Sew With Me 2

New Blog

2011-01-16T10:17:00.002-06:00

This blog is closing and I hope you follow me over to

http://www.ourhillcountryretreat.blogspot.com/

Come follow me...

Bell Pepper Jelly Covers, et al

2010-09-30T05:51:00.000-05:00

I made and stitched out 24 bell pepper covers for my friend's Church Christmas Bazaar this saturday. I will start on Hannah's dress tomorrow!!

I am excited to get my student started on her new machine but she was sick and could not come to Wednesday's session. Next week will be good!

Happy Sewing, Pamie G.

Large Cricut Machine Cover

2010-09-16T09:28:00.000-05:00

I made a cover for my students' Mother's birthday present. She does scrapbooking, loves the color purple and is having a workshop today so it should be arriving during that time!

National Sewing Month starts today! September 1, 2010

2010-09-01T06:02:00.000-05:00

Today is the beginning of a celebration that lasts all months. I hope you get to sew some to celebrate this wonderful craft! Happy Sewing my friends! Pamie G.

Machine Embroidery and Sewing For Charity

2010-08-20T06:30:00.003-05:00

Busy teaching Rebecca how to sew and we are making animals for charity! Also embroidered two gifts for my neighbor's daughter's 20th birthday. She loved it and I am so proud of her. She has applied for Veterinary school. The monogram letters and the Veterinary logo were purchased from Embroidery Library. Loved it!

Red, Twisted, Batik Fabric.....

2010-08-04T06:16:00.001-05:00

I put two yards of two different color RED batik fabrics in the washer last night and then twisted them both into a ball with twist ties all over it and put it out on the deck to dry. You will see on Friday evening what I made out of it.....

Day 2 of Sewing with Rebecca

2010-07-29T21:31:00.001-05:00

Fabulous, wonderful, exciting, enthusiastic....all these words describe Rebecca today as she sat down for the first time at a sewing machine. Yesterday she completed cutting out two patterns of a baby elephant. Today we read the instructions again, made the appropriate markings, darts, etc. and sewed both of them together. She left with the biggest grin on her face, complete with a bag of stuffing and two elephants ready to be fattened and closed up. I am so proud of her! She is 35 years old and ready to conquer the world of sewing!

Karen, I would love it if you lived near by and we would get you sewing in no time! You are so talented, I know you would take it on with the same enthusiasm that Rebecca did!

Happy Sewing my friends....life is good!

Teaching the basics of Sewing

2010-07-29T06:02:00.001-05:00

Today I sat with a very smart and beautiful young lady and taught her the basics of pattern reading and cutting out a pattern. Tomorrow we will take that concept one step further and make cute two piece stuffed animals and make two baby gifts for two of her friends! Thanks Rebecca for brightening up my sewing studio!

Wednesday is for Studio -- Craft or Sew

2010-07-27T21:54:00.000-05:00

I have been feeling kind of sad about owning such a beautiful studio and not using it because I stay so busy in my home and property that I declare Wednesday Craft or Sewing Day -- I am heading down to the studio at 7am until 4pm every wednesday! I have spoken!

50th Birthday

2010-07-10T21:12:00.000-05:00

My sweet and kind husband bought me the Baby Lock Ellegante 2 Sewing and Embroidery Combo machine. It is awesome!! I used it today for the first time and embroidered a beautiful gymnast on a shirt for my sweet granddaughter, Hannah!

Surprise for my 50th Birthday

2010-06-13T06:44:00.000-05:00

I have a surprise to share with everyone on my 50th....my husband has given me the very best present!!

Gardening vs Sewing....sigh!

2010-06-03T06:49:00.000-05:00

I was surprised this morning that I had not written here since March!! When gardening season is here, my sewing is set aside with the exception of the group I lead here in our small town with the American Sewing Guild, San Antonio Chapter.

Tomorrow we will once again support "Options for Women" by making diaper bags for their Mothers. Also, the director of this fabulous organization will surprise one of our most giving members with a personal thank you by coming to our meeting. This special person has made over 25 knit/crochet hats for their babies in the last two months. "Options for Women" does not just hand these items over, they are given coupons so when they bring their babies to greet the volunteers (to show they chose life over abortion), they are rewarded with layettes. They also provide options such as adoption as well. God Bless them and to the young Mothers with the courage they must have to turn to these wonderful ladies for help!

Embroidery Library -- Recycling sweaters!

