Showing posts with label Big Shot. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Big Shot. Show all posts
This has been the week for wild and wet weather! We got over a foot of snow over the past weekend, followed by rain, then more snow, then more rain, and more snow... and today we got a slosh of freezing rain after an inch or two of snow fell last night, making the whole world around very, very sloppy and drippy! This is not walking weather at all, but rather the perfect kind of day to cozy up inside with a good hot cup of tea, with the whirr of the sewing machine accompanied by occasional thumps from outside with the ice and snow melting.
You may remember the lovely Barbara who blogs at Small Moments held a fabric giveaway earlier this year, and I was the lucky recipient of her giveaway!
Well, this past week, I was able to find the time - thanks to the lovely cozy weather we are having - to get busy on a little project I had in mind with the fabric she sent me.
It was a gorgeous selection of fabrics, with each piece probably about the size of a fat quarter, except for one larger piece (which I did not use this time).
In a previous post here, I shared how I used a die-cut machine to cut fabric to make a flower.
In this project, instead of using the circle scallop die, I used the square die to cut out four scalloped squares from each piece of the coordinating fabric Barbara sent me. I layered quilt batting between the squares, and sewed an "X" on each square to tack down the batting.
After placing all the pieces together in a pleasing manner to my eye, I sewed them together to make a large square.
My plan was to make a pillow out of these pieces. My next step was to cut out the backing for the pillow and sew it all together.
Now, it was time to wash and dry the pillow to "fluff" up the cut edges, and create a homespun fluffy look to the pillow.
While the pillow was washing, I started on the next project, but there was a bit of interruption.
Mr. Simba did NOT like the spinning spool of thread, and thought the world would be a better place without it!
I coaxed him into my lap and soothed his little heart with cuddles and soon he forgot about the evil sewing machine and its whirring thread monster. Perhaps that's what all the commotion was about any way... he was just jealous of my attention given to the machine, and not to him!
With a few of the remaining squares I had left, I sewed up this quick little potholder, using basically the same technique as I used with the pillow.
And here is the "mystery" picture that I mentioned in this post. This was all that was left out of the collection of fabrics Barbara sent me (except for one larger piece of pink flowered fabric). These were the scraps left from the scalloped squares that I cut out. I hated to just throw these beautiful pieces into my leftover fabric scrap pile, and so I let them sit out a while for me to ponder them. What to do with them? They were so pretty!
Finally I settled on making a little stuffed pincushion for my needles. (Some of you were very close with your guesses!)
With a shabby fabric rose sewed into the center, this was the perfect little pincushion that I have been needing for a long time.
These shabby roses add the sweetest touch to just about every sewing project I do!
A perfect way to use up the little scraps that were left over!
The finished pillow....
It adds the perfect springy touch in my living room with my neural colored couches, and brown and turquoise pillows.
The finished potholder...
I'd been wanting to try this little pattern for fabric bookmarks after seeing the tutorial on Kelly-Anne's blog, Diary of a Country Girl. Excellent instructions for making your own bookmarks that won't get torn and are simply a beautiful way to enjoy a good book and never lose your spot.
So there you have it... my little collection of projects from the last day or so when I've been cozied up in my sewing room. I've a few more projects I've been working on, but I'll save those for another day.
I'm sure your wondering what our little cutie has been up to... or maybe you want to see some snow. Well, I aim to please... lol! For those of you who don't have snow to enjoy, I hope you enjoy this little taste of winter, along with a peek into the cozy days we are having.
Mr. Simba has definitely has got a chip on his shoulder lately, with the arrival of little Riley, and the ironing board has been his favorite sleeping place... high enough to keep away from the loving attempts of Riley to make friends. Mr. Simba will have none of it!
Roger loves wrestling with Riley, and it is a hoot to watch the two of them roll around together.
Two very silly dogs!
We took a quick walk one afternoon before the snow came back in again.
I took this picture of Annie guarding the feed block from the turkeys. She certainly isn't making any friends in the world of turkeys!
A perfect vantage point for Riley to keep an eye on all the action outside.
Uh.oh. Yes. Sad news. The tractor is stuck! I called in a professional plowman to come and get it unstuck, and plow our driveway. He almost got stuck with his chained up bobcat, and gave up... of course I still owed him the $50.00 for trying! Sigh. Things like this always happen when my dear husband is out of town. He will be home tomorrow... and boy I can't wait! I know he has a few tricks up his sleeve and I'm sure we will get it unstuck. Until then, there she sits.
