My Black and White Bag

I'm ending this month with another tote bag sewn for me. Here's the black and white home dec fabric version. I found a striped beige silk curtain fabric in my stash that I used for the lining.

I love how this bag turned out. Very chic, I may add compared to the others I have sewn.

My "classic" tote bag

I used apparel fleece, sandwiched between the main and lining fabrics. It really gives the bag a sturdy appearance. It feels really good to be able to use the fabrics from my stash.

I cut the bag pieces so well, that you can barely see the side seam in this view. It's more visible towards the top of the bag.

Side view

The bottom matched up nicely. Unfortunately, not many will see this.

Bottom view of bag


I tried to match the interior pockets the best I could. Of course, by the time I got to the bag bottom, no such luck. Oh well. I think it's time to move on to sewing some tops.

Interior - matching pocket stripe to lining

This is now my favorite bag of all the versions I have sewn. I love this black and white fabric. A very classic look from an ordinary tote bag pattern.

The Tote Bag Lady & Birthday Blessings

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First off, I want to wish my DH a special...HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
He's a great hubby and friend. I can say that because I've known him for 28 years. We've been through a lot together. He's my special friend, my advisor, my protector (from big bullies), my partner in faith, and the love of my life. I've been extremely blessed.


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This month, I'm the tote bag lady. I have sewn three (3) tote bags. One for me and two for my friends.

Tote bags made from home dec fabrics


Here's my knitting tote bag in the bright floral print. I've been using it to carry my knitting projects to work (LYS). I can fit two small knitting projects including two skeins of yarn, my snacks, and a bottle of water. I love this bright home dec print.

My floral knitting bag

Here's the 2nd tote bag. This one is for a friend of mine, who absolutely loves anything that has a beach/sandal related theme. I saw this fabric last year, but didn't know what to make for her. Now, I have something to give to her to celebrate the warmer weather.

The sandal bag

Here's the 3rd tote bag for another friend from church. Sabine and I will be meeting once a month to sit and knit or do something crafty with our time. I thought this would be a great bag for her to carry her projects. I even put a few surprises in her bag.

The pastel bag

A side view to show the depth of the bag

I used lightweight fleece to give the bags some body and stand upright without sagging. I basted the fleece to the main fabric before sewing the seams.

I used ultra-stiff needlepoint canvas for the bag bottoms. I cut the canvas to fit the bottom of the bag. I encased the canvas in the matching lining fabric.

Bag bottoms

Inside view showing two pockets and the bag bottom

I used 1" wide cotton webbing inside the straps. I sewed the straps. Turned the straps right-side out and then slipped the webbing into the straps. The webbing gives the straps some padding.

I still have the black and white tote bag to make. The off-white fabric I was going to use for the lining, is too sheer and doesn't have enough body. I need to go stash diving again and see what I can come up with as a substitute.

I can't wait to give the ladies their gifts this weekend. I love giving something unexpected and something that I've made.

A Day in My Sewing Room

I had to work yesterday at the LYS. All day I thought about my Baby Lock. Last night and this morning I spent some time in my sewing room, going through my patterns, doing some minor rearranging and dusting. I removed my old DSL modem and my Netgear WiFi router along with all the network and power cables. My rat's nest under my table is gone. So is the dust.

This afternoon, I finally got the chance to sit and "play" with my new CS. I rethreaded the machine and attempted to practice more triple cover stitching. Well, as you can see in the picture, I had some issues with tension which resulted in a lot of test samples scattered around the machine. The topside of the test fabric stitched fine. The underside was where I was having problems. After a few tries, I decided that part of my problem was how I threaded the machine. So, I started over making sure the threads were going between the tension discs and then into the appropriate thread guide above the needles. I sewed a few more test samples and it was looking much better. I ended up tweaking the tensions a bit so that less needle threads were showing on the underside. I also noticed that the cover stitch tail that's left on the machine is stitched out versus showing single strands of thread. That's how I know the machine is fine and threaded correctly. I'm also getting the hang of listening to how the machine sews. :)

