update

This is my new sewing room. I've been here for all of two and a half weeks. I made a plain beige sweat shirt with eygptian thread decoration on the sleeves. I tried to take a photo of it, but botched it up. As you know I am just trying to figure out things regarding pictures on the blog sight. I kinda like this sweat shirt. But even more I am really delighted with my new residence. I have more than enough room. So from this point on, I will make this my creative place. It's nice to have room in which to put things. Now I've got to find the places in which to put them.
So it's all a matter of organization. Which will be coming to a theatre near you. I even like the location of my new place. Although it seems like miles to get from point A to B..............checked out the places for fabric. Only Mill End Fabric. I don't know the street yet, but I will pay attention to the stop on my next bus ride. JoAnne fabric is around here somewhere, but I won't be going there any time soon. I hate that place. By the way I am in Burnsville, Mn which is a subburb of Minneapolis. Never thought I would be moving this far out south. But everything is right here at my finger tips so to speak.

In the mean time it looks like I will be getting the Janome sometime in June. But this move took out November and December payments. That's alright as long as I have the other two machines to fall back on. After I get the 7700 I have one more plan. I won't even mention it right now. Will keep that to myself until it comes true then I'll tell you. Still have not spent any money on fabric yet. I will be adding that along the way. I think I will do my shopping on line. Will follow the ladies from various sights getting their imput. I also have to find some type of sewing groups out this way. More networking. ciao for now

sewing quilt expo 2010

Well I was an ambassador really fancy word for volunteer for three days at the show. I was a bit disappointed. One: there weren't as many vendors as there was last year. I assisted two teachers during the three days.

I thought there would be perks in volunteering, like getting a bag of thread or something that we could use. I was there from 8:15 to 5:30 the first day, 8:15 to 2:30 the second day, and 8:15 to 2:30 working the front desk and then stayed until the drawing give away at 5:45. All the women stay until that time because lets face it, everyone wants to win a sewing machine that they don't need but just want, it's really for the sewing machine junkies.

The second day I worked I received an ink pen and some sticky pads, and very thin sticky pads I might add. The people I worked with always volounteer every year, so basically I was the only dip stick in the bunch who didn't know what to expect. Now the deal is being able to sit in on the classes. Well, assisting the class the ladies have paid, but you are a getting the class free by volunteering. So that's suppose to be a plus right? Well the teachers are slick. They make sure that you really are not going to see too much, but that you are going to assist them, even if it means getting a glass of water or going downstairs to the main floor to get a jacket off their rack at there booth. The other thing is that they are there to sell their books and patterns; the info that is recieved in the class is just a hint of what's in their book or video.

So next year I think I will only do one day.........but it would be better if I just did hands on classes because I would actually learn more..........really bump that idea because I would be better off purchasing the cd and learning from the cd. At least I can go back and forth seeing the demos. Other than that this was really a dull three days, but I am glad that I kept to my word and worked all three days. Right now I am in the midst of moving so you won't hear from me until I get my room set up. I expect things are going to go just right.

long time

well bless me for I've not sewn in since July. I believe that was the last picture post. I still have my sewing machine on lay-a-way and really wish I were closer to paying it off. Doesn't look like I will get it out until next year some time. I was misquoted on the price or maybe I misunderstood, more than likely it was the latter.

I thought I was paying for the 6600 price toward the 7700 and now it looks I am going to pay an extra 1200 dollars more. I really don't feel like upgrading now since it's taking so long. First off there are some complaints on the 7700 and probably by the time I get mine all of the kinks will be ironed out. It seems like the ladies are really torn between the 6600 since it was and is still the most reliable. However many times when new machines come out there are always kinks in them. So I will just wait. Right now I've got a money kink.

Haven't been able to buy material. The only good thing is being an ambassador for the sewing expo November 11-12-13 so at least I get to see a few things. Of course buying a few things is something I would love to do, but don't know whether or not that will be likely. I will be there all day though. In addition to that.............I am moving to a bigger apartment. Looks like I will have to go south to do so. This is really a crunch. I am praying for some miracles...........which will be here any day now...............anything is possible.

bummer

The last few days have just been really bummed. I had this all planned on how I was going to move and now I am finding it's more trouble than it's worth. Not to mention I don't have the support group I need on this side and support from the other side. It's nice on the east because of the Bahai's but after that what is left. I really haven't given Minneapolis a chance. Even though I said two years was chance enough.

