tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81459982130516824352024-03-13T21:59:01.913-07:00MiMyBelle CreationsSewing really is a kind of therapy for me and, I am sure, for many of you as well. It is my creative outlet and I have begun looking at the world in a whole new way. Anything that catches my eye is game for my next quilt or project. I have no formal training in sewing or design so for me it is on the job training with lots of bumps and bruises along the way. So sit back, sip your tea or coffee and join me in my journey.Michele McKayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06119442627636604643noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145998213051682435.post-32052331637209624552012-09-16T16:44:00.002-07:002012-09-16T16:44:16.363-07:00Oh how I love a dreary rainy day in Texas! It is still summer here and we have been having our typical 100+ degree days for a month at least and I dread it every year. But, the last two days it has been cloudy and rainy and today was especially nice because it has rained all day long! Our plants and grass are already perked up and the temperature outside hasn't gotten much over 80 if that. Rain, glorious rain!<br />
<br />
I know those of you who have never suffered through a central Texas summer before can't imagine what I'm talking about. Imagine waking up at 5:30 am to go for your morning walk or run and it's already 85 degrees and about 95% humid. Icky poo. Then if you decide to do it after dark it's about 95+ degrees with a slightly less humid feel. Not sure which is better. So, we just wear as little as we can, stay well hydrated and wear lots of sunscreen.<br />
<br />
I know this has absolutely nothing to do with creating, but it does give me time to clean up my sewing area and get my creativity juicing flowing for my next project. And time to take a nice quite nap too.<br />
<br />
Ciao for now!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LthMFHp3-YU/UFZkBtD7ATI/AAAAAAAAAj8/ZnmPYwIbowc/s1600/cloudy+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LthMFHp3-YU/UFZkBtD7ATI/AAAAAAAAAj8/ZnmPYwIbowc/s320/cloudy+day.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<h4>
Picture courtesy of Clouds365.com </h4>
Michele McKayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06119442627636604643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145998213051682435.post-2823177538293605402012-08-10T20:28:00.001-07:002012-08-10T20:29:37.961-07:00I have been creating many items over the past few months but have been so busy working I forgot to post them! How can work get in the way of my posts I just can't figure out. Anyway, one item I made I actually designed myself and if you knew me you would know what a feat that is! I thought about some of the whimsical flowers I have seen on many quilts and other items constructed by others and thought, as usual, I can do that. So I did.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZyVq-aktiyQ/UCXNU6z6jlI/AAAAAAAAAjc/NJM7MiAHb20/s1600/DSC02382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="309" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZyVq-aktiyQ/UCXNU6z6jlI/AAAAAAAAAjc/NJM7MiAHb20/s320/DSC02382.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-exYAZShC6ZA/UCXOOcA7YiI/AAAAAAAAAjk/-N0WHBUI4s8/s1600/DSC02384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-exYAZShC6ZA/UCXOOcA7YiI/AAAAAAAAAjk/-N0WHBUI4s8/s320/DSC02384.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This was made by using beautiful batiks I had stashed away and cutting out different shaped flower petals and centers. I also had very thin strips I sewed down for the stems all the while using no real design. I just laid them out in a way that looked pleasing! What fun.<br />
<br />
Then I decided to use some Egyptian cotton quilting thread in bright variegated colors and outlined all petals and around the centers. I didn't follow the lines and simply free-motioned the colors around each petal and often between petals. On one flower you will notice I didn't even have material petals I only used the thread.<br />
<br />
This wall quilt was so fun to quilt as well - I used a cream colored threat and swirled all around paying no attention to any other elements. That's what I call FUN!<br />
<br />
I hope you enjoy this and have fun making your own. <br />
<br />Michele McKayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06119442627636604643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145998213051682435.post-35763128070481029362011-07-24T18:37:00.000-07:002011-07-26T18:28:03.904-07:00E-Reader caseWell I did it! I made my first E-Reader case today and I have to say I like it. Next time I will make the front tab a hair smaller (I used the wrong tab pattern) but it's fine for now. I also plan to head to <b><a href="http://sewaustin.com/">Sew Much More</a></b> tomorrow and get a perfect large hand made button to put on the tab where the stitches are from attaching the Velcro. I got the pattern from Sew Much more and it's by <b><a href="http://www.wpcreek.com/">Whistlepig Creek Productions</a></b> - the pattern is #1203 E-Cozy. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Those of you who know me will understand my choice of fabric....... Go Texas!</div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Texas Cover!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v6iPm5Q8Fwk/TizDjyiEWAI/AAAAAAAAAbs/4yPg_rsjaes/s1600/DSC01878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v6iPm5Q8Fwk/TizDjyiEWAI/AAAAAAAAAbs/4yPg_rsjaes/s320/DSC01878.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zCHTGoGwttY/TizCcPyAgfI/AAAAAAAAAbc/Pw2-sd9_77k/s1600/DSC01872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zCHTGoGwttY/TizCcPyAgfI/AAAAAAAAAbc/Pw2-sd9_77k/s320/DSC01872.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I9-D_svAP_U/TizDUW8rOoI/AAAAAAAAAbo/w9sFjJEDdVk/s1600/DSC01877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I9-D_svAP_U/TizDUW8rOoI/AAAAAAAAAbo/w9sFjJEDdVk/s320/DSC01877.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">The pattern is quite easy to follow and requires firm interfacing throughout so the end result is a stable protective case for my brand new E-Reader. Can't ask for more. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Ciao for now,</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Michele My Belle </i></div>Michele McKayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06119442627636604643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145998213051682435.post-32258642323182767452011-07-23T20:15:00.000-07:002011-07-23T20:21:29.779-07:00E-Reader surprise for me!<span style="font-size: small;"><b>It's my 7th anniversary with my adorable sweet husband</b> </span><b>and I'm the luckiest lady around!!</b><br />
<br />
