Meet Babe

Much like Paul Bunyan's Ox my sewing machine is big, blue, and reliable. It's old. I don't know how old. Probably as old as the story of Paul and Babe. It's super heavy weighing around 75-80 lbs. It's got some problems such as the reverse is broken and I keep having to super glue parts in place. You know what though? I started out hating this machine, but over the last year I have learned to love her. I have figured out how to maneuver around her idiosyncrasies and create things I am really proud of.

So this year for my birthday my husband and his family pitched in to get me a new Brother machine. I am terrified of that machine. It's shiny, white, and really really fast. Sewing on Babe has slowed me down to a more methodical pace. Which I thoroughly enjoy. Babe is now my crutch. I find myself lugging her out of the closet, all 75 lbs. of her, when ever I want to do a project. I know I need to use my new machine. It was such a wonderful gift and exactly what I asked for. It will just take some time I think. At least to get used to the speed.

Anyway sorry to ramble. There is an actual moral to my story. My point is if you have a desire to sew or to be "crafty" then do it! Don't let a 75 lb. Ox get in your way. Learn to sew. It is an important skill. It can save you money, and it will get you creating unique and beautiful things. Find a machine on Craig's List and sign up for classes at your local fabric store. Don't keep thinking about it and just do it. You will be so happy you did. I promise!

Finally

I finally got around to putting the pictures on the applique post. They aren't the best pictures but it will have to do. Miss S was a difficult model due to a bad case of the wiggles, but I think she still looks pretty cute.

I've been working my fingers to the bone on some pretty cute projects for the shop. It's going a little slower than I'd like though so I'm shooting to open it up the first week of June. Hopefully! Here's a sneak peak at an unfinished alphabet project. My most favorite project yet.

Fabric Applique My Way

Here is the newly revised, much more simple tutorial for Fabric Applique. On the old blog it was the onesie tutorial but really you could use it for just about anything!
You Will Need
pencil
pattern
*Fusible Webbing ( one that has a double sided temporary adhesive)
scissors
Fabric Scraps
Iron
Embroidery Floss
Needle
Fusible Fabric Stabilizer

Directions
1. Cut out a square of fusible webbing the size of your pattern. Peel off one side of paper and stick to fabric. Iron onto fabric.2. Trace your pattern onto remaining paper backing and cut out. These first two steps cut out several steps from the last tutorial saving you a lot of time.3. Peel the remaining paper off, stick to the item you are working with. Iron on.4. At this point you can embellish however you wish. I really love hand embroidering, but you can use a machine, or leave it be. What ever you like really.5. After you are finished if it is for an article of clothing like a baby onesie I like to take a square of fabric stabilizer and iron to the back to seal in the knots so that it is smooth against the skin. The one I use has a fabric side and a fusible side. Just ask someone at your local fabric store and they can point you in the right direction as to what would be the best to use (as I don't really know what it's really called. If you know let me know!)

6. ENJOY!
*Note* As for the fusible webbing I love Steam-A-Seam 2. So far it is the best I've used. And don't get the light version. I find it's not as good. Also this lovely fabric is by Sandi Henderson from her Farmer's Market collection. You can view the collection here. Very cute stuff!