Sew-Itch Stitching

2012-01-11T11:00:00.000-05:00

Sewing Projects for the New Year!

Aprons! The Cupcake one is a panel from Wal Mart, I used it as a pattern to make a couple more.

Shoulder Baby Burp Pads made with flannel material on one side, and a cloth diaper on the other.

Mini Baby Burp Pads.

2011-11-15T20:04:00.001-05:00

Have been doing a couple upholstery projects, my boss "finds" these things and brings them to me
to put some new life into them. Then we put them in the store and hope they sell. The settee has already sold, the rocker is waiting for a new home.

April 2011

2011-04-05T10:32:00.017-04:00

I have neglected my blog long enough. Trying to get caught up on many things that I have put on hold.

Not to say that I haven't been busy crafting still:

Purchased this quilt top from e-bay and tied it, my first ever tied quilt

I now have a larger spot in the store and am selling Watkins products and Themed Rubber Ducks along with my craft items.

Lots of Machine Embroidery, the 2 Horse pictures are from http://www.bfc-creations.com/

Springtime Birds are from http://www.embroiderygarden.com/store/ the fish one is one I created using different fish designs.

Some fun Sparkle Bracelets and Domino Necklaces.

These were a custom order I did, the lady brought in an old robe and wanted some bunny heads and eggs with buttons that she could hang.

Playing around with glass blocks, lights, decorative ribbon and Mod Podge.

2010-05-29T19:30:00.003-04:00

Memorial Day Weekend

Oldest Daughter and her husband and their 2 kids, Oldest Son and his son, and his Girlfriend and her 3 girls. Kids had a blast playing in the sprinkler!

Cooked out on the grill, made some home made macaroni salad, hadn't really planned a cook out but they were all here so we did, lol

My 2 youngest kids were busy with other things so weren't here.

Working and Sewing

2010-04-30T12:08:00.002-04:00

After 4 yrs of working from home crafting, sewing etc. I became burn out, took a mini self imposed vacation. Decided to get a part time job, luckily the store that I rent a spot in to sell my wares needed help! So I am working there part time and loving it! Am starting to feel like my old self again and have so many ideas running through my head! Can't wait to share them with everyone!

Just had to get a new pic posted of my Grandbabies! lol

These are some aprons I made up for the store, the top one I used an old time looking Farmall fabric. Fits the theme of the store.

Some little girl embroidered purses.

Special order Korker bows using teeny tiny ribbon, ugh, those take a little while to wrap!

December 19th Sewing Projects

2009-12-19T22:17:00.003-05:00

I have been playing around with pleating and smocking occasionally, now I have a Grandaughter to actually make clothes for. This dress is from Australian Smocking & Embroidery, Issue No. 79, called the Matilda, the smallest size is 6 months which is what I made. Went together very easily, I did not like jumping around from the pattern pull out sheets to the book several times for the instructions. Made using a flannel fabric from Fabric.com, not sure if it will be to heavy for her or not, but I think she sure looks cute!

I told my Daughter this is the last sewing project I am doing for her until after Christmas, until then she needs to make a list. I have to many projects (that I won't get finished) that I want to make for gift giving. This is a Boppy Pillow, she requested a couple of these, my first question was what the heck is it? After her explanation and me doing a internet search, here it is! We didn't have Boppy Pillows when my kids were little, if you wanted them to set up a little you just laid them on a ordinary pillow, lol.

I just love the internet in looking for free patterns for just about everything! My thanks to all those who are willing to share and taking the time to take pics and type up instructions without asking for $$ to do it!
Here is the link to the instructions I found http://sewityourself.googlepages.com/
very easy and they sew up quick, you know how much these things sell for in a store? Way to much!! I didn't put a zipper in the ones I made, had a ton of left over stuffing which was enough to make up 2 of these, one for here and one for my Daughter to take home. Katie looks pretty comfortable in hers.

It was time to break down and get a new Washer and Dryer. My old dryer had developed a hole in the drum from the pulleys, so every time I used it, it made a constant thumping. My son was able to pop rivet a piece of metal over the hole, because at one point the pulley came through and the drum wouldn't turn at all.
We purchased the latest greatest Front Loading machines. I read several reviews on these machines, them seem to be along the same line as my Roomba's. Yes they are nice but they take a little bit more maintenance then your standard old fashioned type. I like being able to load a lot of stuff in these, and they use so much less water too, should help with the water bill! At least the cat has some new entertainment.

I would like to thank anyone who reads my blog for taking the time, if you ever have a question or comment please feel free to leave it, I will get a notice if you do. Also want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!!

December 1st-Wow

2009-12-01T06:41:00.007-05:00

I can not believe it is December already! I am so behind on my poor little blog :(

Having a new Grand Daughter is so much fun! Finally have a little girl to make bows for, I have been making hair clippies, korker bows, woven headbands and regular bows to sell at the Country Lane General Store in Auburn, Indiana, for a couple of years now. Her Mommy is now into the bow making, so gave her all the instructions, templates and ribbons she wants so she can make them instead of waiting for me to get around to it. She did an excellent job on this one!
Of course we do have a attention grabbing kitty, she doesn't care if I already have a baby on me, she still wants her petting too.

These are some of the items I have been making and selling on eBay and etsy. Casserole Dish Carriers 13"x9 size and then round ones to carry a 2-3qt
casserole dish. These have actually been pretty good sellers so far. One thing I have learned from making and selling things at the store is that you don't want to go hog wild making up a bunch of the same thing. Why? Because if it doesn't sell you are stuck with it. I have lost a lot of money in eBaying some of my items that just didn't sell at the store.

But on another note, just because it doesn't sell at the store doesn't mean it won't sell well some where else. These carriers did not sell at all. I don't think people took the time to look to actually see what they were.

The rectangular one is my own design, just used my 13"x 9" dish to make a pattern. The round one I found instructions for it on the internet. These have either Warm and Natural Batting or Pellon Thermolam in the center to help keep warm items warm or cold items cold. Usually use a cotton/canvas fabric on the inside, webbed/fabric handles and it is quilted to hold everything together.

This is another item that has been selling ok for me too. I had a few made up and they have all sold. It is a Cricut Expression Dust Cover/Tote. This is another pattern that I created. I started out going to make just a simple dust cover for my Cricut, but with my Daughter and I sharing it and it being hauled back and forth between our homes, I wanted something to protect it and make it easier to carry.

This is a note about something that bothers me greatly. Before you buy instructions/patterns of any kind on making anything take the time to do a internet search to see if you can find it for free.

My latest project has been the fabric quilted styrofoam ornaments, there are people selling the instructions all over the place, but if you take the time to search you will find them for free. How someone can charge you for info you can find free is really annoying to me. So please take the time to do a search and save your hard earned dollars.

Ok off my soapbox! Back to Sewing, Crafting, Being Creative!!

Pumpkin Halloween Costume

2009-10-20T08:45:00.004-04:00

Ry in his Pumpkin Halloween Costume, isn't he so cute!!

Started out to make him a Dinosaur Costume, but once he saw
the pattern envelope he wanted to be a Pumpkin.

I used Butterick Pattern BP230, and fleece for the costume, the
directions said to use velcro for the back closure, but velcro and fleece
do not mix in the wash, so I put a zipper in. After doing the hat
per the instructions, it was a little skimpy looking, cut out and added
more leaves, and made my own stem. Just cut a rectangle, stitched it
up, stuffed it and hand sewed it to the top. Made the size 6, he should be able
to even wear this next year.