Well, so our anniversary isn't until tomorrow - July 24th - but my husband surprised me today and left my present hidden under my project I was working on. Somehow he hid it when I went out to the laundry room to put a load in the washer. I didn't even see it for a couple of hours because I was busy typing up my last blog post and as usual had several things going at once. So at one point while some pictures were downloading to my Picnik<b> </b>account I went back to the coral pleated clutch I was working on I saw a small rectangular box on my table. At first I couldn't figure out what I had put there and just as I picked it up and asked my husband if he put this box on my table I saw an even smaller box and it was clearly a new box of my favorite perfume - Victoria Secret Vanilla Lace! Then I figured it out, these are my Anniversary gifts!! When I picked up the box I saw <i>Amazon Kindle</i> on it and I jumped up and down and squealed like a teenager who just got asked to the prom by the hunk of High School.<br />
<br />
My hubby got himself one too and he set us up as one account so we can share books that either of us download. Wow, he thought of it all. Oh, and the best part? I get to make us each a cover & carrying case!! I want to stay up late and start but we have Church so early in the morning I better not. <br />
<br />
All you lurkers out there please chime in and help me with any hints you may have on making an E-Reader cover & carrying case. :D I love tips and tricks and I'll share back!! I do have several patterns I can pick from but he wants his case made of a neoprene material and I haven't worked with that before. So, any hints on neoprene will also be greatly appreciated.<br />
<br />
<i>Ciao for now,</i><br />
<br />
<i>Michele My Belle </i>Michele McKayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06119442627636604643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145998213051682435.post-46208752738299186232011-07-23T07:26:00.000-07:002011-07-23T20:23:06.678-07:00Easy to make sew-in labels<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This tutorial is for those of you who love to sew your own creations either for a loved one or to sell on Etsy and want to put your personal label on each item. If you have priced the fancy woven labels lately you know how expensive they can be and for the small store owner or as a gift giver it is not a reasonable expenditure. I am in both those categories so I went out to find an economical way to make my own labels with the option to personalize every single label exactly how I want. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I went online and read many tutorials on how to make a personalized label to sew on my creations and each article/tutorial I read gave me a little more of an idea of how I want my labels to look. Like most of my creations this is a process of much thought, some planning and even more evolution. After I made them I decided I ought to share what I did so others can add this to their arsenal of ideas.</span> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-om-fe5nHWdE/TinO9mSDKdI/AAAAAAAAAYI/QTck7yX6lrk/s1600/DSC01808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-om-fe5nHWdE/TinO9mSDKdI/AAAAAAAAAYI/QTck7yX6lrk/s320/DSC01808.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">T<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">op label is the front, middle is how it prints out before folding, bottom is the back side of label when it is sewn in</span>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span id="goog_788208384"></span><span id="goog_788208385"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Items needed:</b></span><br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>1) </b>Ink jet printer</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>2) </b>June Tailor Sew-in Colorfast fabric sheets (see pic) <b> </b></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>3) </b>Software program of your choice to make your label (I used Microsoft Word)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NfLJ2-_1uTc/TinSZO3EdJI/AAAAAAAAAYc/gbheTGSuRSI/s1600/DSC01185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NfLJ2-_1uTc/TinSZO3EdJI/AAAAAAAAAYc/gbheTGSuRSI/s320/DSC01185.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Steps to create a personalized sew-in label:</span></b><br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">To me the first step is always the hardest - designing the label to look exactly like what I have envisioned in my mind. With my label it took me quite a bit of trial & error and a lot of editing to get the final product, so don't be discouraged if you have to keep making changes. You want it to look professional and clean and that takes time. I started out with just "MiMyBelle Creations" on the label and then added the URL to my <b><a href="http://www.etsy.com/people/MiMyBelle?ref=si_pr">Etsy store</a></b> store at the bottom but that wasn't enough so I threw in my logo design too. Then I thought I would get fancy and put "Made in U.S.A" on the back side of the label. That took the most time because I had to get the </span><span style="font-size: small;">Made in U.S.A aligned perfectly so when the label was folded in half the top & bottom sections were in the right place. Whew..... Oh, then later on I decided I better put Made in Texas just in case it matters! Besides, Texas is the best, right?!</span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Oh - and the flowery design on the left is my logo I use on all my tags & labels so I had to shrink it really, really small to fit on the label and at the same time keep it proportional. To do this and add the words on the right side of the logo I divided each label in to two rows and then divided the top row into two columns. Make sense? If not then look at the picture below and see what I'm talking about.</span> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wf0hsUWWzsU/TinaSQ_wslI/AAAAAAAAAYg/lJBy7VuCg3c/s1600/Mimybelle+label+word+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wf0hsUWWzsU/TinaSQ_wslI/AAAAAAAAAYg/lJBy7VuCg3c/s320/Mimybelle+label+word+pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Here is a screen print of how I made columns at the top to separate my logo & company name. Then I aligned the URL on the bottom up high and "Made in Texas" at the bottom. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b> </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">For those of you who don't know how to make rows & columns here's a quick tutorial (If you know how to do tables then you can skip this part) - The first step is to decide how wide you want your labels to be. I measured a bag I made and decided the labels should be about 2" wide and 1" tall. Then I went to Microsoft Word and started a new document and inserted a table.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wrz81AiDDoY/TiohiwXzwYI/AAAAAAAAAYo/cmxxEAu-9LI/s1600/insert+table+mimybelle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wrz81AiDDoY/TiohiwXzwYI/AAAAAAAAAYo/cmxxEAu-9LI/s320/insert+table+mimybelle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Now you have to decide how many tags you can get across a page and down it. In my case you can see I was able to get 3 labels across and 4 rows down so my table will be 3 columns (across) and 4 rows (down</span>).