HAPPY SUNDAY!!
HOPE YOU ALL HAD A GREAT WEEKEND.

JUST WANTED TO SHARE THIS APRON I MADE FOR DRIL’S DAUGHTER.
THIS IS ACTUALLY THE FIRST APRON THAT I AM HAPPY WITH.

BEFORE I STITCHED IT I SHOWED IT TO HIM AND HE AND HIS WIFE WERE HAPPY WITH IT!

THANK YOU MARILLA & ANNA

THANKS FOR VISITING.
SEE YOU TOMORROW WITH THE TIP OF THE WEEK.

HOLA!
I HAVEN’T UPDATED SINCE MONDAY
SO I FIGURED I’D COME UPDATE ON THE FABRIC YO-YO’S I HAVE BEEN MAKING ALL WEEK.
I FIGURED I COULD USE THEM FOR TOTE’S AND HAT’S AND ALL KINDS OF OTHER FUN STUFF.
HERE ARE SOME OF THE O NE’S I HAVE MADE.

I HAVE BEEN ADDING BUTTONS TO ALL OF THEM.
I THINK THEY LOOK SO CUTE THAT WAY.
SOME OF MY FAVORITES

I ADDED ONE TO THIS PET SCREEN POUCH I MADE FOR ONE OF THE LADIES AT WORK

THESE ARE SOOOOO EASY TO MAKE
I AM HAVING SO MUCH FUN WITH THEM.

PLEASE DON’T FORGET EARTH DAY IS COMING UP IN A LITTLE OVER A MONTH. I AM GOING TO BE GIVING AWAY 4 TOTES IN HONOR OF EARTH DAY. SO BE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR DETAILS IN THIS NEXT WEEK.

I HOPE YOU ALL ARE HAVING A GREAT WEEKEND
THANKS FOR VISITING.

I ALMOST DID NOT GET A CHANCE TO POST TODAY’S TIP
I WAS SO BUSY ALL EVENING MAKING CHOCOLATE COVERED MARSHMALLOWS. IF I GET A MINUTE TOMORROW I WILL POST A PICTURE OF THEM.

THIS IS ANOTHER TIP I RECEIVED IN AN EMAIL
I HOPE IT HELP’S YOU AS MUCH AS IT HELPED ME.

Sewing Machines Need TLC, Too!
It’s easy to take your sewing machine for granted. However, to keep your machine in tiptop shape some regular maintenance is required of you as the owner. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist or a mechanical genius to provide some tender loving care to your sewing machine. Keep this checklist handy whether you sew frequently or infrequently.

Believe it or not, simple maintenance may be more important for sewing machines that spend most of their time in the closet, especially computerized sewing machines. It’s not listed, but it’s important to invest or make your own dust cover for your machine.

Dust is an enemy of any mechanical machine, including your sewing machine. If your machine is not encased in a cabinet or table, then make sure you cover the entire machine with an effective dust cover.

Standard Sewing Machines
Keep the machine manual where it can be easily found. It is full of valuable information about each machine. Manuals usually include a section on maintenance. Read it!

Some sewing machines require oiling. Check with the machine’s manual to see if this is required. To oil the machine, take the cap off the part of the machine that houses the thread guides, needle and presser foot. Use oil manufactured especially for sewing machines. Drip oil into the small, round holes in the throat plate. Turn the hand wheel to view which parts of the machine move. Oil the moving parts. Place a drop of oil on the needle bar, as well. Sewing machines should be oiled after every eight hours of use. Wipe any excess oil off the machine with a lint-free towel. Machines that are used infrequently should be oiled before each use.

When changing the light bulb in a machine, let the old bulb cool. Some machines come equipped with a light bulb sheath that fits over the bulb to loosen it. This accessory, available from fabric and notion stores, allows the bulb to be changed without waiting for it to cool.

Purchase good-quality thread. Less expensive, fuzzy thread creates lint that ends up inside the machine.

Change needles often. Dull needles can pucker seams, skip stitches or pull fabrics. Use the appropriate needle for the type of fabric you’re sewing. Dull needles also break easily. Breaking a needle can throw off your machine’s timing and can cause worse damage.

Sergers
Sergers need both cleaning and oiling. Be sure to clean the serger thoroughly using either the lint brush that comes with the machine or canned air. Serger threads are typically fuzzy. Use a soft cloth to frequently clean between the tension discs. Clean the machine several times during long sewing sessions and always at the end of every sewing session.

