Cincinnati, Ohio

So here is my latest project!

I plan to make a few of these little purses as Christmas gifts and this was my trial run.
It is supposed to have batting between the layers of fabric. I didn't use any for this sample and it really could use it. The purse is just so lightweight without it that I think it will be hard to use. I really think it would be great to make this out of some old blue jeans and put a pocket on one side, so I'll have to search through my winter clothes for a pair that can be reassigned to the rag bin.
The pattern calls for a magnetic closure, but I plan to put in a zipper instead on the final versions.

Speaking of zippers, I found this outlet store near my house. They don't really have much in the way of fabric, but they have 1500 sq ft of thread, buttons, zippers, lace, hem tape, machine accessories, sewing tools etc. And the prices are great! 28 cents for a 9 inch zipper and 72 cents for a 22 inch zipper! I really got a kick out of the one whole wall with nothing but bra cups and shoulder pads! I'll have to get a catalog and see if there is anything to add to my Christmas list.

Expensive Repairs

So, I'm making my first-ever twin size quilt.   I started it last winter with the idea that it would be for Joseph when he is old enough to move into a twin size bed (this also gave me lots of time since he was under one year old when I started it).  Once I got the top pieced together, I decided to machine quilt it on my new sewing machine.  Good idea, right?     Wrong.   The fabric I picked out for the backing is a nice, thin, denim type of material with all these cute bugs embroidered everywhere.  It turns out those cute little bugs are not so cute.  After sewing through one-to-many of those things, I messed up the timing and needle position of my machine.  Lesson learned, and all remaining quilting will be done by hand.  I just hope the machine can handle a few more bugs when it comes time to sew on the binding.

I do have a few small sewing projects in mind to start on when my machine is back from the repair shop.  Mainly Christmas gifts and tote bags.  I'll have to post a few pictures when I get them finished.

Pictures!

So here are my two favorite guys, just hanging out together before Sunday Mass.

One little boy, very happy on the playground!

Hey Dad, I can help too!