The only area of my sewing room that's organized & picture worthy. My two Baby Locks side by side. I'm calling this table, my finishing area. My neglected Platinum SM is now sitting in the back


Here are the accessories that came with the machine:
Package one: Organ ELx705 needle pack, extra needle clamp screws, tweezer, allen screwdriver, needle threader, accessory adapter, guide fixing screws for table, and lint brush/needle insert tool


Package two: thread nets, mounting bolt/screw, screw driver, vinyl cover, looper threading wire, cone holders, sponge disks, and spool caps

I love this CS machine. It stitches beautifully. It's a solid machine. Just like my serger.

Next up is to practice the wide and narrow cover stitches. Practice removing the needles and more practice rethreading the machine. I'm looking forward to having less test samples, since I know what I'm doing now.

I mentioned that I went through my patterns. I actually reorganized my drawers. I seem to favor Vogue, Butterick, & Kwik Sew patterns along with a few Stretch & Sew and Burda. Those went into the drawers. My McCalls, New Look, and Simplicity patterns are now in bins to be stored elsewhere. In the lower right hand corner, you'll see a red tin basket containing patterns that I'm thinking about sewing.

A few of my patterns. Not shown are my many Kwik Sew patterns, Jalie, Stretch & Sew, Burda, and Lazy Girl patterns

Last count, I had over 490 patterns I've accumulated over the last 4 years. How do I know I have that many? I've kept a record of all my patterns over the years in MS Excel.

I Have a New Toy!

My cell phone rang this afternoon and I was off to my Baby Lock dealer with scraps of fabric in hand and my serger threads. Raymond let me thread the machine on my own. He showed me where to position my fabric and then off I went. My triple coverstitch sample came out perfectly on my first try.

This machine is easy to thread. It also has the jet air threading system for the looper.

My new Baby Lock

Here's my sample:
Triple stitch


The underside showing the triple stitch

I will be back to post my findings and more pictures of the machine and samples. Now, to go read my manual. ;)

Sewing Activities and Pictures

I know my previous posts have been lacking pictures. I finally got around to snapping some shots yesterday. Here's what I am working on and contemplating. (Note: fabrics were purchased last year).

First off, is a summer tote bag for myself. I found both of these lovely fabrics at Hancock's on the clearance shelf. They are both somewhat lightweight which would make a real slouchy tote bag. I went ahead and added a lightweight fleece backing to the floral fabric to give it some body.

Summer Tote Bag. Main: bright floral home dec fabric. Lining: swirls curtain fabric

Added lightweight fleece to the main fabric to give it some body


Here's two more tote bag combinations I'm contemplating. These were also found at Hancock's clearance shelf. This black and white fabric is a medium weight home dec. This will make a fabulous tote bag. I hope it won't be too hard on the eyes.

And yet another tote bag combination. Main: black/white home dec fabric. Lining: curtain fabric


Another tote bag combination. This will be a gift. Main: floral home dec fabric. Lining: curtain fabric


Here's my garment projects. the blue herringbone denim fabric will become my infamous Butterick 5223 pleated top. The pink floral knit will become my fave Vogue 2925 sleeveless pleated knit top. Yes, I made one before in the same fabric. This one will be sewn in a larger size so I can breathe.

Apparel projects: denim pleated top and pink floral knit top


I had to take a picture of my SM (back from maintenance) before I gave it a good workout. It looks brand new...not for long!

My baby. Look how clean it is! They even cleaned my thread spindles

I removed a lot of the clutter out of my sewing room and re-organized my notions. Two large bins found a new home in my basement. I can now roll my chair from SM to serger without running over speed bumps (clutter on the floor). Yes, it was that bad.

Life is Good

I'm here and back on the Internet! My DSL wireless modem/router arrived yesterday. Next day delivery. Way cool! My DSL provider must have been tired of all my calls and my persistence in getting my high speed service back. I connected my modem/router and was back online in no time. I've also noticed my connection is faster. Like 1184 Kbps. Sweet!

