Out with the old and in with the new!!!

Yesterday was a transition day. While I accomplished stuff, I was almost like a slug on a rug! I wasn't going anywhere fast! But that's OK. I don't really have any time-sensitive stuff to deal with, but there are always loads that I want to accomplish. 

I started by spending almost an hour in the backyard weeding and cleaning up! I decided to cave and call the gardener guy, who will come next week, but in the meantime, I'll continue to clean up so it doesn't look like a complete jungle. It's really not that bad at all - the beauty of having a backyard that is devoted to NO grass, and some areas are so dry that NOTHING grows there. It's a great space for dogs! 

Of course, I had a supervisor to make sure that all was going as planned. Why she plunks herself in the middle of the plants is beyond me, but seriously? I don't care. If that is where she wants to lie down, then so be it! I managed to get all the creeping vine (or I hope I did) out of that little space on the left. That creeping vine is the worst, and if you let it go, it just grows like mad. 

My supervisor while weeding

And we still have flowers in the backyard. Whoever planned the plants was pretty good (not me!) because we have flowers almost all summer long. 

Pink Rose of Sharon

White Rose of Sharon

Hostas

Hostas are funny because I have another one just on the other side of the path and it's not doing so well. Of course, I do NOT water my garden, and the other hosta gets more sun, so I suspect it's just too dry and hot in that location. I might think of replacing it with something. But what? Our garden doesn't need watering - it was intentional! 

I wanted LOW maintenance, and the only thing that needs to be done is the weeding and the occasional pruning, which is what will happen next week. I want to be able to enjoy that backyard without spending huge amounts of time maintaining it. And we got exactly what we wanted! 

I should mention that our neighbor got the waterfall in his pond working again, and it's louder than ours, so it sounds like we have this huge fountain in the back! Very hypnotizing!!!!

As I was trying to get myself organized in the morning, I attempted to clean up the remaining items on the puzzle table. I found a couple of containers of half-square triangles that need to be sewn, pressed, and trimmed. While I mostly use them for enders and leaders, I have MANY, so it wouldn't hurt to stitch some of these during the Virtual Retreat tonight. It's a mindless task, and I doubt I could make any mistakes!

A stack of triangles to make half-square triangles

I sewed and pressed two of them. 

Two half-square triangles

They were in this small tin, but the tin is now empty, and it's in the giveaway pile. I don't need cute little tins anymore. Hmmm -- it is cute - it could be used for some small supply. I might just rescue that. 

A now-empty tin

And I sorted some more triangles and put them on the tray beside the sewing machine. Good grief - I found another pile (the light ones in the top left) that are way too small to be spending time on, so they are now in the scrap bin. 

Sorting more triangles for HSTs

I even took some time to work in my gratitude puzzle book. There was a page for writing down the goals for the month, and I listed those. I may not refer back to that list, but it's great to write things down. It just helps to keep my brain in working order! And what I find is that if I am NOT in control (as in having lists), I get scattered and it's hard to function. A list? Perfect!!!

This was the puzzle I did yesterday - a maze. I have no idea why, but mazes are so much easier to do when you start at the end and work your way to the start. Why is that? 

The maze in my gratitude puzzle book

WAIT - I know. Because if you are doodling free motion quilt designs, they work so much better if you start at the bottom of the page (quilt) and work your way back!!! Trust me --- so much easier!!!

Then I was off as I had a couple of errands to accomplish. 

The first stop was to pick up my package that came from the US. This is a Dowdle Puzzle commemorating America 250!!!!! It was only available in the US, and so I had it shipped to my US address. Once it arrived, I filled out the paperwork and paid $20, including the HST (tax), to have it shipped across the border. No duty - just tax and shipping to Canada from Niagara Falls, NY. 

The America 250 Dowdle Puzzle

It is a beautiful puzzle, and I really wanted it. I haven't had a chance to really focus on all the detail, but there are loads of special items in the puzzle. That will be for the winter! 

I don't use that service much, but it's so convenient. What's even more convenient is that they now have a second pickup location in my city, and it's even closer to my house. It's right in the area where I shop! Perfect!!!