Replace serger blades occasionally and change needles often. Keep spare blades and needles on hand.

To oil the machine, turn the hand wheel and oil all the responding moving parts. Oil after every eight hours of use.

Questions to Ask Your Sewing Machine Dealer
Sewing machines benefit from service on a yearly basis, even if just for a maintenance check to keep the machine in good running order. It is important to know the type of service you can expect from both the manufacturer and the dealer of your machine. Before purchasing your machine, ask your dealer the following questions:
Is the dealer a factory-authorized service representative?
How long does the dealer offer free service?
Will dealers in other cities service the sewing machine in case you move?
How long is the manufacturer responsible for repairs or replacement of defective parts?
How long will the manufacturer make replacement of parts for a particular model?
Are any conditions associated with the warranty? Are lessons required? Must you mail in a warranty card? Do you have to bring the machine into the store from which it was purchased for service?

BEEN WORKING ON SOME FABRIC YO-YO’S. MAYBE I WILL BE BACK IN A LITTLE WHILE TO POST A PICTURE OF THOSE. I AM HAPPY WITH THE WAY THEY LOOK.

THANKS FOR VISITING.
HAVE A FANTASTIC WEEK.

ERICA MADE TOPSTITCH A NEW LAYOUT FOR NATIONAL CRAFT MONTH! USING STUFF THAT I’VE MADE

I LOVE IT.

GRACIAS AND THANK YOU HONEYGIRL
ILOVERICA.

MAKE SURE YOU CHECK OUT HER SITE. HER BLYTHE DOLLS ARE LOOKING SO SPIFFY IN THE DRESSES I MADE THEM!

LET ME KNOW WHAT OU THINK OF THE NEW LAYOUT.

THANKS FOR VISITING.

QUICK POST BEFORE I GO TO WORK.
I ADDED SOME APPLIQUE TO MY SEWING MACHINE COVER.
3 THREAD SPOOLS.

DETAIL

DETAIL

I NEED TO PRACTICE MY BLANKET STITCH MORE.

HAVE A FANTASTIC DAY AND THANKS FOR VISITING!

I HAD ALREADY TALKED ABOUT SEWING MACHINES IN MY FIRST OR SECOND TIP.
RECENTLY I HAD A COUPLE PEOPLE ASK ABOUT MY SEWING MACHINE SO I DECIDED TO TALK ABOUT IT AGAIN.
ONLY THIS TIME I WANTED TO SHARE TIP’S I GOT IN AN EMAIL.

JUST TO WARN YOU, THIS WILL BE KINDA LONG BUT IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN SEWING, IT’S VERY HELPFUL.

Check out that sewing machine before you buy
A sewing machine can last a lifetime if you are careful before and after your purchase. This shouldn’t be an impulse purchase, nor should you allow a sales person to talk you into a machine you don’t want. There are dozens of different manufacturers offering dozens of different types of machines. When you take your time and do your homework, you can find the perfect machine for your needs. Many sewing enthusiasts start with a very basic machine and over the years upgrade to more complex machines. There are some basic features that should be part of any sewing machine you try. Other more advanced machines will have additional features. Use the following list of characteristics as your checklist of features you want in a sewing machine.

The Basics

- Machine starts and stops smoothly and is jam-proof if you sew off the edge of fabric.
- Bobbin is simple to wind and easy to insert into bobbin case.
- Bobbin doesn’t vibrate while sewing and feeds thread evenly.
- Automatic bobbin winder shut off which prevents bobbin from overfilling.
- Threading of machine is easy to do and easy to remember.
- Needle is easy to remove and insert.
- Fabric feeds evenly under needle.
- Variety of utility stitches to join seams, overcast edges, topstitch, hem, sew over elastic, sew stretch fabrics and darn.
- Variety of easy-to-change throat plates, feet and attachments for use with utility stitches.
- Needle plate markings to guide seam widths.
- Accurate reverse stitching.
- Controllable stitch lengths and widths.
- Adjustable tension and pressure knobs.
- Sews over extra-sheer fabrics without puckering.
- Variations in speed controls for stitching accuracy.
- Light that illuminates needle area without shadows.
- Thread cutter.
- Foot or knee pedal is easy and comfortable to operate.
- Sturdy one-piece body construction.
- Sews over two or more layers of thick fabric.
- Easy to clean, limited amount of oiling.
- Instruction book is easy to understand.

