New Year's Projects

As usual we get rejuvenated at the beginning of the new year.  The same holds true for me.  I was off to a slower start this new year but I've already finished a few projects that never were completed last year.  This was all stuff still sitting on the bed in my sewing room with no where to go until done.  The first project was the handy hotpads started in Nov.  I made one before I wrote about the new way to sew on binding.  Now it was time to make the second one using my new technique.  They are great for lids and handles when you don't need a big pot holder and these I'm keeping for myself.  The next project was my bucket bag that was begun early Nov. in a class.  I'm not thrilled with this for several reasons.  I was in a rush to make it that day and the pockets are not how I would like them.  It's OK but I prefer my bow bag that I put a new strap on (one of my projects, too).  Previously it had 2 straps that were not lined with fleece so they had to be replaced.  Then I made 2 pillowcases for the grandkids.  These were new projects though.  The last project since the new year is to put the border on my quilt that I made in class.  We're supposed to get together sometime this month to show our quilts and thought I should probably have it done.  At first I was going to do some half-square triangles around the top and bottom but then I decided to do the same starburst pattern in the quilt only a smaller version.  It will be a slow project I'm afraid but I'll keep working on it.  This one might stay on the bed for awhile.

I'm back!!!  Hopefully I will continue to write this blog and not be so overwhelmed by other things.  I really do miss writing little tidbits that I experience or notice on a daily basis.  This one is about our trip to Applebees for lunch yesterday.  The neighbors gave us a very generous gift card to use there and when my hubby suggested stopping for lunch somewhere, I brought up the card.  I enjoy eating out wherever we go and that's why I usually leave the decision up to my hubby.  It's not because I want to take a back seat or anything submissive in nature but, after 39 years of marriage you learn when and where to assert yourself.  However, he was the one who wanted to go to Applebees and after initially trying to get him to go somewhere else, we ended up there.  From my perspective the meal was great.  This was the type of meal I wish more restaurants would offer.  By this I mean smaller quantities or portions along with smaller prices.  I ended up having the soup and half sandwich combo which was more than enough for me.  What bothers me about other places is that the sizes are so big that I have to take half home and usually it dries out before I get a chance to eat it or reheating it is not a very good option.  The sandwich was well filled with meat, cheese, bacon and condiments and the soup was full of fresh vegetables.  I probably shouldn't have ordered the diet coke because that always fills me up too quick.  The last thing I noticed was the dessert menu which intrigued me.  Two things on it were the brownie bite for a dollar and ice cream shooters for $1.99.  My hubby had the brownie bite and I had the hot fudge sundae shooter and both of us got more that what we expected and it was delicious!  I read somewhere that you only need 3 bites of something to satisfy a craving for it.  I think it was true.  Anyway, lunch was a success, in my opinion and the bill only came to $25.29  -  only .29 over our gift card.  All in all the day went very well, money wise because I took back some things from Christmas, found other things that I needed and got a free lunch to boot. 

Sewing on Binding

Well, here I am writing my blog again.  It's been awhile but I feel like I have a new inspiration now.  I know my family will not be real thrilled to read this especially when they realize that I'm writing about sewing.  Sorry!  One aspect of sewing that has gotten me frazzled is sewing binding on.  In the past when I've done binding I've used the single layer method and hand-sewn the back.  When I started making the table runner and small blankets, I finally looked it up in my book and saw how I was supposed to be doing it.  Mind you, it looked pretty good but that hand sewing was time consuming.  Anyway, the tips I've found useful during those first attempts are still in force.  They are

1. using the double layer of binding.  With this I use a wider strip, fold in half  with wrong sides together and press, and sew the raw edges to the piece I'm sewing.
2. using a certain technique for starting and ending the binding.  When I begin preparing my binding, I fold to the inside about a 1/4 inch and press.  As I lay my binding out to sew, I pin but don't sew for the first inch or so.  Then as I come all around and begin to finish, I lay the end of the binding out over the beginning, cut it overlapping slightly and tuck the end of the tail inside the beginning.  At that point I sew the last stretch of binding and piece to finish off.  This works like a charm.

So everything was going pretty smooth until I started  sewing something that wanted me to sew the binding all on the machine.  I didn't have a clue and it showed with my first attempt.  The instructions were very poor to say the least.  Then one day I was watching a Sewing with Nancy show where she was showing how to use different presser feet  -  a binding foot in particular.  I watched the technique and put it to use in my next project which was a wine bag.  Wow, it was great!  Doing all the binding on the machine was a dream come true.  There's still some room to tweak it but I'm getting there.  So this is how I did it.

1. Use the techniques shown in the first part of this blog to prepare your binding.  That will get the binding sewn on to the front of your piece.
2. One of my problems has also been getting the width of my binding just right.  This time I used 2 1/2 in. wide bias strip, folded in half.  I can't seem to get it over to the back and have enough room to catch it all in back there.  This time I trimmed the seam allowance to half and I had more than enough.  I might even cut back slightly on the binding width next time. 
3. At this point you must pin your binding onto the back from the front where you'll be sewing.  Just make sure your pin ends below the binding on the front but still catches it on the back.
4. Sew in the ditch just below your binding in the front all the way around and voila, it should be done.  You also won't see the sewing in the front. 

That really speeds things up when I can sew all this on the machine.  I was doing it on curves with bias binding which is a little trickier so regular straight lines would be a breeze.  Thanks for letting me get this off my chest and sorry again for those who don't sew.

