Adventures in fiber

New jeans call for new embroideries.   So that’s what happened today.   I first removed the inside seam as far up as I needed to lay it flat.

Since I wanted the  design to be only slightly to the front and over the outside seam, I checked to make sure the  design was lined up that way and without wrinkles.

I hooped cut away stabilizer and then sprayed sticky 505 so that the jeans would adhere to the stabilizer while stitching.  I also pinned the jeans to the side of the stabilizer just inside the hoop as they are heavy and could fall off the machine.

Then I altered the design to fit the area.   I really like Zundt designs.   They are beautiful with adequate coverage while staying soft.

I liked the way the first one turned out well enough, I decided to just reverse the design for the other leg and I also did change one of the colors for fun.

Here they are with the side seam sewn back up, hemmed  and ready to wear.

Tax preparation has taken most of my day, but I did get this jacket started.  At this point the beading is pinned on.   I will fasten it before attaching the grosgrain down the front.

These beads are some I purchased to go around a pillow, but didn’t decide on a pillow.  I think I like them here and am counting on them going through the laundry intact.

I’m auditioning these fabrics as I will cut off the bottom band and do something different there as well as add some pockets.  It seems my jackets evolve as they hang here in the sewing room.  Do you have a favorite of these fabrics?

 and closer

This lovely crocheted piece was once a piano shawl   My mother’s grandparents kept it on their piano.   They were the first of their family to leave the Lutheran church because they found a truth they believed held more closely to the Bible.  They held church in their home and invited others to share with them.    I don’t know exactly how old it is, but Mother who was born in 1916 has a note pinned to it saying that it belonged to her Grandparents.  Her grandfather was born in 1858 and immigrated here in 1889.

It’s enjoyable to have a piece of your own past.   I hope someday one of my daughters will also enjoy it.

After a restful day, we made a rabbit food run and finished getting our steps for the day as measured on our Fitbits.  My goal is 15,000 steps.

What a challenging day!   Between the sheep and the tension issues, I had a full day.

These are some of the Shop Hop Blocks from 2003 – hey! that was only 10.5 years ago.   A shop hop is where several stores decide to have an open house on the same days.   This was Western Washington and I think there were over 50 quilt stores at that time.   Each store gives a pattern for a block and 2 or 3 barely big enough pieces of fabric to make parts of their block.   Then it is up to you to add fabric to it and make all the blocks come together.   A challenge when the stores don’t get together and decide what colors with which you will be working.   I actually finished the top  ago and it has been waiting for me to do something.   Saturday, our church is distributing meals and clothing, blankets, etc to the local street mission.   Now this is quilted and I will bind it tomorrow so someone can use it.

I said the day was challenging.   Have I also told you that my seam ripper and I have a  running  affair?  Here is my favorite.   It seems to stay sharp and closes nicely.  This quilt has over 4000 stitches in a row.    I got nearly to the end of one row when I realized the tension was horrible and I had to take the entire row out.    In the midst of that, I could hear a sheep crying.   So, difficult as it was to get to the sheep some 500 feet away through rough terrain, I stopped in the middle of this ripping to go find and help said sheep.  Indeed, she had badly tangled herself in some netting left lying out there.   So, I released her and came back to finish this.  Without these challenges the binding would be done.   Why is it that something that take a mere 15 minutes to put in can take a couple of hours to remove?

 Quality Sewing had their monthly “Sew Fun” infomercial program today.  I enjoy going because quite often I get ideas.   And sometimes I humor them by buying something, or is it that they have something that really captivates my interest?

Today’s program included a “Basket Magic” pattern which was interesting in that it is somewhat rigid, but sports a tie at each end so it can be stored flat.  The pattern has both oblong and round shapes.

These were samples made from a book called “City Blocks” by Nancy Rink.   It has patterns for 10 easy quilts both blocks and applique`  I’m not sure the size of the quilts in the book, but the ones on display were about 45″ quilts.

The Zinnia Clutch Bag from Susa Glenn was a nice size for keeping essentials.  It had two larger pockets and 4 mini pockets.    This pattern includes patterns for eye glasses, a card case, and a checkbook holder.    It majors in machine embroidery, with minimal sewing machine work.

Islander Sewing Systems sported a terrific looking “Jacket Express” pattern.   I really liked this one.    It’s a blue jean jacket, but the samples were not done in denim.  This company has a lot of commercial experience, so the instructions for putting the jacket together are more like a commercial one would be sewn.

 “Ice chips“   do not contain sugar but do contain xylitol  so diabetics can use them.  They are great for refreshing the mouth and come in 26 different flavors.  These were made by two grandmothers in Yelm, Western WA. who had a good business going when they got the opportunity to be on Shark Tank.   Then their business REALLY took off.  Even if the candies do not appeal to you, click “ice chips” in red and read their fascinating story.