2010-03-24T06:07:00.000-05:00

I received this in my email this morning! This is so fabulous, I might just have to try this! Have a happy sewing day my friends!

http://www.emblibrary.com/EL/elprojects/SimpleProduct_ELP.aspx?CS_ProductID=PR1573&CS_Catalog=Elprojects

Sewing Day -- Holiday Day

2010-02-15T09:23:00.002-06:00

I am headed down to the studio to work on some Easter things for my little granddaughters. Hannah helped me pick out designs for all the girls yesterday, she is so sweet and so into the processing of embroidery and sewing. I think this will be a good year to teach her. I will start looking for a little machine for her that is kid friendly and basic just for straight line sewing and easy construction techniques. What do you think about age 6? I hope that is not too early as to discourage her. Happy Sewing my friends!

Pink and Red for my girls...

2010-02-11T13:02:00.004-06:00

I purchased cute little shirts at Target marked down to $1.50!!!!! I have them in the dryer right now and when they are done, I will take them down to the studio and make them so pretty for my three grandbabies! Dalcut Diecut Design embroidered on my machine today for my oldest granddaughter! We always tell Papa we want a poodle and he always says NO!

Quilt Guild Block of the Month

2010-02-08T18:42:00.001-06:00

I went down to the studio this afternoon in between storms and got my block cut out and quarter square triangles and 9 patch block sewed together, just have to put the rows together and done, ready two weeks before our meeting, yahoo!!! All finished!!!

Sewing Retreat

2010-02-02T20:23:00.000-06:00

Starting tomorrow thru Sunday, the girls arrive and four fabulous days and nights of no sleep, sewing and wine! Happy Sewing my friends, I can hardly wait to see the girls!!

Inchie Quilts

2010-01-29T20:25:00.000-06:00

While we were at International Quilt Market in Houston this past Fall, we met a really neat lady with a new (well new to us and her) method of making Quilts, Inchie Quilts by Nadine Ruggles. This is such an awesome method of having fun with embellishing and quilting dimentional one inch quilt squares and adding them to the backgrounds of fabric. JoJo and I are going to try this out next week at a Retreat being held at my new studio! Stop by and see what's happening at the top of the hill! Happy Quilting my friends!

Action at the Studio

2010-01-28T06:02:00.000-06:00

I have five boxes left out of the twenty boxes to unpack, yay!!!! My little studio is coming together and I can hardly wait until next week for our first retreat! My sweet friend is coming in from Mississippi and will be joining a few of us for five days of sewing fun!!! I will be down at the studio all day today! Happy Sewing Friends!

Let there be Satellite...

2010-01-26T07:46:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I managed to get all the boxes (20) except for 4 over to the studio and by way of my big truck. Don will be glad that he can reclaim the garage in a matter of a few days! Dishnet comes today to set up a dish on my studio and hook me up so I can get all the great creating shows while I work! I will head down to the studio in the afternoon when the temps are around 70ish and unpack until dinnertime. So much to do!!

Today is going to be fun!

2010-01-24T07:42:00.000-06:00

My dh is golfing so I am headed over to my Studio to spend the day getting it organized and maybe I will do a project! Happy Sewing my friends! Pamie G.

Many Hands make Light Work

2010-01-21T07:09:00.002-06:00

I was so blessed to have three friends over to unpack and organize my studio yesterday. Ruth really worked hard keeping us in line. My fabric cabinet is INCREDIBLE!! She organized the whole cabinet and even donated several bolts of fabric and flat folds of denim!! I am so excited to finally be on my way to have a great studio. I still have about twenty boxes in the garage that will come out this weekend. I hope and pray that there will be enough room!

I am knitting a preemie hat for my cousin's granddaughter. I tried something new other than purl, knit and stockinette. I tried the Seed Stitch and it is adorable!! My stitches are a little tight especially with this number 4 needle. I am afraid this is quite frustrating and going way too slow. I need to get it done and mailed while she is still a preemie!! I am also worried about sewing the back together when I am done. I hope I can accomplish this! I had hoped to make some matching booties but with the knitting going so slow, there might not be enough time. Lord give me patience on this!! Please excuse the feet!

Today is Studio Set-up Day

2010-01-20T09:02:00.001-06:00

I have three wonderful friends coming over to help me unpack and organize. I am so excited. I feel like creating is just around the corner!!! I love it! My husband will be so tickled to see that the money he spent having me a studio built is not going to waste! More later! Have a great day my sewing friends!

