Time for some serious sewing!

I bought a second machine today, a used Thompson Mini-Walking Foot semi-industrial. My Janome was having a hard time sewing through thicker fabrics on bags and clothing so I figured before I break it I should find a machine that can do what I need. Thank you Craigslist! I bought it from a retired seamstress who services and resells machines. I have already tested it out, patched some Carhartt pants for a friend. It did the job beautifully and quickly. So far this is a very easy machine, it only does a straight stitch which is perfect since the Janome has other fancy stitches for lighter fabrics. I am very happy with my purchase. It's time for some serious sewing!

My Next Project(s)

Update: I decided to return the book and buy a simple pattern. The book had patterns in the back but they needed to be enlarged 400%, and I do not have the ability to do that. I finished one "practice" skirt and will be posting the picture soon. Pretty happy with the turnout, I feel ready to use the nicer fabric.
I have been wanting to make an A-line skirt since I bought my machine. So I finally bought a book (patterns in the back) and some fabric. I start back to work next week and would LOVE to have a new skirt for the first day of school but I don't know if I will be able to get it done by then. One of the local fabric/yarn stores, Fancy Tiger, was having a sale today so I went there searching for the right fabric. This is what I came back with (along with some new sewing needles, knitting needles, and webbing):


I had seen this Moda fabric print by Sherbet Pips and instantly fell in love with it (I've seen those dogs somewhere before...). And I want to put a contrasting stripe on the bottom so I picked the Monaluna print.
The book I bought is Flirt Skirts:

I am also working on a small messenger bag for my dear friend Martha. I have almost finished it, but today I realized I was short one metal loop ring. I cannot find them locally so I had to order one off of Etsy. Here is the finished product:

Vintage Western Flyer

I found the most wonderful surprise yesterday when I got home from school... a vintage 1959 Western Flyer cruiser bike. I have been scanning Craigslist looking for the right bike and Jay found it yesterday. I will be working close enough to our house that I can ride my bike, but I was worried about leaving my mountain bike outside the school. Now I don't have to worry, while I think this cruiser is awesome, it will not be attractive to sticky fingers. Just need to find a basket for the front and a new bell. I'm a lucky girl!

Owl Tag Blankie

In addition to the Owl Softie, I made this tag blanket for my friend. I found this cute owl jersey print at Joanns and used a chocolate minky for texture on the backside.

Lovin' Summer

Today was spent weeding. Why does grass grow everywhere you don't want it, but won't grow where you do? Our vegetable garden is flourishing this year. Last year we had a very disappointing crop due to poor soil. So after adding some compost and manure our garden is very happy and producing a large amount of vegetables. This year we planted eggplant, zucchini, yellow squash, various tomatoes, poblano peppers, jalapenos, bell peppers, serrano chilies, and raspberries. Here are before and "after" pictures.

Owl Softie

So I spent the day making a stuffed owl for a friend. I made it from a www.AngelLeaDesigns.com pattern, which was very well done and easy to follow. This was my first attempt at appliqué, and to my surprise, not a complete failure. I made a "practice" owl, which was far from perfect but very lovable.

Then after a run to Joann's for some different interfacing I made the "real" owl:

I am pleased with the final product and will definitely be making this adorable owl again.

Meet the kids

I would like to first introduce our three dogs. Everyone thinks their dog(s) is the best dog(s). (And I am one of those people.) Ty is the Dalmatian, whose only fault is that he sheds the smallest hairs that stick to EVERYTHING. Batman and Peanut are the Jack Russell Terrorists oops I mean Terriers. My boyfriend thought he wanted three Jacks until he lived with three. It's a good thing that they have a very long life span because I believe these will be my last Jacks if he has a say in our next dog! They are very big dogs stuck in little bodies. They make me smile everyday.