</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2sJnPc8FO_o/TiohNDtqnVI/AAAAAAAAAYk/1hVPM2SbWeU/s1600/Create+table+mimybelle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2sJnPc8FO_o/TiohNDtqnVI/AAAAAAAAAYk/1hVPM2SbWeU/s320/Create+table+mimybelle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now, if you don't want a two sided label and you choose to make it smaller than mine you will increase the number of columns & rows to get the look you want. But, for now I will continue with what I did. Next I <b>split</b> each label square on the screen. This is done by putting the cursor in a box and right clicking the mouse. Then select "split cell" and plug in how you want to split it (in rows or columns) - initially I split each box into two rows making one row for the front and one for the back. </span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CVhvd9XaEfM/TiokUgKVerI/AAAAAAAAAYs/C9ne0CbNyDc/s1600/split+cells.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CVhvd9XaEfM/TiokUgKVerI/AAAAAAAAAYs/C9ne0CbNyDc/s320/split+cells.jpg" width="260" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RfJdGwgEjNg/Tioktmk7MFI/AAAAAAAAAYw/aE5uNYzdSak/s1600/cell+split+rows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RfJdGwgEjNg/Tioktmk7MFI/AAAAAAAAAYw/aE5uNYzdSak/s320/cell+split+rows.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-keQ9i_5nrAE/Tiom-c--ZiI/AAAAAAAAAY8/KbfmoxV1dxo/s1600/pic+of+split+cell+rows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-keQ9i_5nrAE/Tiom-c--ZiI/AAAAAAAAAY8/KbfmoxV1dxo/s320/pic+of+split+cell+rows.jpg" width="320" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what the cells looks like after I split them into two rows</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> <span style="font-size: small;">Now I have 8 rows - 2 for each label, that may not make sense now but if you think of what you need to type on each label there is a log. Now I have to split the top row of each label (each is made of 2 rows) so I can put the logo in one box and MiMyBelle in the other box. (see below)</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2sa3OukGcjA/TirPDM8RIKI/AAAAAAAAAZs/VO2JDf7c0jE/s1600/dragging+row+and+split+row+with+words.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2sa3OukGcjA/TirPDM8RIKI/AAAAAAAAAZs/VO2JDf7c0jE/s320/dragging+row+and+split+row+with+words.JPG" width="275" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">So far we have laid out 12 label blanks and now we need to fill in our design(s) and words. We are getting close to getting the final product!! I told you the layout portion takes the longest - now let's hope the design layout matches what we envisioned it to look like! </span><br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I have my logo design saved in a folder on my computer because I use it all the time so that will be easy to find, the next part is what do I want typed on the label? I decided the company name on the right of the logo design would look nice - but I also want the web address to <b><a href="http://www.etsy.com/people/MiMyBelle?ref=si_pr">my Etsy store</a></b>. This will fit perfectly at the upper portion of the bottom section so when I fold the label it will be at the bottom of the front and the Made in Texas will be in the same lower box but placed lower so it will be on the back side only. </span></div><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here is how you plug in a picture you have saved in your documents: </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VL3yNVApbM0/Tioy5VZBgPI/AAAAAAAAAZo/5blsmqrl1rU/s1600/Insert+picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VL3yNVApbM0/Tioy5VZBgPI/AAAAAAAAAZo/5blsmqrl1rU/s320/Insert+picture.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you have saved your logo design and any other items you want on your label this is how you insert it into the box. Most of the time you will have to re-size the picture to make it fit correctly. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bRpxPwkHNP0/TioytpJiTrI/AAAAAAAAAZk/HzaJidzGN7g/s1600/MiMybelle+label+example.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bRpxPwkHNP0/TioytpJiTrI/AAAAAAAAAZk/HzaJidzGN7g/s320/MiMybelle+label+example.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">A<span style="font-size: small;">s you will find out, when you are typing words, inserting pictures you will need to reposition these within each section after some changes. Then, once you have it looking just they way you want I <i><b>STRONGLY</b></i> suggest printing the file out on paper in <u><b>draft mode</b></u>. After it prints out go ahead and cut out one row of labels and fold them (if you choose to have a folding label) and see how it looks. If something doesn't look just right go back to the file and tweak it as necessary until you get it perfect. Then be sure to <b>save</b> it! Of course as with anything you are working on you want to save it frequently and often! ( Get the point?!</span>)</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now that you have the label set up in it's final form it's time to print it on the fabric sheet! Take a deep breath and double check your work one more time. When you are ready to print simply put the fabric sheet in your printer according to the instructions only <u>be sure you are not in draft mode.</u> After it finishes printing lay it on a flat surface, with the print side up, and allow it to dry at least 10 minutes. After it is dry remove the paper backing (this is what allows it to go through the printer). Turn your iron on the highest setting, usually cotton, with NO STEAM and iron the image, face up, for 1-2 minutes to set the ink. The instructions go even further to tell you how to colorfast treat the labels - if they have any chance of being washed I highly recommend you follow this step as well. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The instructions on the package state the labels can be washed by hand or machine in cold water if the colorfast treatment was done - only <b>do not use detergent.</b> That part scares me so I don't put these labels in anything that may possibly get put in the wash and if I think it will get washed I include a little note letting the new owner know so they won't ruin their item.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now you are ready to go out and make your own awesome personalized labels or tags. These fabric sheets are great for so many other things including making a pillow, quilt or shopping bag using one or more of your favorite photos! If you go to <a href="http://www.junetailor.com/Creativity%20Center/CreativityCenter.htm">June Tailor Creativity Center</a> you will find lots of great projects. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Ciao for now,</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Michele My Belle </i><br />
