Sew Fun!

I have a confession: I really don't like to sew clothes. I used to. In high school and college I sewed many of the things in my wardrobe. But I do like to sew, and use my machine a lot for other little projects like project bags and totes. Recently I found a like-new sewing machine for sale online, and after doing some research, I found out that the price was right and it had only been used once! I'll take it!

I already have a sewing machine, but it's pretty basic. This one is computerized and has many features that I know I'll use. So time to try it out!

One of the first things I wanted to make was a project bag. I had watched Calico's video on Youtube for a vinyl-front bag. Her idea for the bag was inspired by Dina at Making Life Count on Youtube. I like both of their instructions, but decided to go with Calico's. Here's what I came up with.

The vinyl was a bit of a challenge to sew with, but Christine (Calico) gives you some tips on how to handle it. My edging is a bit wonky, but I will say that the zipper portion of this bag is super easy. I like how it turned out and love the summery fabric. Yes, I will make more of these. I figure that practice makes perfect.

I had some of that cute paisley fabric left, so I sewed some scroll rod covers for my Rola Frame.

I used instructions from Tricia The Left Handed Stitcher on Youtube. It's a good tutorial. Just stick with it if you plan on making some of these. The video shows measuring instructions after the sewing instructions so just stay tuned.

Next, I wanted to try a really easy basic bag. I found Na T's Zipper Bag Sewing Tutorial on Youtube and thought it looked pretty easy. The beauty of this bag is that it has no raw edges showing on the inside. (Neither did my vinyl fronted bag, by the way). I used fabrics that I had in my stash from other projects.

This one has a basic top zip. I wasn't sure what size fabric to use, and my bag came out kind of square. It'll work though. I added interfacing to give the project bag more body. Next time, I might use some fusible fleece. And maybe try to make it a little more rectangular.

I'd say that I gave my new sewing machine a good trial run and have some more projects planned for it. I've also used it to edge some cross stitch fabric. All in all, I'm very pleased with my purchase.

Thank you for all of your comments on my last post. I still can't figure out what's wrong with my commenting abilities. So if I subscribe to your blog and you don't see comments from me, it's because I simply can't. Again, some blogs let me comment and some don't. No rhyme or reason. Also, I found out that I can't do replies on comments on my own blog!! 

So I'm going to answer Mary's question from my last post right here. Mary, here's how I do my stitching rotation: I stitch on one project for about three days, and then I switch to the next one and stitch that one for three days. And so on and so forth. If I have something that I really want to finish, I'll add it to the rotation more often.

Thanks for all of your comments! I'll be answering any questions right here in my blog. And meanwhile, I'll try to figure out what the deal is with my commenting ability. I hope you'll come back to visit and see what I'm up to.

Stitching Update

It's time to refresh my blog. I've been on Flosstube for a year now, and I realize that I have been ignoring the blog a bit. But I've come to realize that I like blogging - the writing, photo posting, and arranging. My question is: Is blogging going away? I've noticed that a lot of the blogs that I follow haven't had new posts in a long time. Not all of them, but many.

So my intention is to post regularly to keep you updated on what's going on in my crafty and stitchy world. I also have a technical question, but we'll talk about that later.

Let's talk stitching! I am on a stitching project rotation that I'm really enjoying. I have 13 WIPs right now and I'm working on each of them for three days. Then I go to the next one. I need to start writing down the order because I'm finding that using my memory for this isn't the best plan. Ha ha.

I'll start with "Forest Snowfall" by Country Cottage Needleworks.

I'm stitching this on 28 count Winter Wishes by Fabrics by Stephanie. This was originally a SAL started in the winter months. Maybe I'm just dragging it out to finish it next winter. Yeah, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

I also worked on my Linen and Threads 2017 Mystery Sampler.

You're seeing this right - I'm still stitching the January portion. My excuse is that it's a big section compared to the others. And you know what I always say: I'm not in a race with anyone. I am enjoying stitching this. It's being stitched on 32 count antique white Jobelan.

"Frosty Forest" by Country Cottage Needleworks got a little attention.

It's the center square! All finished! Only eight to go! I'm stitching this on a light gray 28 count linen.

Formerly a UFO, "Angel of Divinity Stocking" by Dimensions is another one I worked on lately.

 I started stitching the blue area, and then went to her halo with blended threads, including metallics.

I also had two finishes recently! The first is a chart from the Lizzie Kate chart "Coffee Time".

I framed it in a coffeepot trivet! So cute, right? I used threads I already had in my stash and stitched it on 30 count Tin Roof linen.

Next is "July" from the Snowflower Diaries Joyful World monthly series.

I stitched this one over one on 25 count celadon green Jobelan using mainly the called-for colors. I think I switched out a green to show up better on the green fabric. It looks a little gray in this photo, but it's a pale green.

My rotation is working well, although I don't know when another finish will happen. I guess if I really had to get one of my projects done, I'd just work on that one and ditch the rotation for a while. But I am not in any hurry for a finish so it's all good.

OK, now for my technical question. I like to leave comments on blogs that I follow. So I get signed in to Google, and for a great majority of blogs, I have no problems leaving a comment. On these, it shows my name, my email address, and the fact that I'm signed in to Google. However, on some blogs, it says "leaving comment as" and then a dropdown box gives me the choice of Google, Name/URL, or Anonymous. Even though I'm signed in to Google, my comments never show up on these blogs. I've even tried using the Name/URL with no luck. Does anyone know why this is? It's sad because I can't leave a comment on some of my favorite blogs. Any help will be appreciated.

Thank you for visiting my blog today. I'll be back soon with more crafty updates! If you'd like to visit my Flosstube channel, go to CraftyCat Stitcher on Youtube.

See you soon!