More stitchery ............

Ok so perhaps this is getting a little boring for any poor reader that might happen here, BUT, it's exciting for me to learn a new skill.

Anyway I had a go at some free standing lace (FSL to embroiderer apparently :o)) and this is the result of quite a few hours work. It turned out pretty and it might make a nice little ring carrier box or something - not sure what I'll do with it yet but for now it was good just to see how it all came together. I embroidered it on to mylar just some sparkle. Now I'm thinking I might do one on red mylar in black just for the heck of it!

I also made myself a little case for my glasses. This turned out pretty cute so I may make some of these for The Cat Corner for fundraising etc.

Next project will be a "red" heart health hat for a competition M. has entered us (I think that means ME!) for at work. I have an idea of what I want to do but will my skill level be able to bring it to fruition????? Watch for next weeks exciting episode ;oS

Little steps ...

I've been trying to learn a embroidery digitising programme so that I could do applique patterns ..... finally! Ok so it's a simple shape but now I know the principles I want to have some fun designing others. I had also been meaning to use my ruffler foot on the sewing machine for ages too, I tried my new one but somehow it refused to behave and so I went back to my little Featherweight which had an original ruffler with it.

Well I struggled to get the thing on the machine, and after checking out some more detailed pics online I discovered why. Over the years it had been bent, so after a bit of tugging with the pliers on it went and of course, managed to make fabulous ruffles first time without any issues ..... Horray!

This is the result of my efforts combining both new skills!

Been busy

Yes I have been creating and making things, mainly whilst getting to know my new embroidery machine. It's a lot of fun and I have lots to learn but hopefully now that Xmas is over I can get on with my creative for profit endeavors - anyway here are some of the things I've been working on.

I ache!

Well I haven't made anything today but I did a lot of raking of leaves. I've manged to fill about 12 or 13, 55 gallon bags which is a lot, believe me! My poor elbow and wrist joints are so sore that I feel another warm shower coming on.

However as a bonus, one thing our garden does not lack is pine cones, although they are vicious ones with spiky bits but I picked up quite a few and they are destined for some holiday project or other. At the moment I'm thinking a front door wreath - burlap and perhaps painted and/or glittered pine cones.

Before that though I have a Pecan and Pumpkin cheesecake to make for Thanksgiving (can't believe it's next week!) plus some kitty kat tree ornaments for The Cat Corner's Tree of Hope which is in our local Petco store. Guess I'd better fire up the ole Cricut and Sure Cuts a Lot then!

Mannequin pincushion

Well I saw these on DIY Dish and just had to have a go. Just a fat quarter of fabric, a candlestick and a mini Xmas ornament. I think I see more of these looming in my future. They'd be great to drape some necklaces on but I think they'll make pretty ornaments as well as pincushions in my craft/sewing space - when I get it ;oS

Also had a go at recycling some garden/yard flags that Debbie bought at a yard sale. I had no idea what to do with them when she brought them to me but they ended up as reusable shopper/tote bags. Recycling or upcycling, whatever, they make pretty nifty bags I think!

sharing some wise words.

I know a lot of what he had to say has been quoted recently but this particular "conversation" just really hits home for me!

“When I was 17, I read a quote that went something like: 'If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you’ll most certainly be right.' It made an impression on me, and since then, for the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: 'If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?' And whenever the answer has been 'No' for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.

Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure — these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.”

- Steve Jobs

Little pouches

Well I've been busy with the sewing machine and must really get my tired butt to bed, but before I do, I thought I'd just make a quick post.

These are a few little pouches I made for The Cat Corner to sell at a street fair this weekend. We have three little kittens, Fang Fang, Felicity and Felicia who need eye surgery. Their eyelids didn't develop fully in the womb and so if they are to avoid serious eye issues they have to have them fixed. It's going to cost around $1500 so we're trying all we can to raise some funds for them. Let's hope that they get is quickly and that the surgery and recovery is speedy and successful. I hope they still look as cute as they do now!!