I know, I know. It has been a very long time since I posted. It has been months since I felt I had anything to say. Now, the New Year is coming upon us and it seems the perfect time to pick up my pencil and begin writing again.
Covid has changed many of our lives. This past year has been a tough one. I have lost quite a few people that I care about. Some due to Covid and others due to illness. This Christmas must have been so difficult for so very many. I wish you all the best and hope we can get past this very difficult time.
At the moment we are shoveling out 12" of snow. The wind is blowing about 50 miles an hour and it is 20 degrees below zero. Dennis and I have been tag-teaming the shoveling all day. What a lot of work! I feel blessed to have a warm house and no need to go anywhere! I am in my basement sewing space planning my next project! Life is pretty easy for me.
Meet Maeve
On to happier things. I fell in love with bag-making this year. So much so, that I purchased an industrial machine. I named her Maeve, which means "the cause of great joy". Oh my, what a difference and she does bring joy! I can sew through anything!
Maeve and I have been busy. These are just a few of the bags I have made in the past few months. I was gifted a large number of designer fabrics from a home decor business. I also have been recycling lots of leather. Most of these bags are from those pieces along with some vegan leather. I have learned a lot this year.
I love technology and I try to stay informed. I have to say I enjoy TikTok. There are some great sewing tips and recipes. I am impressed with all of the young people making videos about sewing. I think the pandemic started people sewing masks and many people got interested in making all sorts of things. There are a lot of sewing tips I wasn't aware of on TokTok. I chose a Tic Tok recipe which is below for Thanksgiving that got raves. I will keep scoping out any videos I find interesting to share with you going forward.
Good Tools
I have always enjoyed taking things apart and putting them back together. So interesting!
Recently, I bought an industrial sewing machine, Consew 206RB-5, and because of that, I needed to learn how to make adjustments, etc. I found it was almost impossible to undo any of the screws. They must have been put on with an air wrench. I went online and I found Chapman Tools. They are perfect for sewing machines, any sewing machine. They come with all the bits that I need to get inside and they’re made so they can get into tiny spaces as well. If you’re looking for something special as far as tools go I suggest Chapman Manufacturing: https://chapmanmfg.com
I chose the 9600 sets. I paid about $36 for it.
As you can see in the photo of the tips the run the entire width of the screw that you’re trying to unscrew there for the whole lot harder to stripped screw as you’re pulling it out and just works great
Scissors
If you’re looking for a great scissors
Karen K Buckley's scissors are wonderful. The larger one has a tiny serrated edge to it so it really grabs the fabric as you’re cutting and also s wonderful for getting in those tiny spots that need a little snip.
For now, I give you my Irish goodbye and wish you the very best New Year!
Rita
My sister, daughter, and I opened an online fabric store, Fabric Sister's Three, in January 2021. We feature Kaffe Fasset. Tula Pink and Hoffman fabrics. Our January special is 20% off Tula kits. Click the picture for the link.
Recipe Of The Month
Vegetable recipe from @windinecooklove
I found this recipe for vegetables and made it for Thanksgiving. It was a hit. It looked beautiful on the plate, delicious, easy, and quick to make.
Beets - 3
Sweet potatoes - 3
Brussel sprouts - 12
Red Onion
Olive Oil
Kosher Salt
Herbs de Provance
“All that you touch
You Change.
All that you Change
Changes you.
The only lasting truth
is Change.
God is Change.”
― Octavia E. Butler