I finally finished the pillows for the READY afterschool program students who didn't finish during our classes. I love that they went scrappy like I did.
I also like the fun fabrics they picked out for the pillow backs.
I'll get these to the students on Monday - just in time, since the last day of school is Tuesday!
I finally made that bifold fabric wallet I wanted to make for myself. I used this tutorial and here's what I came up with.
Sewing through those thick seams was a challenge, but what I loved about this tutorial is that she had us sew with a 1/2" seam allowance and then trim down to 1/4". I felt more confident about catching all layers that way. I can't wait to fill it with my cards and cash and start using it tomorrow. I've had that brown outside fabric for ages and could never decide what to do with it. I love brown!
While working on these two things, I managed a couple more blocks for my hubby's quilt from his mother's shirts.
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| I'm thrilled at how closely these stripes are lining up without me having to work too hard to match them. |
Some of what I got done was business related. I got my federal employer ID number and my VA retail sales tax certificate. I got my local business license and paid my estimated business taxes for the year (strange to pay taxes BEFORE I even open!). I opened my business bank accounts. I figure if I just tackle one step at a time, this seemingly huge undertaking will seem less overwhelming. Oh, and yesterday, I visit a Baby Lock dealer and decided on the Grace for my classroom sewing machines. They are over 4 lbs lighter than the Janomes, and there was a pricing special going on that saved me over $400 on the set of 6 machines.
Finally, I got our summer pool pass, and visiting the pool with the boys. While there, I swam 10 lengths (gotta ease my way back into my summer lap swimming) and disassembled two more of my MIL's shirts. But while there, a woman saw me cutting and said, " Are you the quilt lady? The one I read about in the newspaper?"
How flattering! (But this is a small town - anyone know that country song that tells how EVERYONE is famous in a small town? That's us.)
But what was more flattering is that she works for our local newspaper and told me she's been wanting to do a story on me. Could the timing be any better with me opening my shop later this summer? The trip to the pool turned out to be even better than I had hoped!
11 comments:
Well, on my sewing machine I can sew buttons on. You'll have to check your instructions to be sure yours will do it. I have a special foot that holds the button in place and I have to turn wheel by hand a couple times to adjust the zig zag to the width of the holes on the button. I like the idea of using the buttons on the quilt.
By the time I figured out how to make a machine sew one button, I could have them all done by hand. I think it is a neat idea, however.
You have got a lot done. Good on you! Love, love, love how your husband's quilt it turning out.
I used to sew buttons on with my machine years ago (when the boys were young). They seemed to hold better. I just used my zig-zag foot, stitch length '0' and turned the fly-wheel to make sure the width was ok. If the buttons are tiny, holding them under the foot is a bit trickier but not impossible. Great idea and that quilt is awesome!!!!! Hugs......
yay!!! Your leap of faith is working out so well. I can SEE your success. You're gonna be awesome! And yes ma'am, you can sew buttons on by machine. Mine has a particular attachment for it - I have to drag out the manual every time to figure it out, but it does go faster once the first one's done. And I think tying that quilt with the buttons from the shirts is a fantabulous idea! Remember Nancy Rose and her 7 shirts quilt? She used the buttons to tie and it was perfect! I think she had instructions for sewing buttons on by machine in that tutorial - if you need, I'll forward the document I saved. Just let me know.
Cool! Publicity! See, you were supposed to be doing this.
Love those cushions. The kids did a great job !
Your memory quilt is looking fabulous too. I love the way those blocks are shaping up.
Way to go on getting some prospective free publicity for your business. Thats awesome news. (and well deserved!)
Don't you love it when projects come together? The pillows are beautiful and will make their owners proud and happy!
Such wonderful news about your 'swimming' encounter! Don't think the timing could be any better. Can't wait to see all the great results of your hard work. Your town will enjoy it!
I was just going to say "No' my machine won't sew on buttons," but I thought I'd check the manual just in case --- and it does. Uses a special foot, feed dogs down, zig-zag stitch. What'dya know!
Sounds like you have been getting several chores accomplished. You must have a checklist to remember all the things that need to be done. But paying taxes in advance before you have even opened the doors seems kind of backwards!
Congrats on getting the pillows done. I'm sure if you put your mind/fingers/machine to it you you could get the top finished by Father's Day - but don't you have a trip or two in the meantime?
How fortuitous to run into the newspaper person at the pool. Good idea to ALWAYS have something quilty to be working on in your spare moments!
Hi, Erin. You can sew buttons on by machine. My Pfaff has a stitch that locks at the beginning and end. But, they still come unsewn. Here is my suggestion. Leave long tails at the beginning and the end and tie those by hand in a square knot, then clip them. That knot won't come out. Be well. Lane
I sew them by machine all the time, using either the special foot or regular foot. The key is to make the stitch width of the zigzag, line up with the holes, and drop the feed dogs. Then stitch back and forth about 10 times and it won't come out.
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