Ry and Katie, chillin at home.

Granddaughter is Here!

2009-10-14T14:47:00.003-04:00

Katelyn Renee Olis, born a little before 6 pm yesterday evening, weighing in at 7 pounds, 14 ounces and 20 1/2 inches long.

Baby and Mother are doing Great!

As she was delivering the Dr. said "This baby has a big head", I told her she (my daughter) didn't really want to hear that! We all laughed!

Good Healthy Size Baby, and she looks just like her Daddy!

Baby Shoulder Burp Cloths

2009-10-02T08:11:00.004-04:00

These were made using a good quality cloth diaper on the back, soft flannel or cotton on the front. Edge stitched with my serger or using some of the decorative stitch cams that I have for my Singer 503A.

Used this FREE pattern from the You Can Make This website
http://youcanmakethis.com/info/baby/Free-YCSTProjectPart-2Burpies.htm

These stitch up really fast and easy! Great Website to browse and purchase from, love all their stuff!!

Fleece Throws/Blankets

2009-10-02T07:58:00.004-04:00

Colts Fleece Blanket

Made this one by cutting fabric into 9 inch squares and sewing together using a 1 inch seam allowance. Then cut the seam allowances to the stitching to fringe it.

Made this one for my Son-in-law

Used a fleece panel and added another plain color fleece to the back, pinked the edges and folded over to the front and instant binding.

We are now into the month of October, already had our first frost advisary, the temperature went down to about 34° These fleece throws/blankets are perfect to cozy up to on a chilly day or evening.

Very simple and fast to make!!

Singer Treadle Sewing Machine Model 27-Update

2009-09-01T07:22:00.002-04:00

Well here she is all cleaned up and refinished. Once I got it all cleaned up you can see more of the decals. Spent many hours sanding the cabinet with a palm sander and hand sanding. Also used a Dremel with a small wire wheel to remove loose paint and rust from the base before re-painting it. The Dremel and its small sanding attachments were a big help to remove gunk around the drawer details. To help protect the machine and the remaining decals I picked up some clear top coat for cars, hopefully that will keep any more of the details from being rubbed away.

Drawer Details.

In researching info on this machine and the decals, found out it is a Pheasant? design. I love the way more of the detail came through once I removed all the dirt and oil, in some areas I didn't even realize there was any detail until it was cleaned up. Used extreme goo gone and a soft cloth to gently clean the machine, didn't want to remove any more of the decals, so a gentle touch was required. In the places that it is worn away you can tell it was used a lot.

Still waiting for slide plates to cover the bobbin area that I ordered. That hasn't stopped me from sewing on it though. Already did a small quilted wall hanging.

Singer Treadle Sewing Machine Model 27

2009-08-26T06:32:00.003-04:00

I am so excited I just acquired a Singer Model 27 Treadle Sewing Machine! I have never seen one up close and in person. I purchased it locally from a Craigslist posting for $50, she is in rough shape but I am having fun getting her cleaned up and ready to sew. The man I purchased it from said it belonged to his Great Grandmother, and since neither he or his wife sewed they wanted to find a new home for it.

Looking up the Serial Number on this I found out it was made in 1910 in Elizabeth, New Jersey so she is almost 100 years old.

Bountiful Harvest of Sweet Corn-This was the first picking, even with all the garden flooding issues I had in the spring, my sweet corn did really good! Froze up over 20 dozen. We had to buy a chest freezer because my freezer in the house would not hold any more. Of course we had to buy and build a shed to put some of the "stuff" in the garage in to, to make room for a chest freezer, lol. It only took my oldest son and myself 3 days to get a 10 x 10 shed put up.

Tomatoes are another story, they are growing very slowly, may be the flooding in the spring, the cooler summer we seem to have had, the variety I planted or the spot in the garden I planted them in, not sure how they are going to turn out. No red ones yet and it is almost September.

I do have one volunteer that came up in another spot and I have gotten a few red ones from it.

I have planted beets 3 times now, and still nothing! I think something has been digging them up as soon as they start to grow and eating them. I have found little dig spots all around them. Since they will grow in cooler temps I am going to plant them for a fourth time inside the little fenced in area I have. I really like my pickled beets and eggs.

More Sewing Projects, On a Roll.......

2009-08-04T08:05:00.004-04:00

A couple of cool cotton summer dresses for my daughter. Used McCalls Easy Stitch 'n Save M5833. My daughter picked out the pattern and the fabric. She is due in October with her second child and was wanting something comfortable and feminine to wear. These were very easy to sew up, just like the name says.

Doll clothes sewing, very quick and easy projects when I want to sew something but don't want a large project to do. My girl doll came with a Christmas dress, this being August she needed something else to wear. I had saved the info on this free smocked doll dress http://www.infinitefreedom.com/ Another easy to sew project. Great instructions!!

American Girl Baby Boy Doll, came with no clothes, so I am working on getting him some made. Finished his pants, just need to make him a shirt now.

I always have several of my Embroidery Machine test stitch outs laying around. Usually I end up making Sewing, Embroidery, and Serger Machine dust covers. I needed a dust cover for all of my wooly nylon thread that I use on my sergers. This was a challenge to make. Tall and round and has a lazy susan bottom. But I am happy with the results.

Wow July Already!!

2009-07-14T19:37:00.006-04:00

My Grandson Ryan just had his 3rd Birthday! My Grandson Jaden's Birthday is next month and he is going to be 5! They grow up so fast!

Latest sewing projects, casserole carriers. The round ones hold up to a 3 quart round or square casserole dish and the rectangle one I designed to fit my Pyrex covered 13" x 9" Dish.

These are available in my etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5599084
I also have these available for sale at the Country Lane General Store in Auburn, Indiana

I searched and searched for a normal round casserole dish but could not find any I know I used to have one and don't know what happened to it. Wal-Mart carries them but all they have are Rachael Ray or Paula Dean, I just wanted a normal pyrex, corningware etc. 2 or 2.5 quart. I even checked the local goodwill and salvation army stores and still no luck.

I finally found one from a fellow etsy seller, ModishVintage, http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5462461 whew! It was $24 including the shipping cost, I just could not see the sense in buying one and paying high dollars for it just because someone famous had their name attached to it!!

Believe me this one will not be let out of my sight for anything I love it, Thank you ModishVintage!!

June Busy Month

2009-06-13T00:23:00.004-04:00

Graduation party for my youngest son, what a struggle the last four years have been for both of us to get through. But we made it, now on to college to be a automotive tech.

Still having garden flooding issues, we finally traced the water back to our neighbors yard. Oldest son dug up where the water was coming from, broken tile. Called the city out, not their responsibility, not one of their lines? Not sure what this tile is for, maybe old field tile before they built houses here, but it seems to run off in different directions. We even called out some drainage expert only $1800 for them to run a system around our back yard, not even going there! We set up a sump pump inside a plastic garbage can and buried that in the lowest part of the garden. Had a lot of rain yesterday and the garden had some standing water in it, had to go out and clean out the some of the ditches we had dug to help the water run into the sump pump. Got up this morning and no standing water! By this afternoon it was getting pretty well dried out, thank goodness since I had to re-plant most of it, this time though everything was planted in raised beds. I probably would have sat down and cried (again) if everything was drowned out.

My biggest fan and supporter of my sewing, my Grandson Ryan. He has more interest in my sewing then any of my kids.

Watching and learning how to wind a bobbin, and loving on Mammaw!

Garden Planted! Yippee!!