I think it is more or less the building that is getting to me and I don't like that feeling. So maybe if I get out of here things will be a little better for the time being though.....there are no really true friends here at all. The people that I know are not on my wave length and that's just horrible. So I now have to rethink things. I couldn't blame my friend in Toronto for thinking that I am flakey, but after all I am trying to do this by myself self and must add the money is the biggest factor in this equation. My hands are tied right now. I don't even have one months rent saved for a new place, not to mention the train fair and everything that came along with this trip. Can't give up though just have to have another outlook.

lazy

Must be going through a slump. Tomorrow I am going to attempt to sew something. I really need to work with the hotpatterns marekesh pants. That's what stopped me dead in my tracks. I cut them out and they have just been laying around. I will look at that pattern again. Better yet I am going on Youtube to see if she shows how to put those pants together. There must be something that i am missing somewhere along the way.
Early on I looked at some videos for bags regarding studs. That's another thing I'm almost afraid to do...........must get rid of this fear of messing up and just jump in, after all I've been wearing my mistakes all this time and no has noticed. So why should anything be any different now?

finished night gown

okay this looks like something I could get away with wearing outside. This does not look like something to sleep in. On the lower part of this garment I put in a flat felled seem or blue jean seam.
I finally got how it works. For the longest I couldn't figure it out visually by the videos and suddenly it clicked the other day. So I decided to test it out on something you can't really see. How dizzy can one get. Well if anything I will lounge around in this on a do nothing day. Even if it does say: naught & nice sugar and spice" I am really trying to learn. This is on a knit kinda fabric. I made another sleep item like this and it's lasted for more than two years and wears and washes really well. So I am going to wash this now and see how it holds under coming through a dryer. I like the design or maybe it's just the color that appeals to me.

today

I've got to put the finishing touches on this night gown. It was too short, so I have to lengthen it now. I looked over the hotpattern and still don't know quite what to do yet. If I don't figure it out before the weekend is over I will just make up something myself.

blah tuesday

okay I know I should be beat with 30,000 wet noodles. I've been really procrastinating. I got the hotpatterns pants pattern last week. Cut out the material, and have looked at the pattern pieces, but can't figure out the directions on the waist band. I know it's something really simple, but I will get back to it some how. In the mean time what do I do? Decide to go to the second hand store and get some fabric for a 1.99 and make a night gown. Couldn't resist, because the fabric said: naughty and nice, sugar and spice" just what and old broad needs to be wearing to bed. Who the hell is going to see it? I tell you I don't know where my head is at times.
For the past few days I've felt like doing nothing. Last night I started on the night gown....it's really not a gown more a less decorated moo moo. I will be through with it tonight and take a picture of it. I really have to finish those pants, and if I can't follow the instructions then I will have to fudge on it myself. I hate doing that, but one of the problems is the patterns don't go step by step. It does say: 1, 2, but the instruction is printed out, and somehow I am not picturing it in my head. I will reread the instruction again. This is so frustrating.

lucky

My friend in Chicago talked me into this blog...........and of all things she chooses to pick a picture of me that is totally bloated. Who could look any worse, but at my age I am not really caring too much. She chose the picture taken of me in front of a store front of food. Delicious food.........and I walked two doors down and ate a great big bowl of soup and veggie rolls. I am so glad there was no one there to take a picture of me eating my food. I think that would have been more embarrassing.

I now look back at some of the things I've posted. I've been going to the Janome forum and reading up more on my new sewing machine. I can't wait until I get that puppy home. It's going to be so much fun. Now I've got to figure out what I am going to buckle down and sew. Haven't heard from Britt in Sweden. I am going to let her be my inspiration on sewing bags. That's if I decide I want to go that route. But I have to admit she has given me a few ideas. My new Janome will sew 1,000 stitiches per minute. Do I need that..............no.............but i must have it just in case. Just hope I don't end up burning out a motor.

Just got my Hot Patterns blouse design and the Marakesh drawstring pants. I am going to attempt to make the pants first. Cut out the material today. It's cheap and used. If I mess this up so what I will just look for the next project. The lady at hotpatterns.com explains so easily and of course with her english accent makes you sound like you are going to look so chique if you purchase her pattern. Although I will admit her pants made her look really good, although I don't have any muslin like the women instructed me to get. Next time I will make sure that I get a few yards of it. Well that's all for now........the next post will be a possibly a picture of the pants I make. There are only a couple of pieces. Oh...........this is my first time ordering her patterns and I think I will order more, because her patterns are not made of the cheap tissue paper. I'm not cutting into these either..............I am tracing...........that way I get everything back in the envelope without it looking stuffed. I'm learning!

toronto pants

They fit fine, but I still am having problems with a good fit for the crotch. Although no one knows that but me. I always try to make room for my girth. In this case I noticed while wearing them that the front part of the crotch was a little too high.