New Beginnings

Well, here I am again after a long summer.  Sorry that I just didn't feel much like blogging but I'm starting to feel rejuvenated with the start of school.  This has always felt like a new beginning for me with the kids, preschool and work so it doesn't surprise me I'm back in the saddle again.  This summer has been full of ups and downs for me and it all started after my last blog, I realized.  It's been full of family times, hospital visits, sewing, dr. visits, sewing, trips to the cabin, sewing, dr. visits and lots of prescription changes.  Doesn't sound like much fun but it actually was.  Anyway, my inspiration for the blog this morning came as I sat at the computer playing my usual morning games.  I heard the girls next door talking in their driveway, about 8:15 am.  Not knowing exactly when school was going to start, my first thought was today.  As I looked out I saw there were 3 of them, dressed in shorts and with no bookbags, so I knew it wasn't the first day.  The other little girl was a new neighbor down the street and my only conclusion was that this was a trial run.  That made me smile!  I could just imagine Shelly looking out from her house to see how the girls were going to do and it seemed to be fine.  They didn't stay out there too long before they were back in doing whatever they wanted to do for the last couple days of summer.  I'm sure my kids would have balked if I had put them through that routine before it was actually time.  Of course, knowing these girls it could have been their decision.  Anyway, I plan on writing more blogs and whenever I see something that makes me smile, that will be my inspiration. 

Fashion Style

I've been feeling for awhile that I'm well behind the times fashion wise and I've written blogs about it before.  This revelation came after a casual wedding we attended a couple years ago.  I was determined to get with the times, so to speak, but I've come to realize I just might not be that far behind.  With my daughter's wedding approaching I needed to dress the part and found the perfect dress for me a couple months ago.  I knew what I wanted but the first attempt left me very frustrated.  Everything looked like a prom gown, not a mother-of-the-bride dress.  I didn't want sleeveless or tight-fitting so when I saw my dress during a shopping trip to Altoona, I grabbed it.  It was also on sale!!!  I shortened the sleeves, bought a necklace to help cover my scar, bought the shoes and purse and proceeded to buy the undergarments.  We had different names for them back then such as girdle and nylons but it's still the same basic idea.  I went to Macy's for the spanx (or the generic version) and the employee was very helpful and knew my concerns before I even said anything.  In fact, she was the one who suggested the hose and how I might be interested in the thigh highs they have out now.  I began wearing these nylons as a teen with a girdle or garter belt but now they have a rubberized top to hold them up.  So, there you have it  -  dressed for the wedding without sacrificing what I want.  There are others on TV with the same feelings about clothes as me, such as Carolyn on QVC.  One day she mentioned how plus size girls do not like sleeveless dresses.  Hey, I guess I'm not alone out there.  I love the maxi dresses which are a must-have according to Lisa Robertson but they almost all come sleeveless.  So I found one of those cute bolero sweaters to wear.  I'm very happy with my choices and know that I'll be comfortable in them and that's really all that matters.

Critter in the Trap

Last year I commented on the critters eating our garden produce and the attempts at eliminating our problem.  Whenever possible my hubby sets up his Have-a-Heart trap and catches the critter, then relocates it to a better habitat.  In the past he has caught bunnies, groundhogs, rats, a possum and a skunk.  Unfortunately, the skunk met his demise that time because someone would have been sprayed.  Well, this morning it was a raccoon, which I didn't even know we had around here, at least this close to houses.  He made a strong attempt at escaping but to no avail.  He was taken to the gamelands to, hopefully, live out his days.  We tried getting a picture but you couldn't see him through the cage.  We have thought that we have a fighting chance to have a nice garden here but I wonder sometimes with these animals coming so close.  We've already resigned ourselves to not having a garden at the cabin.  We would be intruding on their territory as it is so there's no point in compounding the problem.  We still think we have a groundhog that's stalking the place so for now the trap will remain in place with some choice tidbits to lure him in.  I'll keep you posted.

Buying Fabric

Here are 10 GOOD REASON TO BUY FABRIC

1. It insulates the cupboard where it is kept

2. I'm participating in a contest.... The one who dies with the most fabric wins.

3. It keeps the economy moving- it is my duty to support cotton farmers, textile mills and fabric shops

4. It is less expensive and more fun then psychiatric care.

5. It keeps without refrigeration, you don't have to cook it to enjoy it, and you never have to feed it, change it, wipe its nose or walk it

6. Because you are worth it.

7. Like dust.... Its good for protecting previously empty spaces in the house, like ironing boards, the laundry baskets, the spare bed

8. Its not immoral, illegal or fattening. it calms the nerves, gratifies the soul and makes me feel good.

9. Because it was on sale.

10. BUY it now, before your husband retires and goes with you on all your shopping expeditions

Well, it may not look as good as it should but at least I got it moved.  I just got my e-mail from the quilt shop with this list and thought I'd post it on my blog.  I guess it's all about justifying the need to buy fabric.  My problem can be that I sometimes over think how much I'll actually need and end up buying more than I could ever use.  I do have a collection of scrap patterns for this specific purpose.  I like the one about it not being immoral, illegal or fattening.  I could do a lot worse in other words.  Of course, when it's on sale and I've had to travel a ways to get there, it's a sin not to buy something (my hubby told me that).  I still think my favorite is #10!!!  Keep in mind I enjoy going places with my hubby, he's very generous and patient but sometimes I feel like he'd rather be someplace else.  Crazy, I know, because who wouldn't get as much of a thrill out of a fabric store as me.