Sweetness!!

I love making things for kids.  I got the chance to make e-reader clutches for two girls that received Nooks for Christmas.  Santa sure was good to them.

The first one.  I was chasing daylight, sorry for the glare.

I adore owls.  I used a rayon thread to FMQ.  I must admit, that as a cotton snob, I was surprised at how beautifully it quilted.  I wouldn't use it on a blanket but I'm going to branch out for decor and bags.

I love cute buttons!  

JoAnn's is really starting to get a larger variety of fun and functional buttons.

Any time butterflies are involved, I always quilt meandering loops.  The loops seem to move in the same way as a butterfly's flight path.  

Sweet bows!

Gorgeous! 

I loved getting the opportunity to make these.

~SLBY

New and Improved E-Reader Clutch

Just for the record, that is absolutely the worst title for a blog post.  I could not come up with anything creative.  2 days of thinking and stressing brought about nothing.  So, I went with straight forward.  Boring but efficient.

I recently completed an e-reader clutch on my new BabyLock Symphony.  Not only is it my first e-reader clutch on this machine but it also my first, albeit small, quilting project using my Symphony.  I love that I was able to FMQ, utility stitch and decorative stitch, all in one project.  Not only has the new machine increased the quality of my clutches but I get to add a lot of fun, unique touches to each clutch.

FMQ is wonderful on this machine.  I did it both with the foot and with just the start/stop.  My stitches are far more regular.  The machine really glides and the large extension table gives me adequate room.  As does the large throat space.

I got daring and tried a new FMQ design.  It turned out really well.  I saw the design and many others here.  It is a great site for inspiration.

I was able to bind off the pocket using a decorative stitch.  Typically, I bind the pocket, as I bind anything.  Machine straight stitch on, fold over, press and ladder stitch closed by hand.  I decided to use a decorative stitch because, well... I CAN!!!  

I don't usually put a button hole in but I can actually put one in large enough, that it worked out.  No more having to use the elastic string to keep these closed.  I also used the machine to sew the button on.  My machine can sew buttons!  And it was such a simple process.  I have used a buttonholer before and Symphony's is straight forward.  The button foot was equally simple and after a user error, I got it perfectly on the second try.

I am also able to make my own tags.  I was doing these really sad tags that were handwritten with permanent marker.  This was a first rough design.  I'd like to get some printer fabric and do a combo of printing the website and monogramming with my Symphony.  I need to get a printer first.  Then the fabric.  Then the free time to test it out.  The fancy tags will go on my list of things to do.  For now, I have something that looks at least some what professional.

This by far has been the best e-reader clutch I've made.  My FMQ has improved immensely.  I like that I can easily use and access all the added features of the Symphony.  It *really* shows on my end product.


I'm starting a pinwheel quilt tonight.  I'm salivating, I'm so excited about it.  I am using some fabrics that I've never quilted with before.  I also found a tutorial on how to quickly piece the simple pinwheels together.  I have never seen this method before.  I will share all the details, when I finish the quilt.  I am so excited about the experience.  After that, we have an upcoming short trip, which means I get to visit quilt shops and blog about them.


~SLBY

♪♫ Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer.... ♪♫

That's what is playing on the radio, as I type.  My house is finally decorated for the Christmas holidays.  Since my house is decorated, I decided my blog should be next.

I received a few new orders, so I am doing price sheets tonight.  I will finish up the e-reader post tomorrow night.

Here is a teaser though....

~SLBY~

Fear not, for I am still with you...

Oh loyal blog readers, please know that I haven't forgotten you. Or left you.

It started with two sick kids last weekend.

I think this one started it.

This picture was almost a year ago. She has gone with short hair, ever since. I miss those curls and chubby face. *sigh*

Anyway, she goes to school. Picks up germs and brings them home to share with her little brother.

I want to reach through this picture and just snuggle him. *double sigh*


Anyway...

Then a busy week of filling some orders. (You'll see those items over the next few days)

And now, as any good mom would, I have the dreaded plague. The kind where your skin hurts and your eyelashes are tender. It doesn't help when your husband has been working non-stop. Today is his first day off and I am spending the evening in bed. Alone with my laptop.

I plan on reading blogs, where people actually update. ;)


I have finished quilts, finished eReader covers and a rag quilt in process, to share with you over the next few days.


Namaste
~SLBY