I'm so deflated

I was so excited about my road trip to visit new and exciting fabric stores. My excitement quickly turned to disappointment when I learned the said stores were mostly upholstery fabric and drapery fabric and ugly fabric. Oh, I did visit the store I was supposed to go to for work and that was just about the most successful part of the trip. To make myself feel better, on the way home I stopped at a fabric store that I knew I liked, hoping to find something awesome. Although they are hardly awesome, I do really like the fabric I bought. The dotted one is a Michael Miller print and the other one is an Alexander Henry print. Both were crazy cheap!! And buttons. Buttons always make me happy. Whew, the day wasn't a total waste.

A thrifty lunch!

I couldn't decide what to do at lunch today so I went to a little thrift shop and to Value Village. Value Village was a waste of time, but I got some neat finds at the little thrift shop.

1. A pj pattern $1.00
2. Flannel to make pj bottoms $6.00 (but there is 6 yards of the stuff)
3. Butterfly fabric $1.00
4. Some wacky blue patchworky fabric $0.25, why not?




I've always wanted to make pj bottoms because it's all I ever wear when I'm at home, but when you can buy them so cheap I've never bothered. Maybe now I'll bother!

I've been tagged........again!!!

Thanks to Bonnie from Tres Bon Babble for tagging me...again!

The Alphabet Meme:

A - Available or Taken: Taken
B - Best Friend: I know it sounds corny, but for sure it's my partner, Joe.
C - Cake or Pie: Cake!!
D - Drink of Choice: Diet Coke!
E - Essential item you use everyday: Toothpaste
F - Favorite Color: Green
G - Gummy Bears or Worms: neither
H - Hometown: Richmond Hill, Ontario
I - Indulgence: Manicure or pedicure
J - January or February: February, Valentine's Day, Joe's B-day & My B-day (they are two days apart)
K - Kids & ages: None
L - Life is incomplete without: Being crafty
M - Marriage Date or Most Memorable Date ( and why): September 22, 2002 - Met Joe
N - Number of Siblings: 1 sister
O - Oranges or Apples: I don't like fruit
P - Phobias or Fears: Heights
Q - Fave Quote: I don't think I have one!
R - Reason to Smile: A sunny day at the cottage
S - Season: Autumn
T - Tag 3 or 4 People: Lera, Debbie, Feli
U - Unknown fact about me: I feel like everyone knows it all after the last tagging!
V - Vegetable you don't like: mushrooms
W - Worst Habit: Diet Coke with breakfast
X - X-rays: Yikes....4 broken arms, broken leg, broken finger & shattered elbow
Y - Your Fave Food: BBQ Hamburger
Z - Zodiac Sign: Pisces

I've been tagged!

While surfing my regular blogs last week I noticed that I had been tagged by Debbie .

Here goes.


RULES:

*You post 5 things about yourself that you haven't already mentioned in your blog.
*You tag 5 more bloggers.


1. I was married in the past. In my mid-twenties I was married for a year. Not much more to say about that one I guess.

2. I don't really listen to music, at all. It's pretty weird, I like music, but even when driving I prefer silence. If I'm at home alone the house is quiet. Maybe it's because I'm a migraine sufferer, I'm not sure, but I prefer silence to sounds.

3. Although I've spent the past 4 years developing a reading program at the high school I work in, I don't really read much. I mean, I read all the time, magazines, newspapers, but I haven't read a novel since last summer at the cottage. It's not that I don't love reading it's just that there is often other things I'd rather be doing.

4. I could eat hamburgers and caesar salad (with GOOD HOMEMADE dressing) every day for lunch and dinner.

5. I met the actor Jeff Bridges and actually had a conversation with him!


Now, here's the part that I'm not good at....tagging others. If you would like to play along please do so!

New fabric, new bracelet and new Blogger!!

A quick trip to Value Village the other day resulted in me purchasing this:




It's Japanese fabric (I only know that because of the writing on the edge of it). I have no idea what I'll do with it, if anything, but it's pretty and it was cheap.

My friend Sherry made me this BEAUTIFUL bracelet. I love it so much! She's so talented. I can't imagine the time and patience that went into making it. I think I'd string three beads and call it quits.