I forgot to mention in my previous post, which coverstitch machine I ordered. It's the Babylock CS. Since I already have a serger, I was leaning towards a standalone coverstitch machine. The Janome CP900 has been discontinued and only the CP1000 is available. My Janome dealer wouldn't give me a good deal nor throw in a freebie. I guess they forgot I purchased an embroidery machine from them a few years ago. My Babylock dealer knew I have been looking for a CS machine. Back to the time when I purchased the serger from him a few years ago. This time he offered one free accessory to go with the CS. Hmmm. That was tempting. It didn't hurt to ask for the 2nd freebie. So, I left his shop with 2 free binders and a CS machine on order.

Today, I spent a few hours in my sewing room. I pulled out a few TNT patterns and started cutting away. What a fantastic feeling. My upcoming projects include a denim pleated top, sleeveless pleated knit top, a Stretch & Sew sleeveless knit top (pattern I haven't used before), and a "summer-y" tote bag to carry my knitting projects.

My DH is away this weekend. I am spending time with my hobbies and watching some DVDs: Australia, Momma Mia, Pride & Prejudice, and Devil Wears Prada.

It was a gorgeous Saturday (79 degrees). I spent some time sitting on our porch...knitting. The viburnums are blooming and filling the air with some wonderful sweet scents.

Life is good. :)

Ordered a Coverstitch Machine!

First the really, really good news! Finally, after so many years of going back & forth (and annoying my dealer), I've ordered a coverstitch machine. It will be arriving early next week. I persuaded my dealer to throw in 2 free binders. Reluctantly, he did. I'm a happy camper & doing the CS dance.

Now, the bad news (temporary). Okay, allow me to rant for a few minutes on another topic. I've had a huge annoyance this week with my DSL provider. They were suppose to have moved my DSL from my secondary line to my primary line this past Monday morning. Instead, they waited until Tues to disconnect me while I was in the middle of my conference/Internet meeting. Okay, I can live with that part.

My problem? Today, I'm still without DSL. Several calls were made over several days, chatting with several folks from India...I'm now waiting for my new DSL modem to arrive. Apparently, when they switched my line, my old modem didn't work with the new technology. It took several days for tech support to uncover that issue. As far as I know, the DSL is up & running. I just can't get to it.

Incase you are wondering, I'm speed typing this post using my reliable Blackberry. Thank goodness for these little gadgets and my sore thumb.

I'm going through Internet withdrawals big time!

I now have some time to cut out a few knit tops & get them ready for my new toy. I can't wait! :)

The Weekend & Friends

First and foremost, I would like to thank those of you who read my previous post. I appreciate your comments and for taking the time to share your coverstitch machine experiences. I'm now looking at the prices of various manufacturers. They are really all over the place. I'm leaning slightly towards the Janome CP1000, because of the wide sewing bed area. My local Janome dealer is selling it for $100 more than what others on PatternReview.com had mentioned. I still have other dealers to contact. I will let you know what I decide to do.

Well my sewing mojo has been hanging around the house. Not necessarily in my sewing room where it should be. DH was kind enough to go with me to pick up my SM from the dealer yesterday evening. He even came inside the store. Wow! This is the same DH that doesn't like to go shopping or step foot in the mall. He still amazes me. :)

My SM looks brand new. No lint anywhere in sight. The technician did a great job with the maintenance. Apparently, some adjustments were needed (e.g. dog feed) and taken care of. Shame on me for waiting almost two years before taking it in for its first maintenance. I quickly set it up on my sewing table and plugged it in. It was sheer joy to hear it stitching along. Am I the only one who misses her SM so much?

Unfortunately, my serger is still at the dealer for maintenance. I was hoping for a slight miracle that it would have been ready yesterday, so I could have done some sewing today. Oh well.