2009-05-13T10:53:00.003-04:00

I have been so frustrated with worrying about getting my garden planted. We have had a lot of rain and I didn't think it was ever going to get dried out enough to get it planted. Well it finally did at least some what, it was still a little damp out there but I was bound and determined to get it done.

There was one low spot that I had never noticed before that just would not dry out, I hauled 4 of my little wagon loads of compost from my pile, cleaning out all the good stuff, and spread that mostly in that spot. I also moved our burn barrel back farther in our yard and dumped all the ashes from that into the garden and spread it around. Purchased 10 bags of organic humus and manure and added that all over the garden too. I figure if I keep adding to my garden in this way eventually it will raise the level of it up, lol.

The town we live in is said to have been built on swamp land, you can definitely see that in certain parts of town where the houses are crooked and sunk. Our house was built on a hill of fill dirt and debris, we don't have a basement. The back part of our yard therefore dips down and that is where the garden is and a shed.

Where our burn barrel had been sitting is now new garden ground, I went over it about 10 times with the tiller to get it dug up enough to plant sweet corn. Did not rake it off at all and used a planter to plant the corn, had trouble getting it through some spots where there were still clumps of grass, had to keep moving those out of the way, so I am sure my rows are going to be pretty wobbly, I don't think the corn will mind.

My strawberries are starting to get flowers on them. My Grandson Ryan (almost 3) remembers helping Mammaw pick strawberries last year and that is all he talked about while he helped me to plant some flower and radish seeds. I am sure those will be coming up all over my garden, such a big help! lol

I spent about 8 hours yesterday working up and planting my garden, but it is all done, of course it is raining again, at least it is gentle rain and not a torrential downpour, but I am hoping that since I have added to my garden and tilled it up that it will drain better and not flood as bad. Hopefully we are done with the April Showers and can start to enjoy more May Flowers!

I can now relax a little bit and get back to the normal day to day stuff, yeah right.

Big Weight Loss! Yippee!!!

2009-05-03T19:47:00.003-04:00

Big Weight Loss this last week at weigh in! A little over 7 pounds, only due to feeling like I had morning sickness for 3 days, couldn't eat hardly anything. I would rather lose the weight gradually then to feel like that.

Working on more items for the store, new korker bows and key fobs!

Gained Weight?

2009-04-30T00:30:00.003-04:00

Not sure what happened with this weight gain, it was only .2 but it was still a gain.
Hopefully tomorrow nights weigh in will be better!

Working on Woven Headbands to take over to the store and more Korker Bows, haven't updated my store items in that area in awhile.

Weight Watchers

2009-04-22T00:18:00.004-04:00

I have finally started taking care of myself, maybe I am selfish but I don't think so. I get pulled in so many different directions by my kids and grandkids that if they want me around for awhile I need to start taking better care of me!

I joined Weight Watchers with my oldest son's girlfriend/wife (they have been together a long time and have a almost 5 year old son, so I consider her his wife). She wanted to join but wanted someone to join with her. I had thought about joining myself over the last couple of years but I too did not want to go alone, lol. Ever since I "retired" and got married 4 years ago, the weight has slowly been adding on, I know it is due to not getting the exercise that I did when I was working and running the floor all day.

We attend the weekly meetings on Thursday evenings together, and that is our top priority for that day and time. No matter who calls and wants or needs something, sorry but that is my "me" time and I love it and am not giving it up. We started on March 12th and we both have been doing great! My average weight loss to date has been about 2.4 pounds per week, with a total weight loss of 12 pounds. I posted a weight ticker at the bottom of my blog so it will show my progress, I will update it every Thursday when I also go online to the Weight Watchers site and update my weigh in results.

We both purchased the monthly membership option, so we are automatically billed each month and don't have to worry about paying money when we attend the meetings. I just love the recipe builder they have online for members, it is great, you can put in your ingredients and it calculates the points for you.

I received a free elliptical machine from a local freecycler, my sons and I picked it up and brought it home, before I started weight watchers I used it occasionally but kind of gave it up. Now that I have joined WW I am on it every day, at least twice a day for 30 minutes each time. When I first started I couldn't even go 3 tenths of a mile without stopping. We also bought a basketball hoop, I loved shooting baskets with my sister when we were younger and I know my sons especially like to shoot so it seemed like a easy and fun way for us all to play together and get some exercise. I am even able to run again, not having hardly any back problems and the numbness in my foot and down my leg hardly bothers me at all.

Went to the Dr and had all that female stuff done, even went and had a mamogram done. Everything came back great! I had them also do some blood work to see what my numbers look like there, the last time I had my blood checked was probably when I was pregnant for my now 15 year old daughter. The only problem there is that my bad cholesterol is a little high, I told him to give me 6 more months of WW and it will probably be good by then, he isn't giving me 6 months, he is giving me 3 months, lol. But I am sure the number will fall into the good range by that time.

Just wanted everyone to know that I haven't been keeping up with my store stuff and other sewing projects due to my focusing on myself and getting healthy. I think I have it down pretty good and am looking forward to at least another 50 years with my wonderful DH especially. Looking forward to seeing my kids, kids have kids of their own!

Cricut Expression Machine

2009-04-21T22:53:00.006-04:00

DH bought this for me for x-mas, at my request. I have only gotten it out and played around with it a few times. I decided the other day I wanted to try the glass etching, I wanted to make a plate for my parents 25th Wedding Anniversary. I had purchased 2 plates, one to play with and experiment on and the other for the final gift. I had to purchase some black vinyl luckily my local Wally World carries some Cricut stuff. Mission accomplished and I am for the most part happy with the results.

I already have 6 of the Cricut cartridges for designs and fonts but wanted something a little fancier. In my search on YouTube.com, looking for tips and tricks on using the Cricut, I came across information for another site that for $75.00 you can use any free font or dingbat designs and send them to your Cricut to be cut. The site is Craft Edge and the program is called SureCutsAlot. I thought about it and compared the cost of other cartridges and decided to go with this program. Downloaded it and ran it and it works like a dream. Will save me so much money! They even have a forum for help and where other kind generous souls share designs they have created. Thank you so much for an affordable alternative!!

Since my Cricut sat for so long it was a little dusty. I decided it needed a dust cover, I knew I had seen places where people were selling these but knew I could make one myself. I started to design the cover then decided to make it a tote with handles so I could move it from one place to another easily. Here is a pic of the final product.

Not totally happy with it though, lol. After I completed it I started having ideas on how to improve it. If I were to make another one I would add a pocket on the end to store the cord. Also the first run I put the zipper across the whole top, when I went to insert my Cricut, I had a heck of a time getting it in. So I slit one end and added another zipper. On the next one I would start the zipper down near the bottom on one end and run it across the top, the zippers I have are 21 inches, so they would work fine. Then I can just slide the Cricut in. Also I would use or make some pre-quilted fabric, especially if you wanted to haul your Cricut out of the house, would definitely offer it some protection.

Embroidered Patches

2009-03-22T08:50:00.002-04:00

I seem to get a lot of hits on my blog here from people looking for info on making embroidered patches, when my puter is up and running good I am planning on putting up a tutorial on how I make mine.

Should be good to go by the end of next week! So hang around and be looking for that coming soon.

Computer Issues

2009-03-22T08:42:00.002-04:00

Don't you just love computers? I know I do a lot on mine and when it is working really good, it is great! But when it is not working great, I just want to throw it out the door!

