Archives for January 2014

Sewing with Amy Butler Fabrics

Amy Butler fabric

At last I’ve got a sewing machine again. My Singer gave out over a year ago, and it was so old, I couldn’t find a replacement part.  But i love my new Bernina, although I’ve got a lot to learn (I spent 20 minutes just trying to thread it the first day.) I’m sure it’ll go quicker as I get more familiar with it, but right now, I feel like I’m sitting down at the control panel of a 727.

For my first project, I choose a pattern and some fabric by designer Amy Butler. Her patterns aren’t the easiest you’ll ever work with; Google her, and you’ll come up with comments about how doesn’t include enough details or pictures. I’m finding that my pattern didn’t call for nearly enough fusible interfacing. Apparently Amy’s bags need two layers of it, but I’ll make do with what i have and see how it goes.

Don’t you love these colors? I know they’re super-bright and loud, but the bag looks perfect for carrying around a couple of paperback books, your sunglasses, sunscreen. Okay, I know it’s January, but these beachy, tropical-hot colors make me want to go somewhere I can kick my shoes off and stick my toes in the sand.

Of course, Miss Paws and Molly are on hand to oversee how things are going with the new machine.

dogsonsofa

Not a tough job, holding down the sofa, but somebody’s got to supervise, right?