So more than likely I will have to adjust them. Or just wait for the first washing. Which is what I was suppose to do in the beginning. I am also going to get some muslin and this time do all the adjusting on it. Other than that these pants give stretch when sitting, but they do wrinkle a lot............so I am not liking that at all..........maybe its the way I cut them. Live and learn. Sooner or later I will get it into my head to do the muslin thing. It's just so time consuming.............but it is worth it. It beats having experiences like this. Even though they look wonderful to you..........i'm the one who knows how they fit. The only thing I am really pleased with is the stitch quality on the fabric, which came out really good. I'm getting better in that department. In other words: you can't see my mistakes at all. Only I know which is a good thing but at the same time very nerve wracking.

invigorated

I am still coming down off my trip to Toronto. This has given me a new perspective on what I would like to do and where i'd like to go. I really enjoyed seeing the bustling of the city. It's really huge. I like the fact that you could get lost in it, there are so many people and so many things to see. Robin (host and friend) didn't get a chance to show a great deal, but for me she showed just enough of her town. I liked the foods can't you tell by the picture. Well I won't put all the blame on my visit, but thank God for casscara segrada. I really ate and some things i'd not tasted before. Next time I will come when the festivals are just beginning.

My host was really gracious and so was the rest of the family for putting up with me. Three weeks is a long stay. Not to mention the fact that I did most of the spending within the first week of being there. It was a tit for tat situation. I had to pull out my skills of doing hair.....so I worked some but didn't mind at all considering the company. I so wanted to get more fabric. Just goes to show you things change. Prices do go up. I could have gotten a lot more material say 10yrs ago. Stupid of me to think things would still be the same. Never the less it was just an enjoyable time being around like minded people, and seeing the sites.

Toronto photos

My new friend is really having a good time, but she decided to give this pose. This is sunday going to church. The other picture is me in my element.......basking in the smell of fabric.

today

today i was in the house because of the rain, so we didn't go any where. i must say that this is somewhat of a rest for me. My people have been so helpful and most gracious in my stay here. I am so glad that i decided to come but next time i will stay a shorter time as not to impose on them. Over all though it's still a good trip.

photo comments

as you can see from the pictures i'm not far from food. The sites and sounds of the place are really just too much. I had no idea this place was so large. There are shops on every block every other door. I really wished I'd stopped at the Italian store earlier because I really got a deal on some fabric. I am going to make a shirt and skirt from this stuff. Probably the closet I'll get to Italy is just to buy the fabric and anything Italian.

My friend was with me every step of the way. What are friends for....to just watch you spend money you don't have. I knew that I had to have that fabric and that I wasn't going to get the opportunity to buy it again at least not in the states. So seize the moment. That's exactly what I did............am I ever glad that I don't have a charge card. I might have been in serious trouble. So at least i'll have a memory. Now just two weeks to go. I will go home with just the cab fare to get home. I really am going to have to do something about this body..........cause I don't recognize this person. ciao for now

photos of my trip

another bag

This is the bag that I made for my friend in Seattle. I saw some bags that this lady in Sweden makes and my goodness my mouth watered. This women makes quilted purses and they look fantastic. I know I said I am not into quilting but to make bags that come out that beautiful would be worth it. Every bag this lady makes is really a piece of art. I am just going to have to learn to do what I do best. And this looks well but to me it's not polished. That's the way I want my work to look polished.

pants

I was so lazy I didn't feel like wearing the pants that I packed for my trip, because that meant I would have to wash them. So I made some last night and this is what they look like. I am still getting the hang of trying to take these pictures. I don't know how people take pictures of themselves all the time. In my day these were called peddle pushers. This is thrift fabric.

tickets

well today I got my tickets for Toronto. So I can't wait for June 7th can't get here fast enough. I am going to spend as much time as I can checking things out especially the fabric places. It will be nice. I am not expecting my friend to take me everywhere so I will try and make some connections on my own, and see how many people I can meet. This should be fun. I'm expecting a miracle in funds before the 7th. We just skyped each other so it was nice finally seeing her face. She seems to be a very nice woman. I think I picked wisely this time. So when I get back which will be the 28th of June I should have a lot to talk about. This will be my first time in Toronto. Been to Van couver and to Montreal. So I am really looking forward to this, just to get away and regroup.

mudlcothe

this is first bag I made and that's why Daeisha wanted it, and I thought I posted this before. I just like the pattern.

latest work

This is Daeisha who really begged me for this bag. My honorary daughter. I was made it for my friend Carmelle who gave me the mud clothe. This turned out very well. I think that I would like to work with this fabric to make a jacket. I also made another bag for a new friend that I found in Canada. Kinda like a good faith thing.

I know it's been a while, but in addition to trying to figure out what fabric I wanted to work with, i"ve been obsessed you might say with the new 7700 Janome. The message boards have been full with ladies talking about the new machine ect. I really would like to stay in my own price range. At this point though it really doesn't make sense to get the 6600 because the machine is at least 4 1/2 yrs old. There are so many good comments on this machine. The new one hasn't really proven it's self. So far there is just a lot of talk about the machine. Either way I would like to be on the cutting edge in buying it then that way I am current.

