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.