The next stop was Fabricland, and they were having a sale, and the place was PACKED!!!! What are all those people making? I wanted to ask, but there was no time. I let one person get her cord measured in the middle of getting my stuff cut. Then I was folding my fabric while the ticket got written up, and I helped with the large rolls of what I was buying! I can't share yet!!!! 

BUT as I got to the cash register, I saw something I NEEDED to have. I have found these burlap shopping bags to be the best bags ever. I had one from Stonehenge that eventually wore out, and now my Longo's bag is starting to see better days. 

My Longo's bag

The inside of all these bags has a plastic-coated surface adhered to the burlap. They are the right size, lightweight, and fairly inexpensive. I'm sure I paid less than $10 for that bag several years ago. I just love them. They are not worth trying to repair. I also asked at the grocery store if they still sold them, and the answer is NO. 

The plastic is breaking down.

Not only is the plastic coating breaking down, but the burlap fibers have broken down. And I'm afraid I may lose small things or that the bag will split open when I'm on the way home from the grocery store. I have one street to cross to get to the store, and I can imagine that it would be during that crossing that the bag would split! It was time to do something about it, but what? 

The corners of the bag are almost toast!

As I approached the cash at Fabricland, I spotted burlap bags!!!! No WAY!!!!! It's so pretty, and the price was right - it was on sale at $14.00 or something like that. SOLD!!!! 

My new burlap bag

The handles are a bit different from the Longos' bag, but the bags are roughly the same size. I was pretty excited, and I have retired the Longo's bag, although I am going to rescue the handles. They are like a soft rope and are very comfortable!! 

The new and the old

How was that for a great find? I'm good for the next couple of years, and then when I need a new one -- it will appear. It's like being on the Camino - when you need something, it will show up. You just have to be patient!!

Then I was off to Michaels, where I was stunned to see the Halloween stuff. Actually, I knew the Halloween stuff was out because I had been there last week or two weeks ago. BUT the amount of space the Halloween stuff took up was unbelievable, and there is every kind of thing Halloween-related you could possibly want, including an entire shelving unit with tarot cards and astrological stuff. 

One section of the Halloween decor

And so help me god, but when I saw the assorted collections of ribbons and trims, I caved. This is one of my favorite things, and OK - I confess, I bought a book of Halloween paper. I am not a Halloween fanatic, but I love the colors, and well, I just had to have the stuff. I hope to spend a bit of time this summer playing around and making a book or something and embellishing it with the ribbons, or I'll find something to make on the sewing machine! 

Halloween trim collections

WAIT -- that reminds me that I have three witches stitched out on the embroidery machine and they need to be made into something. I need to dig those out so they will be ready in time for Halloween and I can embellish them with the ribbons. I only bought two of the six collections. But I did find the other things I was looking for, except for the tool to set my snaps in my shirt! So I'm going to have to buy that online, and I found a store in Chatham that sells the tool. 

I'm also on the hunt for 100% cotton denim. Dark on the outside and light on the inside. NO SPANDEX please!!! I have a bit more investigating to do, but 100% cotton denim is becoming a very hard thing to find. Spandex messes up the felting process big time, so I need 100% cotton.

Then it was time to get to work. My brain wasn't quite functioning up to its normal speed because when I did some machine embroidery, I goofed. The first part of the stitching is felting and doesn't require a stabilizer. But once the felting is done, you need to flip the hoop and do the embroidery. AHA --- that is what is possible with the Special Techniques Hoop. It's a flippable hoop, and I LOVE it. 

ACK -- forgot the stabilizer

So while the arm wasn't so bad, I didn't like it, so I had to rip out those stitches, add stabilizer, and redo it! Sigh.................

No stabilizer - not good (not good enough!)

I'm doing some more of the same type of designs today, and I'm leaving the stabilizer right beside the embroidery machine!

I'm testing out some techniques with the felting, and I ended up stitching THREE of the snowmen in total. One you already saw, as I finished it and took it with me to Nashville. So I stitched two more of them yesterday. I will finish them off later this coming week, or I might even do some of it tonight. 

The snowman I finished last week

I have three more designs to stitch today, and I really hope to stitch a fourth one, but that might be pushing my limits. Well, not my limits - but these designs take time, and I only have one embroidery machine that will stitch them out. 

