Shop Talk & general chatting

I'll start with the shop talk today. I received the order from the distributor earlier than expected but I only received about 2/3 of the order. They are many items that had sold out that have now been re-stocked and there are several new items. Just check out the "What New". There is still a few colors and widths of petersham to add to the store. As the back-ordered items arrive, they will be added. There are a couple of new stablizers and interfacings coming.

I have so many things that I'm working on right. I still have the faux snakeskin bag to finish, the 4 piece fall wardrobe to plan and complete, some pullovers and pants for my son, a jacket for a halloween costume (think Indiana Jones), and some floor pillows. Also, I received the software for the embroidery part of my new machine. I'm really excited about being able to embroider again. However, I think that I have forgotten most of what I had previously learned. So, it will be like started over. I am also a little bit concerned that I may not have enough depth for the embrodiery unit where my machine is located.

I have located a pattern for the costume jacket but it's a little bit small. I will be trying my hand at making the pattern larger. Fortunately, my son is thin so I will probably be able to get away with just lengthening the body and the arms. However, any hints would be greatly appreciated.

Happy Sewing!

Christmas is 130 days away! & Shop Talk

Christmas is going to be here before we know it.

Here's a couple of freebie ideas for children at About.com:

1. Instructions and templates for a shape book. What a great item to personalize for a child.

2. Instructions and pattern for a baby's grab ball in two sizes.


Gift ideas from the shop:

1. Here's a cute little Caterpillar pattern for a baby.

2. Check out the Pirate Treasure pattern for the little pirate lover. Lots of design ideas here.

3. Something for the little prince or princess to tote along their books and toys, see the Castle Keeper tote pattern. What a great way to fuel a child's imagination.


Happy Sewing!

Stuff, Design Details, and Shop Talk

Everything is finally getting back to normal. I'm still not caught up with normal daily household stuff but I'll get there. As far as email, I had over 1000 emails when I returned from vacation. It was a little bit overwhelming but I have almost completed the task of reading through the emails.


I wanted to share the little detail on this jacket from J Jill. I know it's hard to see but if you'll look at the waist you will see just a little bit of detailing. It looks to me like it is smocking. Isn't this a great way to give a little bit of detail to a jacket? Perhaps it could be a way to give a purchased jacket or a custom-made jacket a little more shape. I love the look of smocking and I've seen lots of tops this year with a look of smocking. This is the first jacket that I have seen with smocking on it. I would love to hear about any smocking accents that you have added to your garments.



Shop talk - I ordered from the distributor today. The order should arrive by Thursday next week and I'll start putting items in the store. Most likely, I will start with things that have sold out and then add the new items. If you haven't joined the newsletters, please do and you'll be the first to know what has been added to the store.

Happy Sewing!

We're Home......& Shop Talk

We made it home yesterday. It was a wonderful trip and we enjoyed seeing our families. My son said that it was the best trip ever. It is always sad to leave but we are glad to be home again.

Shop talk - All orders made over the past week which are paid have been mailed. It made for a tremendously busy afternoon and evening yesterday but I'm glad that I was able to complete this project by today.

Happy Sewing!

Breaktime - Going to visit Family! - Shop Talk

I'm going to take a break for a week. We're heading to Arkansas to see our families. I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone. I've been busy the past week painting furniture and the front entry way. I also purchase a new sewing machine with lots of encouragement from my husband (what a guy!).

Shop Talk - I will be away from August 4 to August 12. No shipments will occur during this time period. However, you can still purchase from the store please know there will be a delay in shipping. All orders purchased and/or paid for during this period will be shipped on August 13th and possibly August 14th.

Happy Sewing!!!!

Christmas is 148 days away! Gift Ideas & Shop Talk

Here's a gift idea for the child who like to draw and/or color. I found a tutorial for a crayon roll at Chocolate on My Cranium - Crayon Roll Tutorial. This particular roll is designed for 16 crayons but it would be easy to make it larger for more crayons or even change the design a little bit for colored pencils. How about changing the design of the Pretty and Practical Notebook Cover a little bit to include the crayons or colored pencils along with the notebook.

Here's an idea for the knitter or crocheter on the gift list: Alexandra's Needle Roll Tutorial. Think of all the customization that can be done with gorgeous fabrics and trims.

Here's a couple of ideas from the store:

1. Janet's Jewelry Case pattern. It would make a great gift by itself or with jewelry inside.

2. The Sara Satchel pattern. This pattern contains a bag pattern and three different types of organizers for crochet needles, knitting needles, and a small bag for notions.


Happy Sewing!

Shop Talk - Timtex - Is there really a substitute?

Yesterday, I recieved a message from the distributor that I purchase from regarding Timtex. At this time, the search for a new manufacturing company for Timtex is still going on. The following items are currently being used as substitutes by the crafting world:

1. Flexi-Firm Sew-In Stabilizer - This product is 30" wide. It is said to be very similar to Timtex. At this time, I do not have this product in my store but it is on the list of items to be added.

2. Peltex Sew-In Stabilizer - This product is 20" wide. It is similar to the Timtex but not as thick. Try using a double-layer when you need the extra support. The white version of this stablizer can be found in the store at Peltex 70.

3. Peltex I Fusible Stabilizer - This product is 20" wide with one side fusible. This can be found in the store at Peltex 71F.

4. Peltex II Fusible Stabilizer - This product is 20" wide and both sides are fusible. This product is not currently found in the store but is on the list of items to be added.

5. Fast 2 Fuse - This product comes in two weights and is available by the yard (28" wide) or by the package (14" x 18"). This product in not available in the store.

It is also suggested to contact to visit a designers website to see what product they are recommending to use with their patterns. Hope this helps everyone who is looking for a Timtex substitute.

Happy Sewing!