I'm Still Here

My computer finally died last week. I had to wait a day or two to take it in, and then it couldn't be repaired. It was a DINOSAUR as computers go, so I can truly say I am not all that sad about having to dole out the money for my new one. I have to tell you I got my money's worth from the old girl.

Almost as soon as I left the store the other night, I felt I had made the wrong decision to spend money on repairing it due to its age, so when they called today I was actually relieved. I hopped into my truck this evening and headed out to get my new one.

I am now ready to catch up on my blogs. I haven't commented much because it is just too doggone hard on my phone to do all that and then all that Blogger vs Apple stuff about signing in. I will now have to do all that again.

I will catch up in the coming days with y'all. You know how it is...you don't have your computer and your brain is full of things to say.

Gardening news...

Camellias are just so pretty this time of year. I think they are the best thing about winter! My little town is know as the Camellia City. My little street does its part in having plenty of them. Several houses on my street have them as dividers rather than fences. One such pictured below has about a dozen in a row. They are over 8 feet tall and the buds are all over it. If I think I of in a few weeks I will try and capture some more goodness for you. 

I am eagerly awaiting roses. I have fertilized and pruned a week early. I always do it by the 12th, but considering the weekly forecast I think I am safe. They have been budding new leaves already anyway.

Sewing news...

The last you heard I was humming out project bags. I have a few more of those lined up, but in the meantime I had to make curtains for my daughter's office. I just did that a month ago, but she had to move to another office...arrgh... IT was a way different size, so I whipped out some news. I thought they turned out pretty good for broadcloth from my stash. I just have them hanging on the sewing room cabinet knobs, but not too bad ---huh?!

Tucker time...

Y'all - he is the most precious thing in the world and growing like a weed. I am thoroughly enjoying myself. Mother comes over everyday to see him, so that it is really good for her!!!

As I was driving to Destin this evening to get my computer, I realized I am not getting to do my WINTER morning beach walks in, but he is so worth it.

Lindsay sent this tonight. He is sitting up in this contraption so she can get supper ready.

Doggies...

Lemony decided to sit in the sewing room with me while I was sewing the curtains the other day. I made her a pallet to sleep on. She doesn't usually join me in that room. I think she thinks she is too large for the room and in the way.

I loved having her in there with me.

I have much more to talk about, but time is limited this evening.

All has not been lost on no computer. I have been plodding along on my stitching. I am so close to being finished with my space shuttle stitch. I have the back stitching on the nose of the shuttle and the stars on the flag.

I am completely in love with this stitch. I plan to do more from this very old book. Hopefully, I will be back in a day or two with a finish on this.

Be back soon.

Sandy

A Little Bit of Sewing

I went a little bit project bag crazy. Here's how the story went down and the results.

Upon retiring I thought I would be a sewing fool. That didn't happen as I have learned even though I know all the book knowledge I need to be great (home ec major) I don't have the patience or desire to be a great seamstress that my mother was. 

That said, I have wanted to do a project bag for a long time. When I finished my last cross stitch I thought it might be cute in a project bag. I had saved this tutorial which is good, but something was amiss for me. 

https://averyclaire.org/tutorial-for-project-bag/

Along came Kindred Stitcher with a Flosstube video using the same tutorial, so now I had written directions and a video to guide me. 

https://youtu.be/lSgX0hboxKg

IT took BOTH.

I will share a bit more in between the pictures.

My first attempt. Not bad but not perfect. Don't look too close.

I had this fabric in my stash as well as the zipper which had no hole to add a pretty pull ornament.

You may recognize the fabric from my spring monochromatic stitch pillow. I love this fabric and bought a good bit of it for something such as this.

I also felt I might need to practice before I attempted the bag for the first time using my cross stitch project.

Bag #2

The stitch was slightly crooked, but I am pleased.

This fabric came from Joann's.

Oh and I was able to add a cute little pair of scissors to the pull.

Bag #3. Again fabric in my stash. It called my name one day while I was at the quilting fabric store. I bought a half yard which is perfect for the bag.

What is not to love about blue, birds, and dogwood blooms.

The pull has a spool of thread and a needle.

Happy insides too.

I should have stopped because the machine ran out of bobbin thread which you know has to happen and I made two bad mistakes.

Before I tell you what they are...

Let me tell you why I needed the video. 

I had to look at it E-V-E-R-Y SINGLE TIME I went to do that zipper placement. 

On the FOURTH time, I thought...I have got this. 

Big mistake. The zipper pull is on the left. I am not left handed so I guess I should have looked at that video one more time.

Cute thimble pull though. I ordered these off of Etsy a long time ago.

I had this fabric too. The one above and this one coordinated with this most perfect bee fabric.

Onto my second mistake.

I got in to big of a hurry and rumpled the zipper part of this one.

ARGGGHHH...

Oh well, here is my loot and should suffice any sewing urges I have for quite a while!!!

One other thing that is not mentioned in the written tutorial that Kindred Stitcher mentions is the kind of interfacing to use. IT is Pellon 911FF which is found on a bolt and is an apparel interfacing. It is fusible but a bit thicker. The kind you would use on a waistband or sleeve cuffs maybe. It makes the bag a bit sturdier. I would definitely recommend that interfacing.

I will leave the sewing to my mother and continue on with my passion - cross stitching.

Sandy