Jenny Garland

A Sassy New Bag

My friend, Kristin, and I have been working on the ultimate diaper bag. These babies are LARGE and IN CHARGE! There's nothing quaint about them; they're loud and busy. We did patchwork on the exterior and popped the seams out so it frayed. On the outside there are two large side pockets (perfect for keys, a cell phone, and a small notebook). On the inside there is a very firm divider and four large elastic pockets (perfect for dipes, wipes, bottles, and snacks).

We made a silly video showing off the bag's features but we (okay, me) are super delirious because we finished it late last night so I'm going to refrain from posting it, for fear you all will think I've completely lost my mind! Anyway, thanks for looking :)

Which Sewing Machine Do You Need?

Once you are comfortable with the basics of sewing and feel ready to branch out to more daring endeavors, what kinda sewing machine do you need? Hard to know, right? It's difficult to find reviews and prices online. Sew Mama Sew had a great idea for people to review their machines in order to help a consumer out! Here's my glowing review of Sassy, my Janome 6600:

What brand and model do you have?  Janome Memory Craft 6600P

How long have you had it? December 2007

How much does that machine cost (approximately)? $1499

What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)? I do a lot of quilting so that's what really sold me on this machine. I also dabble in clothing, bags, and home dec.

How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get? I use it on average 15 hours a week.

Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name? Oh, dear God, I love this machine. Her name is Sassy. And she is my angel. She is so, so easy to use and can handle anything.

What features does your machine have that work well for you? One of my favorite features is the Acufeed system that evenly pulls fabric through the machine which means no tugging or puckering. Sassy has a Memory button to program stitch combinations, a locking stitch button (no backstitching ever again), an automatic threader, an auto thread cutter button, and a gazillion decorative stitches.

Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine? Nothing.

Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped it on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper?, Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.!)? We want to hear it! I got this for Christmas one year (I know, I'm completely spoiled) and it was love at first sight. If my house was on fire, I would grab Sassy on my way out the door.

Would you recommend the machine to others? Why? If you are a serious sewer, I would definitely recommend this machine. If you just like to play or make stuff once in a while and don't need a heavy duty machine, there are definitely more budget friendly options. I fully intend to keep Sassy forever and use her all the time, so it was a good investment for me. Sewing is a breeze and so much fun with the 6600.

What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine? Even though you may be able to get a machine for a bit cheaper online, don't do it. I'm serious. Don't do it. Find a local sewing shop that can offer one on one classes (which should be included with the cost of the machine) to show you the ins and outs of the machine. Those classes were invaluable to me. 

Do you have a dream machine? Hmm... the Janome Memory Craft 11000 would totally rock my world. Yes, I just said that. Rock my world.

Video Tutorial: How to Make a Quilter's Knot

I prefer to do all sewing on the machine. It's fast and efficient. However, there are some instances when I simply have to sew by hand (bleh, I know).

Anyway, before you sew specific stitches, you need to know how to make a sturdy knot that will stay put. I know, you're thinking "a knot?" I totally know how to make a knot. If you do, awesome! If you don't, I'll show ya in this super quick video tutorial. Please excuse the slight blurriness and ridiculously short nails. Um, I still bite my nails. Been trying to stop for like 27 years. Nervous habit. Don't even realize I'm doing it.

Moving on... this knot is really easy once you practice it once or twice. It's great if you have to sew on a button, or slip-stitch something closed. It will keep your stitches really secure and you can bury it in the fabric so it won't be seen.

PS - Be sure to check back tomorrow for my new post. I have an awesome challenge for you DIY crafters and there's a big honking prize!!!

Do You Have This Sewing Tool? If Not, You Need It!!

If you're a newbie seamstress or crafty gal, you might not be aware of one of the best, most fabulous inventions around ... the turning tool. No more cursing at those little, teeny tubes of fabric you have to turn right side out. No more safety pins! Take a look at how to use this baby ... it saves sooo much time!

In case you're wondering how I set up my oh so professional video camera to make sure I'm in the shot, here's how...

So what's one of your favorite sewing or craft tools?

Moda, Moda, Oh My!

These are the fabrics I bought at United Notions (Moda) today. It was the first time I've been to the Dallas warehouse and it was nothing short of textile heaven. When I walked through the front door, Moda Vicki greeted and ID'ed me (you need a resale license to shop). Then Vicki gave me the grand tour. Oh, I wish videotaped it for you. On the way to the warehouse there is a room designed with the latest and greatest Moda fabrics, creations, and patterns. Then there's a library with fabric samples from every single Moda line. My fabric lovin' heart started to beat so fast and I knew I was where I was meant to be! I tried to act all relaxed but my giddiness couldn't be hidden. I think I may have skipped and twirled. Not really, but I did think about. I hoped I would run into Modalissa but it didn't happen.