I'll do what I can! 

So while the embroidery machine is madly working away, I'm getting ready to test that quilt pattern that I promised I'd do as a favor for someone. OK - I wanted the pattern, and this is a good way to get it in advance without paying for it. OK -- that's a totally dumb excuse because the pattern isn't expensive and I will easily spend a lot of time testing it!! 

The pattern is on my iPad, but I had to print out the cutting charts. I'll have to ask if I can share the picture. You have already seen it, so it should be OK. 

The iPad is sitting there with the pattern.

This is some of the fabric I pulled for the pattern. I'm going to need loads of little bits as I work, but I'll pull them as I need them in the pattern. 

Fabrics pulled for the pattern testing.

And the cutting process has begun. There's a lot more fabric on that board right now, and I hope to get at least two blocks sewn by the end of the day. I dare not use up many of those design boards - those are what I use for my jigsaw puzzle as well. But I should have enough to share between the two tasks!!!

The cutting process begins.

I think I mentioned that Steve Summers (Dolly Parton's Creative Director) stated that he and his small group all had dream jobs. I have to echo that - I'm so dang passionate about what I do - I don't really care if I work 24/7 (I told my boss that and she thinks I'm a nut), but I'm so excited to get up and start to work every day that I'm beside myself!! And you know what? I wouldn't have it any other way. 

Now don't get me wrong - I don't sew all day or sit in front of a machine all day. Hardly. I have the garden; when I remember to give it some attention, I love doing paper puzzles and jigsaw puzzles, and I read a lot! I've already read 50 books this year, both fiction and non-fiction. I'm excited to see that M has read 32 books this year. The apple didn't fall far from the tree!!! And I'm at the gym or walking to try and keep my body in shape. 

I love reading! So I get a variety of activities in the day, and there is the dreaded paperwork that takes up precious time, and often we don't have anything to show for it, but it must be done! 

Two things before I go --- 40 Shades of Grey. If you want to sign up for the class, please call the store (Out of Hand) or email them. I touched base with them yesterday, and I'm going to regroup on Monday, and then we're deciding on the number of patterns to order, with a few extra just in case someone missed the boat. So PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE --- if you are intending to sign up for that class, or you know someone who may be interested, send this information to them so they will not be without a pattern. 

I can provide you with the necessary information for a month, but I will NOT share the pattern, as that would be a copyright violation. It will be a great way to use up scraps or find a dedicated colorway. I can't wait to get started!!!!

40 Shades of Grey

And there is a Virtual Retreat TONIGHT. There is NO Virtual Retreat tomorrow because I'm off to wrap puzzles for the upcoming fall speed puzzling events that are held online. I think we have something like 1,100 puzzles to wrap and prepare for shipping!!! Oh my --- what have I got myself into! Of course, I will be excluded from the wrapping session for the three puzzle events that I signed up for. 

I hope there is NO opportunity to purchase puzzles tomorrow. Going to the Puzzles Canada warehouse is like letting a child loose in a candy store!! So many puzzles and so many new ones coming in all the time. ACK!!!!!! 

Here is the link for the Virtual Retreat. We start at 6 PM tonight. 

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89610782501?pwd=7dCrhiL5t8Xa4TVwZPvhL6cOymbcjK.1

Meeting ID: 896 1078 2501
Passcode: 148311

And on that exciting note, I'm out of here. I have a date with the girls and then my cutting table and the embroidery machine. I can hardly wait to get started. WAIT -- I started the day hours ago - I can hardly wait to continue!!!!

Have a wonderful day!!!

Ciao!!!

If you're going to do something, do it WELL!

Haven't we heard that many times? Well, that situation came up several times yesterday, and I should KNOW BETTER. 

I'm working on a project that isn't hard, but it involves MANY steps, and I've had to get super creative to make it work. I'm sure there's a better way, but this is the way that works for me. When I completed the first part of the project yesterday, I was happy, but I was a bit disappointed that I had tried to economize on the process, and it wasn't quite what I envisioned. OK -- let's be realistic - it looked like an inexperienced person had completed it.  

