Thanks for the tip on ordering the hardware from ebay or etsy. I am going to look on there. The zippered pouches and the crossbody bags make great birthday gifts for my girls to give to their friends. Now that I have made several of the zippered pouches, I can get them done pretty quickly. The first time I had to read and re-read the directions to make sure I was cutting the right size squares and following the directions just right. The only thing extra that I do is after I un-hoop the bag, I have started using the serger to go over the seams that hold it together. It feels more secure to me when I do that.
I haven't had a free minute to even look at the software today. And tonight my kids have their orchestra and chorus show so I won't have time tonight either. Maybe tomorrow I can spend a couple of hours with it.DIANE-- Yay on getting your software!!! I hope you figure it all out
Wish me luck, I need to convince dh to stop at Michael's with me today so I can use two 50% off coupons.
I made my kids go with me to use the 50% off coupons at Michaels. I give each of them an item, a coupon and some cash. That way we can use 3 of them. Also, did you know you can use the Joanns coupons there? Our Michaels will let you use both a Michaels coupon PLUS a Joanns coupn at check out.
I ended up buying the Designers Gallery Masterworks 2. So far, I find it very confusing. But my husband said he can explain some of it to me because it works like software he's used in the past. Plus, I am entitled to take some of their on-line classes. I am also looking for some of the video tutorials you can buy that explain the software too. Once I understand the software better I'll update you all on how I like it.
However, in small fuzzy print it said coupons are not allowed on books and we had to shop fast b/c we had to be on time for dd's teacher's conference so dh made his purchase (bunny slippers for dd's AG doll --$2.61) and I had to do a no go on the AG doll horse book b/c even at 50% off I thought it was pricey. I'll go back more with my 50% coupons though as I can stock up on colored pencils for birthday gifts for roll ups. I like to buy the twistable ones for roll ups so I don't have to worry about sharpeners.
But I did find some fabrics with tea cups and tea pots to use instead -- not quite as bright as what I originally envisioned, but hopefully it will look good. I would have gotten a hair further if the power had not gone out for an hour right after I did my placement stitch for my first applique -- thankfully my machine was undamaged.
from 8clawsandapaw Her monthly subscription ends Dec 9. I thought it would take me a good week or so, but I got them all in the 4 hours 
(well minus a few I would never use). I downloaded to an external hard drive and now all I have to do is organize them. I remember somebody asking a few weeks back about how long it took so I thought I would share.
discovered that after a major bobbin problem and 2 broken needles...never did that again. I actually need some extra bobbins but can't seem to get to the store where my husband bought it. I can't find bobbins for it at Joann's.
I had a bad pack of needles... Patience was acting up too, after I'd changed her needle when I broke the other... I really thought I'd bent her needle bar. About a week later, after trying one last time to see if her needle bar was bent, and cleaning the needle clap - on a whim, I decided to try a needle from a NEW package, and she was stitching beautifully again. Which led me to Mr. Rocket's attitude, I changed his needle and he was darn near perfect too. 