I discovered through DH and oldest son that I have very little memory capacity on my computer, DH has ordered me triple the memory and it will be here (not soon enough) next week. Hopefully then all the issues I have been having will be resolved.

I have been having problems with it running really slow and freezing up. My DH didn't realize that since I became involved in the wonderful world of embroidery 4 years ago I have downloaded and saved thousands of free and purchased embroidery designs. That doesn't even include my own digitized designs and tons of free and purchased lessons.

So if anyone has tried to contact me please be patient it is hard to navigate and get around right now on this slow and freezing up computer!

Hugs,
Renee

New Projects!!

2009-02-13T11:37:00.003-05:00

Yeah, been working hard, pulling out all those craft patterns and of course buying more! I doubt I will ever get everything I have in my mind and in my stash ever crafted up, lol. But it sure keeps me busy and out of trouble.

This is a sample of a Bunny I just made that is sitting in my home, I actually made up a total of four, three of them are at the store ready for new homes, those do not have the carrots though, just plain. But they all have on different dresses with different lace accents. So cute!

Valentines Day is tomorrow, DH and I are going to the movies and out to eat today, since he may not be home tomorrow, ah life on the railroad. I made a special picture for him to hang in his office.

He hasn't seen this yet, will give it to him hopefully tomorrow before he goes to work, but if he gets called he will get it before then. This embroidery design is from The Quiltery. I admit it is a little different then your usual cutesy embroidery design which is why I love it so much. It pretty much represents me, all of me, lol. I am a Mom and a Grandma but first and foremost I am still a WOMAN

Free motion quilted using my Singer 503A, purchased a free motion foot and away I went, had to do some adjusting with the foot pressure and the thread tension but this is my favorite type of quilting and I love being able to use this specialty foot to accomplish this on my all time favorite machine.

Drawstring Cat, er Dog? bed, I made this for our kitties, but Molly has decided she likes it and it is now hers, I had to loosen the drawstring a tad more so she can fit in it better than what these pictures show, lol.

Kevin and Renee relaxing at home, oh wait a minute that isn't us, it is Max and Molly! I think they think they are people!

Warmer Weather?

2009-02-10T12:00:00.004-05:00

Oh my gosh it is suppose to get near 60° today, I think we are just being teased because it is going to cold again, lol. But it sure has given me some spring fever. Thinking thoughts of spring, and Easter, bunnies, eggs, candy...............oh the crafty patterns are coming out!

My Mom ended up having to go back in the hospital for more surgery on her heart, she is home again and doing good!

My poor Grandson fell and hit his head on the arm of a wood futon, poor baby, needed 4 stitches, and it was not easy on him, his Mommy or his Ma-maw.

Been working on more patches for one of the American Legion Riders groups that I work with. I am getting quite an education on patch terminology. Rocker Panel? What the heck is a rocker panel? Ah now I know, curved like the rockers on a rocking horse! Got it!

Be sure and check out my stuff listed in my etsy store, spring cleaning going on, need to reduce my inventory of stuff so I have room to work on new and exciting things.

I am going to be working on doing more clay items, wire jewelry and working with resin, I have worked a little with the resin and have made a few mistakes. The best way for me to learn something new, is read as much as I can, then jump in there and do it!

Going Through the Valleys

2009-01-27T16:02:00.005-05:00

Well it has been a rough time around here since right before Christmas. My best friends sister passed away from cancer.

We lost our cat of 8 years, Blackie to feline leukemia.

My Mom has been in and out of the hospital with problems with her heart. Finally they put in a pacemaker and she is home and doing good. Thank God!

Picture of Blackie with Crystal who passed, almost 2 years ago, she was 19 yrs old.

Today I had to take our kitten in and have him put to sleep. We found out a couple of weeks ago that he had cancer too, but he had it in his lymph nodes. We take good care of our cats, vet checks, shots, fixed and they never go outside. There was nothing more they could do for him and he had lost so much weight, had lost the little spark that made him such a character.

Being a goof on the back of the couch, Busted big time, up on the table and inside my purse! Snuggling with his best bud Lilly. We still have Lilly, she seems kind of lost and has been for a while with Sabre being sick and not tearing around the house with her. They loved to rough and tumble and be in trouble together all the time!

I guess I was in denial when they called and told us it was cancer. Kept hoping he would get better, but he didn't. You just know when enough is enough and you can't watch them suffer any more.

I am selling again on ebay and etsy, more so on etsy, cheaper to list, trying to liquidate all my stuff that I have worked so hard on, but hasn't sold through the store. I have way to many things and can't keep storing them, it interferes with my being able to work on other, new things. So if you get a chance check out my stuff and hopefully you can find something you just can't live without.

Hugs,

Renee

ebay ID-Sewitch22

etsy ID-SewitchStitching

Christmas Is Coming to Soon!!!

2008-12-05T14:54:00.006-05:00

Two and a half weeks to go and I don't even have any decorations up, usually we get it done right after Thanksgiving but not this year, I have been way to busy, lol.

I have had a little help with some of my projects:

Here my Grandson Ryan is helping to wrap dowels to make Korker Bows

Oops dropped something.

He listens so intently.

Ryan twisting the dowel while Grandma holds the ribbon.

Yarn Puppy

Isn't it cute! I thought this would be a great seller at the store, but due to the bulk of the yarn and trying to get it turned right side out, I had to leave a lot of seams un-sewn and then hand stitch. To much work that people probably wouldn't want to pay for. But of course both of my daughters want one. I told them I would loan them the pattern, give them fabric, yarn and eyes and even some ribbon and they could make them themselves. Big no to that one.

Latest projects have been doing dog tags, very fun and easy to do!

Happy Day Before Thanksgiving!!

2008-11-26T23:40:00.004-05:00

Clipart purchased from http://www.countryclipart.com/

My Son In Law is home from Iraq!!! Maegan and Ryan were able to spend an hour with him in Indianapolis on Tuesday. He is gone right now again for all the final stuff they need to do before he can come home for good, we are hopeful for Saturday or Sunday! All those that are still there, sending out good thoughts and prayers for your safe return to your own families.

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving Holiday. We are doing a big traditonal dinner here. My oldest daughter Maegan who is here just about every day with my Grandson Ryan has been a really big help to me in getting my house in order. I used to be a super duper housekeeper, but as I get older it doesn't seem to matter as much. Our house isn't filthy, but the deep cleaning that I used to do once a week doesn't happen that often. My main objective is to keep the junk cleaned up, but then I think everyone has that spot in their house that seems to accumulate everything.

Still working on stuff for the store, latest project is chalk/oilcloth mats. Took several over to the store and the owner wanted 4, lol. Had a issue with the chalk falling out of them so need to re-think my design and come up with a way to keep the chalk from falling out if it gets turned upside down. She also wanted a chalk eraser with each of them, I had looked for small erasers but hadn't come up with any that were reasonably priced. The store owner (Deb) said she has some foam that she thinks will work for that purpose. So I will pick that up after Thanksgiving and attach it some how so it doesn't get lost, or make another pocket for it. Once I have a good finished product I will post pics.

Hugs,

Renee

Bitten By the Prim Bug!!!

2008-11-09T14:51:00.010-05:00

I suppose it was only a matter of time since the store where I have my space is mostly prim stuff, lol. Sometimes I feel out of place there but sales last month were really good! Thank you to all that made a purchase from me!!! It lets me continue to be a SAHW&M and continue doing what I love, spending time with my family and crafting.