</span></div>Michele McKayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06119442627636604643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145998213051682435.post-52539867746016219502011-07-16T21:01:00.000-07:002011-07-16T21:01:17.840-07:00Cards & tags to promote your products<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Product labels</span></b></u><u> </u><br />
<br />
When I make a creation I am proud of I can't wait to either give it as a gift or put it on my<u><b style="background-color: white; color: black;"><span style="background-color: white; color: white;"> </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MiMyBelle?ref=pr_shop_more">Etsy Store</a></b></u><span style="color: white;"> </span><span style="color: black;"> </span>but I also want to get the word out about my creations. I am sure many of you have had the same thought and have done something about it such as made your own label, purchased some generic labels or ordered a personalized label. Since I was just starting out I decided to make my own sew-in labels. I used <a href="http://store.junetailor.com/store/p-13-colorfast-white-sew-in-printer-fabric-3-sheetspack.aspx">June Tailor Colorfast fabric sheets</a> for ink jet printers. They came out really nice and the package says if you follow the directions the labels are washable though I have not tested them yet because they are in items that are not normally washed. These labels are not only a great and inexpensive way to make sew-in labels for your handcrafted items but also an easy way to make quilt labels. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K4t4wLGsIOE/TiJO-qzDZZI/AAAAAAAAAW8/TtJrugy01SY/s1600/DSC01290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K4t4wLGsIOE/TiJO-qzDZZI/AAAAAAAAAW8/TtJrugy01SY/s320/DSC01290.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture of my label in a snap bag</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Mini business cards & Thank You cards</span></b></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> When I thought about the best way to market my Etsy store and the items I made I found Moo Mini cards at <b style="color: orange;"><a href="http://us.moo.com/">Moo.com</a></b> and I just love them! Their site is so easy to navigate and I was able to upload any of my own photos as a logo and several lines of text. At the time I didn't know what logo I would start using for MiMyBelle Creations so I uploaded a picture of a quilt I made and I choose to put my Etsy store URL and a little note of thanks for purchasing my item. The front of the mini cards I chose are from a set they offered with geometric shapes and flowers in a beautiful range of neutral colors. I recently went back to see what new designs they have and there are SO many more! I also decided I need some sort of "Thank You" tag to attach to the items I ship. So, I made them using card stock and my own logo design. I printed a whole page of them and simply cut them out as I need them .Here is one example of what I do with the mini cards and the thank you tags I've made when I ship a product from my store. I punch a small hole in both the mini card and the thank you card and tie it to the package with raffia.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E7HZhvwv7rw/TiBuPNpXrKI/AAAAAAAAAVY/5tEj0U_Fwws/s1600/sold+towel+pkg+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E7HZhvwv7rw/TiBuPNpXrKI/AAAAAAAAAVY/5tEj0U_Fwws/s320/sold+towel+pkg+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small thank you tag & Mini Moo card (back side)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Back to the Mini Cards - there are so many options to design the front of the Moo mini cards - you can upload your own images (up to 100 different images) or personalize their ready made designs. They also make TEXT cards with your company name, sayings and other really cool ideas. What a GREAT way to show off your products, portfolio or blog! There are many other items to be made at Moo besides the mini cards so check them out and see their creative ideas section it will get your creative juices flowing!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Homemade stickers</b></u></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I also designed my own stickers to seal closed the tissue I wrap my items in before shipping - those are adorable! I chose to design these on Microsoft Publisher because it allowed me to do what I wanted, however there are other programs that would work as well. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To make my clear stickers I simply used a product found at any office store or even Wal-Mart - they are from Avery and called "Clear Sticker Project Paper" and comes in a package with 3 sheets of 8 1/2" x 11" of clear sticker paper. All you do is design your stickers on your favorite software and print it out on in the inkjet printer. You can even design multiple designs & sizes all on one page! I can see using these to make personalized stickers to label or decorate gift wrapping at Christmas or put on the back of an envelope when mailing a birthday or holiday card. The uses are only limited to ones imagination.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C9VwokPyry0/TiHVMCn387I/AAAAAAAAAWw/qV1QAMzJ09I/s1600/DSC01599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C9VwokPyry0/TiHVMCn387I/AAAAAAAAAWw/qV1QAMzJ09I/s320/DSC01599.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Avery Clear Sticker Project paper</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W7WXkd4jGeA/TiJCQIpPGSI/AAAAAAAAAW0/EzWbK9f0e_4/s1600/sold+towel+pkg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W7WXkd4jGeA/TiJCQIpPGSI/AAAAAAAAAW0/EzWbK9f0e_4/s320/sold+towel+pkg.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My logo on a sticker and used to seal back of package</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Professional stickers</span></b></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then after I made my own stickers using the above sticker paper I decided to try <b style="color: #b45f06;"><a href="http://www.zazzle.com/custom/stickers">Zazzle.com</a></b> stickers. This is the coolest website ever! If you haven't checked out Zazzle then add it to your list of must visit websites! You can design just about any product with your own designs/pictures or use one their many, many designs which include popular icons such as Harry Potter or current trends of the day. WOW, I could spend days and days on this website alone. I even started making my own products to sell. Yep, another place to sell your creativity. Here is my store (I know, it's pretty bare - but remember I just started<i>.</i>) <a href="http://www.zazzle.com/mimybelle">MiMyBelle Zazzle store</a>. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Here are my snazzy labels from Zazzle</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-340J2FjdoQ8/TiJIO2qKerI/AAAAAAAAAW4/gl6ab5iJ2og/s1600/DSC01608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-340J2FjdoQ8/TiJIO2qKerI/AAAAAAAAAW4/gl6ab5iJ2og/s320/DSC01608.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think these look really nice! There are a few differences between theirs and the ones I made - mine have a clear background and these are a solid white background, and the Zazzle labels are a 1 1/2" circle and I made mine in a square shape - even though I can change it to any shape I want on the next print!</div><br />
