Skip to main content

December Days

Oh it has been so long since my last post!! The holidays, the end of the year, and my daughter's upcoming birthday has come so quickly. The weather in Ohio has been nothing short of amazing. Gardening in the middle of December has it's perks. First, my flower beds are all cleaned up for Spring. Second, I even transplanted a few hardy perennials to our front porch flower garden since their hasn't been much frost. They're doing great and I should have a row of lamb's ear blooming in the Summer. 

Lettuce in December..... I know, I can't believe it either...


But on the sewing front..... Oh geesh.... Where do I start? I've learned my lesson with quilting, that's for sure. If you start a quilt, finish it. My end of year projects have been all about getting those tops I've posted on Instagram "quilted". (With the exception of 2 that are going to be Christmas gifts.... I can't wait to post those!) I never mind taking sewing requests from family and friends, but for big projects, I might instill a cutoff date next year ;) 

A little section of a quilt I made using Sarah Watts Honeymoon fabric. (Cotton and Steel)
You can check out the finished project on Instagram (themintneedle)


So what's on the cutting table now? Some solids I've been dying to work with and a beautiful Moda pattern I can't wait to get started on! 



I'm also researching sewing machines. Turns out I am a bells and whistles kinda girl and there are a few things my current machines can't do, that I'd really really like.... The sad thing, with the internet being so vast, I'm not really finding that many helpful reviews. My main choices that I'm bouncing between are the Juki TL 2000Qi, Janome New Home MC7700QCP, or just taking a financial plunge to buy a Bernina that has nothing but rave reviews..... I'll have to keep you all posted on which sewing machine finds a new home at this house. Things it must do.... free-motion quilting, even feed, stitch regulator if possible, large throat space, extension table would be nice, and it has to be a work horse, I sew ALOT. For example, it should be able to handle a pair of jeans just as gracefully as it handles a quilt...Things it doesn't need, embroidery or fancy stitching and I really don't care about an automatic threader. That's really not a bad list, is it? I just wish someone would guide me in the right direction before I make this purchase! 

Merry Christmas to you all! May the New Year bring you nothing but happiness, good health, love and laughter! God Bless!


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Evergreen Trees

Hello friends and fellow bloggers! I hope the start of 2021 has been full of good health, happiness, and love. Over here, I've been been busy enjoying the creative process, trying new things and attempting new horizons every which way possible. It truly feels like a good way to start the year. I wanted to share with you this adorable Evergreen Tree quilt.  I've never done foundation paper piecing prior to this project, but can honestly say I'm hooked! This free printable pattern was found on Pinterest and was perrrrfect for a beginner like myself. Not to mention, it helped me use up nearly all my green scraps:) If you are new to FPP too, you'll want to make sure the first pattern you try is numbered.  This will help you understand how the blocks should be created from start to finish. Every quilt is a one of a kind, but I have to admit, this takes it a step further. Also recommended, watching a few youtube videos. I'm a visual learner, and watching the videos reall...
1 comment
Read more

January.... you're almost done!

Hello friends!  I feel like it's been forever since my last post. I suppose some might even say I've been spending nearly all my time on the forefront of creative madness along with trying to continue healing. Holy smokes! Chemo and radiation will change a person forever. I'm continuing my healing journey, and staying hopeful that I'll remain in the 'clear' for a long time. It's odd, the way you feel, when everything you've gotten accustomed to: the running around, working day to day, rushing here and rushing there.... how quickly it changes when it's no longer a necessity. Yes, I am extremely thankful that my spouse supports and pushes for my healing time, omitting nurse life as it was, but like I told my girlfriend the other day, "how many craft projects can a girl possibly do?" ..... Well let me just tell you..... A LOT! Today's post will revisit some Instagram pics, (in case you don't follow along) with some of my most recent...
Post a Comment
Read more

Crystal Knob Rack

So... what can you do with a piece of wood measuring 45 inches by 3 1/2? Well, if it's 1 inch thick, you can use it to make the cutest wall rack. But instead of using hooks, use drawer knobs!   Here's how the idea got started. I needed a place to photograph kids aprons. Now, most of you know that my girls have been modeling them, but they can't model toddler aprons, right? All I could picture was a gorgeous crystal knob rack used to display those mini aprons I love to make. And after searching in stores and online, I realized they are not very easy to find. Soo...... "oooohhh hubby.... can you drill a few holes in this piece of oak wood I found in the barn?"   Of course he did it in a heart beat & he even sanded it down too! The holes were positioned like this: I did the two outer ones first, then measured to the center in between those. And again, the middle of the center and outer one. Got it? I took some regular creamy white wall paint I had left...
Post a Comment
Read more