An 'all manner of stuff' catch up!

Hello people, are there any of you still there?

I have lost count of the number of times I've planned to write a post over the last couple of weeks - the longer it's gone on the harder it is to get started. 

What can I tell you? I'm pants - I mean proper pants, not the kind of underwear your mother thought it was acceptable for you to get run over in (I never did understand that argument to be honest - and I've been run over in real life).  No, I mean sensible, keeping everything warm, no VPL, proper big pants. 

I would like to assure you I'll do better in the future - but I wouldn't hold your breath!  Life is tricksy.  And my beloved non-working days are not happening - sadly the organisation I work for is in a real place of uncertainty and it's all hands on deck.  What will be will be I guess.

Anyway, shall I actually tell you something sewing related?  Yep, OK then ...

One of the reasons I haven't had time to blog is because I have a new machine, I am in love.  Want to see her? ...

Ta, dah!



So I bought a Janome in the end - the TXL 607

I tried several machines - I'm so lucky to have a local sewing machine shop, Maidstone Sewing Centre.  One of the demonstrators, Sue, spent 2 separate mornings with me, letting me try different machines and showing me all the features.  I could have got a cheaper machine but this one has everything on my wishlist (including quilting extension table and all the extra quilting feet) so it's perfect for me. 

I know I'm really lucky to have it.  And she's a joy to work on, I put the buttonholes on my new skirt in minutes - bliss.  P says it's much quieter - partly the machine itself but mostly because it actually works and I've stopped swearing!

I've been trying all the stitches and having a good old play.  I haven't made much yet but I'm familiarising myself with her.  Oh, and thanks to Sue I've a bit more confidence with my overlocker too and I've been using that lots - mostly doing exciting stuff like cutting and neatening the bottom of P's golf trousers before I hem them properly - small steps!

I have even done some actual sewing - and I will blog about it properly (I promise, I promise) but I will just show you this one bag ... a commission from my nephew and niece (aged 6 and 2) for my sister-in-law's birthday today.

F is very into bird watching.  He bought his Daddy (my brother) a bird feeder
for his birthday in April because apparently 'he really wants one' - seriously!
This fabric (from my stash - result!) was perfect.

My new machine does a little bit of writing - this is the
exact wording F asked for.  And the heart shaped button is because
they love their Mammy.

A zipped pocket was essential because Mammy's carry
important stuff.

I can't tell you how chuffed I am to have been able to make a special present for F & A to give to their Mammy.  I love being an Auntie :)

I'll be back!
x

Update - Complete fail on my part, the tutorial I based the bag on is this brilliant one from Very Purple Person - terribly remiss of me not to mention it straight away.