Fun With Finishing

Hi Everyone!

I didn't get much model stitching done this weekend because I spent some time organizing and then pulled out my sewing machine.  Despite the fact that I've been stitching for almost 30 years, I have not had good experiences with my machine and last time I saw it was when I shoved it into the box about... oh... almost six years ago? :)  I figured now was as good a time as any to try it again. 

With some help from one of my sisters via "Face Time" on an ipod, I was able to get past the fear of threading the machine correctly, and practiced on a few pieces of scrap material.  Then I took a deep breath... and came up with the first small ornament seen below.  I was very nervous-- all I kept thinking was that I spent time stitching it up and one false move with the machine and I'd have to toss it into the trash.  "Bloom" by Lizzie*Kate which is a quick freebie still up on their site today if you want to grab it for yourself.  I used a small butterfly charm I'd recently purchased since I didn't have one of the Lizzie*Kate's on hand.

Here's the back view.  I give myself an A- on this one -- next time I'll make sure to use a ladder stitch to keep the bottom seam neater (check bottom left on this photo) so you won't be able to tell where I put the stuffing in at the end.

Then I pulled out that same design in a different color and made this tuck pillow style wall hanging with "Away In A Manger" from Lizzie*Kate as well.  I also give myself an A- on this one since the top right is a little crooked.  I need to keep that in mind and make sure to keep the machine sewing straight.  So much to keep an eye on at one time vs. just my needle and making sure I don't stab myself! ;)

 

Like I said, not perfect, but definitely a good learning experience and branching out of my comfort zone which is always good.  And anyway, practice makes perfect, right?  I'll keep you updated on my progress and would love it if you would to the same also! 

I have to clean up the sewing area aka the kitchen table and then try to get some progress done on the model piece so I'm going to sign off for now.  Have a great week and keep your eye out for a giveaway to start on Friday -- remember to just keep stitching! ~Nicole