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.

Reversible Patchwork Bag

I recently made a reversible patchwork bag using Pink Penguin's tutorial. I wanted to use up some scraps of fabric that I brought home from school. I decided to use blues and browns. I tried to alternate the darks and the lights and I think it turned out okay. I'd like to make another one. I'm not sure what I'd use it for, but oh well, at least I used some of my scrap materials. I lined the bag with some sample fabric I got from my mom. Someone gave her sample pieces that they use to order the bolts from. I wanted to make it all aloha print, but I didn't have enough aloha print in the right colors.
I'm trying to decide if I should make another one or try

I also made this red Japanese drawstring bag (Tsunagi Bukuro) using patchwork. It was a bit more difficult, but I must say that I was pleased with the result. I use this bag to keep my music tapes in and my little tape recorder. I purchased the pattern and fabric at Kuni Dry Goods in Moiliili.