Preemie Hats

2010-01-13T16:32:00.000-06:00

My sweet little cousin is weighing in at 2.4 lbs this week!!! Praise the Lord. I am going to teach myself how to knit preemie hats and booties to send to her! Thank you God for allowing the family to keep her, we will always remember her little twin sister. Also God, thank you for filling my mind with charity and love, for this world will be a better place!

New Class Alert!

2010-01-13T09:27:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow will be my first time going to a new "Embroidery Club" in Austin. I am "sew" excited to venture out to this great Baby Lock Dealer's store "Sew Much More". I will post photos and information tomorrow!

American Sewing Guild

2010-01-08T20:08:00.000-06:00

Today was my first day leading the American Sewing Guild's New Braunfels Neighborhood Group, Wurst Sew-ers. We had so much fun. Our project was stuffed animals. We elected to give them to Options for Woman.net here in New Braunfels. We made 16 animals and had a wonderful lunch together. I think I am really going to like leading this group! I made the giraffe, isn't she just so cute!!! Happy Sewing! Pamie G.

Knitting for my Grandson

2009-12-30T20:45:00.000-06:00

The red, white and blue yarn I am using for my Grandson's scarf is really coming out awesome! He picked it out! Happy New Year my friends!

Studio Final Day of Contruction

2009-11-19T09:42:00.000-06:00

Today is "wrap it up day" for my studio/guest house. Odds and Ends are being done today by subs, Levalor guy is here to install blinds, subs will begin sealing all the tile today, drying tomorrow and move in day Saturday!!! I am so excited!!!!

Advent Calendar

2009-11-12T20:00:00.000-06:00

Happily, I worked on my calendar today. I hope to finish up the pockets in the early morning and sandwich it together for quilting. I really want to get this done and mailed to my sweet SIL for Christmas. Have a great sewing week my friends!

Sewing....I wish!

2009-11-09T06:18:00.000-06:00

I really need to get back to my advent calender so as to get it mailed before the 1st!

My studio is coming along nicely and the front door "Regatta Bay" blue I chose is stunning! Refrigerator was delivered this weekend and I will call Lowes today and place the order for window measurements for blinds. Things are really looking up! Make it a sewing day if you can! God Bless!

What am I working on?

2009-10-26T08:09:00.002-05:00

A Christmas Advent Calendar. I picked up two in our shop the other day. I saw it completed at festival and would love to have one for our home for the holidays! It is rainy and cold today so a good day to sew, do laundry and clean the kitchen! Make it a sewful day friends! Pamie G.

International Quilt Market Houston

2009-10-12T03:29:00.000-05:00

I am at our booth in Houston -- will post pictures later when I can get my chord to work.

what am I doing?

2009-09-29T08:38:00.000-05:00

Embroidering bell peppers on small blue gingham circles for pepper jelly hards for the church bazaar saturday for my friend!

one of my favorite designers -- Heather Bailey

2009-09-18T06:43:00.003-05:00

http://heatherbailey.typepad.com/heather_bailey/2009/09/s.html

She is just fabulous, I love following her blog!

San Antonio Quilt Show

2009-09-16T07:59:00.000-05:00

This weekend is the San Antonio Quilt Show at Live Oak in San Antonio. This is a wonderful show put on by the San Antonio Quilt Guild. Our shop will have a booth (The Quilt Haus). Please come by and see us! I am working on aprons today for us to wear! Happy Sewing! Pamie G.

ASG Sew Crazy Neighborhood Group

2009-09-07T22:15:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow nite, my friend Cathie and I, will be teaching this cute turkey made out of felt for our American Sewing Guild neighborhood group. We found this "free" project at

http://www.sewing.org/html/grand_gobbler.html

We made up all the kits for everyone so all they have to do is cut their pattern out and made the turkey, easy!!

Studio

2009-09-03T15:47:00.002-05:00

I am about a little over a month before my studio will be finished. I will be so happy to unbox all my sewing stuff. It has been way too long. We have been in our new home for four months and I am waiting patiently. Here is the latest photo!

Bow Tucks Bag

2009-08-20T05:57:00.003-05:00

I made this bag twice!! I used Bali Batiques and made one for my DIL Susan and one for myself! I just love it. I hope to make more in batiques when and if I can get permission to do that on a limited quantity. I am waiting to hear back from the company. Quiltsillustrated, designer Penny Sturges

I love this unknown quote...thanks to Between Naps on the Porch blog for sharing it!