My original search on the internet started with looking for prim ornaments to make, to hang on my tree at the store, which is the Country Lane General Store in Auburn, IN (just had to get that plug in there, lol) my tree looks pretty bare compared to all the other trees.

I found a lot of interesting sites and a lot of information out there too! One site I particularly love is http://www.sewpractical.com/store/Default.asp She has a lot of free patterns and tutorials and I even purchased a couple of her patterns!

Some recipes I have been playing with the last couple of days. Candy canes, cinnamon buns and christmas cookies made from a salt dough recipe.
Cinnamon and applesauce balls, ummmm these smell so good!
I just so happened to have some prim apple fabric laying around
which makes a perfect bow for these.

My drying rack.

S'more fabric button necklaces for the store, soooo cute!

My Store Display

2008-10-08T19:02:00.003-04:00

Finally was able to get pictures taken of my store display and all of my items that I have managed to get crammed into my allotted space.

Little Girl Purses, Woven and Fabric Headbands, Kitchen Towels, Necklaces and Hair Barrettes
Bottlecaps, Button Bracelets and Earrings, Poly-Clay Bracelets and Hair Clippies.
Poly-Clay Magnets and Embroidered Magnets
Button Magnets
Korker Bows!!!!
Purses.............
More Purses...............
More Stuff...........FSL Embroidered Apple Bowl and Doily, Kitchen Tea Towels and Tissue Cover.

Messenger Bag Project for oldest Daughter

2008-09-12T14:29:00.003-04:00

I had made 2 of these in a larger version for my youngest daughter and her friend to use for book bags, oldest daughter saw theirs and wanted the same type, but smaller sized for a purse. So re-drafted the pattern smaller. There are 2 pockets on the inside. She also wanted her last name embroidered on a patch and added to the front. I had made her a pin back button with her hubby's picture on it, so she added that along with several other pins. He is currently serving in Iraq, due home in November, we can't wait!!!!!

Latest Sewing Project and Family Addition

2008-09-05T21:30:00.004-04:00

Latest sewing project, Fish house for the kitties! Sabre loves it!

Oldest Daughter Maegan's new Kitty, Princess Leia. She has been a sick kitty. Upper respiratory infection and an ear infection. Took her to the vet to be treated. Went again a week later to have all her shots and flea medicine and this time they gave her a antibiotic shot. She is still taking her liquid medicine and we are putting drops in her ears too, poor baby, doesn't look very happy does she. She is another rescue animal from the Shelter. She has been staying with me after trips to the vet, until my daughter gets off work in the evening, then she picks her up and takes her home.

This is our kitty, Lilly, from the Shelter. She is happy and healthy, and a pistol! Goes to the vet in a couple of weeks to be spade and front claws removed, of course my curtains will be destroyed by the time that happens.
Latest addition, Sabre. Thought we were getting a boy kitty, then my son brought him home and we discovered he is a she! She and Lilly love to tear around the house and play fight all the time. Glad they have each other to play with, that way they leave poor Blackie, our older male cat alone. She will be making a trip to the vet for her shots soon. Loves to be loved, the minute she hears your voice she is meowing wanting loved on. She came from a friend of my son Eric. Their cat had kittens and my son liked this one, so he brought her home. She is the littlest, but very spunky and gives as well as she gets from Lilly.
Have to add a pic of my Grandson Ryan playing with the hose. It has been so hot here, in the 90's and very humid. So what better way to water the yard and have some fun then to give the hose to him.

Covering those Pesky 1/2" Buttons

2008-08-21T16:52:00.007-04:00

I make and sell button bracelets, rings and ear rings at the Country Lane General Store. Each bracelet takes 12 buttons! After making about 50 buttons one day, by hand my thumb was numb, I still had a lot more to go. So I looked on the internet for something that you could use to do the covering for you, I think the cheapest machine I saw was well over $100, unbelievable, no way was I going to spend that much.

Out to the garage to figure out something to use to push the 2 parts together neatly and efficiently and saving my thumb from going numb. This is what I came up with.

This is my drill press with a dowel rod inserted into the bit holder. The dowel rod fits perfectly inside the 1/2" button back. You do not have to turn the drill press on, just position your button under the dowel rod and pull down on the handle. This set up would work for larger buttons also, just attach a larger dowel rod to the smaller one, or a piece of wood cut to match the back of the button you want to cover. I plan on using this set up mainly for the smaller 1/2" buttons, the larger buttons I don't make large quantities of, but if that changes I now have a set up I can use.

Here are 2 samples of my button bracelets.

I hope you find this useful!

Hugs,

Renee

Great News!

2008-08-05T08:40:00.002-04:00

My Sales at the Country Lane General Store are up, I am so excited!!!! Deb, the owner called me and asked if I was working on stuff, uh no not right at that moment, hubby and I were eating out, lol. She told me that my booth was swamped and I better be getting busy getting more stuff made up to replace what has been sold.

Everything I have made up is now at the store, so much easier than eBay or Etsy. I don't have to ship anything, and the overall cost is cheaper by the month. No PayPal taking a chunk of my earnings either.

Watch for pictures coming soon of my easy way to cover buttons without your thumb going numb!

Quilting In July?

2008-07-31T18:54:00.004-04:00

Yeah, 90° + and I get in a quilting mood, lol. Actually it started with me trying to clean up my sewing room to get rid of some items and make room to actually work in here. Came across a quilt that I had helped my oldest daughter get started to make. She picked the block fabric's, and the block pattern, I showed her how to use the rotary cutter to make cutting easier, and then how to piece them together. Then sent her on her way home, but it came back to me. With her job and a 2 yr old, her time to sew is very limited so it came back to me with a lot of blocks to finish. After I pieced all the blocks together, I went shopping to pick out some border fabric and came across this funky yellow-orange splash, I thought it helped to bring out some of the colors in the blocks with butterflies. Stipple quilted which is my favorite quilting method!

After I finished her project I then decided to refresh my paper piecing skills. Pulled out a pattern I purchased from http://www.paperpanache.com/
called New Bumbly Bs. She has great directions plus free instructions and designs on her site also.

Check out my etsy store

2008-06-18T22:54:00.005-04:00

I shut down my ebay store back when all the sellers were going on strike due to the unfavorable changes that ebay made. Decided to try etsy, I have sold 2 items so far, a couple of badge reels. I have so many items to list yet! Keep checking out my store there *SewitchStitching.etsy.com* if you are a member of etsy please add me to your favorites!

I also accept RME for payment besides the usual PayPal, Money Order and Personal Checks.

This is a view that I hope to have every day, some day. This is a picture from our lake vacation, DH and I hope to retire someday to a nice little lake cottage.

Home From Vacation

2008-06-14T20:28:00.006-04:00

View from our cottage we rented for a week on Lake Tippacanoe, Patona Bay in Leesburg, Indiana. We all had a great time! My son Eric took his friend Cody and my daughter Elizabeth took her friend Samantha, Vacation with 4 teenagers??? LOL We also rented a pontoon for the week so we spent a lot of time out on the boat, swimming on a sandbar just out a little bit from where we were staying.

The kids wanted to do that more than go down a little ways to the beach, which was set up mostly for little kids, the raft was only about waist deep there. None of us would get off the boat and go swimming until Cody had jumped in the water to scare away the fish and turtles! He loved doing back flips to try to impress girls on other boats, lol.

Fishing wasn't to bad, not that great either. We all went fishing and caught a few but turned them loose, mostly bluegill and a couple nice size bass. Everyone else had casting rods but I used an old fashioned cane pole, just like my Grandpa used to set up for me when I was a kid, actually caught a nice size bass using it.
Plenty of sun and fun for everyone!!