<br />
<br />
I hope you find this information helpful and if anyone has more ideas to share please let me know - I am always looking for new and creative ways to show off my hard work! <br />
<br />
<i>Ciao for now,</i><br />
<br />
<i> Michele My Belle</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Michele McKayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06119442627636604643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145998213051682435.post-13557879920414539952011-07-02T17:12:00.000-07:002011-07-10T06:36:37.533-07:00Clutch purse or Diaper clutchI found a wonderful tutorial for an absolutely gorgeous gathered clutch on<u style="background-color: white; color: purple;"> <a href="http://www.noodle-head.com/2010/04/gathered-clutch-tutorial.html">Noodlehead blog</a></u><span style="background-color: white; color: magenta;"> </span>so I had to try it and I found it to be very easy. I made one and then decided I needed to adjust the pattern so I could make a diaper clutch for a friend of mine who just had a baby. I am very pleased with both!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Here is the purse clutch I made</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0bh7FhO_ZAA/Tg-wItW-v2I/AAAAAAAAAT4/5ELDOxwhALM/s1600/DSC01523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0bh7FhO_ZAA/Tg-wItW-v2I/AAAAAAAAAT4/5ELDOxwhALM/s320/DSC01523.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TW3plMzcFos/Tg-vhUJvQ6I/AAAAAAAAATw/cPkVfuSAaHQ/s1600/DSC01527.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TW3plMzcFos/Tg-vhUJvQ6I/AAAAAAAAATw/cPkVfuSAaHQ/s320/DSC01527.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I even used an invisible zipper adding to the classiness! (Is that a word?)<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jZtv8SSSHyo/Tg-v4OicL_I/AAAAAAAAAT0/w-dV0dNw0TA/s1600/DSC01522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jZtv8SSSHyo/Tg-v4OicL_I/AAAAAAAAAT0/w-dV0dNw0TA/s320/DSC01522.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>And this is the diaper clutch I made </b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a4p9c7ZhsEY/Tg6L0LS306I/AAAAAAAAATs/dIq22Rbj3qY/s1600/DSC01515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a4p9c7ZhsEY/Tg6L0LS306I/AAAAAAAAATs/dIq22Rbj3qY/s320/DSC01515.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J0P6fRYqLlY/Tg6LN9AWDGI/AAAAAAAAATk/SBwDkT6BzGo/s1600/DSC01519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J0P6fRYqLlY/Tg6LN9AWDGI/AAAAAAAAATk/SBwDkT6BzGo/s320/DSC01519.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Bnyxdx3NKc/Tg6KFSPdgNI/AAAAAAAAATU/2Tuj1b9n8HA/s1600/DSC01521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Bnyxdx3NKc/Tg6KFSPdgNI/AAAAAAAAATU/2Tuj1b9n8HA/s320/DSC01521.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>It measures about 10.25" by 6.25" and has a wrist strap for easy carrying. It is elegant enough to be an evening bag and double as a diaper/wipe clutch so any trips to change a dirty diaper in public go unnoticed!<br />
<br />
I hope she enjoys it as much as I did making it. I think I'll make a few more tweaks and post another tutorial....<br />
<br />
<i>Ciao for now,</i><br />
<i>Michele My Belle </i>Michele McKayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06119442627636604643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145998213051682435.post-79451723448779382242011-06-26T20:01:00.000-07:002011-07-13T17:42:41.749-07:00My first Mug Rug!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I have been doing a ton of internet research on mug rugs lately and I have to say there are so many creative sewers out there! Oh - what is a mug rug you ask? Its a mini quilt that is between the size of a coaster and a placemat. The perfect size for a cup of coffee, tea or soda and a snack. Everybody needs several of these in their house! The one in this tutorial will sit by my sewing machines, it's about time!<br />
The material I used I recently bought at <b><u><a href="http://sewaustin.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #20124d;">Sew Much More</a><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></u></b>here in Austin and have been waiting to find the perfect project for them and this is it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wsok4lUwzl8/Tg6FouHAPHI/AAAAAAAAATI/94WrHteTKdg/s1600/DSC01408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wsok4lUwzl8/Tg6FouHAPHI/AAAAAAAAATI/94WrHteTKdg/s320/DSC01408.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
When I started making it I thought I would do a quick tutorial and share it with everyone.So, here we go!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Flowers & dots mug rug tutorial</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Finished product approx 9.5" x 6.25"</div><div style="text-align: left;">Material I used is from Benartex Habitat collection using the Small flower aqua, geometric - aqua/brown/taupe, and Dots Brown.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Supply list:</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">3-4 fat quarters with complimentary colors/designs</div><div style="text-align: left;">Backing fabric - approx 8" x 10" - depends on the final size of your front</div><div style="text-align: left;">If you want a neutral color surrounding the strips approx 8" x 10"</div><div style="text-align: left;">Matching thread for construction and contrasting thread (I used Madeira Rayon embroidery threads) for quilting</div><div style="text-align: left;">Fusible fleece </div><div style="text-align: left;">Normal sewing supplies - sewing machine, ruler, cutting mat, rotary cutter, small scissors if you fussy cut </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Notes:</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Definitions</b> - RST - right sides together</div><div style="text-align: left;">All seams are 1/4" unless specified </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TQmyG0inG0Y/TgeoJuym_KI/AAAAAAAAAQI/HrsEsWogdOU/s1600/DSC01313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TQmyG0inG0Y/TgeoJuym_KI/AAAAAAAAAQI/HrsEsWogdOU/s320/DSC01313.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">- Iron your fabric before cutting. Cut strips 2 inches wide by the width you want the mug rug to be. I used the whole length of the fat quarter so I could make multiple mug rugs with these. (Most mug rugs seem to be about 6-8 inches wide)</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-exA6MTVEK84/TgeZheVI8HI/AAAAAAAAAQE/YCe3f6D3Dwo/s1600/DSC01400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div> - lay out your strips next to each other and decide which design you like the best. As you can see in mine I decided to only have one strip of the flora print in the center with the other two colors mirroring each other on either side of the floral print.