2009-08-19T21:13:00.000-05:00

Come walk with me, along the sea, where dusk sits on the land. And search with me, for shells are free, and treasures hide in sand. (Author unknown)

Oh my Oh My Oh my

2009-08-19T06:02:00.002-05:00

It has been a whirlwind of a year! I packed my home in San Antonio in February and the storage unit became it's home. In March I put my home on the market (we had already purchased a new home in the hill country near Canyon Lake). The very next day I sold my home! We needed a day or two to realize what had happened! Since then, we have moved (packed prior to selling previous proved to be a huge success!!!!). We have added a new deck and my studio is being built as I type! I am glad to be back!! Sewing has been minimal. A purse here and there and some embroidery but in a couple of months I will move into my studio and be ready to tackle any sewing project. I hope all is well with you and yours!

It's been way too long...

2009-01-01T20:37:00.002-06:00

Challenges are upon us to complete UFOs for the year, what is yours??

Sewing is a Dream of Mine....

2008-07-16T06:35:00.002-05:00

Wow....have not posted since April! I have only accomplished one task of sewing since this time. In July, I made three Hanger Covers and jewelry bags to go inside of each one for our Carnival Cruise with two other couples. I made and monogrammed both girls' bags as gifts, they came out beautiful. Since that time I have been remodeling my patio and have not set foot into the sewing studio -- I hope to remedy that in August! I hope everyone is having a "sewing summer". God Bless!

Top Stitching Needle vs Universal Needle

2008-04-17T22:23:00.001-05:00

This is an excellent comparison on why one should use a Top Stitching Needle vs a Universal Needle!

http://pinkchalkstudio.com/blog/2008/04/15/why-use-a-topstitching-needle/

I love these smart people!!!!

Charm your way....thank you Moda!!

2008-04-08T21:45:00.001-05:00

Tonight I taught my good friends at Sew Crazy ASG group Moda Charm Pack sewing -- we had a lot of fun and I think everyone is quite challenged -- you go girls -- see you next month, I can hardly wait to see your progress!!!

"Framed Star" top completed today!

2008-04-06T19:33:00.002-05:00

While recuperating from surgery, I completed (pieced via machine) "Framed Star" from the "Little Charmers III" by Heather Mulder Peterson. I will be teaching Charm Square sewing and this will be one of many items in my Trunk Show on loan from "The Quilt Haus" in New Braunfels, Texas showcase. I am teaching at our local ASG Sew Crazy group this week in a two part Charm Square class. I really love using Charm Squares since they are 5" squares from a complete line of fabrics from Moda. This particular line is called "Posh" and the fabrics are luscious! I will quilt this one in between the first and second session that will be in May. Happy Quilting!

How many projects do you have going at once?

2008-03-25T06:09:00.002-05:00

I have three knitting projects going:
1. A scarf for Joshie -- Red, Blue and Varigated Blue
2. A scarf for Michael -- Red, White and Blue
3. A baby sweater for my neice's new baby due the end of April
4. A pieced and quilted table runner for an upcoming class that I will teach!

Along with the other 50 UFOs stacked in a box....what is a sewer/knitter to do....it's Spring and the backyard keeps calling me out to work but yet....

As my granddaughter and I proclaim....the Ocean calls us too.....

Life is grand!

A virtual washcloth sharing....

2008-03-18T23:37:00.003-05:00

My friend Karen keeps showing beautiful washcloths that she has knitted so I decided to knit one too in her honor! Happy Knitting, Pamie G.

*Newsflash****

2008-03-09T20:38:00.003-05:00

I finished my granddaughter's scarf! It is so cute and I can hardly wait to give it to her this week! This is the second wearable item I have knitted. The first one was leggings for Hannah for ballet class and now she has a beautiful scarf to wear too! It is by no means perfect with many flaws but I finished it!!!!

A True Artist

2008-03-03T07:45:00.003-06:00

I love the Artist in everyone. I love seeing it in my friends and get excited when I even see it in myself. I frequent this Artist' blog and I came across this beautiful photo of her Chicken's eggs in a basket along with yarn (named after her daughter) gathered together. I have always wanted to have a small farm and knit -- knitting has become my new favorite hobby and yes, I have finally accomplished this fabulous art (well not accomplished, at least got my hands working right) but the farm will probably never be, so Kristin, I will forever live thru your eyes of my dream that shall forever stay a dream. This city boy husband of mine provides me with everything a girl could possibly want but not the chickens, but hey, what more could I ask for! Thank you Kristin for allowing me to share this beautiful work of art and your blog with my reading public! God Bless!!!

