Right in the middle of this project, my sewing machine started skipping stitches. It is not picking up the bobbin thread every time. I have changed the needle, disassembled the bobbin shuttle to clean it out and oil it, tightened the upped thread tension, loosened the upper thread tension, and every damn thing else I can think of to do, but the machine is still skipping stitches. Does anyone have any ideas here?
Project 365 Day 48
This is what I have always thought Arizona would look like. I could almost see the stagecoach and the band of Indians riding off in the distance.
Budget Report, Week 3 Cash Monday
This week we did a little better. We went out to breakfast at Cracker Barrel twice, went to lunch at a Chinese place once, bought a boatload of groceries (but it was SUCH a good SALE!). We filled the truck with fuel, and drove about 250 miles over to the Superstition Mountains on an all day sightseeing trip, where we paid for a guided tour of a gold mine, snacks and lunch at a ghost town (more on that later).
This morning we did the count, and have $28.52 left of our $300. So, this makes us at the end of week three, under budget by $25.95. So far, so good. And we’re not sitting here bored to tears, either.
Project 365 Day 47 Aprons Again
I’m still at it making aprons for Christmas. I LOVE how this one turned out. Project 365 Day 46 Boots
We drove over to the Superstition Mountains today. We stopped at the museum there and there was a cowboy dude there who had these kick ass boots on display.
Online Sewing Lesson #2 Bias Tape
This is the second online sewing lesson for my daughters:
Bias tape is just strips of fabric cut on the bias and folded. You can buy single fold bias tape and double fold bias tape. I like the double fold for most of my projects. It also comes in different widths. The size you buy will depend on the project you are making. For the aprons I have been working on, I bought extra wide.
You can also make your own bias tape. Basically, you just cut strips of fabric the width you need on the bias, or diagonally, of your fabric. Then, you fold it in half, then fold each side in half again towards the middle of the strip. You are then ready to attach it to the project. It is normally used to make a finished edge on the project. It works well for this because it has a lot of “give” and helps you go around corners and curves easily.
To attach the bias tape, open it out like this:
Sandwich the fabric of the project you are working on in the middle, like this:
You may have a project that has several layers of fabric, such as a quilt. I used bias tape that I made myself on this one, and sewed it on with a needle and thread:
Or, you may have only one layer, as in an apron, a skirt, or a blouse. I used purchased bias tape on this one, and sewed it on using the sewing machine:
Sometimes you might want to sew one edge on using the sewing machine, and then sew the second edge on using a needle and thread to make a “blind stitch”, or one that does not show on the outside of the garment or project. It just depends on the project.
Project 365 Day 45 Bias Tape
Bias tape comes in lots of colors. I have this crap coming out my ears this week.
Apron Strings
Have you ever read my “about me” thingy over in the right hand bar on my blog? Where it says I like to sew and quilt? Well, I do, and I love to make aprons. Mostly because I love to wear aprons.
When I used to work at a “real” job (you know, in an office, for a corporation) I used to wear really nice clothes to work. I loved nice blouses, and dresses. After work every day, I had to come home and make dinner. In order to keep those nice blouses and dresses looking nice, I started wearing aprons over them.
The problem with that, back in the late 70’s and thru the late 80’s, was that you could not find a decent apron. They all looked like Aunt Bea from the Andy Griffith Show. The ones I could find to buy were either hideously tacky, or really flimsy material, so I decided to make my own.
I have made and worn, and made and sold, hundreds of aprons over the years. When I make them, I don’t skimp on fabric, because if an apron doesn’t have enough fabric to cover your clothing, what is the point of wearing it?
This week I am making aprons. My friend Lynda told me that if I had any Christmas-y crafts to sell at the Christmas tree lot that I could, so I am making some Christmas aprons. But, the ones I made today are everyday aprons.
This one is cotton, green and white checks with a pink flower print. I used a light pink bias tape for the edge of the skirt. It is really cute:
It has a bib that fits over your head, and a long sash that ties in a bow:
It is big enough to cover a big grandma sized girl, and has two great big pockets on the front:
This one is black and white checks with sunflowers, and has yellow bias tape for the edging:
I couldn’t get FabGrandpa away from his computer game long enough to take a pic of me wearing it, but trust me, it is BIG too. It has three pockets across the front, and goes down to my knees. 
I am selling these at the tree lot, but if they don’t sell, I am going to put them on Etsy. If you’re interested in maybe purchasing one, let me know. If you want one, I have the two pictured for sale right now. They are $30 each and that includes shipping to you ( I can take paypal payments. I’ll be putting more on here as they are made. Thanks for your interest.