It has taken me several days to get laundry caught up, lawns mowed and just general stuff done around the house.

Actually went out and picked strawberries from my little patch and had enough to make a batch of strawberry jam, ummmmmm yummy.

Can't wait to get back to crafting~!

While we were gone my oldest daughter got married! Her fiance was able to come home on leave from Iraq for 2 weeks, so they decided to get married. Went to the courthouse. They had the reception today and we had beautiful weather too! I am so happy she found a great guy who will be a wonderful husband for her and a wonderful father to her son Ryan. Congratulations!!!!!! He has to leave on the 21st to go back but will be able to come home for good in December, thoughts and prayers go with him!

Hugs,
Renee

June Happenings

2008-06-05T19:07:00.008-04:00

We are heading off on vacation soon! Not sure how much of a vacation that will be with DH, me, son 17 and daughter 14, plus they are each taking a friend! Will let you know how it goes later!

Embroidered Pony Tail Cuffs and Bracelets.

Also playing with Polymer Clay, learning how to make floral canes, this is quite addictive! I hadn't planned on getting so involved in the clay but once I purchased a pasta machine that was it, I am hooked. These are some bracelets I made using my first floral cane attempt.

It has finally warmed up here in Indiana. Near 90° and very humid! Not my kind of weather at all. Hopefully everyone stays safe and cool this summer, and crafting.
Hugs,
Renee

May Stuff

2008-05-02T06:38:00.005-04:00

Wow it is May already! My birthday is this month, going to be 45, another Wow!

I was unsuccessful with the quitting smoking, I did really good for 3 weeks on the Chantix then went back to the Dr. and had gained 10 pounds, not good, I sure did not need the extra weight! I tried so hard too, to not eat extra stuff, I wanted to be one person that could say "I quit smoking and didn't gain any weight" but that didn't happen. It has been 2 weeks now and I still haven't lost the additional weight, but am working on it.

Latest and greatest projects have been using my decorated bottlecaps and attaching them to doodads from Oriental Trading to be worn in croc shoes. I have never owned a pair until I did these, I always want to try out my stuff to make sure it will work and be comfortable to the wearer. So off to Wal-Mart to buy a pair to test before I went into major production of these.

The other thing I am doing with them is attaching them to Tie Tack Pins, that way you can decorate whatever you can get a pin through. This was Deb's idea from the store, Country Lane General Store where I have my stuff on display and for sale.

Also playing around with my button machine I purchased. It makes 2.25" buttons, I purchased all kinds of stuff with it to make keyrings, magnets and mirrors too. Still trying to figure out which program that I already have, works the best for making my own personalized buttons.

I have been bitten by the polymer clay bug! Ugh! I have purchased several molds and clays and have been playing around with these. Not sure if it is something I will continue to do or not? Why? Because I am starting to feel like I am spreading myself to thin. I have several projects that I want to get done, things I love to do but because of all the other "new" stuff I have been doing my long time loves are getting left in the dust. Thankfully all of my machines have dust covers.

Hugs!

Update for April

2008-04-10T20:02:00.017-04:00

I can't believe it has been over a month since I last posted! I promised myself when I started this that I would keep up on it, need to do better!

A lot has happened since I last posted, my Grandmother passed away on March 13th, she was 89 years old. I was doing pretty good in handling it all, I kind of lost it when seeing my Aunt from Montana, and then again when the pastor mentioned the passing of my brother almost a year ago. I want to try and make it to family reunions from now on, it is strange meeting relatives and remembering them from my childhood but not able to place names to these familiar and comforting faces.

One thing I would like to mention here is that the day after my Grandmother's funeral my Dear Hubby and I were shopping at Wal-Mart, we were looking at the coffee when a loaf of bread further ahead of us, from the top shelf fell to the floor. Didn't think anything of it, I have seen bread fall before. We then get to the check out and in the process of scanning our items one flies out of the cashier's hand and across the floor? Ok, me I am stacking the bags in the cart, making sure they all stay in the spot I put them, one bag fell over after I had just what I thought nested it in its place. Starting to get thinking a little bit here?! We get home and nothing else happens out of the ordinary until later on.

I had told my daughter to pick up her shoes and put them on the shoe rack before they left to go to their Dad's. DH and I eat supper and then take a little nap. After we get up he goes in his office and I decide to sweep the kitchen floor using the broom, my daughters shoes that she had put on the shoe rack several hours earlier fall off the shoe rack, I pick them up and put them back. Then I hear the sound of something falling in the laundry room which is just off of the kitchen. I come back here to look and it is a long skinny box that had been laying on top of my dryer, some how it fell off and completely missed a lint roller that was standing up on its end. The box also landed on its long skinny side? Do you have goose bumps now??? I sure did. I went to DH in his office and told him about these latest things falling. I told him that I think it is my Grandmother trying to let me know that she is around me, that she is ok? after that no more falling objects.

I don't know for sure how my sales are going at the Country Lane General Store in Auburn, I go over there and check my stuff and it isn't flying off the shelves like I had hoped, lol. It has only been a little over a month, I hope people just need to find me and spread the word! If I have had any sales I should receive a check around the 10th of this month with the monthly newsletter that the owner sends out, cross your fingers it is HUGE, my check not necessarily the newsletter ((*-*))

I have now opened a shop on Etsy, for those that don't know it is a place kind of like eBay but not auction style, and you can sell your handmade items. Here is the link to my store Sewitch Stitching

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5599084

Items listed on Etsy-pronounced like Betsy.

I have several different badge reel holders with different buttons on them be sure and check out my store listings.

More big news! I have quit smoking, ok I am attempting and do pretty good most days. I have not bought any since March 19th, I was still bumming maybe a cigarette a day from my oldest daughter when she would come over, then I decided on Easter Sunday as my Grandmother would say to "Shit or get off the pot" which means to me that either I was going to quit or I wasn't! So that was it no more bumming, I haven't been completely smoke free, most days when hubby is home I am strong, but when he is gone I become weak and smoke those half cigarettes my DD leaves out in the garage in my ash tray, can you say yuck! Tuesday no cigs, Wed butt day, and today no cigs, I am not going to give up! My will to quit is still stronger than my will to smoke!

I have put on a couple of pounds even though I have tried to watch what I eat! Ugh, I sure don't need to gain any more weight, that is another goal to lose weight this summer. Heck if I can quit smoking I can lose weight. Keep me in your thoughts and prayers.

Hugs to All!

Renee

Still Working Away

2008-03-05T20:29:00.004-05:00

Been really super busy! I did get over to the Country Lane General Store, in Auburn, IN (gotta get a plug in there) to set up my area to sell my creations! Whew was that a job, my oldest DD and I were up until 4am getting everything I had bagged and tagged. I was going to try and get to the store when they opened at 10am but after being up so late, just didn't get up in time. Not a problem, they are open all day. Did make it over there around noon and oldest DD came over to help me set up, took us a couple of hours, but the majority of stuff is up. I still have more items that needed display cards and those finally came, so I will be making another trip to completely fill up my area, once some additional pegboard hooks get here in the next couple of days, I hope.

Been working on more woven headbands, and matching bracelets.

Also some ribbon covered 1/2" headbands with matching bracelets.