I thought about it all day, and I remember commenting on the work of an educator for another machine company, saying I would never show what she was showing in public. When you have the best tools in the world, you'd better make the sample look like you used them. Mine did not! 

So I sat while we chatted on the Virtual Retreat last night, and I ripped for HOURS. It was not a fun task, but thanks to everyone on the call, they kept me entertained. I did NOT put a single hole in the base fabric. PHEW!!!! 

Then I restitched the project this morning. I took my time, eliminated the shortcuts, and I am SUPER happy with the project. Now it looks like I wanted it to, and it shows how valuable and precise those tools can be! So, can you tell me why I make silly mistakes or compromises like that? I know I won't be happy, and it takes a long time to fix! I need to give my head a shake and do it right the first time!

I am equally happy to report that Dede and I had another play date yesterday with the digital cutter. We had no clue what we were doing since we were cutting Heat Transfer Vinyl, and neither of us had cut it before. Well, I was prepared, as I always am now, that if I screw up a mat, so be it. Move on! 

This time, we were cutting the three vinyl colors that will be stitched onto the foam we cut last week. This time, we had the SVG files that came with the project, so there was no need to scan the files. That saved a bit of time, but I don't regret that exercise last week, as I learned a lot about the machine, or more than that, I reinforced what I knew. 

In case you have forgotten, this is what we are making. 

Terrifying Tower machine embroidery design by OESD

The SVG files opened in InkScape, which is FREE graphic design software you can use for any type of graphic design work. Yikes—I have minimal experience with Inkscape or any digital cutter software. Well, let's just wing it and see what happens. 

Since we had three colors of vinyl to cut, I opened one file and deleted anything that was not the color I wanted. Then I imported the next file (note: import, not open) and did the same thing. I also had to remember to FLIP each piece because we were cutting with our vinyl face down. Trust me - we double checked that a couple of times. 

Assembling the first cut page

We didn't know how to increase the canvas size on screen, so we worked with 8½" by 11". I guess we could have Googled it, but our vinyl was mostly in 8½" by 11" format, so we stuck with that. Changing the canvas size is a task for the next time, and there will be a next time! 

We only had to ask Google for assistance once, when I needed to figure out how to rotate pieces. There were tools to rotate, but only at 90 degrees, and I wanted a different angle. No worries -- double click on the right mouse key button and VOILA --- all the rotation I could possibly want! 

Some of the shapes were pretty weird, but I did my best to snug them close and remember to flip them all. Let's hope I didn't mess up! I would have used the rotate tool more in an example like this, but I was resisting until we came to one piece that we had no choice but to rotate. But we know for next time! I can't wait!!!

Another cut page

We worked well as a team again! And once we had one page ready to cut, it was time to set the cutter's settings. FYI - we're using the Brother Scan n Cut for this exercise. Let's not forget our trusty helper. She INTENTIALLY lies right where she will be in the way! EVERY SINGLE TIME! 

MOM - just in case you need to release stress - you can pet me! 

We experimented with a half-cut versus a full-cut. It took us a minute to find the half-cut setting. Why is it always right in front of you, but you can't see it!!

Samples of half-cut versus full cut

As we were contemplating some of the settings, Dede reminded me that I had several books, and I dug out this one, which has a bunch of recipes for cutting various materials. So we went on our tuition and the recommendations in the book. And all looked great! By the way, if anyone is interested, this book and the one I mentioned last week were purchased from my "favorite" online store. They are print-on-demand books, so if your online store has a printing facility (our local one is in Bolton), they get printed close to your house and shipped to you. 

A ScanNCut book

We played with scanning the mat once the vinyl was on it, and then moved the shapes as a group if they were tight on any side. We had to change the background color from light to dark (grey in the photo) so it would be easier to see the shapes. Here's a hint - use the wrench icon! Whenever you see the wrench icon -- touch it -- there are tools in that menu! 

Ensuring the pieces are on the vinyl on the mat

I was wishing there was a nudge tool, and guess what? We found the nudge tool. That eliminated a lot of concentration and guesswork! We could now be super accurate in placing that group of shapes. 

