Sewing for Sanity

OK friends, time for some basic stress management techniques: SEW MORE! No, I have to be more specific: Sew what you want to sew! I have decided to schedule one day (at least 3 hours) a month to do my own projects. This is in order to make sure sewing is still fun and not adding to my stress by getting tied down to projects for others.

I have recently discovered Steam a Seam, and have fallen in love. Remember that very dramatic applique experience I had? Well, problem solved. Turns out that machine applique can be fun if you learn how to use Steam a Seam correctly. This magically project literally glues one fabric piece to another until you can stitch it into place. And the most magical part about this is that it looks great even if you don't turn in all of your ends. That means no pressing quarter inch pieces. No using the tiny little stiletto to keep that quarter inch sliver turned under. I love it! And thanks to Hobby Lobby for providing this marvelous product for a very reasonable price. If you haven't checked out Steam a Seam, try it on your next project!

The Tale of Two Appliques

Time for a blog quiz: Which do you prefer? Machine applique or hand applique? Okay, hands down now, I know everyone has an opinion. My vote, you ask? Well, I am way too much of a perfectionist to allow myself to try it by hand. I know there's nothing like the magic of invisible stitches. But, spending hours on a single piece? Not for me.

So, the obvious choice is machine applique, right? Oh, but you are incorrect. I forgot to mention that there is a third option: NONE! That's right, I said it. I have decided that it is perfectly acceptable if all forms of applique make you want to rip your piece to shreds and feed it to your cat. Don't get me wrong, I love the look of this technique, but it is infuriating to me. This total disgust that I have just shown should give you a real appreciation for the purse I have made.

It was love at first sight when I saw the "Pocketful of Posie" pattern by Renee Plains (I have many loves when it comes to purses). It is in a beautiful tweed material that makes me want to take out my typewriter and go solve a murder mystery. In this fantasy, I am a reporter in the 50s with Angela Lansbury characteristics. That aside, I took on the brave task of making this beautiful handbag and try machine applique for the first time. I love my purse, which came out wonderfully. However, it took hours and was entirely to upsetting to repeat. The rest of the purse is really quite simple and comes together very well. Next time, maybe I will use other decorations for this pattern. What do you think about Yo-Yo flowers? Or maybe a collection of buttons in the corner?

The Bag Lady

I am very fortunate to be able to tell you that the reason I have not posted in a couple of months is that I have been busy crafting! I am loving sewing, especially when it comes to purses. As much as I love quilting, I am completely impatient and probably have some sort of attention disorder. So, spending weeks...months on a project is not my favorite. However, the joy that I feel when I complete a cute, fully functional purse is astounding. I have always had a love of purses (just ask my husband how many purses I have...wait, don't say anything to him). So, why not make my own so I can do it the way I want to?

My favorite new pattern is the Birdie Sling, designed by Amy Butler. The first time I made one of these purses, it took me days and was a little confusing. Well, it gets easier, believe me. I made one for my mom first, then had to have one for myself. Then, my family loved them, so I have made four total, and have orders for several more. No matter where I go, I always get a compliment on this cute and roomy bag. And, I am proud to say that I made one today in less than 5 hours. Not too shabby right? And not stressful, which is important. Now, I am not a big fan of the way she does her pockets. There are four on one side and they are completely too deep. Instead, I have been making a zipper pocket on one inside lining, and two joined pockets on the other (just big enough for a phone or so). I have attached pictures of several of these bags. Note how the different fabrics take on different personalities! The brown and teal Micheal Miller fabric is mine and it's my favorite!