Woe is me...... again

 I recently watched a tutorial on YouTube by Erica Arndt on making simple Hot Pads.

I had some left over Christmas fabric that I thought would make a couple of cute ones. So I started by cutting a 10" piece of batting and adding the strips of fabric. But unfortunately, my machine decided that it was not going to cooperate and started giving me loops on the back. Frustrated, I pulled out my old Kenmore to finish the one I had started.

Truthfully I felt like crying, because my machine did the same thing a year ago. I was so disappointed that I could not even finish a simple project like this. I have a couple of quilts that need quilting, but will now have to wait until I can get my machine repaired. The Bernina store does not open until Wednesday, which means I will need to wait two days before I can even take it there. Sigh..... 

                                      Needle and  Thread Thursday  

                       

                                      Sew and Tell

                                      Can I Get a Whoop Whoop?

                                      Finished or not Friday

                                      Peacock Party

Gift giving

 

How are you doing working on Christmas gifts? I have been trying to finish up on gifts to give this year. It can be a bit overwhelming when I think about it, but I am determined to try. 

Please tell me what you are doing, and what has inspired you this year. And share any links that will give inspiration. 

I'm an Olfa girl

I'm a true blue Olfa girl. From cutters and mats and blades. Since the first one I bought back in the 80's, I have only used Olfa cutters and mats.

This one would be vintage now. But you know if you keep changing the blade, it still works!

Over the years I have found that my blades last longer when I use the sister mat.

One time I was cutting at a friends house, and used her mat, which was another brand. My blade dulled almost immediately. So I have stuck with Olfa mats, and I have several. Makes me happy!

So Inspired

 I am never disappointed when I travel to Plant City to Inspire!

And this time was no different.

I took a friend and we found lots of inspiration.

When I saw this panel, I fell in love.

So perfect for a spring quilt.  I had to have it :-)

And the shop owner was kind enough to make a copy of the directions for me.

Thats what makes a friendly Quilt shop. Makes me want to go back.

Quick and easy

 It is so easy to make these.

So when I have a pause in any project, I make pillowcases for Ryan's Case for Smiles. 

Ever since I was given a serger, they make up so quickly. I like making something that helps kids feel better.

                                      Needle and  Thread Thursday  

                       

                                      Sew and Tell

                                      Can I Get a Whoop Whoop?

                                      Finished or not Friday

                                      Peacock Party

Patience or quit?

 Several years ago, we made these bags with the fancy zippers. So I thought I would make a few for teacher gifts. It didn't really go well.

The first one I tried I used a tutorial that was pretty complicated. 

Although it turned out looking nice, it used fleece as a lining, and I found it was difficult to sew through all the layers.

So the next tutorial I used was from Missouri Star.

It looked so floppy, even when I tried boxing the corners. I took it apart and put the zipper at the top, thinking it would make a difference.

It looked a little better, but the zipper did not close correctly. 

So what to do? Struggle with fleece or just let it go, and don't try to make any more :-(

                                       Needle and  Thread Thursday  

                       

                                      Sew and Tell

                                      Can I Get a Whoop Whoop?

                                      Finished or not Friday

                                      Peacock Party

Wordless Wednesday

 

A pretty Fall vignette at an outdoor quilt show.