Additional or Special Features

- Bobbin has large holding capacity, eliminating frequent rewinding.
- Limited amount of readjustments when changing stitch types.
- Stitch memory for self-repeating stitch patterns.
- Built-in buttonholer versus buttonholer attachment.
- Feed control adaptation for darning and embroidery.
- Multiple needle position control, increasing stitch possibilities.
- Automatic needle threader for easy threading.
- Solid-state foot control that allows slow stitching without limiting piercing power of needle.
- Free-arm for access to tubular sewing area, with a convertible flatbed surface for regular flat sewing.
- Up-down needle position switch.
- Ability to adapt to sewing at the push of a button without use of a foot or knee pedals.
- Decorative stitches and monogramming capabilities to add personal touches.
- Ability to program in more newly developed stitches.
- Holds more than one top thread for decorative stitching.
- Special attachments for specific tasks: seam guide, ruffler, quilting foot, etc.
- Ability to interface with a personal computer for special programming.
- Self-releasing reverse control.
- Stationary model in a cabinet versus portable model which also fits into a cabinet.
- Built-in carry handle or easy to carry case.
- Lightweight, portable to travel with.

Once you have a list of exactly the features you want from a sewing machine, it’s time to go out and try a variety of machines before selecting just one. Ask your friends what they like about their machine and what they might want in a machine if they were going to purchase a new one. If you have Internet access, surf the Web for sewing clubs and sewing bulletin-board services to see what others think about different types of machines. It is important to shop around! But don’t do all your research in one day. Take your time and really listen to the sales-person about the machines he/she is selling. Buy from an established retailer who will teach you how the machine works. Many retailers offer free classes for beginners. If you aren’t a beginner ask the retailer if you may take a more advanced course.

Buy the best-quality machine that you can afford without going over your budget. Your skills and interests will build as you learn more about sewing, so think ahead as you consider different machines. Take several types of fabric scraps with you to try on the different machines. Try several different stitches and techniques on each machine for delicate and heavy fabrics. Do you plan to sew using silk? Or denim? Or fake furs? Bring those fabrics with you! Don’t let the salesperson do the sewing. You should be the one to sit down and try the machine. It’s the best way for you to get a feel of the machine and decide for yourself if you will enjoy sewing with it.

Narrow down your choices to the top three machines you liked. Step back from the decision process for a day or two and then review your top choices. Then go for it! Pick your top choice and make your purchase. If the store offers free classes, do take advantage of this service. The best way to really learn the possibilities for you and your future sewing projects is to learn as much as you can about the machine you now own. Most of all, enjoy your new sewing machine knowing you took the time to purchase wisely!

EARTH DAY IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER IN APRIL
I AM GOING TO BE GIVING AWAY 4 TOTE’S WITH SOME GOODIE’S.
PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU ARE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR THAT. (DETAILS IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS.

IF YOU WANT TO DONATE ANYTHING FOR THE TOTE’S FEEL FREE TO GET IN TOUGH WITH ME. MIANTIFAZ@GMAIL.DOM
FLYERS, BUSINESS CARDS, STICKERS. OR ANYTHING YOU CAN THINK OF AND I ONLY NEED 4. I’D REALLY APPRECIATE IT AND IT ALSO IS A GOOD WAY TO PROMO YOUR SITE, BLOG, MESSAGE BOARD OR WHAT EVER YOU HAVE GOING ON.

THANKS FOR VISITING

I SHOULD BE FIRED FROM BUYING FABRIC FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR.
HERE ARE SOME PICTURES OF MY COLLECTION (SOME OF IT)
ALL TOGETHER THIS IS ABOUT 35 YARDS. I HAVE SO MUCH MORE
BUT THESE ARE SOME OF MY FAVORITES.

JUST A REMINDER THAT MARCH IS NATIONAL CRAFT MONTH!
TAKE ADVANTAGE WITH SALES BECAUSE I AM SURE JO-ANN’S + MICHAELS ARE GOING TO BE HAVING SOME GOOD SALES THIS MONTH.

HERE IS A FREE SHIPPING CODE VALID THRU 3.8.09 WITH A PURCHASE OF $25 OR MORE @ JOANN.COM
EDB067

HAPPY CRAFTING! I AM OFF TO MAKE SOME DOG BANDANA’S
IF I GET SOME DONE TODAY I WILL BE BACK WITH ANOTHER POST.

THANKS FOR VISITING