I thought I would put on my technician hat on this weekend. The second phone line in our house will be disconnected tomorrow and my DSL will be switched to the primary line. I spent some time re-wiring the phone outlets and putting new filters on the primary line where the phones are located. It took me awhile to figure out (and undo) what I had done 15 years ago. It didn't help that I lost my cheat sheet. Thank goodness for the Internet. It was just a matter of matching the wires...red for the ring and green for the tip. It's funny how much dust collects behind furniture that hasn't been moved in years. My nose will not be the same for days. :)

A dear friend of mine, Sherry, invited me to her house for breakfast this morning. I cut some gorgeous daffodils from our garden and brought them with me. We had a wonderful meal and spent some time chatting about life, family, and basically catching up. I've spent the last few years, stressed out, busy with work, busy with my hobbies, busy with family, and had no time for the few friends that I have. Sherry has stood by me through thick and thin. She has reached out to me several times and I was too busy. I finally realized how valuable and important friends are. They are the folks on the outside looking in. They are the comforters and supporters. They are the ones that will lend an ear.

I feel I have been blessed many times this year. I am very thankful. Believe me when I say my eyes are wide open.

(For anyone out there who likes to dance...can you do the "serger dance" for me? Maybe that will help get my serger back faster).

Oh, I did find an hour to knit today. A couple of rows on a shrug that's been patiently waiting to be completed.


I hope you had a great weekend!


Update: I've also added a new Shelfari bookshelf widget to the right of my blog. Now, you can see what sewing books are in my library. Enjoy!

Coverstitch Machine?

I'm in research mode. I've been looking at the Janome CP1000 and the Babylock Coverstitch machines. This would be my last machine purchase and long overdue.

I know some of you have a coverstitch machine. I'm curious to know which manufacturer and model you have. Can you please share your coverstitch machine experience with me?

Thanks! :)

I'm Keeping Busy

I have a lot of sewing project ideas swirling in my head right now. I plan on designing and sewing up some "samples" to see if they will work. It's part of my new adventure.

Yesterday, I finally took my Sapphire SM in for its first maintenance. Nothing is wrong with it. I felt it needed to be done before I dive back into sewing and spend long hours with my machine. In the meantime, my beloved Platinum will be getting a good workout.

Today, I took my Imagine serger into my Babylock dealer for maintenance. I also talked with the owner about teaching some classes there.

Now that I have some temporary space in my sewing room, I am bringing my embroidery machine out of hibernation. DH keeps reminding me about some shirts he would like me to embroider for him. Since he's the Head Elder at our church, he wanted me to embroider the church's name. I've already done the design and printed it on a piece of vellum paper. DH loves it. I just need to do a test on a cheapie t-shirt to see what it will look like.

I have also visited my local small business center to pick up some information about starting a business in my state. It seems a lot of folks in my neck of the woods have been laid off and are doing something similar. I already have a business plan template. It's actually one that I created and used for my final undergraduate project.

I will also be busy working at my LYS, the early part of next week.

I'm actually enjoying my time. Hopefully, I can get my plans in place for my next adventure.

Summer Vogue Patterns

There's some nice summer patterns at Vogue's website. I have included a few that caught my eye.

First off, I think I found my knitting bag pattern. It comes in two sizes. I love the gathers at the top of the bag. It's very stylish and doesn't scream "I'm a knitter". I might end up getting this pattern at the next Vogue sale.

Vogue 8590 - Totes & Bags


I like the style of this knit top. Not sure if I need another kimono looking sleeve top.

Vogue 8580 - Knit Tops


I love the style of this dress and the U-shaped neckline. I don't normally wear dresses, but this one is really cute. I may have to try this one.

Vogue 8571 - Knit Dress


This tunic caught my eye. Of course, I'm thinking of a shorter version for me. It looks simple, but I can see some minor design changes and endless fabric possibilities. I might end up getting this one as well.

Vogue 8585 - Woven Tops & Pants