Last night I went online and look at the elissimo by babylock.......and it's made by brother I don't want to bite off more than I can chew. Right now the I am still paying on the new Janome. I need it for speed. At 1,000 stitches per minute this would really work for me in making the bags. So I am more or less forced to get it. Getting an industrial sewing machine would be too noisy in an apartment, as the motor is noisy. So I might as well get something that is closet to it. Hence the Janome. ................decisions decisions!

new fabric

I brought this Asian print material and I made a blouse out of it. I am so disappointed with myself because I should have gotten more of that fabric. Could have made a skirt. You can't see it but I brought some beige stretchy type of fabric to make a pair of pants out of, and then some blue jean stretch material. Forgot to get the needles, it's always something. Then I brought some pinstriped stretch fabric and that was for the low price of 45.00 and that was steal for me that day. So I was pretty happy. Just have to remember to get the needles.

on a roll

During the weekend I spent with two other ladies who are sewing orientated. It was really nice. Started out with bacardi rum and papaya/mango juice and some very tired stiches followed by quiche. We were doing stitches that were in a course that one of the ladies is taking. By the way this is a dress making course. I had a hard time with the herring bone stitch. For some reason I wasn't getting it. The rest of the stitches I already know and have used before. Over all it was a nice weekend.

We are going to get together as often as I can, and in the meantime I am still saving for my Janome. The new 7700 has come out and I think I am going to get that one instead. This is going to be the last sewing machine I buy. This one has everything on it. It looks like a Bernina and Pfaff and has an arm. I thought it best to just jump right in and get this one. I know it's going to be a bit pricey...........but in the long run I am going to have it the rest of my life. Everyone on this janome site loves their 6600 and said they wouldn't part with it. The new machine will not be out until May but since I already joined a yahoo group, photos have been coming in from London and Canada. For some reason Janome thought they would premier in Europe first and then we are last. From what I understand the machine will possibly run 2,000 but for all the features this will be worth it, and there is better lighting.

Janome is in strong competition I believe with Brother because Brother gives you more features and more bang for your buck. Well Janome is doing the same. I really used to be a Bernina snob, but Janome is what I wish to work with for the time being. I really would like to work in another country doing nothing but selling sewing machines and working with them. Right now I am trying to work on just putting things together. My way of course. Some of these patterns make no sense. So I always detour. I am also still working on Canadian contacts regarding sewing machines and the like. Maybe even a fabric store. That wouldn't be bad idea. Cause you get a discount for working there. Hopefully they would sell sewing machines right there on the premise like Hancock fabrics does, if so then I am killing two birds with one stone. We'll just see how things turn out.

just some thoughts

What a no sun shine day. I think I told you about two other ladies I met from the sewing guild. Well we hit it off very well. One of them is taking a dress making course, and since it is on line decided that it would be good to have live people to correspond with. So she is sharing the lesson with me and another lady.

This online course has us doing stitches. They name the stitches but don't show what they look like. it's really done in black and white. So last night my buddy calls me to suggest that we go to the library or somewhere and get photos of the stitches and then we can do them together. Even though buddy no.1 has paid for the course buddy no.2 and myself will reap benefits from the course as well. No.1 thought it best to have someone to converse with, and I concur. On line course are tricky. Videos are more better for me. Cause I can freeze and then try to duplicate what I see. Just have the written with no pictures is hard on me.
So far on the first three paragraphs have all been technical jargin. So I am really going to have to work at this. It will be interesting to say the least. Today though I really don't feel like doing one blessed thing. Maybe I will shoot for tomorrow.

working on now

I like this design for some reason. This is fleece. It's very thick fleece, and of course what do I do with fleece? Make a jacket of course. I decided to put elastic in the sleeve to give this some type of shape. As it is most of my jackets seem a bit boxy.
This was done without a pattern.
Hopefully next month I will get some tracing paper. I've decided not to cut out the patterns any more. Then I can trace the design and try to doctor it up. Also I'm going to get some muslin because I think this will go a long way as well. Just think pretty soon spring will be here, and I will really have to start sewing to make things for summer.

I've put things in motion regarding networkng and hopefully I will meet some more new people. At least I can get my creative juices going. made a purse for my girlfriend in seattle. forgot to put this picture on as well. Hope she likes it! This is really a drab day, and I don't feel like finishing this jacket off today. Maybe I will work on it tomorrow.

lastest jacket

I was trying to find a way to turn the second picture around so you could see the design stitch. It's not too bad a jacket but the material is rather drab. I will probably have to dress this up with making a skirt or a pair of pants.

tapestry jacket and bag

This is a jacket and a bag that is hanging over the shoulder. I was trying to take a picture of the pockets. They were lined with some type of silver string. I really would like to perfect this a little more. The color is kind of green but you can't tell it in this picture. I've really got to learn how to use this camera more.

