New Blog

Check out my new blog . . . SewWhatQuiltShop.blogspot.com

My new Blog

Hi, scrapbooking friends, and other visitors. I would like to invite you to visit my new blog Sew Perfectly Bagged . It is a blog for the sewing side of my crafting endeavors. Hope to see you there.

TTFN
Carol

Switching Gears for a Bit

Sew Mama Sew's blog is hosting a Sewing Machine Month, with all kinds of information on sewing machines, interviews, etc. As part of the kick off, they have requested that we blog about our sewing machines, providing reviews for others looking to purchase a new machine. They have a list of questions to answer to that end. Here are my responses:

What brand and model do you have? A Sears Kenmore Model 1960180 and a White Super Lock 503

How long have you had it? The Kenmore was purchased new somewhere around 1991 or 1992, so about 17 or 18 years. The White was also purchsed new, sometime in the late 70's or early 80's. Both are old but have served me well.

How much does that machine cost? New, they each cost about $800.

What types of things do you sew (i.e., quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)? LOL, all of the above. Lately it has been quilted handbags and accessories. I have used both in the construction of quilts, clothing, and home decor projects.

How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get? I take my crafting in spurts....I will go gung-ho, all out on one particular craft for a year or so, then I guess you could say I get burnt out. Sewing is no different. This year, so far, I have started and finished over 200 projects with my sewing machine, and I haven't even started on Christmas gifts yet. I lost my job in January, and have not been able to find work, so I have been getting by making handbags and accessories and selling them locally. I don't make a whole lot, and the time is also a factor, but most of the supplies I already had on hand. I, also, do a lot of upcycling of old clothing and home items like sheets and drapes, donated by friends and family, and make them into handbags and accessories. I really get a thrill out of seeing how many items I can make from an old pair of jeans or a shirt.

Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name? I guess you could say I am ambivalent toward my machines, each have different qualities that I like, some I hate and some I love. The Kenmore has 100 decorative stitches that I use a lot. The White is a three thread serger and is easy to use. One thing I really, really hate about the Kenmore is the fact that there is not much clearance between the presser foot and the throat plate. It makes it a little tough when sewing some of the thick seams that are characteristic of handbags and accessories, but works fine for machine quilting. The only thing I hate about the White is that it is a three-thread serger, which means I can only overcast stitch with it. I then have to go back and add a row of straight stitches for security measures on my seams. Do they have names? LOL, no, but I often refer to my sewing as "Driving Miss Daisy."

What features does your machine have that work well for you? See answer above....I kind of got ahead of myself. In addition, the Kenmore has adjustable feeddogs, a lot of standard accessories and feet that came with it, and the decorative stitches can be sewn in mirror image. The built in alphabet can be sewn in two sizes. It also has a button to move the needle up or down.

Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine? No.

Do you have a great story to tell about your machine? We want to hear it! Both of my machines have been used to teach my grandchildren to sew. As they become interested in sewing, Grandma makes sure they have the equipment and supplies they need. My daughter sews, but my daughter-in-law does not.

Would you recommend the machine to others? If so, why? If the machines were still in production, yes, I would definitely recommend both. Both are workhorses. If all you can afford is a used machine, definitely check Ebay or your local Goodwill or yard sales for these models. I have seen both on Ebay at one time or another.

What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine? I would suggest sitting down and listing all of the things you plan to make with your machine. Do you need one that will sew thick seams or that you can use for quilting? Or are you planning to use it for clothing and need embroidery features or special stitches like a stretch stitch? Will you be using it daily, occasionally, or once a year? Do you trust the brand you are buying? Also, consider the cost. Go with the machine that provides the most features you are looking for at a cost within your budget. Another thing, if you have your heart set on getting a machine that you know is not within your budget, watch the newspaper classifieds, sometimes you can find great deals on exactly what you are looking for in a machine at a greatly reduced price.

Do you have a dream machine? YES! I would love to have a Gammil Longarm and all the bells and whistles with it.

Unique Gift Idea

Did you know that the US Post Office has partnered with a company to print and mail out postcards for businesses and for personal use? I didn't until about a month ago when I was looking for something else. The good thing is, you upload your files, they print and mail them for you. The cost is somewhere around $1 each. Another good thing, the minimum number you can order is one postcard. You can learn more here

Anyway, I had this brainstorm. I had been wanting to do a calendar for 2009 using my scrapbooking supplies. So, I made a calendar - postcard size. But, this isn't just a calendar, it's a mini photo album. You can pop in pictures of the kids, dogs, cats, or whatever, and using the service offered by the post office, you can mail them to friends and family each month.

What better gift to give Grandma and Grandpa, Uncle Joe or Aunt Sally. who live far away? Keep them updated on the kids with a new picture each month. These postcard calendar pages will fit into a 4" X 6" frame, and can be displayed on their desk, wall or even the fridge. Want a preview of what they look like?

You can purchase this set of picture postcard/calendar pages for $2.99 at Raspberry Road Designs new store. Just click on the title to this post and it will take you there. As a bonus, I have included calendar pages for November and December 2008. Those pages are not include on the preview.