Moving on with the tour... Vicki slowly pushed the solid steel warehouse door open and angels sang. Oh, friends. Aisles upon aisles upon aisles of bolts. Gorgeous bolts. Every color, every pattern, every style you could ever want. And then. Vicki said, "Have fun!" And in the blink of an eye, she disappeared. Are you kidding me?! "I am never leaving," was my first thought. I started to browse the aisles for sophisticated, sassy fabric. It was so hard to choose. But I'm thrilled with what I got and can't wait to sew fabulous things. I showed Brad the fabric I selected when he got home from work. His response was "Cool. Looks good." Apparently not a fabric junkie.

I Need Your Input, Please!

Hey gals! I need your help. I'm developing a cute, unique line of home and personal sewn accessories for the lady who wants something both useful and stylish. I am definitely going to offer quilted coasters, cloth napkins, placemats, funky potholders, and large totes. I've been perfecting designs but have a bit to go until they are just right. I'd love to know what other products you would like offered. What everyday practical items do you want to see?

On a side note, I have a little bet going with my hubby that I can get 150 subscribers by June 1. I'm at 110. If I win, he's going to geek out my blog (make the middle section of my blog much larger so pictures are easier to see, make the sidebars easier to navigate, etc.). Help a girl out, will ya?

PS - I am heading to the Moda warehouse tomorrow morning for the first time and can hardly contain my excitement. I can't wait to see it in person :) I wonder if they frown upon nuzzling the fabric? I may not be able to resist.

PPS - The grandparents are keeping both girls overnight so I'm going to bed early to get a full night's sleep. The first in 3 months. Woo hoo!

PPPS - what does "PS" stand for and are "PPS" and "PPPS" grammatically appropriate?

Call It a "Tinkerbell Dress," And My Girl Will Love It!

Drapes.... Check!

I finished my drapes last night for the family room and kitchen. I found the fabric for $6/yd and it's silk! I was lucky that Joann's had just enough for this project. I used lightweight, inexpensive black out lining because I didn't want sheers.

The color of the silk isn't showing up true for some reason. The drapes aren't really gold, they're more of a neutralish brown.

The rods are from Ikea. The short ones were $6.99 and the long ones were $9.99.

If you're been thinking about making panels of your own but have been hesitant, don't be!! Here's a super, foolproof tutorial. I didn't use the twill tape, FYI. Didn't want to spend the extra time sewing it on. The only other thing I did differently was to add small pleats at the top to give the drapes a little more body.

Before:

After:

Still need to do something with that back door but haven't decided exactly what yet. I don't want to block much light and it doesn't need to be functional.

And this is the valence I made for over the kitchen sink:

Thanks for looking!

 

Want some more shirring?

This is the Pink Fig Olivia top.
 
It turned out sweet and girly and I sure love the fabric. If you're in the mood to shirr, then this is a great pattern. It's simple to follow and only has four pieces.

I have fabric to make Kate a coordinating Evelyn skirt. By the time I'm finished, you'll be able to spot her from a mile away . I love sewing for little ones because it doesn't take much fabric or time.

Anyway, there won't be any crafting for this lady tonight. I am going to go to the grocery store alone so I don't have to bring two little "helpers" with me.

Shirring Makes Me Happy

Last night my beloved Sassy and I took a trip to my girlfriend Kristin's house for some communal sewing.

Here's what I made:

Shirring make me happy. It's just so feminine and sweet. I'll be making more dresses for birthday gifts and for my girls.

This dress is fab because it can be worn alone, with leggings or jeans, or under a t-shirt or turtleneck. Talk about versatile! It's a great wardrobe staple because when the dress gets too short, it instantly becomes a fashionable shirt! I know you moms appreciate getting two plus years of wearage. Mmhmm, "wearage." Yes, I'm well aware it's not a real word. But it should be. It makes sense and is fun to say. Wearage. Wearage. Wearage.

If you want a shirred dress of your own, Kristin is selling these darling dresses for $35-$50. I assure you they are terrific quality! And you'll love her fabric selection. You can contact her at kristinchambers79(at)gmail.com. Happy shopping!

And just because I think she's super adorable and it's her 11 week birthday today, here's Miss Sara Paige: