The Sewing Mom

I have purchased a new project that I really would like to get started on. The problem is, I have other things and responsibilities to get done before I can really go into my sewing room and have fun with my new project. So, to help me get a handle on what I need to do and feel better organized, I decided to make a list.These are my 13 things I need to do before I can hide out in my sewing room to work on my new project.

1. Get started on the two load of laundry that need to be done today.
2. Submit husband’s rebate form online to Staples
3. Gather and mail copies of utility bills for online survey ($5)
4. Make my bed
5. Clean kitchen counters
6. Dust and vacuum family room
7. Fill out forms for junior high to turn in at Expectations Night tonight
8. Water potted plants
9. Clean off desk - again
10. Balance checkbook - again
11. Vacuum t.v. room
12. Do exercises on Wii Fit (I’m 3 days behind)
13. SEW!!

Tags: organization, Thursday Thirteen, to-do list

I have been feeling extremely under the weather with a sever sinus headache that, even with prescription medications, I’m having a terrible time getting rid of. With that in mind, you’ll understand why it took me over a week to create this bag, something that probably shouldn’t have taken longer than 2 days! It is finished though and I even have the second, smaller bag started. I’m very pleased with how this bag turned out. The high quality cotton fabric is from Moda. It is approximately 12″h x 15″w, is fully lined with 2 interior pockets, and a spring tension rod closure which keeps it “snapped” shut until you pull it open. I am selling this fabulous bag for $40. Today’s Thursday Thirteen is the steps I took to make this wonderful bag.

1. Cut the fabric for the outside, lining, pockets and handles.
2. Cut fusible fleece.
3. Iron fusible fleece to outside fabric. This provides added support to the bag.
4. Sew pocket fabric to pocket lining, press.
5. Place and sew pockets to lining fabric
6. Stitch side and bottom seams of bag fabric and then do the same with the lining fabric.
7. Sew lining to bag.
8. Turn top of bag to the outside and stitch in place.
9. Sew straps, then insert double layer of fleece for shoulder padding.
10. Sew trim to straps.
11. Sew straps to bag.
12. Sew trim around the folded edge of casing.
13. Insert spring tension metal frame.

Enjoy the bag! The hardest part of making this bag was inserting the metal frame. It took more than two hands to get the post inserted into the metal frames, so my husband helped with that step, along with a strong pair of pliers.

Tags: fabric bag, fabric purse, Thursday Thirteen

 I have really been enjoying my mom being here this week, although, as usual, the time is going by way too quickly. She was wanting to head on to Indiana today, but I think she may be staying a day or so longer. At least I’m hoping that’s the case!
This leads me to this weeks Thursday Thirteen, 13 things my mom & I have done since Monday.

1. We discovered a new quilt shop, (new to us anyway!) in Rockwall, TX. We visited the shop on Monday and each bought some very pretty fabrics.
2. We’ve worked on updating some of the programs on my mom’s computer. She has a laptop that she travels with and she hesitates whenever those popups come up that say “there is an upgrade available”.
3. I managed to get my 2nd quilt block-of-the-month sewn together and the applique cut and ironed on to the block under her supervision. (this is my first quilt project!)
4. We spent a morning at Joann’s Fabrics purchasing fleece and lace to make more baby cuddle blankets. She loved what I had made all ready and wants me to make more. She also found some very cute printed fleece that she is working with.
5. I found some very inexpensive, plain white washcloths to embroider on, I can’t wait to show what I’ve done with those!
6. Watched my daughter in her first pre-season softball game of the season.
7. Possibly purchased a new serger machine. They are attempting to track one down for me, it’s a discontinued model at a very good price. I’m waiting to hear back.
8. Went antique shopping in old town McKinney. I just wish the shops stayed open a little longer!
9. We both managed to get our hair cut and we both feel human again!
10. Stocked up on dog food and treats for both our dogs.
11. Taught my mom how to sew the lace on the fleece using an edge joining foot and a bridging stitch. It’s so very simple and actually fun!
12. I finished embroidery work on 6 washcloths, they’re so cute! I’ll have a picture later.
13. Managed to relax quite a bit, enjoying each other’s company and hopefully will hunt down another quilt shop today!

Tags: Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Things about sewing, that I enjoy

1…. I love fabric stores! There are so many beautiful fabrics, it can be overwhelming, but I like finding a fabric that I can create something special out of, knowing it’s a one of a kind item.

2…. I love fabric! Ditto what I said before, just can’t have enough fabric!

3…. I love to sew with my sisters and my mom. We get together with our sewing machines when we can and we just create. It’s fun because we all help each other out when we’re trying something new.

4…. I love taking sewing classes to learn new things. It’s a great way to learn new sewing techniques.

5…. I love meeting people that love to sew.

6…. I love buying thread. Have you SEEN how many colors of thread are available?!

7…. I love sewing supplies. If you can think of it, it probably exists.

8…. I love my sewing machine. I do wish it had a few more decorative stitches, but hey, it does embroider, so I’m not complaining!

9…. I love carrying a bag I’ve made and having someone ask me where I bought it.

10… I love that my daughter likes me to make her Halloween costumes, they’re more original and they look better than those cheapy ones at the store. She likes picking out the fabrics for those too.

11… I love showing my daughter how to do things on my machine.

12… I love that I’m finally learning to make a quilt. My mom is an avid, and excellent, quilter. I have not followed in those footsteps, but I am learning a little bit at a time, and who knows, maybe I’ll be able to work on a quilt with her someday!

13… Finally, I love that my machine embroiders. I program it, turn it on, and let it run. I’m typing this as my machine is embroidering a t-shirt now.

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Tags: sewing, Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Things about Why I Love My Embroidery Sewing Machine1…. I love that I can program it and let it do all the work.2…. I love that I can create pretty much anything and my sewing machine will bring it to reality. 3…. I love that it brings a whole new dimension to my fabric bags 4…. I love all of the vibrant colors that are available in embroidery thread 5…. I also love that embroidery thread can be used for top stitching and it shows up even more. 6…. I love that I have the computer software to allow me to create new designs 7…. I love that I can transfer my new designs to my sewing machine and it will make them real. 8…. I love that through Joanns.com I’ve been able to find free embroidery designs 9…. I love the embroidery design package I bought to make a baby quilt. 10…. I love all the creative possibilities. 11…. I love the matching t-shirts I made for my daughter & husband last year for the soap box derby races. 12…. I love that besides doing embroidery, it has been a fantastic sewing machine, allowing me to be creative. 13… I love that I get to go to a free embroidery class today to learn even more things I can do with my machine!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others’ comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Tags: embroidery, embroidery machine, sewing, Thursday Thirteen

This week I have been so focused on getting my Texas driver’s license that I decided it was an appropriate subject for my second Thursday Thirteen.

After spending several hours studying for a written test that I wound up not having to take (thank goodness), I decided to post 13 of the 84 questions that are on the driver’s license review. These are potential questions on the actual test.  I leave it to you to figure out the answers. 

1. What does a “Do Not Pass” sign mean?
2. How should you react when a traffic officer tells you to do something which is ordinarily considered to be against the law?
3. What effects does the use of marijuana and amphetamine have on driving?
4. How should you react to a flashing red light?
5. What action should you take if you fail to receive the renewal notice card reminding you that your driver liecense is about to expire?
6. Once the brakes have been applied, about how many feet does a car which was going 70 mph travel before it comes to a stop?
7. About how many feet will the average driver going 50 mph travel from the moment he sees danger until he hits the brakes?
8. What should you do if you discover you are in the wrong lane to make a turn as you enter an intersection?
9. What is carbon monoxide, and how may it be harmful to drivers?  (clue:  the word deadly is in the answer to the first part of this question)
10. What regulation should a bicycle rider observe?  (I thought I was studying for the driver test, not the cyclist test)
11. When are bicyclists allowed to ride two abreast in a traffic lane?
12. What should you do when coming onto a street from a private alley or driveway?
13. What are the penalties for minors (persons under the age of 21) convicted of non-driving alcohol related offenses?  (if they’re not driving, why is it on the driving test?)

Tags: driver's license, Thursday Thirteen

This is my first Thursday Thirteen, but I really liked the Valentine’s theme for today. I want to tell you 13 things I enjoy about Valentine’s Day.

1. Little stuffed animals made especially for Valentine’s Day
2. The fact that my daughter still does the Valentine card exchange at school (she’s in 6th grade)
3. The cute little Twisted Whiskers Valentine’s cards my daughter chose to give her class mates
4. Seeing all the younger kids walking in to school with their cute little Valentine boxes
5. Sneaking a Valentine’s surprise into my daughter’s back pack this morning
6. Waking up this morning to my husband telling me to have a Happy Valentine’s Day
7. Having husband ask me to go out to dinner tonight (I like that he thought of it before he left the house!)
8. Receiving all of the cute Valentine emails I get from my sisters
9. All of the chocolate wrapped in pink and red foil
10. Pink and red M&M’s
11. Watching a romantic movie on tv this evening (I don’t know yet which one)
12. Waiting anxiously for my daughter to come home and tell me about the surprise she found in her back pack
13. The feeling of love that is everywhere on Valentine’s Day

Happy Valentine’s Day to you all! :-

Tags: meme, Thursday Thirteen