Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Day of the dead....again!!

Well I got a new sewing machine! It's got an embroidery function too, I am quite excited. It's the Brother SE 400 and it's awesome! I actually embroidered something within 30mins, and it came out really nice for such an inexpensive machine. I am still working out how to place the picture where you want it in the hoop (if other than the center) and I haven't tried hooking it up to my computer to download an infinite number of designs to embroider, for now I will stick to what's pre-loaded until I get better at embroidery.

But...it's also an amazing sewing machine. It's super quiet and sews through fabric like butter! The decorative stitches are adorable too, and they come out neater than my other brother machine. I sewed up a bag in the actual recommended time it said in the pattern, 2.5 hours, and it actually would have went much faster but I was having a difficult time cutting out my fabric and turning my straps. The sewing part took almost no time at all.

My next challenge to test this lovely machine out is a zipper pencil case. Then if all goes well (and my serger comes sooner than later) I will be making knit pants and a shirt from an craftsy class.

On another fun note I finally taught myself how to single crotchet! Now maybe I can actually make crochet projects! It's not as difficult as I thought, I don't know why I kept failing so miserably every other time I tried to crochet haha!

Anyway enjoy the photos. I made the reversible flat bottom tote from "Stitch by Stitch" it was really easy to make and the directions were really good, unless I'm just becoming a better seamstress and need less directions. I embellished the finishing top stitch around the top edge with a really cute starburst stitch, it came out so cute!! We will see how the Zipper pouch turns out, that pattern is from another book. I also am going to make a fun little over the car seat trash bag thing from "one yard wonders" - best sewing project book I own. I just haven't decided what fabric to use. I feel like oil cloth or vinyl would be the most appropriate for something like that? I haven't found any nice patterned oil cloth for my shower curtain project, I may have to break down and go to JoAnn's for some. Or maybe when I am back in VA I will go to the other fabric stores and see what kind of selection they have.

Happy hump day!
Cait














Sunday, March 31, 2013

Etsy!

Well, I finally put all the wine bags I had left up for sale on etsy. It has literally been on my to do list for months.  Honestly its also why I feel like I halted every other project...even the ones I have zero intention on selling.  I know I had other priorities in life (for instance in the past 3 months, I have partially moved back home to NJ, been searching - and been disappointed by buying a house, left a great job which I miss so much, interviewed got hired and started 2 new jobs, and all the while my husband has stayed back in VA to finish out his contract, its been hectic).  I have had reasons to not be sewing or posting or putting things on etsy, but I'm hard on myself and I feel like I should have been able to prioritize better.

Anyway!  The shop is up and running - woot!
https://www.etsy.com/shop/CaitieBGood

I have decided on a few projects to do, and my sister has taken it upon herself to buy me a pattern for her Longanberger basket that I am supposedly making a lining for every holiday.  I won't lie I am excited about that, but don't tell her, she is really really good at finding projects for me to make! One of the other projects I have decided is a shower curtain, I'm sure this is really easy, but I really need to find the perfect fabric.  One of my other tasks is finding a new sewing machine.  I really want an expensive one, but I am completely overwhelmed by all the research.  I have yet to decide on what to get, maybe I will just get a new iron instead.  I am debating about getting one that embroiders too, I am so torn.  I was thinking that if I completed a sew a long I would reward myself at the end with a new machine....so I have been on the hunt for one that is feasible.

Alright so there is a little update....go ahead and shop at my store!!  Happy Easter everyone!


Cait