This Year. This Mess.

So, not a whole bunch of people know this. About two months before Christmas last year, I found a lump in a lymph gland in my neck. It turned out to be benign, and I am extremely thankful. But, I had about eight weeks — from detection to biopsy to results — to ponder life. And one of the things I found bothered me was that I had these bins and bins of fabric and stuff that I intended to someday make into something. I’ve decided this is the year I’m getting rid of my bins of “future” sewing projects. Starting now, I’m either going to sew it, donate it or give it away. I’m going public on this to help keep me accountable to clear through my stuff. Every year I have planned to sew through these projects, and every year I haven’t. I’m giving myself one year.   So, here we go. My first project. Re-covering this water-stained, small ironing board.  ...

Fixed

I’m finally back in my sewing room and I’m loving the non-carpet floors! Allure Ultra from Home Depot — I installed it myself. So, yes, it’s pretty easy for the not-gifted-in-the-handyman-department-type person. 🙂 Here’s a before and after.                     I’ll post a picture of the cutting table I put together…as soon as I get the clutter off of it! Happy New Year!...

I’m not a blogger

I’ve come to the conclusion that blogging is just not one of my gifts. Which probably confuses my husband, because I’m so long-winded when I’m talking to him! But, writing something PUBLIC…It intimidates me to the point that I avoid it with all my being…as you’ve probably noticed! So, I’ve decided I’m going to try something different. I’m going to turn this into more of a photo blog. More emphasis on the pictures, less writing. Does this make it a phlog? Here’s what I’m working on right now. Christmas stockings. This is the prototype. From here, I’ll be working to get some made to post in my shop…hopefully BEFORE Christmas! 🙂 I wish you could join me in my sewing room. When I’m Christmas sewing, I blast my Christmas music and if no one’s home, I may even sing. Well, try to sing. Until our dog comes upstairs and peeks into my sewing room to see what creature is dying. He’s not allowed upstairs, so it takes a lot for him to break the rule and come up here and give me the eye. That looks that says, “Stop. Just stop.” Sigh. Singing isn’t one of my gifts either. I’ll stick to sewing,...

Armadillo pillow

This past Christmas, I decided to make an armadillo pillow for my sister-in-law. She collects armadillos. I started by checking out Wikipedia.com for a photo of the critter and found this: Not so cute. Oops. I didn’t say that. Don’t tell my SIL, she may get offended. I like cute critters. One of my goals when designing is to make my designs look like the real animal, but not so real that it would scare a baby. Maybe it’s because I get nightmares easily, I don’t know. So, this armadillo guy was a challenge. When I design a new applique, I always start with pencil and paper. And I sketch. Sometimes it takes a few minutes. Ok, honestly, it RARELY takes a few minutes. It normally takes many tries. More often, days.  I wish I was one of those people who could draw quickly and proportionately. I’m not. I usually sketch and put the design away for a while, and come back to it later to rework it again. I’ve been working on some designs for years. Hamster. I’ve been working on her for 3 years and still can’t capture the look I want. Sorry, I digress. So, here’s my final sketch: From here, I program the design into my embroidery software. I’ll cover that in more detail another day. And then I sew out the design. I repeat these last two steps over and over until the design “works.” Lots of variables to adjust, like angles and size of stitches, thread colors, fabric colors… Getting everything to work well together takes a lot of test runs. I have...
Take a look at this — C.U.T.E!

Take a look at this — C.U.T.E!

So, just for fun. Check out my new video! WARNING: Be prepared to smile! The sweet kiddos in this clip are A.D.O.R.A.B.L.E! Thank you to all the families who generously allowed me to share their photos. Love you guys! (Products in these photos are not my new products, for those of you who are wondering.) Bringing the joy back, Cheryl...