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPdSvRXfqY0/TgerziiNOZI/AAAAAAAAAQM/gh61n1KdhHc/s1600/DSC01315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPdSvRXfqY0/TgerziiNOZI/AAAAAAAAAQM/gh61n1KdhHc/s320/DSC01315.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once you decide how you want it to look then take the end strip (on either side) and lay it RST on top of the 2nd strip and use a few pins to secure it. If any of your strips have a directional design be sure you sew it together with this in mind!</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vyL4uqjUOAU/TgesExG8ZLI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/74bK-yF1uxc/s1600/DSC01317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vyL4uqjUOAU/TgesExG8ZLI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/74bK-yF1uxc/s320/DSC01317.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vyL4uqjUOAU/TgesExG8ZLI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/74bK-yF1uxc/s1600/DSC01317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> - Now sew the strips together and press the seams open</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vUzQVz32bBQ/TgesfGBiKGI/AAAAAAAAAQU/hCn2IaaqySo/s1600/DSC01318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vUzQVz32bBQ/TgesfGBiKGI/AAAAAAAAAQU/hCn2IaaqySo/s320/DSC01318.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> - Now do the same with the remaining strips in the order you laid them out being sure to take any design direction into consideration. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lAE8ZBA0epU/Tgesxj_HtBI/AAAAAAAAAQY/5nkTyAkD3WE/s1600/DSC01320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lAE8ZBA0epU/Tgesxj_HtBI/AAAAAAAAAQY/5nkTyAkD3WE/s320/DSC01320.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nurhgj2cN18/Tgetad9K7mI/AAAAAAAAAQc/8yX4cmQYY5o/s1600/DSC01322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nurhgj2cN18/Tgetad9K7mI/AAAAAAAAAQc/8yX4cmQYY5o/s320/DSC01322.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> - Press all seams open then turn it over and press the front too. Take care not to twist the iron too much or you may stretch the design out of whack.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_F2zRpyg1BI/Tget5uXEuLI/AAAAAAAAAQg/yCj6eksRdQw/s1600/DSC01327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_F2zRpyg1BI/Tget5uXEuLI/AAAAAAAAAQg/yCj6eksRdQw/s320/DSC01327.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> - Trim the short ends and try to make it square with the long sides</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eJzwHS25z1Y/TgeuV9lj6eI/AAAAAAAAAQk/i7H-cljf2Ro/s1600/DSC01329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eJzwHS25z1Y/TgeuV9lj6eI/AAAAAAAAAQk/i7H-cljf2Ro/s320/DSC01329.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> - Since I used the whole length of the fat quarters I cut my strips into thirds giving me 3 mug rug tops!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PWALTZXD_2k/TgeywI2p3RI/AAAAAAAAAQs/uzR5npUWWI8/s1600/DSC01333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PWALTZXD_2k/TgeywI2p3RI/AAAAAAAAAQs/uzR5npUWWI8/s320/DSC01333.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> - Next I added a plain white cotton strip around each side - my strips were 1" wide. I sewed a scant 1/4" seam on these strips. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gWbnRFNbTGI/TgezFPH1kMI/AAAAAAAAAQw/mO-jYiHj2iU/s1600/DSC01335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gWbnRFNbTGI/TgezFPH1kMI/AAAAAAAAAQw/mO-jYiHj2iU/s320/DSC01335.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trim the extra ends on all four strips</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6HJiMKSMjyE/Tgezhs0iQYI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/_u1bbaZRcg8/s1600/DSC01337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6HJiMKSMjyE/Tgezhs0iQYI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/_u1bbaZRcg8/s320/DSC01337.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Press seams open on the back and press the front as well<br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">- The next step isn't as important as others but I simply did it to square up the mug rug top. I went around and evened out the white strips I just sewed on all the way around. I used the ruler and lined up the decorative fabrics on one line and trimmed off any excess white left over on the top of the ruler. </div><div style="text-align: center;">(see how little there was)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pxJ4HLcruhM/Th47OdViYkI/AAAAAAAAAVU/XSASRjPOKao/s1600/mug+rug+trimming+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pxJ4HLcruhM/Th47OdViYkI/AAAAAAAAAVU/XSASRjPOKao/s320/mug+rug+trimming+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nNSPXpCbsws/Th45xl38V7I/AAAAAAAAAVM/r0FnqD5NPQM/s1600/trimming+mug+rug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">- Now you can measure the mug rug top and cut your fusible fleece and backing fabric the same size. </div><div style="text-align: center;">- Lay the fleece on the back of the mug rug top with shiny bumpy side down onto the back. Iron per the instructions that came with the fusible fleece. </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yN4epeLxyYA/Tge0ZlElxcI/AAAAAAAAARA/qKP4gFIGvuQ/s1600/DSC01342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yN4epeLxyYA/Tge0ZlElxcI/AAAAAAAAARA/qKP4gFIGvuQ/s320/DSC01342.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b> -</b> After fusing the fleece lay the backing fabric RST on the mug rug up and pin to secure. Using a marking pencil make a mark in the middle of one short side about 2 inches in and again 3 inches later. I also place a pin at each mark to remind me NOT to sew in this 3 inch section because this is where you will be turning it inside out after sewing the other sides. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>- </b>Start sewing at one of the marks and sew around the mug rug until you come back around to the other mark/pin and back stitch. I usually secure both ends with back stitching. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oIr8iE3f8PE/TgfI1hJJhmI/AAAAAAAAARI/9nLt-dgFc6Y/s1600/DSC01370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oIr8iE3f8PE/TgfI1hJJhmI/AAAAAAAAARI/9nLt-dgFc6Y/s320/DSC01370.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ALaITGaYNOE/TgfJMHoEmfI/AAAAAAAAARM/jTin8Xf70gY/s1600/DSC01371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ALaITGaYNOE/TgfJMHoEmfI/AAAAAAAAARM/jTin8Xf70gY/s320/DSC01371.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't pay any attention to the fact I didn't start sewing the front & back together at the correct place - I did give correct instructions above!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"> <b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">- Turn it inside out and push out the corners - I use the best tool ever - the <a href="http://www.unitednotions.com/un-ss_crystal-pressNP_0309.pdf"><b>Crystal Point Turner by Crystal Press</b></a> - it makes turning corners so easy and it never pokes through the fabric! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YitWM-5vG2I/TgfKJIkvYLI/AAAAAAAAARY/9Z0IzMaFEVk/s1600/DSC01376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YitWM-5vG2I/TgfKJIkvYLI/AAAAAAAAARY/9Z0IzMaFEVk/s320/DSC01376.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">- Press the whole mug rug front and back paying special attention to the open section. I suggest folding the opening edges over to match what was already sewn and press well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VTqIbo2_7-o/TgfKcqHSX6I/AAAAAAAAARc/8nefZIYSuro/s1600/DSC01377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VTqIbo2_7-o/TgfKcqHSX6I/AAAAAAAAARc/8nefZIYSuro/s320/DSC01377.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nMohBl7e8qg/TgfQAZjfgVI/AAAAAAAAARg/TNFXnrl6tnE/s1600/DSC01394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gaipRsylgtw/TgfQxHaox0I/AAAAAAAAARo/gR-M3oQ5stA/s1600/DSC01381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gaipRsylgtw/TgfQxHaox0I/AAAAAAAAARo/gR-M3oQ5stA/s320/DSC01381.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">- Sew down the edges about 1/4" from the edge all around the top. Then go around again about 1/4" inside the first round of stitching. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">- Now for the quilting and decorating the plain vanilla back!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tslICgf0CGY/TgfYpgISiNI/AAAAAAAAASM/hNQFWxGSILk/s1600/DSC01384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tslICgf0CGY/TgfYpgISiNI/AAAAAAAAASM/hNQFWxGSILk/s320/DSC01384.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is my layout of the back side using some fussy cut flowers from the floral fabric on the front. I moved them around until I was satisfied with the design.and you can see I started sewing down the fussy cut flowers.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"> Then I spray basted the flowers onto the back. IF I was thinking ahead I would of used Wonder Under and fused that on before fussy cutting so I could easily fuse them down - now you don't have to make that mistake!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pxaaYswap-w/TgfRg8FHr_I/AAAAAAAAARw/R6RG0arFMl8/s1600/DSC01385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pxaaYswap-w/TgfRg8FHr_I/AAAAAAAAARw/R6RG0arFMl8/s320/DSC01385.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> I used my open free motion foot to sew around the edges of all flowers and leaves. Some of them I went around twice to give it a hand drawn look. I then went to the center and did that as well so the design that came out on the front would look more like a flower. This is an easy way to get a quilt design on the front without using stencils or drawing it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aNfkE1-jkaI/TgfRw8BsQEI/AAAAAAAAAR0/27B7yincf6c/s1600/DSC01387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aNfkE1-jkaI/TgfRw8BsQEI/AAAAAAAAAR0/27B7yincf6c/s320/DSC01387.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I chose to make the back more of a shabby chic look. (Don't pay any attention to the line of holes..... that was another design I decided I rather not use. This is my mug rug so I won't bother complaining!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rfYIKFKuhrA/TgfSHMtMfwI/AAAAAAAAAR4/s4QmGMs5m1s/s1600/DSC01388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rfYIKFKuhrA/TgfSHMtMfwI/AAAAAAAAAR4/s4QmGMs5m1s/s320/DSC01388.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what the front looks like after sewing the flowers down on the back. Pretty darned cool if I say so myself!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">I think I may add a few more of the edge flowers on the back - who knows!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VTIl9nzOpG0/Tg6GWR_8OxI/AAAAAAAAATQ/8SqDzHkzEnM/s1600/DSC01410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VTIl9nzOpG0/Tg6GWR_8OxI/AAAAAAAAATQ/8SqDzHkzEnM/s320/DSC01410.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Szsm_mccakM/Tg6F6ue060I/AAAAAAAAATM/Mecls0lSLaY/s1600/DSC01411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Szsm_mccakM/Tg6F6ue060I/AAAAAAAAATM/Mecls0lSLaY/s320/DSC01411.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">That is the Flowers & Dots mug rug! If you have any questions just click on the contact me button and I will gladly answer! </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
P.S. This tutorial is for personal use only, thanks for understanding! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Ciao for now!</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Michele My Belle </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span id="goog_536107136"></span><span id="goog_536107137"></span></div>Michele McKayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06119442627636604643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145998213051682435.post-28085439981898387842011-05-06T12:30:00.000-07:002011-07-05T18:34:49.292-07:00What's next on the to do list?Yipee! I got my mother's quilt completed and mailed in time for Mother's day!! I also finished the crib quilt and another project I started in between those two..... you know, one of those impulse projects to clear the mind. Sometimes I have to stop working on a project because I get stuck and can't figure out what I want to do next on it - so I either hang it up to stare at daily or put it close by and start working on something else. This keeps it in sight so I can look at it and hope the next step will come to me. When it finally comes to me I can't help but shout "I GOT IT!" and by now my husband and son know that means I'm about to hit the sewing machine like I'm in a race. But isn't that a great feeling?<br />
<br />
I compare it to my gardens I have around our yard. Not only do we have a fabulous vegetable garden, I also love to plant native plants and at least 1-2 almost native plants that bloom beautiful flowers the butterflies and birds like to visit. I plant them in hopes I will be rewarded with a yard full of green leaves and colorful flowers and butterflies flitting about or my favorite is our annual hummingbird visits. Hummingbirds totally fascinate me. I can't wait till they return for the summer. Back to the gardens, I have attached a picture of my passion flower vine blooming - I only planted it about 5-6 weeks ago and I am getting blooms daily! Plus I added a picture (not a great one, sorry) of the quilt I made for my mom. I know it isn't perfect but I like it. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j6a90U04vj0/TcRI5iaxKpI/AAAAAAAAAMg/L3Wl5bUbxmg/s1600/DSC00905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j6a90U04vj0/TcRI5iaxKpI/AAAAAAAAAMg/L3Wl5bUbxmg/s320/DSC00905.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Ga_dU-VExY/TcRJWWnUDnI/AAAAAAAAAMk/vuR7qMgg_Lw/s1600/DSC00901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Ga_dU-VExY/TcRJWWnUDnI/AAAAAAAAAMk/vuR7qMgg_Lw/s320/DSC00901.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Eb0Wo03U_t0/TcRJwhhOTxI/AAAAAAAAAMo/wKa4p-_bAwM/s1600/DSC00898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Eb0Wo03U_t0/TcRJwhhOTxI/AAAAAAAAAMo/wKa4p-_bAwM/s320/DSC00898.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Well, I better get busy taking pictures of my items to put on Etsy before I find something else I 'must' do. Hope you are having a fabulous day!<br />