Today

Nothing too unusual today. I had to contact four people that I contacted on myself because I am so ditzy and couldn't remember the correct address to my on blogspot. I keep forgetting the damn dash. It's a shame to forget something so simple. Right now I am really low on fabric and will soon be going to my favorite place to get a few things. I am going to try and do the first week of March. I am going to make it a point.

I also am going to drag my new sewing buddy around to estate sales. I really need my serger fixed. I will get her to take me out to A-1. It won't be long before I have that 6600 in the house and I can't wait to hear that puppy roar. For some reason it seems like my Brother is slow, or maybe it's just all in my head because I know the Janome is 1,000 stitches per minute. I can live with the zigzag going 750. I've decided to let the Stitch Era go, because there are too many things going on with that program. I want something less complicated. Right now I don't have a conversion program. I am still going to get the Vikant. Right now I am going on my own schedule.

I've given some bags away and the ladies seem to like them, now I've got to get back to sewing something for me while combining making bags. Working on a schedule and putting things down on paper really seems to help. I've got a cork board with all the things I want done in the next three months, and as each one comes into few I will take down a card. The cards are colored so that makes it easier for me to focus on. Still going to network with my Canadian friends. I'm already making this a fact.

These are the latest of the bags I worked on. I've been giving some of the bags away. The third bag is green and I made three of them. People seem to like them. The tan bag I am keeping for myself because it is the first one I made with a zipper. It's really sturdy kinda canvas like material. I hope that these are not repeat pictures. If they are I'm sorry for that, but I think I mentioned the fact that I have two new sewing buddies. They are really funny.

I gave them each a bag. They really liked them, and they came in handy when I went to an estate sale. One of my friends got an espree embroidery machine, of course I wanted the serger, but was over priced used at 875.00. This was my first time going to one of these things. I managed to get some "Great patterns" a whole bag of them. They usually run 12.00 each in the store. I got at least 10, and then I got a bunch of serger thread. My friend hogged up the rest of the thread. As a matter of fact she beet me downstairs to the sewing stuff. Didn't have enough dough though to get some of the things I really wanted. I was really being careful in selecting items. I managed to get a glue gun and don't have an idea when I will use that, but I'm sure it will come in handy later on. It was really a lot of fun. I went two days in a row.

One of my neighbors paid me in advance to clean her apartment, and that's how I ended up with spending money for the estate sale. The one thing I hate the most is that if you have to go to the bathroom, you are not allowed to.....because the items of the deceased are being sold through a broker. Well now I have to wait for my next big thing. In the mean time I will make bags and save them now that I have a system going on.

conference call

Gee I know it's been a few days. Today I had a three way call with two other ladies from the sewing association. One lady is totally into crochet, and the other lady holds my interests. Which is just mainly to learn how to sew our own clothes. So two of us decided that we would clone one another in making our own body doubles. Basically I am just fiddling around in the dark with this sewing thing. I figure I will learn through trial and error.

As you recall on our first meeting there were three ladies I met. Well the lady that happens to be a tailor gets paid 20.00 and hour. I didn't know that until tonight. So we may invite her, or should I say we might pay for her to come again. The 1st lady that is suppose to head the sewing club is a member of of ASG but she doesn't feel that she is doing enough, and therefore would like to hand the rains to someone else. In addition to that there really are only two of us, and since the first lady has other interest that involve fabric making, weaving, and crochet she is not that interested in the sewing aspect too much.

However she is going to be taking a sewing course. That is a whopping 700.00 but it takes you from the very beginning. So she has offtered to share the lessons with the two of us when she signs up for the course in February. By the way I made another jacket with a purse to match out out of upholstery fabric. I really need critique from a knowing eye. But that will have to wait for the time being.

don't nothing today

Okay I know this is the new year..........however I don't feel like doing crap today. Usually I have follow that train of thought because if I start on something in this frame of mind, I will screw it up. Someone brought me some silk from china, and I will make a blouse out of it, of course I am going to hold on to that thought until summer. I am working on another tapestry jacket. It's just about through. For the past three days I was struggling with the armhole. Of course this is done without a pattern. Sooner or later I will get the hang of this I know. In the mean time I will just have to put things together.
I need to make at least two more pairs of pants and some shirts for the next few months. I am thinking about getting the pattern for a shirt at hotpatterns. There's this universal top that looks good on everyone. I am trying to get out of the boxed looked, and get more into conturing.

today

It never fails but always on the last day of the year......I become linear, and take mental inventory on stuff, my stuff and all stuff. So while I am processing and making out my cards on steps to be taken, I am still thinking of more quicker ways to reach my destination, and maybe there aren't any, but i am going to make it fun in trying to get there. I just have a gut feeling that this is going to be the year for me shine..........I'm going to push myself as hard as I can to make things work. Putting as much positive energy out as I possibly can. I will also be doing a lot of praying for this next task. It seems I have to prove something to myself again.

new year

okay I finally know what I want to do, but must keep it under wraps until the ball gets rolling. this is going to be the biggest thing I've done so far. I can't wait until things go in motion. I put my Janome sewing machine on lay-a-way and I have a target for august. It is the 6600 and this is 1,000 stiches per minute. I think that is really fantastic for a so called domestic machine.

