WOW: Collectible Sewing Kits

WOW = WIPs On Wednesday

Today is an unusual WOW in that I'm not doing any sewing. I'm instead sorting through some boxes in the garage as we are having a garage sale. I think I have been downsizing for the last 5 years, it's just so hard. But other than that, its just so time consuming. But even so, some decisions are easier than others. Take for example my bag of sewing kits. I don't know why I even have so many. I guess its a bit like having hundreds of matchboxes back when everyone handed out little matchboxes wherever you went. That doesn't happen nowadays, but I can remember when it did. I think my sewing kit collection grew in the same way.

This is a basic sewing kit, it's rather pointless as it doesn't actually include a needle.

whereas this one has a fat needle that would puncture rather than sew your clothes

this is the deluxe version as it has 3 needles, 3 sizes of safety pin and even a press stud

the rest are all exactly the same, except for their different cardboard covers. I really wonder if anyone ever uses sewing kits. Did they ever? I know having hundreds of these in a bag is completely pointless and yet I think they're rather cute and don't really want to part with them. But I will.I definitely will. 

What's Your WOW ?

An InLinkz Link-up

Oma's Blues: Template C

In Oma's Blues, you have the option of creating charm plates with a ring within them (you could of course simply stitch down a fabric that you love, without applique, depending on the look you're after). With the charm plates themselves, this inner ring is quickly and easily appliqued with fusible.

This is a real time video guide for beginners. This is how I do it and the technique is the same regardless of the template or pattern or design I am following:

Oma's Blues Part 2 is Launched !

Phew, I'm launching on time! Yes, my copier issues are finally behind me and hopefully my trusty old Toshiba will be able to keep up as I intend 2015 to be my year for BOMs.

Since last month, some of you have already started on your centre plates  - and they're all looking wonderful, just how I imagined them. I'm feeling really sorry at the moment that I'm not making the pattern with you at the same time. This is how it has to be for most of my patterns from now on. 

There just aren't enough hours in the day for me to make everything I design. Mind you, if I didn't have so much going on this year, I think I would 'pause' LE for a year to get Oma's Blues made because I'm completely in love with it! You've probably noticed that I've started an Oma's Blues board over on Pinterest (you can see it from my Oma's Blues Page at the top of this blog). If you're making this quilt, be sure to share your journey with us. I've already seen some fabulous fabrics as well as one member who is going with an oriental inspired version...I can't wait. 

My heart skips a beat when I see a new image uploaded. I never knew so many of you were in love with the idea of a blue and white quilt too, and I'm so happy that Oma's Blues has snuggled into your hearts . I know many of you also remember your own Oma's with dishware and I've been touched by the emails I've received by those of you making your own quilt in memory of a loved one. What better use for a quilt can there be?

This month you will be creating the 4 x roses charm blocks and I already know they're going to be beautiful.

Can't wait to see your progress....

Oma's Blues is a free BOM available to members of my Yahoo BOM Group. 

We are currently at Part 2. Part 1 is still available for free, so if you're interested, join us today

Lily Rose: Sewing Down the Borders

Today I'm sewing in the borders and I hope to be done by lunchtime. I'm thinking about puffing out the oval frame by stuffing it lightly, just like I did over some of the flower details. I'll take a look at it when its all together and decide then what should be done. I'm feeling so determined to get Lily Rose completed as I know that its now or never. Meaning that if I don't finish this WIP now, when will I? I have so many WIPs I'm too daunted to even answer that question!

Often as I work I listen to the Quilt Show that I'll have running in the background or the radio. Today I opted for the radio and I've already had to change stations twice. There's a lot of nonsense on the radio about it being Friday the 13th. Well, I don't believe in bad luck or that a number can have any power over your luck, but if it did, surely talking about it non stop wouldn't help?? What about you? will you stay home today? Or avoid threading a needle?

Or do you have any other sewing superstitions you pay heed to?

WOW: Lily Rose the CBBs

WOW = WIPs On Wednesdays

I'm working on those corner bits that are in each of the four corners of the centre. For LE, I resorted to calling certain shapes dewbies because I had no words for certian shapes. I don't know what to call these shapes, other than centre background bits or CBBs. They're lovely and I want them, I just don't know what to call them. Anyway, I've made one and I have the other three prepped and ready to be made. 

What's Your WOW?

An InLinkz Link-up

Lily Rose: Embellishing the Rose Buds

I've decided to dedicate another day to embellishing the bouquet with simple stitchery. In this case, I'm focusing in on the rosebuds to give them some dimension as I felt they were a bit flat.

 I'm simply highlighting areas in complimentary DMC threads and basic gobelin or straight stitch

 I think outlining has the biggest impact

It's a bit wrinkly, so I'm going to make a tiny snip behind the fabric and lightly stuff a tiny amount of batting behind the rose applique fabric to puff it out. At this stage I should mention that I have already sewn down my bouquet to the background fabric. It is in position.

I have lightly stuffed my pink flower centre in the same way, I think that little bit of dimension makes a real difference.

Love the puff :) 

 I'm looking forward to hanging Lily Rose and enjoying it every day

 these details just increase the pleasure 

Lily Rose: Stitching Down the Bouquet

I don't usually sew or blog on Saturdays - its strictly family and off screen time, but this weekend is an exception for me as I am home alone...so I thought I'd make the most of it and keep myself busy. I've had a really productive morning. After 45 minutes of tinkering on my disaster Bernina 820 machine, it randomly started sewing OK, so I decided to get stuck in.

I've been in two minds about this since last week when I was deciding how to stitch down my applique. I have put a lot of time and work into Lily Rose and at every turn, my Bernina 820 has failed me. It reduces the quality of my work and I get so furious and upset when I see hours of work being damaged by poor stitching. So just sitting down on this machine is an emotional annoyance for me, I never know if I'm going to regret it, or if it will work just fine. Today it isn't behaving 'fine', but it is behaving OK, so I made a dash for it.

I had plans to meet a friend for a quick coffee and maybe even lunch

but I called her earlier and said, 'the 820's working all of a sudden, I can't leave the house'

 So here I am later that same afternoon, blogging about it. I can afford to do that now as light is fading and I can't sew any more today anyhow. I will try again tomorrow and hope the the 820 pixies return and get the Bernina back into a good mood for me. 

Ridiculous, isn't it?

They say a good workman never blames his tools. That's too convenient for badly manufactured machines. I say a good seamstress never has to wait for her tools to be good.