Busy Bee Here

2008-02-19T19:13:00.003-05:00

I finally made the trip over to talk to "Deb" yes I am talking about you, lol, from the Country Lane General Store. My sister had given her my business card and she checked out my blog and liked what she saw. So she called me and I packed up a bunch of my stuff to take over and show her in person. I am really looking forward to getting a spot set up and start selling!

These are some of the bottle cap necklace parts I have been working on. This is probably only about half of them, right now. These are scrap booking shaker bubbles, fit perfectly inside a bottle cap. I put 2 coats of a clear non-toxic, protective coat on them, then a final coat of clear fingernail polish, really makes them shine, plus they are protected from being scratched.

Here are some monogramed fabric covered buttons.

And some princess clippies, can you name them all? I purchased these from Devon at http://myworld.ebay.com/nobow...nogo/ she is soooo clever!! Same person I purchased my woven head band instructions from.

Also a good friend of mine (and enabler, lol) Tami told me about this website http://smartneedle.com/thecollections.html since I have a large order of 1" plastic headbands coming I just had to purchase their summer time in the hoop fabric covers for the headbands, lol. Needed some variety to add to my woven headbands. Thanks Tami, you are the bestest! Can't wait to get some of these made up!

Latest and Greatest!

2008-02-05T19:03:00.000-05:00

Crazy weather here in Indiana! Snow, then fog, now rain! Most of the snow is gone from all the rain we have been getting. I think my poor garden has been under water all winter long haven't seen standing water like that before. My schedule is all messed up with the school closings, 2 and 3 hour delays, kids are loving it!

I have been really sick, so I haven't accomplished as much as I have wanted to. Finally went to the Dr. to get something to make me feel better. I am stubborn and bull headed when it comes to going to the Dr. for myself, I wait for my body to heal itself, unfortunately sometimes you need the modern miracle drugs, antibiotics, lol

They did a step throat test, never had one of those done before so I wasn't prepared when the poor nurse stuck that swab clear down my throat, (did I mention I am a gagger from way back?) lol. But it came back negative, no strep throat, just good ole tonsillitis plus a sinus infection, yeah! Gave me a script for some antibiotics, should start feeling better any day now? I hope?

Also asked for a prescription for Chantix, suppose to block those nasty little nicotine receptors in your brain (have you seen the commercials on TV?) and have a 80% success rate in helping you to quit smoking. I am so ready! My Dr. and my Son both tell me I wouldn't have as many sinus problems if I would just quit smoking, like I am not an adult and know that already????? Dr. said to start on this stuff once I start feeling better, I will let you know how it goes.

Latest hot projects-Bottle cap necklaces

These have been very popular with my youngest DD and her friends (14 yr age range) not the HM ones but the Kitty ones. These are just a sampling, I have made about 15-20 so far.

1" Woven Headbands

These have been a blast to make, I purchased the instructions from Devon at

http://myworld.ebay.com/nobow...nogo/ I love her stuff, and her instructions are the best, so easy to follow with step by step pics. I also purchased her Princess Clippies, have made 3 so far and they have even turned out great! Keep up the good work Devon!!!!

Update

2008-01-24T14:34:00.000-05:00

Haven't posted much on here lately, been busy getting stuff made up to sell in a store setting. DH and DK's don't understand that I am "working". I am trying to get a variety of items made, from the fabric covered barrettes, to clippies, woven headbands, bottlecap necklaces and some embroidered picture wall hangings, want to have a variety to see what appeals to people the most and what they are willing to spend their hard earned dollars on. Then hopefully I will be able to narrow down the items I make to just a few select things.

My yahoo group is closed, I thought I had announced that previously? Anyway, I for one belong to to many groups and didn't want to make people have to join one more, lol.

There is something going on on the embroidery groups also that I really don't understand. There are a couple that I purchased memberships to that are transferring their designs to their web sites and making them password protected. Something to do with mean hateful e-mails and people trying to tell them how to do things?????

Soooooo Busy! Thank you!

2008-01-10T11:03:00.000-05:00

Well it is official, I am an official business with a tax ID! Sewitch Stitching! Darn now I guess I have to start paying taxes? Yeah I know I do, lol. I have been working on many projects, my most recent is the fabric covered barrettes that are stitched out in the hoop on my embroidery machine. Just a small amount of hand stitching to close up the edges then hot glue gun a barrette onto the back side.

I am selling these designs to those that are interested, this is such a fast and easy project and I hadn't seen anything like this out there so I decided to create my own. Working on getting a lot of items made up and hopefully renting and setting up a display in a local shop. More items in the works, love combining my embroidery with my crafty side.

Told You I have a Smart Grandson!

Here Grandpa is explaining how the child proof latches are installed on the cabinet doors.

Installation of the first bracket begins, using the power screwdriver, under Grandpa's careful supervision!

Uh-oh, power screwdriver lost power, have to switch to the regular screwdriver.

Now for the other cabinet door.

My Daughter (his Mom) took these pictures, so cute! Sorry friends he isn't for hire, you know child labor laws and all, lol.

HUGS!

Happy New Year!

2008-01-02T11:30:00.000-05:00

Well it is another New Year. Did you make any resolutions? Not me, just the same old things, lose weight, quit smoking, exercise more. I always attempt all 3 things at some point over the year, never quite get there, so not putting any pressure on myself and making a resolution. Maybe one of these days, but it seems the older I get the "one of these days" seems to be a shorter reach? The days are running out.

Menopause-I think I am in the throes of this wonderful time in every woman's life. Yeah right, night sweats, hot flashes, mood swings (not good for someone who is supposedly bi-polar, some days even my medication doesn't seem to help). Aunt Flo hadn't been to visit me in over a month, I was about ready to start celebrating, then New Years Day, she comes back to visit, she could have stayed away, that part wouldn't have bothered me at all! Asked my Mom about her experience with menopause, she didn't have any, she had a hysterectomy and that was it.

Sewing and Embroidery Machines-I have had several over the last couple of years, mostly good only one bad machine. Which is my Singer XL5000 the timing has gone out in it 2 times now in the couple of months I have had it. Not a happy camper at all! Not only does it cost money to have it fixed but it is a 40 mile drive round trip to take it someplace to get it fixed. If they aren't going to have conveniently located repair people they need to explain in the Owner's Manual how to fix these simple things. Why make people have to be without their machines and pay money to fix this? It is a racket! Can not get any info on how to do this myself (still working on that one), seems to be a big secret. I have done an internet search that takes me to qualified repair technicians in your area, not a help, I already know where the ONE is, thank you very much. I have posted on Yahoo groups and on PatternReview.com hoping someone knows the secret and is willing to share it, lol.

Ok on to happier things, sewing and embroidery. I have been working on digitizing designs to cover the rectangular and oval plastic hair barrette covers. Success! I am so tickled with my designs and that they (I think) look so good! These are all done In the Hoop, there is only some small hand sewing to close the edges up after inserting the plastic part. I have digitized up a bunch of different designs, but since I am down to one embroidery machine right now I haven't been able to get them all stitched out. These barrettes aren't completely finished either, still need to attach the metal clip to the back and since I have a ton of those hot fix crystals that I haven't used, I am thinking of adding some bling to these also.

Happy Holidays!!

2007-12-24T13:52:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone enjoys the festivities with family and friends if that is how you are planning on spending the holidays. I wish you more in the coming New Year also.

I know, I myself have a lot of big plans, hopefully to become realities.

Making Embroidered Patches

2007-12-20T06:47:00.000-05:00

My Brother-In-Law belongs to an American Legion group called the Legion Riders http://www.legion.org/legionriders/ I have made a few patches for them in Memory of lost riders.