Please visit Kristin's blog and you shall be lost in wonder for a little while.....the farm, her wonderful family, her art.... http://getting-stitched-on-the-farm.blogspot.com/

Dear Jane Retreat 2008 New Braunfels Texas

2008-03-01T21:28:00.002-06:00

My journey with Dear Jane began in October 1998 and I socialized with the whole idea for about ten years and only accomplished five blocks in blue and white fabrics. Today I attended a retreat and finally got to meet a very special person that I had chatted online and via landline but never in person, Brenda Papadakis. I was thrilled to finally get to meet the creator of Dear Jane and Dear Hannah books and someone who I had longed to meet for many years. Her journey's story is in the book "Dear Jane" and it is sort of a "diary" type book to Jane Stickle; whom you will read about in the book.

JoJo and I sat side by side with our sewing machines humming along making blocks in her classes. I brought my baby "green" featherweight and she was so good to me!!! 1965 Canadian beauty!

I made two blocks and one of them was very special. I was blessed with Brenda telling me the story of C-1 Trooper Green's Badge. Trooper Green was an Indianapolis' policemen who stopped a gentlemen for some basic reason and he had committed a murder and thought that Trooper Green was stopping him for that murder and killed him on the spot. This block is in memory of Trooper Green.

You can read about Dear Jane at http://www.dearjane.com/

Happy Sewing! Pamie G.

Serger club "1st" Meeting -- American Sewing Guild

2008-02-16T15:40:00.003-06:00

Do you have a personal relationship with your Serger? Well after today's class with Jan, I think I love her (Ms. Imagine) more than ever. Jan gave us the courage to explore this wonderful machine and make a beautiful potpourri bag out of the most gorgeous fabrics! When I think my brain was on overload, Jan managed to pack more sewing knowledge and I wanted to climb to the mountain top and shout -- I can do this!!!! What an awesome serger meeting!!! We learned how exactly this wonder of a machine worked, what the looper job was and needles -- we made samples of everything in this fabulous book that Jan made up for us and we even tackled a project. I did manage to get the outside of my bag done but now have to do the beautiful potpourri portion with a wonderful organza with gold specks in it. Photos are here!!! The first photo was our name tag and a wonderful way to check our wide and narrow hems, rolled hem and narrow edge hem as you can see by the four sides -- it was great to have this guide to compare our stitches to! The second photo is of all the samples plus the potpourri bag. The third one is of the bag and up close you can see the beautiful crocheted lace using the serger!!!!!

Knitting Well But Not Counting Well

2008-02-08T19:58:00.000-06:00

Today I was working nicely getting ready to do the 15th row of my "butterfly" washcloth and realized I had seven rows too many, this is crazy. I had purchased a counter that slides on the knitting needle and a needle to sew up Hannah's leggings and some yarn....yes more yarn, this is a sickness you know!! Well I had a short discussion with my husband about whether or not I should pull it all out and he reminded me of my anal tendencies' problem and I agreed, and I pulled it completely out and started again...but this time I will try a different pattern -- what is a novice knitter to do....not give up!!!

Hear Ye, Hear Ye...Knitting is Way Cool

2008-02-07T19:54:00.000-06:00

I finished Hannah's leggings -- they definitely are dress-up ones -lots of mistakes but fun to wear for her, I am sure she won't mind.

I started a butterfly (in relief) washcloth for Hannah for Valentine's Day -- knitting is way cool!!!
I love following a pattern!

Resolutions

2008-02-03T22:08:00.000-06:00

I am sharing my projects that I did in my classes at American Sewing Guild, San Antonio's chapter Resolution meeting yesterday. The red apron is two dish towels, the little bag is just two pieces of fabric with ribbon and a practice Trapunto flower -- just have to practice the stippling on it! You can read all about it on my main blog, http://www.pamieg.com/.

Also, I have been practicing binding off on my very first project. I decided to make Hannah leggings to go over her little ankles while she is dressed in her ballet outfit. I have finished knitting the first one and have to bind off and then sew them together. I did a garter stitch mainly but threw in the stockinette stitch in a couple of places. I tried the ribbing but it did not come out right, I need instruction and practice on that! Anyway, I think she will not notice all my mistakes on my first project! I hope this works, wish me luck!!

