Dear Jane Block A1

Dear Jane Block A1: Pinwheel Gone Awry
Machine Pieced on Bernina 350PE
Completed 08.09.2013

Completed my first Dear Jane Block. Machine pieced using my Bernina 350PE. The instructions provided with the BOM from Stitchin' Heaven were a breeze. And I must have followed the instructions well, as my points came out just perfect.
Next Block: A2

Dear Jane 2013 BOM #1

My first Dear Jane BOM packaged arrived in the mailbox today from Stitchin' Heaven in Mineola, TX. Neatly packaged in a plastic zip top bag : a cover letter, pattern/instructions for 8 blocks and 2 triangles, a oh so nice crème background and fabrics for the blocks. Oh I can't wait to get stitching. But alas, that won't happen until later in the week. But just had to share. Cheers!

A New Adventure: Dear Jane

Several years ago, I came across a blog about the popular Civil War Era Quilt, Dear Jane. I bought the Dear Jane book, soon followed by the purchase of the Dear Jane Software. As I visited quilt shops in the area, I picked up Civil War Reproduction Fat Quarters, as well as a bolt of natural (unbleached) muslin, with the intent of making this quilt. Well, 10 years later, I have yet to start on Dear Jane. Then came a blog entry from my friend Kwilty Kim of Thread Heads Unite. Stitchin Heaven was offering a Dear Jane Block of the Month (BOM). Seriously! I didn't have to pick out fabric! I didn't have to decide which to work next! It was perfect. So starting this month I should have a package and begin my Dear Jane adventure.

Stop back to see my progress and get a glimpse of the kits from Stitchin' Heaven.

Happy Stitching.

Vegetarian Chocolate Cake (using a box cake mix)

My husband is a vegatarian - he eats eggs, but no meat or fish - and the one item we've been missing is dessert. There are pies (if made with vegetable based products), dry cookies and other non-fun desserts. So today I venture into trying out a modified box mix: 1 Duncan Hines Devil Food Cake Mix 1 1/4 cup water (as noted on the box) 1/2 c Vegetable oil (as noted on the box) To replace the 3 eggs noted on the box: 3 Tbsp White Vinegar 3 Tbsp Water Water 3 Tsp Baking Powder And 1/4 cup of sour cream (I always add this to a box mix for moisture and density) Mix a cake mix, water, sour cream and vegetable oil together on low for 30 seconds with hand mixer (or however long directions noted on box for initial mix). In a separate bowl mix the vinegar water and baking power. It will get foamy and fizzy. Add this to the batter and mix for the amount of time noted on the box. In this instance it was two minutes. The batter got airy and looked delish! Follow pan prep and baking instructions on box.

My Viking Huskylock S25 Has Arrived

I have been wanting to have a coverstitch machine for many years now. And after completing a custom sewing project (a girl's applique tshirt and ruffle skirt) I decided it was time to start hunting. I however determined I did not have room for a 4th machine. So looked for a serger/coverstich combo. I took fabric with me to test drive - including the heavy #12 duck fabric I use to make Cornhole/Bean Bags. I wanted to ensure that I would not be giving up a sure thing by adding some bells and whistles.

I landed on the Viking Huskylock S25. I traded in my Viking Huskylock 910 and brought home the S25 a few days ago. In addition to the coverstich capability, I liked how smooth and quiet it stitched, the extra space in the throat area and the bright/updated lighting. I hesitated as I wondered whether having no free-arm would be an issue. But in thinking about the how I've used my serger in the past, it really is not a must for me. Even with a free-arm on the 910 (to slip a sleeve over and stitch), I didn't use it. The S25 has a bigger footprint than my 910, but still works with the Horn cabinet I have. And as a bonus, the S25 comes with the sew steady clear acrylic table. Love that!

While I have yet to stitch on it at home, I have a few projects in mind to test it out. In the works are:

* shortening a couple of t-shirts (for coverstitch)
* a couple Cuddle Scarves
* a Serge and Merge Quilt


Happy Stitching!

Snowflakes for Sandy Hook Elementary

The Connecticut PTSA will be creating a winter wonderland in the school to welcome Sandy Hook students back after winter break.

Want to help?

Stitch up a free-standing snowflaks on your embroidery machine.

Need a pattern?

Embroidery Library is offering one of their designs for free.

Send snowflakes to so they arrive BY January 12, 2013:

Connecticut PTSA
60 Connolly Parkway
Building 12, Suite 103
Hamden, CT 06514

Happy Stitching!

My Bernina 750 QE has arrived !

I am so excited. It's a wonder I have slept. Why, you may ask. Well, my new Bernina 750QE has arrived.

I have been saving for quite some time, trading in a Bernina 185QEE and with thinning the herd (aka selling my multiple machines on ebay) I was able to buy the new machine without having to take out a loan or use a credit card (whooo hooo!). My herd now consists of a Viking 910 Serger, Bernina 350 PE (3/4 size machine) and the Bernina 750QE.

Word of warning, when picking up your new machine, be sure to bring a car with lots of room. The 750QE came in two boxes that filled up the back of my Dodge Journey (a mid-size SUV) with the third seat down. The largest box, which held the machine itself was at least 4' x 4' x 4'. The embroidery unit came in a second box that meaured 4' x 4' x 16". The size and packing are by no means a negative. A true positive. They are well-packed, with all accessories, manuals and cds easily identifiable.

So glad my hubby saw me packing and shipping several machines ahead of time, or I'm sure there would have been a dicussion on what the heck I thought I was doing.

I'm off to play with the machine. Have a craft show on Nov 4th, for which I need to sew sew sew.

Stop back for my review of the Bernina 750QE.