For a good cause - A Kit for Lilly

Here is an excerpt from the Raspberry Road blog:

I received a request about three weeks ago from a young lady who had heard that I do request kits for special circumstances. Lilly is a teenager who has a terrible illness but she has asked that no details be shared. She inquired about getting a kit designed that had fun colors but not too pastel. She loves doodles and the colors teal, orange and green so I had my basics down but found that I was needing something extra special to designs the papers with. I went to my usual stock photography place and right there under flowers was the most stunning and perfect set of flowers. I knew I had to have these so I contacted the artist and she was so gracious and allowed me to use these for such a good cause so make sure you check out the link to her site and say hi. Thank you magicmarie for the beautiful graphic and I know Lilly will appreciate it as well.Me and the girls have decided to donate the proceeds from the sale of all these things we design over the next few days to St. Jude in Memphis. They do such miraculous things there and I know that they work from donations.

Susan asked the Raspberry Girls to create a few quick pages for this project. The girls responded with an overwhelming number of pages, a keyplate album, and even some add-ons to the kit.

Go to Susan's blog to read more about this project and see previews of the kit, the add-ons, the quick pages made by the Raspberry Girls and everything else associated with this request kit. More items will be added over the next few days, so check back often. Please add this kit to your list of purchases, it is for a good cause.

I am hosting a challenge at Raspberry Road. It's a recipe challenge. Each month I will be sharing one of my family's favorite recipes on a designed 4x6 layout suitable for printing and adding to your recipe collection. The challenge is simple. I will assign an item to the numbers listed in the ingredient list. For instance, if the recipe calls for 1 cup sugar, 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup nuts, etc., the layout might have to include 1 frame, 1 ribbon, 1/2 circle.

Sound complicated? It's really not. I do hope you will come over to the new RRD forum and check out my challenge as well as the others the Raspberry Girls have cooked up for you. This month during the Grand Opening, there are lots of prizes to be won, games to play and challenges to meet. Come join us.

Time to Reflect and Give Thanks

How many times do you look back on your life and say, "I wish I had done things differently"? As I get older, I find myself reflecting on things I have done and accomplished in my life.
I have come to the conclusion that if I had done things differently at some point along the road that is my life, I wouldn't be who I am today. I have three wonderful children, who have blessed me with eight beautiful grandchildren. I have family and friends who love me for who I am, not what I can give them. I am not wealthy, by any means, but I live comfortably. And, I have my health. I am thankful for all of these things.

I am thankful for the people who have touched my life somewhere along the way. I am thankful for the freedoms that I enjoy in this great land called America. And, I am especially thankful for the service men and women and their families who give so much to keep our land free.

What are you thankful for? Take the time to tell someone you are thankful for their _____(help, love, encouragement......whatever, you fill in the blank). It only takes a moment to let someone know you appreciate all they do. Who knows, you might even brighten that person's day.

Thank you to all of the readers of my blog. I am especially greatful that you have taken a moment of your busy life to stop in and visit. I hope you feel comfortable enough to come back and visit again soon.

Great big cyber hugs to all of you.
Carol

Hi, everyone!

Guess what? It's November 1st. Do you know what November 1st is? It's National Scrapbooking Day.........It is the 1st birthday of Raspberry Road Designs......AND Raspberry Road is having their grand opening starting today. November 1 - 3, Susan has everything in the store is 50% off. WOW, her prices are extremely affordable on regular days, but for the next three days, everything is half off that price! If you get time, swing by the store . The Grand Opening celebration will be going on all month. There are great prizes for games, trivia, and challenges. It's an event you won't want to miss.

While you are on the site, check out the forum! We have lots of great challenges going this month. Stop in, register and say hello! Registration to the forum is free.

Announcement

Mark your calendar! Come join us for the grand opening of our new store. We have lots of surprises in store for you. Also, while you are there, join in on some of the new challenges on our forum. There are some great participation gifts lined up.

Leaves of Time Freebie QP

I made this layout of an old family picture using RRD's new kit "Leaves of Time." You will find the link to a freebie quick page below.

You can click on the title to the post or here to download. I hope you enjoy it.
As always, comments are much appreciated if you download.

Guest CT Call at RRD

Susan is looking for a few Guest CT's to help during the Grand Opening of the new Raspberry Road Designs website. You can click on the announcement to get a larger view of the CT Call.

Desktop Wallpaper/Calendar for November

You can pick up a freebie copy of this desktop wallpaper/calendar that I designed using Susan's latest kit, Fanciful Fall Collection, on her blog. I hope you enjoy it.

Blessings

This layout was made using Raspberry Road Designs new kit Blessings .

We all have blessings in our life. I have three that I am especially thankful for, my children. This is one of them, my daughter at age 3. She is all grown up now, and has shared with me two blessings of her own.

Pressed In Time Brag Book

This little jewel of a brag book was designed just for the Raspberry Road Designs blog. You can pick up this freebie on the RRD blog.