The NUDGE tool

And then we were on our way to cutting. Check those settings first! And we always cut at 1 (speed), which is the slowest. I know—we could have cut these shapes faster, but the longest cut took five minutes. I'm OK with that - we were not in a hurry!

Check the settings before pressing START

At one point, I didn't load the mat properly and bent a corner, but I figured out a way to keep it working. Use your stylus to keep the corner down until it loads under the little wheel on the right-hand side! And on our final cut, we had to tape the vinyl down. It was a bit stiff, had been rolled the wrong way, and just wasn't happy. 

Taping the vinyl to the mat for extra security

But guess what? We got all the vinyl cut! It's still in sheets because it's heat transfer vinyl, and we did a half-cut. When we want a shape, we simply peel it off the plastic topping and place it where we want it! By George - I think we did it!! 

My half-cuts of vinyl

And everything is back in the project box, although the sample is buried beneath my vinyl sheets. The project box is back on the current projects table, and we have scheduled two days in January to get together and do the machine embroidery. 

The Terrifying Tower project box

We are sticking to our guns. No buying a new 3-D haunted building UNTIL this one is done. But we are working on it, and I see no reason why we can't finish. My guess is that it's going to take longer than two days to stitch out. There are 22 hoopings, and each hooping averages 20,000 stitches. That's a lot!!! 

When I first went down to Studio B this morning, I was avoiding the job of restitching my project. So I grabbed a container of stabilizer bits and started sorting them. Oh my—there were multiple bags of the SAME type. Why aren't they together? 

My odd pieces of stabilizer

So I sorted them into bags, although there are still lots of bags within bags, but I can live with that. At least, there is ONE main bag for each type. And of course, the lid doesn't close, so I'll further sort and straighten later today. A good job when chatting on the Virtual Retreat later today. It seems a shame to throw all that away, so I'm going to make up new sheets large enough for the hoops we'll use for the Terrifying Tower. I have it, I might as well use it! 

The lid doesn't close! 

Now what to do with those empty plastic bags? Well, a while back, I sorted all the plastic bags I had and gave away a ton of boxes of bags I would never use. I've not missed any of what I gave away. 

Then I sorted the remaining bags by size. Regular size, large, and all the odd-shaped, smaller bags. Each size went into a larger bag, which resides on a shelf under my cutting table. Do you know how much time that has saved me? I am constantly putting a bag back or digging one out, and since I know which bag to grab, it makes my life super easy!

The plastic bags are sorted

I cannot say enough about the importance of being organized and keeping your tools in the right place. Yes -- there is a lot of stuff around, but I'm trying to keep the tools sorted, organized, and in their rightful home. That is HUGE. I think I'm pretty much done with that job, and it took years to get there. I don't find it hard to maintain at all, since I know it's in my best interest. Yes, a couple of things have gone astray, and when I find them, they will find a home. 

Now the cutting table is relatively clear this morning, except for the projects that I am working on this coming week, including my bucket of UFO projects. I need to be very careful, not get too enthusiastic, and bring out more. I can't do more - I already have a lot. I think I'm in excellent shape and that makes me very happy!

My clear cutting mat

As I finished the last of the stitching this morning and put my thread away, I noticed I was only wearing one shoe. OH!!! What did I do with the other one? I found it under my worktable. 

ACK -- how did that get there?

No big deal, right? Well, if you notice, there is NO foot pedal under that table because I was doing machine embroidery, and I generally don't use it when I'm machine embroidering. However, I often have the pedal under the table, as I sometimes like to embroider with it when something is delicate. This morning, I could have used the foot pedal, and I guess that was when I kicked my shoe off. Since I was too lazy (oh dear!) to get up and get the foot pedal, I just slowed the machine right down, and it worked. I need to get the foot pedal out! 

I did a little bit on the jigsaw puzzle, but I had other priorities yesterday. Lots of writing happened, which was good, and I hope to work on the next project and do more writing today. 

I have a virtual retreat scheduled for this afternoon. I swear, these are my salvation! While I did have an in-person session with Dede yesterday, there's nothing like checking in with my friends all over Ontario and sometimes from elsewhere. We solve problems, we support each other, and we help each other. It's such a fantastic network, and anyone is free to stop by. Do you have a question? About anything? We can help! 

