Thread Stand

With so little working space whilst embroidering, I decided to treat myself with a thread stand.  Now at least the thread won't take up any valuable space or be lying around cluttering up the table.  Truly impressed with this item.

Neatly tucked away behind the machine.

New design added to online store

I've started designing blocks for a Bohemian style quilt.  The first block includes applique.

Combining 4 blocks forms another flower as a secondary pattern.  Below is a computer-generated image of 4 blocks.

The finished quilt will consist of 30 blocks, so this will be a long journey.  Grab this one while it is on special here.

Project cushions

After Luna had an accident on some of the scatter cushions on our bed, I had to take off the covers to be able to wash them only to discover that the inside covers have all but disintegrated. 😲

 

After digging in my stash, I decided on a fabric and started stitching new covers.  It was the first time I used the Janome My Lock 644D I inherited from my mother.  What an absolute lovely machine. 

What a difference a new piece of fabric makes

and in no time at all three were looking brand new. 

 

I will however have to make new covers for all, so this project will be ongoing for some time.  

I then made a bed for Britney, our Chow/Boerboel mix, by stitching four pillowcases together, stuffing the pillows inside and stitching the openings closed.

I then used an old duvet cover to stitch a cover and just like that this project was done as well.

I then continued making more dog beds for our local SPCA using old pillows.  Before I could finish covering them also with the old duvet, our little Yorkshire Terrier, Luna, decided it looks too inviting and caught a nap.😀

Margarida runner

I have been quite busy the last few weeks designing for the first time in years.  Had to learn the program almost from scratch again.  But with perseverance and dedication I finally manage to finish the first new design for Embroidery Girl's online store at Oregon Patchworks.  This is however an exclusive design which members will be able to download for free.  I am not allowed to sell this design at all, but if it helps direct traffic to my store, all is well.

As it is an appliqué design, I had to make a project as well, so I embroidered three blocks and stitched them into a runner.  Was a race against time as the design must be in by the 20th or I will be fined for not adhering to the rules as set out in the contract.

The design could be used to showcase that special fabric in the center or by adding other embroidery designs.  The members will receive it in 3 sizes, 6", 7" and 8".

I still have to tidy up the runner's backside as I just raced to finish the front so that I could take photos.

The next new design is also ready for testing and with sales finally picking up, it will be worth all the hard work. 

 And about a month later I added some of Stitchdelight's designs to the center of the blocks.

The bee can be found here

and the flower here

Baby Stuff and shopping at Fabric8

Although a few weeks has passed since my previous post, I have been steadily busy embroidering, quilting and knitting as well as with Embroidery Girl's designs and Lemon Tree fabrics.  Busy, busy, busy.

First up was a teddy bear I embroidered for a very good colleague and dear friend's first grandchild.

I also embroidered a banner for my husband's niece who always order gifts for babies.

My Neighbour needed two spit cloths for a baby shower, and I had a real hard time embroidering them with my Brother 4000 acting up the whole entire time.  Turning embroidery time from 20 minutes into like 2 to 3 hours.  That was not so nice. 🙈  Going back to Dynamic Sewing Machines for the 3rd time this year.  

With our quilting group expanding to 9 members this year, I had to buy some more presents as I like to give them each a gift on their birthdays.  So, shopping at my favorite online sewing and crafting store Fabric8 I went where there is ALWAYS something I need.  You really should support this small business for the sheer amount of habby items they offer and extremely fast turnaround time.  I mean, who wouldn't love to receive their order wrapped as a gift?

Just look at all the stickers, everyone special.

Not to mention the adorable thank you package with all kinds of useful items.

They are so fast, I ordered on Sunday night and when I discovered on Monday, I want to add something to my order, it was too late.  The couriers already picked it up.  Oh well, this only meant I will have to go shopping again, whoop whoop!  

The also offer different WhatsApp groups for sewing, knitting, crochet etc.  Every Tuesday one can join them on YouTube for a free online class.  A fabulous mother and daughter team.