I've only told two people that I trust about this machine. the other so called friends my throw a monkey wrench it my dream. I am going to carry out this plan. From what I can see it's going to go just right. it's a shame that folks wish you ill when you are trying to accomplish something. I am in the last phases of life so to speak and I intend to make them count for something. I decided for once in my life that I am going to do something I love doing, and I am going to work with machines. I now have to boil it down to the two items I plan on developing. I've got a check list, and I am going to go down the line after everything I accomplish. I am not going to let anything stand in my way............the fact that I've even typed this out in black and white for all to see makes me have to go through with this process.

all that's left of a quilt

this is the jacket that was made out of a queen size quilt. I will never do this again. As it was really difficult trying to maneuver the fabric under the feed dogs. I also made some oven gloves and a makeup bag. I got as much out of the quilt as I could. At this point I would not try to make a bag. I got tired of working with this fabric.
The only thing left to do is put the asian tie buttons on this jacket. It is a warm jacket though, but the fabric is not that pliable. For some reason the quilt felt a lot softer before I chopped it up. Again with my hard head I decided to make this without a pattern. Who knows I just might get the hang of this.

not complete

Here is one of the jackets I was working on, but now I have to wait to get the asian twist buttons that I want. I should be sewing at this moment but just don't have the go button on just yet. Believe it or not this is something that I've had for over a year and decided to work on it.

i know, i know

Right now I am working on a blanket that I tore apart and for some reason decided it would be a good idea to make a jacket out of it, and also see if I could make a purse as well. Tomorrow I will take pictures of the scraps and then you can get a good idea of just the mess I've created. I am hoping this is working out. As for the sewing machine that I would like to get, I've been reading up on the janome 6500 and the 6600 and it seems that the women are having trouble with the bobbins ect. I am so hoping that I don't have this problem. After I've gone through the mental process of throwing myself into one family.........Janome. I was going to do the Baby lock but I've always wanted a Janome, and I guess I won't be satisfied until I get one. At 1,000 stitches per minute this is right up my alley. It seems like my other machines are too slow. Or maybe it's just my imagination.
So far I've not heard from the ladies that I met at the sewing expo and that's alright. I am moving on to the next group of people. so I am going to continue in scoping out the sites and I really should be checking up on the blogs but have been so preoccupied with the machines. Not to mention how I'm going to keep in shape during the winter. I've got to get a stationary bike it's a must. I am really going to get in better shape. No sense in sitting around. At my age I need to be in minimum shape. I would like to age gracefully. I figure that the sewing will keep me mentally alert. It's all I have at this point. Still looking for some type of work. So I can support this habit. Something will show up I'm sure. I should say sources beyond my control will point me in the right direction around the setting that I wish to be in. I hope this is soon. Can't believe that this is December. Another year coming up...............hopefully i will be better at putting things together.

saturday

Well today my friend Carmell took me to the Janome place. I had no intentions whatsoever of getting a machine at this point and time. Guess what.....I am now putting a sewing machine on lay-a-way. It's just the one I wanted to......the guys name is Walt and we talked briefly about sewing machines. I had been on line at the Janome site and reading what the women were saying about their sewing machines. So this is one I wanted. 6600 series I believe. So this is going to be great. It will be a few months before I get this machine out, but I don't care at this point. It's better than getting one used.
I am not going to tell my other pals about this machine until after it's paid for. Thank God I have two others that I can use. This is going to be great. Also we stopped by S&R Harris fabric outlet, and of course I brought something that I had no intentions of getting. But since I hadn't been there since last November I thought to myself.......get it now because I may not come here for a while. I am going to be dreaming about miracles now that I have this machine on hold. It felt good just knowing that it will be in my possession soon. I know what you are thinking. This broad is sick.......yes I am about sewing machines, but now I finally got what I always wanted and thats a Janome. Over all this has been a really good day.

first meeting

Well I was suppose to meet my sewing buddy saturday, however she bit off more than she could chew and ended up running people around. We were suppose to meet at 11:00 and she ended up calling me around that time to say she was going to be later and could we possibly meet up on Sunday.

Needless to say I told her, "I had my bag all packed and everything" I was really disappointed, anything to get out of this place and somewhere new. So the lady told me, " let's make it for 11:00 Sunday without fail, no matter what we will make this an all day thing." So I said, "alright" for the remainder of the afternoon I just mentally vegged out and watched movies.
Now Sunday is here................cut to the chase..........I call her at 9:30 to make sure that I am not going to be stood up. She say's I will call you when I get there." 11:00, 30, 12:00,30, 1:00,30, 2:00,30 and then she calls, "I'm on Bloomington, I just go down to park? Right? Right I say...now anyone that knows me, knows I do not wait, hate it, hate it, if you tell me 11:00 you'd better be there at 11:00 or I'm off somewhere else...........but I am not driving so I am just at her mercy. When the car pulled up, all I could do was shake me head.