Here is the link, and it starts today at 3 PM EST

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81073536036?pwd=uxRqMnK1aSKrmrcSO78w8QQs5g44eA.1

Meeting ID: 810 7353 6036
Passcode: 596838

Stay safe as we have some crazy weather coming, but the sidewalks were in great shape for a walk yesterday, and I didn't even wear a hat! 

Have a wonderful day!!!

Ciao!!

A doozy of a puzzle!!!!

Yesterday was a special day, and I almost missed it until I saw someone post about it last night. And someone mentioned it on the blog yesterday. It was Winter Solstice Day. While this means winter has officially arrived, it also means that each day is a little longer. Well, the day isn't longer (don't we wish!), but the sunlight is a little longer. I don't care if the daylight is only a few seconds longer— soon it will be summer! Don't worry -- I like winter, and as long as you dress appropriately, it's not cold outside. 

And thankfully, someone mentioned that Christmas doesn't end on December 25, but instead on January 6. Thank goodness for that, because that Christmas puzzle? It's a doozy!!!

I opened up the blinds, although the light gave off a terrible glare on the puzzle pieces, but no worries - I was really only trying to get the pieces face up on the table, and to sort out the border. This goes MUCH faster when you stand up and use two hands! 

I'm ready to start the puzzle

Then I spread out all the border pieces - it seems like a waste of time to put them in the sorting tray and then replace them on the table. I'm still figuring out the sorting tray thing. 

The border pieces

But see what I mean by weird shapes! These are the BORDER pieces. 

Bizarre shapes

Obviously, I haven't discovered all the border pieces, and I'm not even sure that all of them are in the right spot. Thankfully, this one is only 500 pieces as it's going to be a challenge! But when I need a break, I can zip upstairs and attempt to put in a few pieces! 

The border is almost done

AHA -- I was certain that I had purchased a "recipe" book for cutting things on the digital cutter. 

My "recipe" book for the digital cutter

Each material you cut can have its own two pages, where you can check off the type of mat, blade, etc., you use, and there's a spot for notes. I'll transfer my notes and samples into this book, but I think I'll see if I can get it coil-bound first! Once you start to put some samples in there, it's going to be a challenge with the glued spine. I bought this book from my "favorite" online store, and it was printed at their print shop! I think that's kind of cool, even though I'm not a fan of buying from them. The ability to print on demand is enormous. 

The recipe pages

Now that UFO Club is done for this month, I can share some of the work I've been doing. Wait— I can't do that, since some of them haven't been gifted yet. 

I had a Halloween quilt that I made at a quilt retreat in September. It needed a border added, and the backing and binding had to be made. That is done, and now this is moved to the "to be quilted" pile. 

The quilt top, binding, and backing

I also made the backing and the binding for my Green Tea quilt. That binding was a challenge as I used one piece from the fat quarter bits I had left. So there was a lot of cutting and sewing. But there were enough pieces to make a multicolor (multi-fabric) binding, and this was also moved to the "to be quilted" pile. 

The quilt top, binding, and backing

I completed this journal cover. It had been sitting with the front cover pieced, but that was it. So I finished the embroidery on the front and added a tag with my name. The journal cover was an exercise to learn the new features on the Husqvarna Viking Designer Epic 3 when it was released several years ago. I was a tad behind, although this is my second one. I know - why make one when you can make two?

The front of my journal cover

Here's the back of the journal cover with some floating stitches. 

The back of the journal cover

Here's the inside. I changed the method for sewing the journal cover. This is my favorite way, and it's super easy to turn inside out, and the inside is completely covered. Here are the instructions for making journal covers my way, and you can decorate them however you like. They make a great personalized gift! There are other blog posts linked to that one (right at the bottom) with different ideas for embellishing journal covers. Oh shoot—I don't see the links. I'll try to remember to post them all tomorrow. 

The inside of the journal cover

I also finished my Halloween ornament. I know -- a wee bit behind, but guess what? It's done and ready for next year! I hand-stitched those buttons on!!!