Newbie Knitter report on Yarn

2008-01-31T06:58:00.000-06:00

I bought a skein of "I love this Yarn" for $2.49 at Hobby Lobby and did a test on my opened end small needles and I love how it looks. At this point of not even finishing a single project yet and still practicing, I am in no way knowledgeable but I do like to share my thoughts (surprise, surprise). Well....I love this yarn!! This is first time using a solid color and it actually appeals so much more than variegated for a beginner but I did not think that before since I had fallen in love with every varigated yarn I picked up! I wanted to pick up a solid color to try and follow a pattern in a new pattern book entitled "Garden Dishcloths for Knit" by Leisure Arts.

As you can see from the photograph on the book of the dishclothes, there are no color changes and the frog, lady bug, beehive, etc. is shown in relief (garter stitch) surrounded by the stockinette stitch and outlined with a border of the garter stitch.

I was reading about suggested yarns but decided that I needed to use what is best for me and there is no way to do that than practice with various kinds. My first bad experience was with Lion Brand Jiffy Variegated yarn -- it is a stunning variety of fall colors, however the skein itself had four or five huge balls of knots and seven or eight breaks (completed cut). I emailed there customer service and they were fabulous in responding immediately and asked me to send the label to them so there QC can check that lot and they will replace the skein. I love good customer service so I will go back to Lionbrand yarn again because I know that these things can happen. Unfortunately it was my first project (a scarf for Hannah) and I had just gotten my first lesson on the stockinette stitch but I was still picking up stitches and I figured it out this morning. I was pickint it up at the beginning where the yarn hangs down and apparently I was going in a loop that was part of the strand hanging down instead of next to the needle -- as you can see in the red yarn, I fixed that problem, hurray! I guess this has been a huge learning curve for me but with my good friends Nancy, Kathy and Judie, they have really been patient with me! I think too much and need to pull myself back a little!!! I am not giving this up. I started Hannah's scarf yesterday while I was waiting on xrays and my Ortho appointment and I found out about the audience that is produced by Knitting - I had a young man watching me and I offered him a skein of yarn and some needles and he said no thanks, he was just enjoying watching me. Before he left, he came over and said "by the way, what exactly are you doing" I laughed and said knitting and he said, wow!! I love young inquisitive people!!! I quickly explained that I was a beginner and that I found it quite peaceful -- that put a smile on his face and he said "have a good day"! And....in saying that I hope you do too!

Happy Knitting!

Knitting Lesson

2008-01-28T22:42:00.000-06:00

Knitting lesson today with my dear friend Kathy -- I wanted to cry....she was kind, patient and a very sweet dear friend -- she did not care if I did not get it, she just kept on trying and her praises were many -- I can now cast-on, knit and purl!!!! She made me take the 12 cast-ons exercise and take it out only to cast-on 24 more and then to start knitting (garter stitch) from there and then instructions on being creative and switching back and forth between the knitting and the purling -- I am excited -- no pictures this time until you have something real to see -- something that I can give as a gift to a very special little someone! Thank you Kathy -- you made me a very happy lady today! God Bless!

A great sewing day!

2008-01-26T20:35:00.000-06:00

I made two more reversible flap purses today for two very special girlfriends. Happy Birthday Michelle (today) and Lynda (on the 3rd). I think they were both surprised!! I used beautiful blackish grey cordurory and designs of roses and a monogram! I also used my Baby Lock Embellisher too to dress up the bottoms of the monograms with roving in pink and green -- cute cute cute!!!

Can you feel the movement???

2008-01-25T07:30:00.000-06:00

I spent all day yesterday going thru lots of stuff and making various piles and throwing stuff away in my sewing room. I sure have alot of stuff, can you relate? I am in here today getting ready to make it an all sewing day -- I have two birthday presents to make and I am excited! I hope you have a sewing Friday.

I watched Knitty Gritty on HGTV this morning at 6 and there was a fabulous designer (very young and smart), Jordana Paige on there showing her retro strawberry apron -- it was awesome. You can read about the this designer and get her apron pattern at:

http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/na_knitting/article/0,2025,DIY_14141_5495820,00.html

Jordana is known for her designer purses as well and you can read about her on her website at:

http://www.jordanapaige.com/

Have a great day!

okay...the truth be known...

2008-01-24T16:16:00.000-06:00

It is always healthy to laugh at oneself. While I patiently wait for friends to be available to teach me to knit, I watched a video and researched online and got this far. My friend told me today that I seemed to have picked up some stitches along the way, hence the ripples and the mere fact that I am running out of room on the knitting needle.....this is way too funny....soooooo Okay okay...I will start again tomorrow and count the cast-on's hehe.....I seem to have a learning curve as I get older, geeeeeee

here is my practice knit stitch project now...