Now cut to the chase..........she had a nice house, and I think she was more or less trying to feel me out, after all this is the first meeting. So I brought a jacket that I am working on, my goal I told her was to finish everything I start. This fabric came all the way from Morocco so I didn't want to mess it up. She gave me some really good pointers and told me she couldn't believe that I cut this without a pattern. I also made a bag for her as a gift for our new found sewing friendship. I really hope this turns out well.

As for the second lady that I met at the sewing expo.....I find out that they don't see each other all the time. So I guess I will exclusively be her sewing buddy. I made two bags one for each of them. She was thrilled with her bag and the other lady gets her bag by default. We talked about patterns, family (just a tad) I wanted to get to the sewing part screw the niceties (isn't that crazy) but everything must take it's course. So she showed me her pride and joy: viking 500, and babylock machine, and evolve serger (the air one) and a viking serger (905) so now I know she is really a sewer. She showed me how to pop a seam, which I didn't know how to do, something regarding pockets and how to make them and place them on a jacket without showing a seem. That was neat.

Over all I think she will work out fine. I will do a follow up. She did tell me that she doesn't drive in snow, so this means that I will have to take the bus to her place. This is Minnesota for petes sake! So I might not see her that often. I don't know what I am going to do in the winter besides keep busy. We are suppose to go to the fabric place. I will make sure I do this in December. This will be my christmas present to myself. My other sewing buddy calls from Chicago and impishly gloats over sewing stuff with me, called up Katty and asked, "How are you doing?" I said, "you just called to see how the day went on my first visit with this lady." She just laughed. I'll keep you posted

two more bags

these are the bags that I made to give to the two ladies that I met at the Sewing expo. I thought that maybe it would nice to bring something to the table in that we will be sharing things with one another. So I am hoping that this goes over well.
I've decided that I am going to sew all the UFO's or as many as I can. Cause if I don't do that then I will have a lot of things unfinished. so I am going to work on one more bag that I will post and then i am going to take the morrocan fabric and show it to one of the ladies and get some help on it, really all I need is shaping of some sorts. Then I will be on my own. I will meet with her this saturday and let you know how it goes.

friday

Today I forgot to take my camera. I really, really, meant to take my camera. This was my first sewing expo in this part of the country. I'd been to the one in Puallup, in Washington state, but this was a first. I was in heaven just walking around looking at everything. I arrived around 11:30 in the morning and would you believe? I stayed until the raffled the sewing machines away.

There were so many ideas out there, and examples of things that people sewed. Even some advice on how to join an embroidery club, regardless of what brand machine I have. I was looking at the babylock sewing machines and I really liked what I saw. The serger was awesome and at 2500 dollars it should shine my shoes. It's worth every penny from what I hear. I also managed to pick up two ladies who I am sure that we will remain in contact with each other. They spent at least 300.00. I came even though I had no money but did buy something from Vogue fabrics, my hometown Chicago fabric store. It was nice seeing some of the ladies that had waited on me in the past. They didn't remember me but I remember them because I shopped there frequently. It was the only store for miles around that had such a large selection to choose from.

I also tried to see if I could get some connections with working for Babylock. I now realize that suggesting volunteering to work at any fabrick shop is out of the question. Hiring is the key. So I guess I will just keep plugging away. It's a very tough place to try and get into especially if you are a woman of color. I still enjoyed just being there. I will make sure that I attend next year, and maybe take a class of some sort. I was advised though by my new found friends that taking a class was not all that beneficial. So I just remembered. These ladies really sew, so I am quite sure I will learn something from them. Well that's all for now. I am tempted to go again saturday, just to see if I can win a machine. Who wouldn't want to win one, but now since Babylock says they have a lay-a-way then I am going to go that route.

sewing expo

Well monday I went to the Pfaff sewing center up in St.Paul. I just introduced myself and inquired about a job. I know they are not hiring, but I added that I would like to volunteer two days of my time just so I could learn about sewing machines. Well the lady just looked at me and smiled like you would with a child. At least that is the way I felt. She gave me a free pass to go to the sewing expo....so I am really happy about that, but I told the manager that I would like to be loyal to at least one sewing machine.

I told her that I was familiar with the top of the line sewing machines or should I say makes of sewing machines, and that I always keep myself informed on the latest with the on line sites and what the ladies are saying out there. I think that this would be a plus having someone with that type of info. I jokingly stated that trying to get a part time job in this field is like trying to get into the mafia. It's so tightly run and most of the time it's by private owners and they are so far out in the subburbs. I also asked if she had a lay-a-way plan. That was a definite no but it was in the eyes followed by a soft verbal no. I will see if I can make some type of contacts at the sewing expo. I am going to be a sewing machine whore........and to the person who takes me up on my offer. I refuse to work with Singer. I'll do anything but singer. I'm not that crazy about viking but I will even surrender to them just to get my foot in the door. I will report on thursdays outing.

