Embroidery Workshop

I went to a embroidery workshop back in August and got to play with the Bernina 830. It was fun. We got to make bags. This is the bag I made. It has reverse applique. The pink heart was done using reverse applique.
In reverse applique, you cut away the top fabric to reveal the bottom fabric. I could have cut it a little closer, but it was the first time I've ever done this, so, I guess it came out okay.

Here is a close up of it. I also learned how to attach crystals to my design.

The last picture is of the cut away we also learned how to do.

Another lady in my group made that one.

The 830 is a huge machine! It is also very sensitive. I don't think I want that machine, it is too sensitive. I've talked to three people who purchased the machine. Two of them still haven't taken it out of the box and the third doesn't like it because it is too sensitive.

I'm thinking that maybe I'd like the 730 if I ever get enough funds to purchase an embroidery machine. I've also heard that Janomes are really good too.

What embroidery machine would you recommend?

A bag for Ruru

My DD is in Japan this semester. She has a host family for a home stay, because Tokyo International University doesn't have dorms. The family has a little girl.

Naturally, we got some omiyage, like kona coffee, chocolate covered macadamia nuts, etc., for her to take up. We decided to make the girl a bag using some cute hawaiian print fabric. My DD chose the fabrics, made the lettering and I did the rest. It took me 3 days, of course, I didn't work on it continuously...I had to go to work. lol.

The first picture is of the bag with 1-1/2" wide handles. I actually got done with it a little earlier, but decided that the handles made the bag look funny because they were too wide and too long. I ended up taking it apart and redoing the handles. I shortened the handles and made them 1" wide. It looked so much better.

This was one of the few times that I actually made something without a pattern. This is also the first time I  put a pocket on the inside of the bag. I don't know if you can see it in the last picture.

We thought it turned out really cute.

Moli'i Fishpond

Went to a wedding during the summer. The couple had their ceremony at the edge of the Moli'i fishpond. You can see the archway where they performed the ceremony. It was a very beautiful setting. I had never been there before.

The bride's sister did ceremony. She got her license online!

The ceremony was performed at dusk, then they had the wedding reception on the grounds in a very large tent.

Choosing fabrics

I needed fabric to start a new quilt, so I bought two of the same print in different colors...couldn't decide which one to use. Ended up using the bottom print with the fabric on the upper right hand corner of the picture. The pattern of the quilt is called "Harlequin quilt". It consists of diamonds all on point. I had to purchase a special template to cut the pieces.
At the class, I was able to cut can start sewing, but have since had to put it aside because school started. I'm not sure when I'll be able to continue on it, but I will keep you posted.
Start any new projects lately?

Pinwheel coaster and shoes

This was an experiment coaster using the extra half-square triangles from Carolina Christmas that I wrote about here, here, here, here, here, and here. I still have lots more, but I got tired of having to square them. I also had to match the sizes so that they would match.

These are my new Earth shoes. I had to order them through the internet because Birkenstock didn't have them in stock. Luckily, they fit perfectly and they are so comfortable.

Pillowcase

Well, school has started and I don't have much time to do any sewing. This is a pillowcase I made during the summer as a sample for my class at school. I wanted to make more samples of pillowcases with different patterns, but I never got around to it.

I've been reminded that Christmas is coming, but I'm not done with my samples yet. sigh.

Dilema

Well, I've been cutting t-shirts again, I found more "holey" t-shirts, just in time for the hot summer weather. These tees have come in handy as we've been having very little rain and the weather has been very muggy.

 I also made some pencil cases for my dd to give as gifts this up coming school year...I've been reminded that I need to start on Christmas, but somehow, I'm drawing a blank on that. Hopefully, something will speak out to me about that...maybe it will jump up and down, scream and wave at me saying, "Make me! Make me!" Yeah, right! Any suggestions?