Lastly, it happened. The thing I've been avoiding for quite a while now. Blogger BULLIED me into upgrading to the new version. So far, so good though. I was afraid that my blog would LOOK different after the upgrade and that it would take me hours to get it back to the way it was. Thankfully, no changes (that I know of yet) were made.

Yo-Yos and Thanks!!

Why haven't I tried making yo-yos before?????? Last night I decided it was time I try them and let me just say this, they are totally fun and addictive!!!!

I had to make another pouch just to see how it would look with a yo-yo on it, and I love it!!



When I checked the mail today, I almost died when I noticed I had a package that wasn't an Ebay purchase. I received this AWESOME gift from Lera from The Sky is Pink. A while back she had a question about her blog that I couldn't help her with so I asked Joe and he quickly had the answer (of course). Apparently his solution worked so she sent us this amazing thank-you!!! It was all I could do not to rip open the chocolates BEFORE taking a picture of it.

Thank you Lera!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My New Keychain

Using this great tutorial I made my first keychain. Of course I thought that it needed buttons so after cutting the fabric and fusing the interfacing to it I stitched on the buttons before any sewing began...big mistake!!! Because the keychain is only an inch wide and the buttons are almost an inch wide I had a heck of a time trying to stitch the sides of the keychain. Unfortunately, I think that the buttons need to be sewn on AFTER the sewing is done, or, use a wider d-ring so that the fabric is wider and there is room for the presser foot beside the buttons.

It ALWAYS seems like I have to make something a zillion times before I get it right. Let me introduce to you keychain number one:



Now that I look at the picture, the stitches don't look that bad, but TRUST ME, in person they are a MESS! Oh, the fabric was cheapo Jo-Ann's fabric for something like a dollar a yard....that's an awful lot of keychains!!!! *kidding*

Now it's time to go back to bed. I came home from work early today feeling quite ill. After a nap and a hot bath I'm feeling a bit better, but I think it's time for nap number two.

Profile Update

Just a quick note to say that my profile has been updated to include my e-mail address...I didn't know it wasn't already there!

Bingo!

After a whole lot of searching and tons of advice from fellow bloggers, I finally managed to find the printable fabric I was looking for. I fell in love with a bag in my new book, "Bag Boutique", and I just had to make it. I haven't attempted the bag from the book yet, but I used the images on a practice wristlet.

This is the fabric I purchased. I found it at my local Walmart in the fabric section. I was running in circles looking for it because apparently the staff at Walmart had no idea what I was talking about and told me that if they had it it would be in the printer paper section.

I followed the directions exactly, and I'm thrilled with the way it turned out!!! I printed some new tags to put in my bags as well, and I love them too!




I used the little blanket stitch around the bag and the bingo board. It's one of the zillion stitch options on my new machine. I love it!

I can't wait to use this with other projects!

Lunchtime Thrifting

I zipped out at lunch today to the local Bible Thrift Store. I can usually find something neat while I'm there.

Today I found some fabric I've never seen before...it looks like pages from the sports section of the newspaper. I'm not a sports fan and I have no idea why I bought it, except that it was only 50 cents!! I got some neat vintage buttons and a really pretty red tea towel.



Also...I want to thank Lera for all her GREAT suggestions for future projects for me to try.

I promise I am done with the change purses.....for now. Here are the LAST three. I've finally decided it's time to move on.





We have lots of geocaching plans for the weekend, so I'm not sure how much time I'll be able to spend with my sewing machine.......I have lots of ideas brewing though!! Be warned!!!

Three More

I made three more little change purses. I apologize for being so repetitive, but when I find something I like, I can't just make one!!!

I have 3 or 4 more all cut out and ready to go and then I think my change purse kick might be over and it may be time to move on. I really want to make a bag from my new Bag Boutique book, but I have to find some printable fabric first.

Here are the change purses:






I have some of them for sale in my Etsy Shop.

My new addiction!!!

Ok, I'm not quite over the wristlets yet, but on the same theme, my new addiction is change purses!!!! I have quite a few charm squares that I've been trying to figure out how to use up and I started making little change purses and I haven't stopped yet!!! It's a fun way to play with the different stitches on my sewing machine. I've also had fun playing with my button collection. This isn't even all of them, I gave a few away before I took pictures.