ASG

Today I spoke to a member of the american sewing guild. She was nice but we'll see how things go. We were discussing how things are run and which type of groups that I might be able to join. Also how close they are. It appears that the majority of these places are really far out in the sub burbs as is the usual case, and the rest of them are in St. Paul.
I've been checking out St. Paul lately and so far i like what I saw. I am anxious to meet someone who can share my enthusiasim. It would be nice. I am trying to find a meeting place that we might show up in, also I would like to meet more than just one day out of the month I'd feel cheated. I'm also told that if I join the guild that I would get discounts on fabric and stuff. Can't add up to to much. I am keeping my fingers crossed on another thing, I dare not say it, also I found a Janome dealer but I've got find out whether or not I would be able to reach this place by bus. This is my biggest drawback since moving from Seattle. No car, and boy do I miss having one.

the inside of the poncho

I did not mean to show two of these pictures. I'll get this right yet. I've been fidling around with this camera all day. Lost the pictures, duplicated pictures, deleted pictures. Sooner or later I'll get it. It's just remembering all of the is crap.

todays poncho

still looking

Right now I am still looking in trying to find something involving sewing. Determined that someone is going to let me in this market. In the mean time I've been going to "savers" it's like the salvation army or something. Hopefully I will find some type of fabric. But to tell the truth I think that I am going to better off going on line to buy fabric. I will have to develope a buget of some sort.
I spent all this time building up credit to have the company fold. Now I will have to find another outlet. I had planned on getting something from all brand in addition to the software. I will get the Vikant because it's less trouble. I really wanted to start using this embroidery machine but the software is what stands in the way. I can put in on lay-a-way and that will be a start, but I've got another prodject I am working on as well. Will upload as soon as I get the chance or take more pictures.

photos

i hope i am doing this right. Trying to download the pictures. So up at the top I wanted to decorate this old stand. So I took some regular old sheet material and put some lacey stuff around it. The next picture is of yours truly in a fruit material. It says native italian on it. Who would walk around with oranges on themselves? Only me. Then there's the picture of my canvas shopping bag. I broke three needles on the machine trying to make that bag. I've not gotten the hang of focusing. The last pictures are of downtown minneapolis from the 5th floor.

tuesday

Okay i know that today is thursday, but tuesday I went to this place called savers, and I think from now on I'll keep looking for fabric. So far I've lucked out in buying some fabric, usually it cost me around 1.99 and I can make a pair of shorts or a top from it. So this tues I found some teal like fabric and also some type of tee shirt (white and stretchy) all in all 4.00 and which each of the fabrics I can get a pair of pants for the teal, and a top. With the blouse I think i will just get a top and save the rest of it.
Now mind you I've not brought any store material just yet. The way I figure it I might not be able to get anything until November. Right now I've got my eyes set on this Janome sewing machine. I am thinking about putting it on lay-a-way. I may start next month. Either way I hope to have it out by January. I don't want to sign up for a class until I get the machine out.
It's amazing how folks think I can sew cause they see me wear the stuff I make, and haven't a clue as to what I did, most of the time I am just tracing things out from other stuff I've worn. I can't wait to take some of the on line classes. I am also going to get the Vikant. I just don't feel like dealing with a lot of stuff. The Ped design is not too clear, and I really need something a little more easier. I forgot how to work my camera and download....so I have to go back to the instructions and try to apply them to this site. My friend is Seattle is really nosey so she wants to see. She can't help herself.

long time

well i know it's been a while since my last post. However I've been paying down some bills and still doing my research regarding a sewing machine. So far I've gone back to the sight on the Bernina (i will always love that machine) but realistically the price right now is just too much. So i've been going back and forth to all brands.com and looking at the Janome deals they have. I am really torn between three sewing machines. One I has a large bed, and that would be wonderful but not too practical to take to a sewing class.
Then it brings me down to the cheaper brand....hate the word cheap, what's more hate getting cheap anything. I feel it's much better suffering with getting what you want so that you keep it a longer period of time. So I might go a little higher with the Janome. It has a good reputation. Hopefully i will get some fabric soon.
As for the summer I've been going to second hand stores in the area and finding good deals on remnants. Made nothing but shorts, and and awful suit....that I will show later. Right now I am working on a shirt. Will take a picture and post it. I've been out of needles so I've got to get some and have spoiled myself with getting the Klasse needles you don't have to change them as often as the smetz. Well I will try and put the photos on during the weekend. Right now the Minnesota fair is going on.
Made a little change cutting hair so there goes my sewing needles. ciao for now