Also a special request from him for this patch, his nickname

Special note about this patch-this was not the finished patch, this one is pretty wrinkled, and not stitched out on the actual fabric used, this was a sample sent to him to show the general idea and to get approval for the design itself.

Another special request from a member,

The way that I make patches is to digitize the inside design. My digitizing of lettering has greatly improved due to lessons free and purchased from Carin Sharon at http://www.heavenly-inspirations.com/ great teacher!

Even though I have several fonts that I purchased to use in Embird, once I reduce the lettering to fit inside of a patch it looks pretty horrible without some additional parameter adjustments.

I stitch out the finished designs on a twill/denim fabric then do the outer border. I do it this way so that the outer border won't get distorted. If you stitch the border first then do the design it tends to distort it. I also use a cut-away stabilizer.

Once the design is done I then iron on HeatnBond Ultrahold, following the instructions on the package. (I do not cut the jump stitches on the back, and I also leave the cut-away in place to add more body) Once it has cooled I then trim around the patch as close as I can with scissors, making sure to not cut any of the satin stitches around the outside. Then just peel and remove the paper backing from the HeatnBond.

My experience with patches over the years from many school and scout events is that they don't stay on just by ironing them on. I have always stitched them down, there is also a special glue you can use to put patches on so you can apply them to items that you can't iron, I have never tried that option so I don't have any words of wisdom on its use.

Another Monday and No School Due to the Weather

2007-12-17T17:45:00.000-05:00

We have gotten a lot of snow! I was out driving (playing) in it today, I have to keep telling my 16 yr old son that hasn't gotten his license yet that he is suppose to drive like I say, not like I do! How many times have I heard this from my own Mother in regards to other things, lol.

I don't feel like I have accomplished anything creatively today. I decided to pull out my "old" QuickBooks Pro 2001 version and install it on my computer. My plan had been to use it to track stuff I list and sell on eBay (feeBay?) and PayPal fees and some other items if I ever get that idea going. I would like to actually see what I am spending and what I am making using eBay.

After loading everything it said I needed to register it, ok, I have all the numbers so no problem, so I thought, wrong. Had to call their help line, of course I had a hard time understanding the person I was talking to. I was asking about an upgrade, well there are quite a few upgrades in between I imagine, the lady said I could upgrade to 2008 version for a little bit of money, lol. It is always a little bit of money until I have to pay that bill.

I went ahead and purchased the upgrade and installed it, they are sending me a CD and a manual to go with it so I can install it on another computer if I need to. I then discovered that eBay can import my stuff into QuickBooks, great, went through all the steps and it said my stuff was imported. Ok, but I haven't figured out where in QB it is? Grrrrr

I did get my check book balanced in QB, to bad I already had it balanced in my checkbook register. Oh well tomorrow is another day.

I am feeling creative now, tired of the business side working all day. Think I will go sew something, or maybe take care of the laundry that is sitting in the baskets, or unload the dishwasher and re-load it. Kids being home, stuff sure does add up fast!

Stay warm and safe.

We Have Snow!

2007-12-16T10:59:00.000-05:00

Wow! Do we have snow or what! It is great and I love it, again, that is as long as I don't have to get out and drive in it, lol. Youngest DD went out and shoveled off our back deck so our 2 dogs, Max and Molly can make it out to the yard easier, a Beagle and Rat Terrier kind of get lost in this much snow. DH thought he would go out and run the snow blower in the driveway, did part of the driveway but when he tried to get his Mustang moved he ended up backing it up on top of a snow drift and getting it stuck, lol. I went out to help and he hooked the truck up to the car and I pulled him off of the snow drift. If he gets called to work today I will probably be taking him.

Getting a lot of digitizing done, some test stitching also. Working on a set of 15 Button and Bows ClipArt Designs that I purchased from http://www.clipartopolis.com/

I am digitizing each design in 3 sizes, 2x2, 4x4 and 5x7. I was experimenting with doing a fringe border around the buttons, but decided I didn't like it that much.

Worked on stitching out a lighted compact insert design that I purchased from http://www.embroiderygarden.com/ She has a special going on right now so check it out, great deal! I purchased 5 of the compacts which seem to be a hot item right now. Also the pattern to make the fabric pouch to store it in so it doesn't get scratched up. These are very cute and easy to make! I plan on keeping this one for myself, and the other four will go to family members for x-mas. Of course I had to make one for myself first to see how the designs stitched out ;-)

Wednesday Evening

2007-12-12T23:41:00.000-05:00

What a smart baby! Only 17 months old and already reading the paper! Actually my Grandson loves to tear it up, he might stop for a moment to check out the pictures but then it is crinkle time!

I have been really busy the last couple of days. Started up a Yahoo group to share some of my digitized Machine Embroidery Designs and there has been a lot of activity in doing that.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SewitchStitching/

I was almost overwhelmed by the response but it has slowed down now. I wondered if I should have just posted my designs to someone else's group, it is always a hassle belonging to so many groups. I know I have had to go through and leave some of the ones I belonged to. I feel bad when I do that and I try to let the group owner know that it isn't anything personal, just have to cut down on my daily messages. I do have my settings on most groups set to Daily Digest, but I still get a lot of messages. Sometimes it is hard to wade through all the ads just to find the stuff of interest, but the group owners are working on making that easier for their members.

I may in the future just add my designs to someone else's group, with their permission of course, lol. The most popular designs that everyone was interested in were my Fringe Button ones. I have others in the works and am waiting for a shipment of other Hair Accessories that I want to digitize designs for.

Should I continue giving away my designs or sell them? Big Debate going on in my mind. I enjoy sharing but hey we all could use a little money, right?

I did get some digitizing done today in between cleaning house, doing the laundry and fixing the roof. Yes I said fixing the roof. There is a part of the roof where 2 of them come together at the corner of the garage. With all the freezing rain and snow and the gutter running along there, a ice dam built up and pushed back up into an opening in there. Today the temp got up close to 40° so a lot of the snow and ice was melting and I was able to get up there with a tube of roofing cement and pack that messy stuff up in there. It looked as if there had been something there before but it had wore out. I am hoping this will take care of the water leaking into my garage. I am not hoping for more snow and freezing rain though to see!

Everyone stay safe and warm!

Monday

2007-12-10T12:44:00.000-05:00

Well it is Monday, thought the kids would be back in school. Nope, ice on everything! First a 2 hour delay that flashed across the TV last night, then again this morning until finally they decided to just cancel school altogether. Kids are happy, me too I don't have to get out and drive in this stuff!

2007-12-09T16:08:00.000-05:00

In Memory of my older Brother Jeff, who passed away on April 22, 2007 he was only 46. Gone but not forgotten, there is a hole in our hearts. His pain and suffering has ended and he is now with the Angels and my Grandfather in heaven. We miss you.

I digitized this photo in Embird using Sfumato Stitch, framed it and we displayed it at his Memorial Service.

Smocked Insert/My First Smocked Outfit For DGS

2007-12-08T23:17:00.000-05:00

Embroidered Button Ponytail Holders

2007-12-08T04:34:00.000-05:00

My lastest playing around in Embird, fringed button ponytail holders. Center embroidery design is from Embroidery Library, fringe was digitized by me.

I need to make the holding stitches wider I think to make it look better. Also need to stitch it out on fabric and use a cut away stabilizer to give it more body.

Christmas designs I digitized for the fabric covered buttons, very happy with the fringe now, these are #60 Buttons.