<br />
CiaoMichele McKayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06119442627636604643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145998213051682435.post-17907696412847526322011-04-28T18:31:00.000-07:002011-04-28T18:31:49.838-07:00How many projects at once?I am writing this to see if I can somehow convince myself to get my partially finished projects done once and for all and then post them on my Etsy store!! <br />
<br />
I have a habit of starting a number of projects and jumping around from one to another until I finally finish one. Once I get one done I start to feel the pressure to finish the others which leaves me feeling so blah. Right now I'm in that mode - I have just a tiny bit to go to finish a Mother's day gift and I can't seem to make myself do it. Ugh.... Has anyone else had that problem? I can't figure out what the deal is, I mean I know I get a rush when I start something new and the anticipation of the completed results is exciting, but this is ridiculous! <br />
<br />
I have one crib size quilt that only needs some quilting done and it's ready to go. I have the Mother's day gift (a quilt) that only needs me to clip the extra threads that are hanging out and it's totally done. I see another quilt that needs quilting (I think) and the binding and it's done. Then in my stash over there I see a T-shirt I want to embroider on just sitting there all lonely and empty. I have a whole drawer full of material/scraps with patterns and ideas torn out of magazines waiting for me to decide <i>that project </i>is the one for me to work on now.<br />
<br />
I have a whole stash of items I <b>have</b> finished that I need to take pictures of and post on my Etsy store - I promised I would have this done by the first week in March and it's now the end of April. Wow, how time flies when one doesn't want to do something..... <br />
<br />
OK, maybe by writing this post I will get some motivation to finally get this all done. With all that slacker talk I have to point out in my favor that I did spend 6 days cleaning out/organizing/throwing out/donating so much stuff from our garage and house in the hopes it would make me more motivated to sew. It worked for a short time but the last few days have been busy at work so I have come home too tired to think about sewing.<br />
In fact I spent a whole 12 solid hours in our garage and I have to say it was well worth it. I found more stuff i can use for my sewing project - yipee! Great, just what I need......<br />
<br />
Well, with all this talk I am starting to feel some motivation to at least finish something tonight so I better get at it before that feeling evaporates.<br />
<br />
CiaoMichele McKayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06119442627636604643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145998213051682435.post-30033938334462890982011-04-15T20:20:00.000-07:002011-07-05T18:36:27.457-07:00Cat toy with catnip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EUlau0ycY-s/TakKr1ZmvFI/AAAAAAAAAMc/U21xhYilORM/s1600/Picture+542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EUlau0ycY-s/TakKr1ZmvFI/AAAAAAAAAMc/U21xhYilORM/s320/Picture+542.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>I made a hit with our cat when I handed him a cute and easy to make cat toy with catnip in it! He immediately attacked it, threw it around the room, chased it and attacked it again.<br />
<br />
Here is where I found the instructions for the <b><u><a href="http://sew4home.com/projects/fabric-art-a-accents/490-valentines-catnip-heart-mice">catnip heart mice</a> </u></b> - It went together so easy and quickly I think I'll make some for all my family & friends' cats. Shoot I may even make some for the animal shelter, I bet those poor cats would enjoy some catnip. I wonder if cats care about the fabric choice I make or if I even put on the eyes and whiskers? For our cat, Max, the only embellishment I did was the tail which I made with 6 inches of suede lace. I worry about him pulling off the eyes or whiskers and choking. If you have a cat (or a few) I suggest whipping one of these up to entertain them so they will give you some peace & quiet to sew! <br />
<br />
If you haven't been to the site <b><a href="http://sew4home.com/">Sew4Home</a></b> check it out - they have so many adorable patterns with easy to understand instructions. I check it out when I am trying to come up with a good gift idea or something to spiff up our house. <br />
<br />
CheersMichele McKayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06119442627636604643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8145998213051682435.post-17544039088229672902011-04-02T06:05:00.000-07:002011-04-02T06:05:50.843-07:00Spring is here !I LOVE springtime. The birds are chirping and flitting about, the trees and flowers are blooming, the weather is perfect and everyone seems so happy. My ideas are blooming as well and I am on a mission to sew as much as I can, when I'm not outside enjoying all the fabulous weather.<br />
<br />
Today my mission is to work on getting my own home-based business plan started. UGH, that does not sound as fun as sewing. I have a new book I've been reading - "Managing your business with <a href="http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/outlook-help/">Outlook 2003</a> for DUMMIES" - just my style. I always enjoy learning new things and reading the book reminds me of my college days, at least there isn't a test at the end - or is there? Again, that isn't as fun as sewing so I will take a few breaks and sew some more items for my Etsy store. Another project I have going right now is a quilt for my mother. It was supposed to be for her birthday which was about 6 weeks ago and obviously that didn't happen. So I told her I would be done with it by Mother's day for sure. I have the binding sewn on the front and now all I have to do is hand stitch it to the back which is my least favorite part and why it is just sitting there staring at me. If anyone has an easier way to do this please let me know. I also need to clean up the threads on the back but that is kind of fun to me, sort of a seek & find treasure hunt. I will post a picture of it after I get the binding done. I am quite happy with my free motion quilting, I am a quilter newbie so anything that works out as planned is a plus for me! Ok, now I need to get out and get my run over with so I can get back to working on my logo design and Outlook. I hope everyone gets the chance to go out and smell the roses. Cheers and happy sewing.Michele McKayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06119442627636604643noreply@blogger.com0