a few dresses

My sewing schedule has been so eratic this summer. Today I sewed only for half of the day and I did a few dresses. I love how the lollipop on this birthday gift for one of Evynne's friends turned out . . .

You gotta love the zigzag stitch for something different and less time-consuming.

I also thought these two dresses for a customer's Fall/Winter wardrobe turned out cute . . .

I'm really starting to look forward to the routine that comes with school being back in session. I really work better and am more productive when I'm in that routine and on a schedule!

back to school time

I can hardly believe it's back to school time almost! It IS time to be getting ready. I did a couple of backpacks for a friend of mine the other day . . .



They were a little tricky just because I had to use sticky and then they kept wanting to come off of the sticky because they were hitting up against the machine. The second one was almost a loss, but I think I salvaged it. The first C on the left is a little close to the H . . .

Not sure I will sign up to do a lot of backpacks. They'll have to be just the right style! And even though it's almost back to school time, there are still some "summer dresses" I haven't gotten to for Evynne. I squeezed one in this week. It's a size 6 that runs only a little small (from Dharma) so she'll definitely be able to wear it next summer. It is a Hollywood Baby hand-me-down that my MIL picked the existing monogram out of, which left some holes. No problem -- I completely covered it with the gigi patch . . .

Not sure I love this font (Schwoops) with this patch shape. It is a super-cute font though!

And of course we can't head back to school without our Auburn gear. You got a sneak peak of Elly's tank top in the previous post, but here are the finished products for both of my girls . . .

I promise the navy ricrac matches better in person! They have some navy knit Target skorts to wear with these, which I think will be pretty cute!

And last, but not least, I hit JoAnn's last week. Yes, I was late for lunch with sweet Alyson after standing in line at the cutting counter, but this is what I have to show for it . . .

Some cute new fabrics! {Have I mentioned I have a fabric problem?!} I also got some felt to start working on some of the felt stitchies I mentioned a couple of weeks ago. Does anyone know where to buy felt? JoAnn's had a lot of colors, but not what I would consider "stylish" colors for little girls like a good fuschia, lime green, turquoise, etc. Let me know if you have any tips!

first off the line

So, the new machine is in complete working order and after spending an ENTIRE day organizing my applique design files, I finally got busy sewing. Here are the first projects off the line . . .

This is a size 10 monag shirt so this roller skate is actually pretty big. I did this in the 6x10 hoop.

And I knew this might happen, but I miss having a 5x7 hoop. This machine has all of the features that my old machine had that I love plus several great improvements! I just don't understand why Singer can't have a machine that has more than two hoops. It would be PERFECT if it had the 4x4, 5x7, AND 6x10. I may have to send an email.

And because it doesn't have the 5x7, I did this bib &burp set in the 4x4 hoop. That meant the name had to be smaller than I typically like it. But I can't use the 6x10 for everything. It will take WAY too much stabilizer. I haven't done any size 4 or smaller shirts yet, but I'm concerned about how that big ole hoop is going to fit in them. We'll see! In the meantime, I'm praying that they come out with a 5x7 hoop for this machine!

Is anyone else getting football fever?! This is the first of many Auburn projects to be done for my girls. This happens to be on a {Garanimals} tank top that is still awaiting ricrac, but I'll post the complete top when it's done.

So, the verdict is . . . I really do LOVE the new machine and sewing on it, but I want the middle sized hoop to go with it!

coming soon!

I ordered a new machine today! Yahoo! I sold my original machine and my second machine on craigslist -- each in one day, but the delivery process took a little longer. This is the new Singer XL-400 and it is very similar to my old Singer 150 I think except it comes with the 6"x10" hoop and a few other features. That means bigger designs! I should get it by early next week and start sewing on it.

Also, coming soon, I plan to try these adorable "felt stitchies" hair clips . . .

I've seen them for awhile on ggdesignsembroidery.com and thought they were precious, but just now took the plunge and bought the designs to try them out. I can't wait to see how they turn out when I get my new machine!
Lastly, I'm not sure if you've noticed, but I've been working on my blog. I'm trying to transfer everything over from my original website to this blog since it's SO much easier to keep the blog up-to-date with new designs, etc. It's only about half-way there, but I'm working on it! Stay posted . . .

July Projects