Crafts after BC is good for the soul

Never been here before but love reading and looking at all the crafts!  I'm not really talented but like to dabble.........Nelia.......I agree with Bren....I love anything Angels, but your quilt is beautiful...(actually I'm not sure if it is a quilt or quilted angels.......just know that I love them!!)

Also, Jaz on the Embroidery Machine................stupid question..................I want to get one but don't have a clue about Embroidery...............does the machine do it for you or do I have to know what I am doing????

Neesie

SPAR.  Your wall picture is so colorful * interesting and lovely.

*

It would be perfect in the baby's room.  I'll send you  a  :  )

Good morning crafters.  Spar, I love the picture and the wreath.  JO, those necklaces are beautiful. 

Neesie, the machine does it for you.  It's all computerized.  You select the embroidery pattern you want from the menu and make sure you have the thread (embroidery) thread on the machine.  It will stop after each color and tell you to put in the new color.  My advice is to visit a sewing machine shop and ask them to demonstrate it on a machine for you.  You don't have to buy from them, just tell them that you are thinking about it.  I actually got my machine at Walmart and I've been happy with it ever since.  I did do some research on the internet though and alot of sewing/quilting sites gave the make and model I got some good reviews. 

The Brother machine I got is lightweight enough for me to take to quilting classes, self threads, has several quilting stitches, and does embroidery.  Its one of the nicest machines I've ever used without breaking the bank.  Of course, nothing compares to a Bernina!  But when you can't pay for something like a Bernina, this is very nice too.

Spar, you can probably go to the manufacturer's website and download the manual for your machine in PDF form.  I've done that before for an old Singer I got at a pawn shop one time.  Make sure you are using fresh thread and the right size/type needle for the fabric you are sewing.  Also, make sure you haven't missed a step in the threading flow.

Got to run, I'll check in a little later.

Also, take it to a local sewing machine repair if it continues after you've tried all the above.  I bet its a cheap ($50 or less) fix.  It probably wouldn't hurt to have it cleaned and oiled too if its been in storage for a while.

Here's the baby quilt I just finished (Amy Butler fabrics)

and a little closer up

I'm working on my windchines (thanks to Spar for the inspiration).  I've found all kinds of neat things to use!!

I'll take some pics when I'm done. 

Neesie .. I haven't done needlepoint in years .. geez, I didn't even know there were machines that could do it!

spar, i remember posting that craft pic of the fish with the bits and pieces hanging inside it.  I found it on the web and i thought you would like it because it had sea glass in it.  I think it would be great to make it in any shape you want.  The fish shape in that one is good because of the use of all of the bits of stuff that had washed up on the beach.  You could do a heart shaped one with little bits of stuff, like heart-shaped buttons, old keys, beads, old military medals from the 2nd hand store--i think hearts deserve medals!   You could even print out some small photos or images (like grandkids and pets), then cut them out, then laminate them in clear plastic and trim around them, and hang them within the chickenwire.  This project is neat because you can hang it flat on the wall, or out from the wall as a mobile that can turn in th breeze.  It sounds like you have many projects going on.  Have fun!!!

Here's the wallhanging I made as a wedding gift for this week's trip to Boston:

and here it is close up:

I still have to put the binding on it; I'll do that tonight while I watch TV. The pattern is called "Persian Puzzle" or "Lenten Cross."

Good morning fellow crafters.  Celia, love the mobiles.  Anna, gorgeous quilt!!  JO, your jewelry is beautiful.  Sorry I forgot to mention that removing your pics from photobucket would leave an orphan link in a post.    I'm off and running again.  I've joined the community center and am going to use this time to get back into shape and get rid of this weight I gained through and after treatment.  I've thought about getting a bicycle (regular not motorized) and joining a local bicycle club.  I'm not sure I have the endurance for that yet.  Does anyone cycle?  If so, what type of bicycle would you recommend?  I want one that won't give me too sore a bum. 

Good heavens!  I just want a plain old bike to ride.  I may go to some garage sales this weekend.  I wouldn't even consider spending over $100 for a bike.  I bet I can find a used one that will work just fine.