Not sure what Roger is looking at here, but he was quite intent on whatever it was!
The snow is piling up around us!
Our son's car, parked for the winter... can you even see the car? LOL!
Just an idea of the collection of the snow we've had all winter.
The chickens haven't been impressed at all with the additional snow, and mostly just stay inside the coop, rarely coming out into the run.
Lots of poor man's fertilizer in here!
My poor little greenhouse.... all bundled up in the deep white snow. I have to keep the roof shoveled, because it is made of plastic.
Has winter caused any excitement for you this year? I have certainly enjoyed the cozy snowy days we've had, but I'll admit, along with my furry and feathered friends, that we are beginning to look forward to spring :)
You may remember the lovely Barbara who blogs at Small Moments held a fabric giveaway earlier this year, and I was the lucky recipient of her giveaway!
Well, this past week, I was able to find the time - thanks to the lovely cozy weather we are having - to get busy on a little project I had in mind with the fabric she sent me.
It was a gorgeous selection of fabrics, with each piece probably about the size of a fat quarter, except for one larger piece (which I did not use this time).
In a previous post here, I shared how I used a die-cut machine to cut fabric to make a flower.
In this project, instead of using the circle scallop die, I used the square die to cut out four scalloped squares from each piece of the coordinating fabric Barbara sent me. I layered quilt batting between the squares, and sewed an "X" on each square to tack down the batting.
After placing all the pieces together in a pleasing manner to my eye, I sewed them together to make a large square.
My plan was to make a pillow out of these pieces. My next step was to cut out the backing for the pillow and sew it all together.
Now, it was time to wash and dry the pillow to "fluff" up the cut edges, and create a homespun fluffy look to the pillow.
While the pillow was washing, I started on the next project, but there was a bit of interruption.
Mr. Simba did NOT like the spinning spool of thread, and thought the world would be a better place without it!
I coaxed him into my lap and soothed his little heart with cuddles and soon he forgot about the evil sewing machine and its whirring thread monster. Perhaps that's what all the commotion was about any way... he was just jealous of my attention given to the machine, and not to him!
With a few of the remaining squares I had left, I sewed up this quick little potholder, using basically the same technique as I used with the pillow.
And here is the "mystery" picture that I mentioned in this post. This was all that was left out of the collection of fabrics Barbara sent me (except for one larger piece of pink flowered fabric). These were the scraps left from the scalloped squares that I cut out. I hated to just throw these beautiful pieces into my leftover fabric scrap pile, and so I let them sit out a while for me to ponder them. What to do with them? They were so pretty!
Finally I settled on making a little stuffed pincushion for my needles. (Some of you were very close with your guesses!)
With a shabby fabric rose sewed into the center, this was the perfect little pincushion that I have been needing for a long time.
These shabby roses add the sweetest touch to just about every sewing project I do!
A perfect way to use up the little scraps that were left over!
The finished pillow....
It adds the perfect springy touch in my living room with my neural colored couches, and brown and turquoise pillows.
The finished potholder...
I'd been wanting to try this little pattern for fabric bookmarks after seeing the tutorial on Kelly-Anne's blog, Diary of a Country Girl. Excellent instructions for making your own bookmarks that won't get torn and are simply a beautiful way to enjoy a good book and never lose your spot.
So there you have it... my little collection of projects from the last day or so when I've been cozied up in my sewing room. I've a few more projects I've been working on, but I'll save those for another day.
I'm sure your wondering what our little cutie has been up to... or maybe you want to see some snow. Well, I aim to please... lol! For those of you who don't have snow to enjoy, I hope you enjoy this little taste of winter, along with a peek into the cozy days we are having.
Mr. Simba has definitely has got a chip on his shoulder lately, with the arrival of little Riley, and the ironing board has been his favorite sleeping place... high enough to keep away from the loving attempts of Riley to make friends. Mr. Simba will have none of it!
Roger loves wrestling with Riley, and it is a hoot to watch the two of them roll around together.
Two very silly dogs!
We took a quick walk one afternoon before the snow came back in again.
I took this picture of Annie guarding the feed block from the turkeys. She certainly isn't making any friends in the world of turkeys!
A perfect vantage point for Riley to keep an eye on all the action outside.