Halloween ornament

But for the moment, I'm enjoying it along with the heart I hung up the other day! Notice the small green quilt covering the embroidery machine? As I learned yesterday with the digital cutter, it's a good idea to keep covers on all your machines. You would be shocked at how much dust and lint are in the air. And if you don't believe me, take a cup of water, tea, or whatever into your sewing space and leave it to sit for an hour or two. Yep --- you'll find dust and lint on the surface!

My latest ornaments!

Also, as part of my UFO this past month, I had not one, but TWO (why?) of these small denim totes from the Teach The World To Sew day back in September. Good grief! I could have simply sewn the tote bags together, but NO - I wanted to add some interlinings and quilt them. I have a machine - why not use it? And even though the denim was heavy, I like a bag with lots of structure! 

For the first one, I used a triple stitch on the PFAFF creative icon and quilted through the denim and the fusible fleece. I did a 60-degree diagonal line and used the Projection feature to stitch the lines. I marked one line in both directions with white chalk (chalk-o-liner - the ONLY marking tool I will allow in my space!). I fused Decor-Bond to the lining - the red and white polka dot fabric behind the denim, and rather than making fabric handles, the pattern called for webbing, so I got some of that the other day, as I did not have red. 

Denim tote bag number one - ready to sew together

For the second one, I wanted something different to quilt/decorate the outside of the bag. I LOVE my Three-Hole Yarn Foot and use it wherever I can. One of the Fons and Porter Love of Quilting shows that I taped was all about the Three-Hole Yarn Foot. It is such a fantastic accessory. I hadn't had a chance to stitch the lines before the UFO Club, but everything was prepped. I spaced the lines a bit further apart and decided to mark them all with chalk. 

Preparing the second denim tote bag

So yesterday afternoon, with NOTHING to do, I got myself organized and started stitching. Did you know there are built-in stitches on your SVP-branded machines (Husqvarna Viking and PFAFF) that work with the Three-Hole Yarn Foot? Check them out!!!! And I use the START/STOP function, rather than the foot pedal, to stitch these long lines of decorative stitches. Those long seams can be boring (a great time to problem-solve some other issue), and I find it hard to keep a steady pace with the foot pedal. START/STOP is the way to go! 

Using the three-hole yarn foot

And before I knew it, the lines of quilting were done! For this one, I also used fleece, but it wasn't fusible. I didn't stick it in place. The piece isn't large enough to worry about that. I didn't even pin it. Sometimes I iron the two layers, and the friction from heat and steam is sufficient to hold them in place. I also fused Decor Bond to the lining. More on this one another day, as it's directional and that lining was cut in ONE piece - well, according to the instructions. 

The outer part of the second denim tote bag

Here's a close-up of the stitches. That yarn has a wee sparkle, and I used a matching 40-weight thread on top. If you have NEVER used the three-hole yarn foot, then you should get it out! I LOVE it. 

Detail of stitching yarn using the three-hole yarn foot

And now here's my cutting table for today. I've moved the UFO items that I didn't complete this month to the top of the blue bin, so there's more for me to get done this month. But slow and steady, and I must start on January 1, instead of procrastinating until the final week! 

There are a few things to put away this morning, and I might just take that book down to Staples to have them cut the spine off. But I also want to print some photos, so I could do both in the same trip. 

The cutting table is prepped for today

There are THREE new small projects on the table to the right that I want to make, so I need to add those into my schedule! And then, I put the white bin with the projects that need to be done this week. Technically, that is overdue, but I just couldn't handle it before. 

As I move forward into the new year, I'm going to try very hard to keep up with time management. It won't be easy, but I'm learning every day how to manage my time better. And I'm learning NOT to get stuck on the fiddly bits. Just forge ahead, and they will be done!!!

By the way, and this is not to put anyone into a panic, but is anyone interested in me teaching an ONLINE class through Thimbles and Things? I don't want anything significant, but could handle perhaps a one or two-part lecture or technique class. If you have a topic, let me know (elainetheriault@gmail.com), and I'll contemplate it. NOTHING BIG!!!!! 

I also promised the scrap thing - maybe I can do that through Thimbles and Things!!! That might work. 

And on that note, I'm off to spin class!!!! 

Have a super day!!!

Ciao!!!