I had a successful trip to Value Village at lunch today. I never seem to be able to find crafty books or sewing books at my local VV, but today I was lucky!! I got two sewing books, and they are in the other room right now and I don't feel like moving, but trust me, they look good!!

Winter has arrived!!!

I hate winter. Period. But the thing I hate most about winter is ICE!! Why?? I'm clumsy. On a beautiful Spring day, almost three years ago, I tumbled on my way out of the hairdresser's. I shattered my elbow and broke my arm in 4 places. Needless to day, I'm always extremely careful now when walking. I'm terrified of falling again and if there's a patch of ice, I'll find it.

I snuck out of work a few minutes early today. We are right in the middle of a freezing rain storm here that started last night. I snapped a few pictures, although it doesn't begin to capture what's going on outside. Trees are down, power is out in places (not here), and the city is a mess!!




I'm happy to be inside where it's warm and dry and I have power so I can still sew!!

Catching up

Well, I survived the first week back to work after the Christmas Break. I found that after I got home from work, did some housework and made dinner, all I wanted to do after that was flop on the couch, and that's pretty much what I did all week!

Yesterday, we went geocaching and shopping in the States. I would like to personally thank the people who hid so many geocaches so close to Jo-Ann's Fabric Store!!! Joe dropped me off and returned just over an hour later after finding 5 geocaches. He assures me that there are still plenty more for him to find the next time we go there. Anyways, in an hour I managed to spend quite a bit of money. I bought a ton of fabric, some thread, and a few other little odds and ends. I think my favourite purchase was this:



I am in love with most of the bags in this book!! The book starts with some very good bag-making instructions which is always good to review. My favourite bag in the book has to be the cute little bag in middle of the bottom row on the front cover of the book. In the book, there's a link for the bingo card image. You are supposed to print in on printable fabric and then applique it to the bag. I think I've seen printable fabric before, but I have no idea when or where. Now I have to get my hands on some!!!!!! I have also been searching for a good solution for tags to put into my bags. If I manage to find some of this printable fabric, I may try to use it for tags as well.

I received this beautiful hand-made pillow from a friend for Christmas. My friend has made the most beautiful raggy quilts. In fact, it was her that inspired me to make my own. Here is my new pillow, and I LOVE it!!!



Since I had a not-so-crafty week last week, I've already made up for it today. Here are three wristlets that I made this morning. The Flea Market Fancy one has been in my mind for while now. It's not quite what I imagined, but I do like it alot.






Anyways, I'm on my own for the day and my sewing machine is waiting for me...

Back to school

The first day back to school after any sort of break is killer, but yesterday was worse than ever. I had so many loose ends to tie up from December and all I really wanted was to be home with my new sewing machine.

I dashed home, got dinner on, tidied up a bit and headed to my craft room. The first thing I worked on was another set of cat cards (by request). I wasn't sure about the paper, I didn't have much selection, but I really like the way they turned out. Not quite as "matchy" as mine usually are.



The second thing I really wanted to try was a coffee cozy from the book that I purchased just before Christmas called Fabric Leftovers. I love love love my coffee, but my favourite coffee place doesn't provide those little cuffs for the cups to keep you hands from burning. I always ask for it to be "double cupped" because otherwise I can't hold it. I thought this was a cute solution.



I need to adjust the size a little bit from the pattern in the book. But it was soo much fun to make!! I wouldn't have been able to do it on my old machine.

The last thing I wanted to do last night was make another patchwork wristlet. I have it in my head how I wanted to do it but I ran out of steam at around 8:00 and hit the couch. Hopefully tonight.

Sew on and sew on....

It wasn't quite the day I had planned, I didn't get to spend as much time sewing as I would have liked to. Every time I turned around I found something that needed to be cleaned, washed, swept, etc. In between cleaning and getting ready for work, I did manage to make two more bags.




I was able to play with some of the fancy stitches on my sewing machine, it was a lot of fun. I goofed on the blue bag though. Somehow, even though I am always very careful NOT to twist the handle before pinning it, there managed to be a half twist in it. I didn't notice it until it was too late and decided it was a "feature" rather than a mistake ;)

While I was sewing, I did get some ideas for other bags. I can't wait to try them out!