Uh.oh. Yes. Sad news. The tractor is stuck! I called in a professional plowman to come and get it unstuck, and plow our driveway. He almost got stuck with his chained up bobcat, and gave up... of course I still owed him the $50.00 for trying! Sigh. Things like this always happen when my dear husband is out of town. He will be home tomorrow... and boy I can't wait! I know he has a few tricks up his sleeve and I'm sure we will get it unstuck. Until then, there she sits.
Not sure what Roger is looking at here, but he was quite intent on whatever it was!
The snow is piling up around us!
Our son's car, parked for the winter... can you even see the car? LOL!
Just an idea of the collection of the snow we've had all winter.
The chickens haven't been impressed at all with the additional snow, and mostly just stay inside the coop, rarely coming out into the run.
Lots of poor man's fertilizer in here!
My poor little greenhouse.... all bundled up in the deep white snow. I have to keep the roof shoveled, because it is made of plastic.
Has winter caused any excitement for you this year? I have certainly enjoyed the cozy snowy days we've had, but I'll admit, along with my furry and feathered friends, that we are beginning to look forward to spring :)
Earlier this month, I became a great-aunt again, to a sweet little girl living up in the gentle hills of Tennessee. I wanted to make something for the wee little one, and decided to pull out my favorite pattern for a little girl's dress.
I used three different pink fabrics that I've had for years. I think two of them may have been purchased from Stampin Up! when they were selling a fabric line.
My favorite part of the dress is the cute little flower I created for the dress. The idea for this little flower came from my days as a Stampin Up! demo, and combines both sewing and the Big Shot die cutting machine.
Any die cut machine will do this, but I really love my Big Shot, as it requires no electricity, just a hand crank, and it works amazingly. It will cut just about anything that is thin enough to pass through, even tin!
I have this large scallop die cut that I believe is no longer sold through SU, and it is one I will always keep. It is so versatile and has so many uses. I simply cut the scallop out by passing it through the die machine 2-3 times to get a nice clean cut.
My next step could be done by hand, or by machine. I chose to do it by machine. I just sewed a smaller circle in loose stitches around the scallop edge.
Then I just gathered the stitches together until it "scrunched' up into a little flower shape.
A precious card inside told the story... my dear friend Cheryl who blogs at Homespun Devotions sent me this large collection of fabric, as she is currently downsizing, and reducing, and she wanted to bless me with all this fabric! She knew that I enjoy sewing, especially these little girl dresses, and wanted to bless me with this generous gift of lovely fabric pieces.
Oh the possibilities!
All the beautiful possibilities for different fabric combinations that she sent me! And I think I shall have some help with it all, although probably not the most productive kind of help.... {smiles}
Did you think I could have a post without our sweet little girl in it? LOL! No, I'm afraid not. She has made herself known in every part of our lives now, and when she saw me enjoying the fabric, she just had to see it too!
I think this one shall be a pillow.... let's try it out!
"No, you can't have it. It's mine now!"
"What... you mean I can't play tug-o-war with your pretties?"
"Hee hee hee... we shall see about that... "
Here we have Riley holding the turkeys hostage! They are not happy with her keeping them away from the feed block. They call out to me as I watch, begging me to do something, lol!
We are having just too much snow fun, enjoying it while it lasts!
My favorite part of the dress is the cute little flower I created for the dress. The idea for this little flower came from my days as a Stampin Up! demo, and combines both sewing and the Big Shot die cutting machine.
Any die cut machine will do this, but I really love my Big Shot, as it requires no electricity, just a hand crank, and it works amazingly. It will cut just about anything that is thin enough to pass through, even tin!
I have this large scallop die cut that I believe is no longer sold through SU, and it is one I will always keep. It is so versatile and has so many uses. I simply cut the scallop out by passing it through the die machine 2-3 times to get a nice clean cut.
My next step could be done by hand, or by machine. I chose to do it by machine. I just sewed a smaller circle in loose stitches around the scallop edge.
Then I just gathered the stitches together until it "scrunched' up into a little flower shape.
And lastly, the easiest part, and one which truly just adds a very special touch, I hand sewed a shabby fabric rose to the center of the scallop. You can buy these fabric roses at Hobby Lobby in the lace/ribbon section. It comes in a roll, and you just cut them off one at a time. I love these shabby roses, after being introduced to them by Stephanie at The Enchanting Rose.
I also made a second scalloped shabby rose and finished off the back with a small cut piece of fabric, and glued on a little clip for the little one to wear in her hair if desired.
Now there is something very special about this little dress, that I have never had before when making them. Can you see the difference in the picture below?
I now own a serger!
