Me and my Bernina Artista

My Aunt Mary generously gave me her old Bernina Artista several years ago, and while I use the machine for regular sewing - I've put off learning to use the embroidery module. In some ways, I think it's good that I put it off because the thread alone could put a person in the poorhouse.

But, I want to make a quilt for my great nephew Noah and also for a new nephew or niece who is about to appear any day.

It's fun, but I have a lot to learn - my first attempt is shown above. I have to learn about alignment and puckering....but, I'm on my way (like I need another crafty thing to play with).

the holidays - already!

   

Every now and then, I get the chance to help my friend Pierre with his work as a prop stylist. The most recent assignment was a catalogue shoot for Cabi's new catalogue.

I had to make a giant bow for a wreath - about 4' across. Ever try to find oversized ribbon? The choices are grim.

Solution: buy gorgeous 3" ribbon and sew it together. I lucked out with this two sided gold/silver ribbon from Stats in Pasadena. I sewed together 3 strips  to form each petal of the bow and again for the tails. The bow petals were just pinned together so they could be mushed around. I think it looks great!

In the clutches of clutches

I'm getting a lot of satisfaction out of these little bags. This one is the Buttercup Bag and it's a free pattern by Rae Hoekstra.

I'm testing things out to see what the official "gift" is going to be this year for Christmas. This may win. Easy pattern, super cute. I will be testing out strap options. I think I'm going to go from a Chanel like detail. The topmost photo looks a bit Chanel-esque to me. Probably the textured fabric I used which is a contract upholstery fabric, Balcon by Unika Vaev. I think contract fabrics are a great choice for handbags since they are made for durability. They are pricey, but if you're lucky like me and have friends in the industry, you can pick them up at a discount or free (if you have REALLY good friends).

Ruthie Clutch & Leftover fabric

I refuse to let any of the beautiful Amy Butler Nigella fabric go to waste, so I'm making this cute clutch by Anna Maria Horner.

I admit, I had some trouble with the pattern - the top interfacing band was too short for the actual clutch fabric band. I'll have to measure for the next one I make. Also, I don't much care for the double sided fusible interfacing. It shows through the fabric. Perhaps there's a trick to making that work.

overall, I love this little clutch. this one is for me since it has some flaws. I'm making a whole passel of these for christmas gifts though.

Baby gifts after the break...

I've had a little break from sewing. Not really intentional. I cleaned my sewing room and wanted to enjoy it for awhile.

My return to sewing is a diaper bag for my friend Kelly who is a new mommy.  I've loved this fabric, Primrose of the Nigella line,  for a long time and bought it intending to make myself a dress. Instead, it's a nappybag.

The pattern is also Amy Butler's, and it was pretty easy to sew. More about the prep really than the sewing. The bag is fully lined with canvas and cotton, and the cotton lining has lots of handy pockets including 2 bottle pockets. There's also a handy cell phone pocket on the strap.