Here is some of the fun stuff I've been making with my new sewing machine. This machine is fantastic. It's computerized so I can download lots of decorative stitches and embroidery patterns. There are a ton of stitches already in the machine. I'm also taking Software classes so I can learn how to do digital imaging. Right now it's totally frying my brain, but I'm sure with practice I'll get the hang of it. There are ladies in the classes who have owned their Bernina machines for years and are retaking the classes. They have really been creative with their machines. I can't wait to get really good at it myself.
This is my Vera Bradley look-alike purse. It's lined and quilted using the free-motion quilting feature on my new machine. I used separating sport zippers so I could use zipper pieces to border the front and back outside pockets. I also added a zippered pouch on the inside.
This blue purse was made by embroidering pieces of fabric with computerized stitching patterns. Each piece was stitched together like a quilt. The base blue fabric was used to line the inside where I added five pockets. I like lots of pockets in a purse. I still have to add the handles which were supposed to be leather, but I'm thinking about making the handles myself.
This is the back of the purse. I just added a button on the front and a hair tie on the back for the closure.
This "Fish" bag is a nice large tote. I used variegated thread on the denim fabric to make a quilted effect and used the Ruffler Foot to make the matching ruffle. There are several large pockets in the lining. The fish applique was put on using a downloaded pattern so the machine did all the work. It would stop for me to add the fabric, stitch the outline, stop so I could trim off the excess fabric then stitch the decorative stitching around each piece. When finished I added some crystal bling. The only problem I had was when using the metallic thread which broke easily. After playing with the tension a little it sewed just fine.
I LOVE MY NEW BERNINA!!!!
Friday was the last sewing class day for Kierstin and Haley. They completed zippered pouches which turned out really nice. They did a great job of putting in their zippers, especially considering this was only their third class in sewing. After class we went out to lunch then off to JoAnn's Fabric store to buy some fabric so they could make pillow cases.
They picked out their own fabric and thread to match their rooms. Then we went to their house to set up Sherry's sewing machine and make pillow cases. It was a great learning experience for them. They did a great job and are excited about sewing. That's the idea. :)
Yesterday, I took Kierstin and Haley to their first ever sewing class at the Bernina Sewing Center of Lake Mary. They did a great job making pillow cases and even started their next days project which is a wall hanging organizer. I brought them home with me so we could use my machine to embroidery their names on their cases. Now they both want their own Bernina sewing machine.
It has three pockets on the inside and two outside pockets. I later added an additional insert with a magnetic snap for a large inside pocket. Sherry wanted just an "S" on the outside pockets. I also made a small matching make-up bag. I put her name on this one, but it isn't very noticeable using that thread on that fabric pattern. Maybe I should have used red or gold thread.
My next big project is an embroidered quilt using flower designs. I'll be going to a class on Saturday to learn about the software. Then we have one more class and we are then on our own to finish the embroidered squares to be put together and finished in September. The owner of Bernina, the manufacturer of my sewing machine, was visiting from Switzerland and stopped by the Sewing Center here in Lake Mary where I was taking a class. He was nice enough to autograph my sewing machine.
Sherry, Keith, Kierstin and Haley came over Sunday for some swim time on the lake. They brought their new blow-up island complete with center pool, cup holders and ice buckets. 
Everyone had a great time, especially the girls when John pulled them around the lake on tubes.
They even brought Reno who played in the lake "fishing" for most of the day.
They were also over on Saturday and brought some of the girls friends and parents. We feasted on fried chicken, all the trimmings and we even enjoyed some nice warm brownies, fresh from the oven. 
She began with getting the feel of the horse then did some trotting circles and changing diagonals. It had been several months since Haley had ridden, but it was like riding a bicycle. She's a natural for sure.
Velvet was a little strong at the canter, but Haley shortened her reins and sat back a little to settle her into a nicer slower canter. It was all starting to come back to her. There is a lot to think about when you're up there trying to get it all right.
Martin, the trainer asked her if she wanted to jump. I missed getting a shot of the good jump, but this trot over was cute. Haley admits that she has lots to learn, but who doesn't. Riding is a continual learning process even for the experts. She has lots of time to grow and improve.
Today is Haley and Kierstin's Thirteenth birthday. It's hard to believe that our sweet little girls are now teenagers. They are still our sweet girls. 
Kierstin wanted money for her present so she could go clothes shopping. I'm anxious to see what she buys. She has very good taste in clothes. We also gave the girls initial lockets with pictures inside and Brighton charm bracelets figuring that they are now young ladies and it's time they had some nice jewelry.
A family of Sandhill Cranes have been visiting us for years. They are now bringing their babies for a visit. Can you spot them? The daddy (facing me) is very protective of them, while the mother guides them to safe areas. 
Yesterday they brought their babies into our yard and were trying to reach the lake, so John opened the gate and led them into the back yard. They happily went through the gate and returned to their feeding grounds at the lake