A precious friend of mine called me back in October to tell me she had come up with the perfect surprise for Christmas for me. She gave me some clues, one of which included "you will have to go back to school", and "you will scream when you see what it is"... I was quite perplexed, and shared her clues with my family, and they all agreed with me, it was a puzzle and a surprise all in one.
This dear friend of mine is an immigrant from the Ukraine. Her daughter and my daughter became close friends in high school, and because of their friendship, we became friends too. It was a win-win! She has an amazing grasp of the English language, but still there is a bit of a language barrier there, and we often spend a lot of time laughing together, as we try to understand what each of us is trying to say. Sometimes we just use hand signals, or facial expressions to convey what we want to say. In other words, any time we get together, laughter and fun fill every moment of our time. She is a precious dear soul who is generous, fun and loving beyond words.
In her country, every time you go to someone's house you bear a gift, and so, her generosity each time we get together is a precious thing. I'm so thankful the Lord allowed our paths to cross. She doesn't believe in the Lord or that there even is a GOD in heaven, and we've had many conversations about that too. I feel great hope that someday she will learn to love HIM as I do, but for now, I just love her, and am so thankful for what her friendship means in our life.
So, I shared all that to tell you this... my dear sweet Ukranian friend and her daughter bought me this amazing serger for Christmas! She showed up at my house a few days before Christmas with this big box wrapped so prettily, and inside, was a present I could hardly believe. Did I scream? Yes, with delight!
And the clue about having to "go back to school", yes indeed, owning a serger has caused me to delve into videos and how-to's to learn just how to use this amazing machine. But thankfully, my dear friend T knows all about sewing machines and sergers, because she is a clothing designer, and has amazing skills with both the sewing machine and serger. She told me that after she saw my work making little girl dresses that I needed a serger, and she was going to make sure I had one! Such a huge generous heart she has, I feel overwhelmed by her sweet and generous spirit!
I'm so proud of her too! Just this week, on Monday, she became an American citizen! She studied hard for the citizenship test, and made 98%, passing with flying colors, an honor for her to become a citizen of this great country. She is the kind of immigrant that this country thrives on, one with a generous heart who is not afraid of working hard, and doing all she can to make the world a better place that she lives in. How blessed we are to have her in our lives!
Would you pray with me that the Lord would continue to work in her life? I have seen moments where her heart has been touched, and she has allowed me to pray with her many times, but there is something there, I'm sure having something to do with her past in the Ukraine, that keeps her from knowing HIM as Lord and Savior. She has asked me to pray with her many times, yet she says she does not believe in a god. So, I know it is just a matter of the Lord's time for her to know Him in a beautiful way! {smiles}
And speaking of the Lord's timing... as I was writing this post, the mailman came and dropped off a large package to me today! Blessings upon blessings!
As I opened the package, my heart was in complete amazement at the amazing generosity of another friend of mine!
A precious card inside told the story... my dear friend Cheryl who blogs at Homespun Devotions sent me this large collection of fabric, as she is currently downsizing, and reducing, and she wanted to bless me with all this fabric! She knew that I enjoy sewing, especially these little girl dresses, and wanted to bless me with this generous gift of lovely fabric pieces.
Oh the possibilities!
Did you think I could have a post without our sweet little girl in it? LOL! No, I'm afraid not. She has made herself known in every part of our lives now, and when she saw me enjoying the fabric, she just had to see it too!
I think this one shall be a pillow.... let's try it out!
"No, you can't have it. It's mine now!"
"What... you mean I can't play tug-o-war with your pretties?"
"Hee hee hee... we shall see about that... "
"Oh Grandmommy, it's so fun, please, let's play".... at which point the camera drops, and a certain fur ball is scooped into my arms and told no, she can't chew up my pretties! LOL. Riley and I both thank dear Cheryl for her generosity in sending me this delightful package today!
In other news, we are getting a snowstorm here today, and are expecting about a foot of snow today, and then rain tomorrow... ick! You know me, I love the snow so much, but the rain is going to mess it all up! So, we are enjoying the snow today, while it comes down so prettily.
Annie, has become comfortable in her role as "momma" to Riley, was watching over Riley, and enjoying the snow coming down too.
Here we have Riley holding the turkeys hostage! They are not happy with her keeping them away from the feed block. They call out to me as I watch, begging me to do something, lol!
We are having just too much snow fun, enjoying it while it lasts!
Have a blessed and lovely weekend,
from our snowy world to yours!
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