The kit used was Pressed in Time.

Pick of the Patch QP

I created another quick page using Raspberry Road Designs Pick of the Patch kit. This one will coordinate with the one I made and posted Saturday. Don't you just love these colors? Here's a preview and a link to the CT Blog where you can download the freebie.

Link to the CT Blog

New layout

WOOOHOOOOO! I accomplished something today. LOL, the first day I have off from work after putting in 42 hours in 4 days at work, I usually don't do anything except rest. Today, however, I was feeling creative. So, I made this layout of my grandson and his kindergarten teacher. This was his first crush. As he told his dad when asked what his new teacher was like, "Dad, she's HOT!" He learned a lot from a very caring lady that year, and his behavior improved tremendously.

For this layout, I used a template by Jill at JZDesigns. You can purchase her templates at Raspberry Road Designs new store. The kit I used is one of RRD's kits that you will be able to get free with purchase during the Grand Opening, starting November 1. The kit is called Higher Learning. I used nothing but the various papers from the kit in making this layout. But it is loaded with lots and lots of school related elements for all grades of school.

Pinch Box, BookMarks, and Gift Tags

Head on over to Raspberry Road Designs and pick up my latest projects. This time it's a pinch box with 2 gift tags and two bookmarks made using Pick of the Patch.

Here's a preview:

If you download, please leave a comment. We enjoy reading them.

New QP up

This little QP is being offered on the Raspberry Road CT Blog. I made it using Susan's Pick of the Patch, her latest kit, just in time for fall. Do you have a special photo that would be just right for this one? Swing by the CT blog and pick it up.

Saying Goodbye

No, I'm not going anywhere. My nephew is in the army and recently left for his latest tour of duty. I made this layout using Raspberry Road Designs Savoir Faire Collection . It seems as if we are always and forever saying goodbye to him. If you see this CJ, I miss you.

You can get a copy of the quick page for this layout on the Raspberry Road CT blog.

Happy Haunting!

Hi! Sorry I have been absent for a few days. I have been busy designing new projects for Raspberry Road and working my day job. Susan has a new website/store that will be opening on November 1 and we are all excited about the new things that will be happening there. All of our blogs, forum, gallery and the shoppe will be under one roof now. We are planning a HUGE Grand Opening Celebration, which will coincide with the 1st anniversary of Raspberry Road Designs. It's hard to believe it has been a whole year since Susan opened Raspberry Road.

Today, on Susan's blog you can pick up this cute little project I designed using her new kit Happy Haunting. This is a sample of a new line being introduced at the store called Printables. These will be quick little projects that can be printed from your own computer, assembled and used as gifts for all sorts of occasions. I had planned to show you a photo of my finished box, but my little ghostie took it home with him before I could take a picture. Anyway, today's freebie is a pinch box that would be perfect for your Halloween treats. Included in the zip are instructions for printing and assembling this box. You can swing by Raspberry Road and pick it up.

We would love to hear what you think of this new line, so if you download and use this project, please leave a comment.

Apple Festival

YAY! It's officially Fall, the time of harvest. Soon the farmer's markets across the country will be filling up with lots of fresh goodies. There will be pumpkins, fresh fruits and my favorite . . . apples.

Close to my home, there is a little town nestled in the North Georgia mountains, called Ellijay, Georgia. This sleepy little town, for most of the year is really a quiet, peaceful place to be. Until Fall, that is. In the Fall, apples are harvested from all of the orchards around this sleepy little town, and the town becomes a busy place. Along with the apple harvest, comes the annual Apple Festival. This is the 37th year for the festival in Ellijay. In honor of that occasion, I have created a quick page using Raspberry Road's new kit Apple Festival, you can get the kit on her blog.

Here is a preview of the quick page, which you can grab on the CT blog

If you are lucky enough to live where they are having an Apple Festival, why not gather up the family and check it out? You won't be disappointed.

Another QP

Here is another QP of mine that is posted on the Raspberry Road Designs blog. Hop on over and get your's and while you're there, check out the other offerings from Susan's store. :)

Thanks for visiting my blog! Be sure to leave some "love" if you download.

Saturday already?

Gosh, it's hard to believe that it's Saturday already. Another week has gone by and we are another week closer to the end of another year. It seems as I get older, the faster time has a way of slipping away. Do you ever get the feeling you are not accomplishing as much in the same amount of time? I do! To increase my self image, I have taken to making a list of the things I DO accomplish in a day's time. That way, when I look at my list, I can honestly say, "Look, you did accomplish a lot today!" Maybe I am expecting to accomplish more, but are my expectations reasonable?

Have you forgotten?

Today is the 7th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. I have not forgotten, have you?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpoudLoc8sY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_clidR7drg&feature=related

To all of our service men and women, firefighters, policemen. . . THANK YOU!

New Brag Book up at Raspberry Road

Susan has posted a new brag book of mine on her blog. I used her DeDe Collection kit for this one. I just love pink and green together, don'e you? I hope you will run on over and snatch it before it's gone.

Click on the title to get to Susan's blog.