UNFORTUNATELY, the holiday is over. It's back to work for me tomorrow. I guess it's time to count down now to March Break.

Alice is my new best friend!!

I had my sewing lesson today so that I wouldn't be afraid of my new machine and I can't believe how awesome it was!!!! First of all, the shop owner and Alice (my new best friend) loved the patchwork purse I brought in to show them. We started off on a good foot. I also brought a wristlet in progress and Alice gave me a few tips about how I could do it better. I don't think anyone would notice the subtle difference, but I sure can and I love it!



A few days ago, some new tags I ordered from here arrived. They are cotton iron-on labels. I was just sick of the labels I had been using (iron-on transfers on ribbon) and wanted to find a cheap alternative. Delivery was super fast and I'm pretty happy with the labels, although they are still not the answer I'm looking for. The great thing about them is that you can order any font you want and they can even add image to the label. I played it very safe, but if I were to order more I would jazz them up a little bit. Here it is in all it's glory:



A while back I was approached by another new Etsy seller regarding a trade. Some of my cards for a pair of her earrings. The earrings looked beautiful on the website so I happily agreed. Well....they arrived today, and let me tell you, they are absolutely STUNNING.



This picture does not do them justice. If you're ever looking for a beautiful peice of jewellery, I highly highly recommend blueberry jewellery.

Two New Bags

I NEVER want to go back to work!!! I'm having so much fun during my time off. I've been re-organizing my craft room and planning lots of future projects.

Tomorrow is my big lesson on my new sewing machine. I can't wait!!

Today I made two more purses.




I'm hoping to make a quick dash across the border tomorrow to stock up on some more fabric and sewing supplies. Did I mention I never want to go back to work??? :)

Today's my lucky day!!

First of all, I've figured out the freekin' automatic needle threader. After a bit of internet hunting last night, I found different instructions on how to do it that were much more clear than the instructions in the user's manual.
I also think I might have found a solution for the problem of sewing through layers of fabric. On the Singer website (which the link isn't working to right now, of course) they suggested using something called the "Jean-a-ma-jig".

Apparently the needle breaks when the presser foot is angled trying to sew over heavier layers. You are supposed to insert this "Jean-a-ma-jig" before you get to the extra layers to prevent the presser foot from going on a crazy angle. I hope that makes sense. The link that isn't working right now explained it really well.

I'll give this a try the next time I need it and report back.

Mike, the sewing machine guy, was extremely helpful! He reminded me that I get a free lesson on my new machine. I was thinking that I didn't really need it until he showed me a couple of quick things on it that I never would have figured out by myself. I'm getting my lesson later this week I hope.

Feeling all happy after visiting Mike, I trotted over to Value Village and I found three awesome sewing books. I NEVER find any good books there, so I was thrilled!













The second one is my favourite (Sew a beautiful gift). I can't wait to go through these books this afternoon!!!

Happy New Year!!!

I can't believe it's 2007, where did 2006 go????

We had a good time last night, but I wasn't too fond of geocaching in the rain at midnight though. It was good company, good food, and a good night all around.

I'm so glad the holidays are over. Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas, I love spending time with family (especially when it's at the Casino), but it's such a relief to get life back to normal. Joe and I did pretty much nothing today. I woke up with a whopping headache (not a migraine) as a result of not enough sleep the past few days.

I had a chance to play with my new sewing machine again, and I'm feeling much better about it now. I finally figured out the automatic needle threader, thank goodness!!! I know that Joe is relieved to hear that because if I didn't figure it out, I'd still be up at 2:00 in the morning, googling "sewing machine troubleshooting" and feeling extremely frustrated.

I made ANOTHER wristlet. I know you're sick of them and I'm almost sick of them, but they are a great way to practice sewing on my new machine.

Before Christmas I splurged and bought myself two Christmas presents.

I honestly haven't had much of a chance to read through either of these books, but at first glance, both look extremely promising.

Although I have a bunch of running around to do tomorrow, I'm hoping to get a chance to flip through these books and pick a new project to try.