay of the skirt and how the pocket turned out. I also finished the small lily embroidered purse and the cell phone case from my last post. They were both Christmas presents.

I'm still working on my mini heart quilt and putting boarder on the mini teapot wall hanging from my UFO's.

Oh! My friend Chana bought me a ruffler for Christmas. I am so excited to use it. Sewing will go much faster with this beauty.

Inspirations...

that is name of a new magazine I bought back in October. The needles that I ordered with it were on back order. I contacted the company (Country Bumpkin) and asked about the back order and that I was really looking forward to getting their magazine. So they went ahead and shipped it and will send my needles when they get them in. This is an Australian magazine, and I am truly inspired by the creations they show. Lot's of patterns in the book. This particular issue has a number of intermediate projects.

I created this little purse from a Simplicity's pattern for felt. The purse is made with real wool that I found @ the little quilt shop in town. I started another purse with a lily on it. My pastor mentioned Matthew 6:38 & 39 " And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." This made me think of Jesus... Song of Solomon 2:1 " I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys." The last part of Matt. makes me think of how nothing compares to the glory of the Lord.

I started a cell phone cover from the same pattern as the purse. I will post a pic when I'm done.Here are a few "thank you" cards I created using the quilting feature on my BabyLock. In the center picture it gives it a look of snow. The fabric was from about five years ago. The artist is D. Morgan . Unfortunately I can not find this fabric anywhere. I tried ebay as well.

Out with the Old in with the New

Out with the Old... I am almost finished with a skirt mentioned here. I'll be glad to be done with it. It is a nice look but I don't like the directions. Below is the finished look and pattern number (Simplicity) if your interested.

In with the New...
I came across a free log cabin paper piecing pattern (can't remember where) and loved it. They are so easy to make and great for using up those scrape pieces. My two favorite are the upper right and the bottom left. Not sure what they will end up as, but I have a few ideas.

I'm still working on the bible case pattern. I'm currently focusing on the embroidery that I want to include for the pockets.

Soul Winning Bibles

This is a picture of my first draft. I need to tweak it a little before I can market it @ my Etsy shop. This pattern will have a place for your tracts, pen and little note pad.