Sewing Tools in Antique Box

This is a really neat box I found in an antique store years ago. The unusual ends caught my eye.

When I opened it up- wow! Sewing machine feet that actually fit my Singer! I think the whole thing cost $10.00. It is lined in plum velveteen.

I don't know if the contents are original because the clips have numbers on them and only some of the attachments match up.

This collection of rolled hemmers all have corresponding numbers. Also in the box are a ruffler, zipper foot, seam guide, and quilting guide.
On the top of the box it is marked "patented 1889 February 19". Pretty neat!

Cute Pet Pictures

Here is our faithful rat, enjoying the pumpkins.

Stray alley kittens. Awfully cute, but too wild to catch.

Emma enjoying a balloon. No she did not turn 60.
She and her sister are alley kittens I did manage to catch.

Alice peeking at me.

The girls in a group hug.

Alice in a box.

Alice doing some screen time.

These are not pets. They visited our campsite in the Blue Ridge Mountains recently.

Oven Mitts-neat idea

This is an oven mitt given to me by my daughter's teacher at the end of the year to thank me for volunteering. Each child got to put a thumb print on the mitt (both sides are decorated). Then the teacher went back and wrote the names and made them look like bugs. What a neat way to thank someone for lending a helping hand!

How To: Miter Quilt Binding

This is a technique I've seen in books and workshops and only just decided to try it myself. It makes a really nice square corner on quilts, table runners, wall hanging etc.

Cut your bias strip (mine is 3" wide), fold in half wrong sides together and press. This is sometimes called a French binding. Sew to the wrong side of the quilt to within 1/2" of the corner.

Stop, cut the thread. Fold the binding to form a right angle away from the quilt.

Fold over the quilt, lining up with the edge again. This might look all wrong, but it actually works. Continue sewing until the next corner.

After sewing around whole piece, fold the binding to the front and at each corner, fold the fabric to create a miter.

Front.

Back.

I then either hand or machine stitch the binding. Makes such a nice corner!

Quilt Festival Entry-2009

I made this quilt for my sister's first baby (she had a girl). I am not a traditional hand quilter. I prefer to just start throwing fabric in a pile to see what goes together. I then start sewing pieces together and go with it wherever it takes me. This one is about 45"x45", a good size for a baby quilt. She can spread it on the floor for play time or cuddle up under it for reading. Mostly, I want it to be used and enjoyed! I like to use clothing fabric, home dec and quilting cottons all together because I think it adds interest. I dyed the purple myself in a jar of jello. I think it is such a cheerful happy quilt.

This is an entry in the quilt festival- http://parkcitygirl.blogspot.com

How To: Replace lined Patch Pockets

This coat still looks good and has many more years of wear left in it, but the front pocket linings were ripping which can be really annoying. I thread marked the top edges of each pocket. After removing the pockets, I saw this was somewhat unnecessary!

Pick off the lining and cut a new one for each pocket. Linings for patch pockets are smaller than the fabric pocket.

Sew the top edge of the lining and fabric together, right sides facing.

Folding down the top hem, match the sides and bottom and stitch, right sides together.

Leave one side open for turning.

Turn and press. Topstitch or hand sew to the jacket front, catching the turning hole.

The finished relined pockets!

Pink Applique Quilt Problem

This quilt was made by someone in my family on my dad's side. I don't know who or when. It has a few stains, and is not quilted all over. It was washed at some point (not me!) and the basting came out and the batting balled up. My problem is what to do with it? Do I take it apart and try to replace the batting and finish quilting it. Do I cut it up and use the good parts to make smaller items? As it is, it is hanging around taking up space. Help me decide what to do with it!

Thank you!

Evening Purse

I made this to take to an upcoming wedding. The directions came from the Spring 2008 issue of CraftStylish Quick to Sew from the publishers of Threads Magazine ( www.CraftStylish.com ). It really was quick to sew! I lined it in a black cotton because that was in my drawer already. Instead of a button and loop, I used a magnetic purse snap (not hard to attach) and a decorative vintage glass button that matches the fabric beautifully! Roomy enough to hold my usual purse contents plus my camera.

What's New At Cat Song Stitchery-Sling Bag Pattern

Roxy-The Sling Bag is a great size to take any where! Top zips securely shut, fully lined.

Two options: solid cloth or pieced. Free shipping because I e-mail the pattern directly to you.

If you don't want to sew one yourself, I have these samples for sale in my etsy shop too! http://catsongstitchery.etsy.com

Looking Ahead to Autumn 2009-Part2

I like to change decorations with the seasons. I recently dug out a few items that make me think of fall. This first one is a wall quilt that I made after I took a sashiko workshop a couple of years ago. I came home with the navy blue square and the quilt grew around it.

The colors make me think of autumn.

This group sits in a corner of my living room.

This is a small wool felt pillow I made with appliqued leaves. It was a fun, easy project. No pattern, I just cut out shapes, arranged them and stitched them down.

Hand Made Guitars

This has nothing to do with sewing, but my husband Marc Stockdon makes guitars in his spare time.

These are pictures of various stages of construction.

He uses solid wood, bone, shell, silver.

A ukulele.

Here are some examples of his work. So far he has made at least 60 instruments (including guitars, ukulele, mandolin and a gourd).

The man himself. He loves making instruments and knowing he is helping spread beautiful music through the world.


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