Update on Knitting

2008-01-24T06:42:00.000-06:00

Here's the latest -- I finally stopped casting on and then pulling off. I decided to do a whole skein with the knit stitch to get my tension right. There are a couple of holes but I saw some really cute crocheted flowers so I will add those later, once I learn to crochet!! I am getting that lesson next week as well. I purchased crochet hooks and a couple of pamplets on crocheting for kids (my granddaughter of course!) and a guide to crocheting with all different stitches at Joanns) I have really enjoyed knitting but as you can see the skein is almost gone and I have no idea where to go from here or what to do with this once it is done! I do have a friend coming next week who has been knitting for over 30 years and she promises to get me in the right direction -- I am very excited about that. I love the colors of this yarn -- and it is so soft! I can see it serged on to the end of jeans -- really cool!

I have many hobbies so I am busy most days doing many things. It is so relaxing in the evening while DH is watching television to pick up my knitting -- I really hope I take this one step further -- one day at a time!

Until next time, Happy Knitting!

Reversible Flap Purse

2008-01-23T11:29:00.000-06:00

In our ASG Machine Embroidery club this month we made reversible flap purses. It was "sew" much fun. The Owl design is by HIA and the monogram is from my personal embroidery machine. This was an easy project and I can hardly wait to make more! Have a great day!

Go San Antonio Chapter of The American Sewing Guild

2008-01-18T19:05:00.000-06:00

Today I volunteered in our booth (The Creative Inspiration Sewing Expo) for The American Sewing Guild, San Antonio Chapter -- we had a blast. Our national project for ASG this year is "Anti-Ouch Pouch" Bag for recovering Breast Cancer patients. This bag looks like a purse hanging over your shoulder disquising it as a comfortable cushion/Pillow to keep you from banging yourself on something while recovering! We will probably end up making over 300 we hope this weekend -- I love working with all these girls, we are a great team. We are also working our membership booth and since it is ASG's 30th Anniversary this year, we are offering a membership of $30 for 2008 instead of the normal $40. That offer is for this weekend only and at The Creative Sewing Expo here in San Antonio. So come on out and visit us and join the best ASG group in the good ole USA!!!

I got it, I got it!!!!

2008-01-17T21:37:00.000-06:00

Yes indeed, I practiced and practiced and finally got the "knit" stitch after casting-on many different ways and finally accomplishing a simple, I got the knit stitch! Watch out Knitting World!!!!!

Karen....Look Familiar?

2008-01-14T21:00:00.000-06:00

Cast-On, Knit....

2008-01-14T20:32:00.000-06:00

Ready Set Go....... I was ready for the next step from casting-on and Nancy took the time to teach me the Knitting stitch today, I need practice but I think I get the steps, onward....

I attended my very first Fiber Artist of San Antonio meeting today and the guest speaker was a Yarn Shop owner of http://www.yarnivoresa.com/. I was so mesmurized by her lecture -- she was knowledgeable and a joy to listen to about her love for knitting and education about the different kinds of yarns, where they come from and what is most popular here in SAT. I can hardly wait to visit her shop -- I will report on it then! Keep on Knitting!!!

Simple is better for me...

2008-01-13T08:01:00.000-06:00

I was watching a "saved" DIY "Knitty Gritty" show last night and the instructor was teaching her method of casting on (yes I am still casting on -- it takes me a while to learn). I was stunned at the simpleness of it and how she just twists the yarn around one finger on her right hand and has the needle in her left hand and there it is....a perfect caston. With the needle in the left hand and your finger holding down the yarn, the yarn stays taunt enough to get it really even....I love it -- I love it....now can someone teach me how to knit or go from here, I am running out of needle length, hehe.....isn't it pretty how the varigation in the color of yarn moves from one end of the needle to the other....well as you can see, I have not gone further, I take things really slow...................

Finally something accomplished...

2008-01-11T19:00:00.000-06:00

I embroidered this beautiful HIA design on a basket cloth for my neighbor/friend and her dh to give their good friends who will be getting married tomorrow. The couple is in their 60s so I wanted to select something simple but elegant and this really seem to work and Mr. and Mrs. Z really liked it -- I know they will enjoy giving it tomorrow....I love doing this kind of work!

Kudos for American Sewing Guild

2008-01-09T06:07:00.001-06:00

I belong to the American Sewing Guild, San Antonio Chapter and I am proud to be a part of such a wonderful organization. Last night I attended the "Sew Crazy" neighborhood group and our group began our community service project for the year which is the "national" ASG project, "The Anti-Ouch Bag". This bag hangs like a purse on your shoulder for breast cancer patients as a pillow for comfort. I will try and get one of the photos that was taken last night while we were working. American Sewing Guild is a national organization and a wonderful organization to be a part of. So if you have one in your area, check them out. Their website is:
www.asg.org and our local chapter is: http://www.sanantonio-sews-asg.com/. Have a great day!

Knitting Lesson

2008-01-04T22:47:00.000-06:00

My good friend and neighbor, Nancy, gave me a lesson on casting on for Knitting today. I got it!!!! The multi-colored earth tone yarn I am using is just beautiful in a row of cast-ons (is that the right terminology?), I can hardly wait to see it in a purse or socks or something!!! I know...I know...I have high hopes!!! I practiced just casting on all evening and tomorrow when things are calm, I will watch my video and learn the next step. I really want to learn how to knit -- I know I can do this!!! O happy day! Thank you Nancy!!!

My Excuse for not Creating...what's yours?

2008-01-03T09:48:00.000-06:00

You see...I have this personal problem. I cannot create in a mess. So for those faithful followers who continue to come to my blog waiting patiently to see what I am creating, here is why? I have Christmas put away and up until 6am this morning, dh was still home for the holidays (need I say more) and youngest son is here but he will fly out this afternoon....and then I will tackle the horror of which you are about to see....the catch all from the holidays -- once the dust is settled, I will live in here for a while in a clean workable surface!! Confession is good even when you are not Catholic and a new year is a good time to admit what you whisper to yourself every day -- I NEED TO BETTER ORGANIZE MY LIFE!! I feel better -- do you?

Welcome

2008-01-01T00:37:00.001-06:00

Welcome to "Sew With Me" -- Grab a cup of coffee/tea/whatever you like and come into my Sewing Studio and become part of a world of creating. I hope to try new patterns (stash) and better utilize my sewing time to create for my home, friends and family. Please share your creations and any hints/comments you may have about sewing! Happy 2008!!!

Sew With Me 2

New Blog

Bell Pepper Jelly Covers, et al

Large Cricut Machine Cover

National Sewing Month starts today! September 1, 2010

Machine Embroidery and Sewing For Charity

Red, Twisted, Batik Fabric.....

Day 2 of Sewing with Rebecca

Teaching the basics of Sewing

Wednesday is for Studio -- Craft or Sew

50th Birthday

Surprise for my 50th Birthday

Gardening vs Sewing....sigh!

Embroidery Library -- Recycling sweaters!

Sewing Day -- Holiday Day

Pink and Red for my girls...

Quilt Guild Block of the Month

Sewing Retreat

Inchie Quilts

Action at the Studio

Let there be Satellite...

Today is going to be fun!

Many Hands make Light Work

Today is Studio Set-up Day

Preemie Hats

New Class Alert!

American Sewing Guild

Knitting for my Grandson

Studio Final Day of Contruction

Advent Calendar

Sewing....I wish!

What am I working on?

International Quilt Market Houston

what am I doing?

one of my favorite designers -- Heather Bailey

San Antonio Quilt Show

ASG Sew Crazy Neighborhood Group

Studio

Bow Tucks Bag

I love this unknown quote...thanks to Between Naps on the Porch blog for sharing it!

Oh my Oh My Oh my

It's been way too long...

Sewing is a Dream of Mine....

Top Stitching Needle vs Universal Needle

Charm your way....thank you Moda!!

"Framed Star" top completed today!

How many projects do you have going at once?

A virtual washcloth sharing....

*****Newsflash********

A True Artist

Dear Jane Retreat 2008 New Braunfels Texas

Serger club "1st" Meeting -- American Sewing Guild

Knitting Well But Not Counting Well

Hear Ye, Hear Ye...Knitting is Way Cool

Resolutions

Newbie Knitter report on Yarn

Knitting Lesson

A great sewing day!

Can you feel the movement???

okay...the truth be known...

Update on Knitting

Reversible Flap Purse

Go San Antonio Chapter of The American Sewing Guild

I got it, I got it!!!!

Karen....Look Familiar?

Cast-On, Knit....

Simple is better for me...

Finally something accomplished...

Kudos for American Sewing Guild

Knitting Lesson

My Excuse for not Creating...what's yours?

Welcome

*Newsflash****