Disboutiquers Part 29 Kids Disney Boutique / Customs Clothes psst..we sew ;-)

[PurpleEars]

I guess that my niece decided that she did like the dress because she wore to our belated Thanksgiving dinner tonight. But she wouldn't wear the pinafores. My BIL tried to get her to wear the Chanukah pinafore but told him that it was the wrong holiday. So my SIL tried to get her to wear the Goofy pinafore and told her that it was for their trip to Disney and she had to save it for the trip. She is definitely a kid with her own opinions!

I am glad that she decided she liked the dress afterall and she has plans on when to wear the pinafores with it!

I hope I'm not repeating someone else..... but I figured since there are a whole bunch of us who are very impatiently waiting for our PE770's and mine isn't expected until DEC 10!!!! Ladies with PE770's (or anyone) please share your expertise of what to buy!

I'm planning to do guterman embroidery thread and I also plan to try winding my own bobbins, but what else for starting up? what else do we need?

TIA!
Erin

I saw that Judy posted the list of supplies already. I quite like the Gutterman rayon thread for embroidery (except the price - but that's the only option at Fabricland). Their bobbin thread also worked really well with my machine (I also wind my own). I haven't had any problems with the Marathon thread (embroidery and bobbin) that I ordered last year. I plan to order another batch the next time I go down to the States. There is also a Marathon thread Canada and I asked them send me their price list. It was quite a bit more than the Marathon US prices.

Is Heather Sue's Black Friday sale over? And can someone send me the link for her site pretty please!

Her website is froufroubyheathersue.com. There is still a sale on right now (though not as good as the one yesterday): 10% off all orders, 35% off orders $50 or more, 50% off orders $150 or more. Her store's homepage has the codes.

Well, our kids and their families are back home now after a wonderful TG together. I did get a chance to have my DGD try on her Chirstmas outfit and she loved it! She didn't want to take it off and wore it all day on Thanksgiving. On the opposite side of the spectrum, my DGS wouldn't even try his shirt on! I was hoping to see how this one fit since I have material to make him a couple more for Christmas gifts, but he wanted nothing to do with it! Oh well. Here are a few pics:

Both outfits turned out beautifully. I can see why your granddaugther didn't want to take it off. I hope your grandson will warm up to the shirt (especially with those buttons!)

 

[dianemom2]

I'm planning to do guterman embroidery thread and I also plan to try winding my own bobbins, but what else for starting up? what else do we need?

TIA!
Erin

I've also never used Gutermann thread. I started out by buying a big bunch of thread from Threadart.com. The thread is MUCH cheaper that way when you are getting started. After that when you only need a spool or two of thread, it is cheaper to buy it locally because of the shipping charges. I always wound my own bobbins with my last machine. My new machine seems to prefer prewound bobbins. You will need stabilizer. I like heavy weight cut away stabilizer for t-shirts. You can also use it for cotton dresses or you can use a medium weight cut away. The cut away keeps your design looking nicer after being washed than if you use tear away. Andrea did a great list for Judy but she is pickier about certain brands than I am. Also she likes tear away stabilizer and I usually use cut away. The generic stabilizer that I buy at Joanns also softens up nicely after washing.

Is Heather Sue's Black Friday sale over? And can someone send me the link for her site pretty please!

It wasn't a BF sale, it was her birthday sale. Lots of the other designers are still having sales today. Try LynniePinnie. Her stuff sews out nicely and I think she is having some of her designs for 50 cents. Heather still has 50% of her designs if you spend over $150.

Diane, Praying for your entire family as you wait for answers, I do know what that feels like and I am sorry. There is never a good time, I am sorry it is at the holidays.

Thanks Judy! We had a delayed Thanksgiving dinner last night and it was good to see all my family. Having been through medical stuff before we know how everything is always hurry up, hurry up, hurry up and then wait, wait wait!!!!

I did get a chance to have my DGD try on her Chirstmas outfit and she loved it! She didn't want to take it off and wore it all day on Thanksgiving. On the opposite side of the spectrum, my DGS wouldn't even try his shirt on!

I am so happy for you that your dgd loved her Christmas outfit. The pictures of her wearing it are precious! I'm glad that had success with one of your grandchildren. The bowling shirt you did for your dgs is just adorable. I love how you did the pocket with Mater on it and then those expensive buttons that you bought are just perfect for that shirt! I just printed out the bowling shirt pattern to make a couple new ones for my nephews. Since I am trying to sew from my stash, I have a couple of different Cars fabrics that I want to use up.

 

[phins_jazy]

26 days to go!!!! I got a bunch of designs during heathers sale yesterday so it's time to dust off the old embroidery machine and tackle the mountains of shirts I have to do. I haven't had my embroidery machine out since our last disney trip in 09! There are 8 of us going, all with matching shirts.... 3 shirts for each person are embroidered so I have 24 shirts to embroider.

 

[nannye]

Heather's Sale is over it was only yesterday but Lynnie Pinnie and Miss Kenzie Mac still have one.

For an embroidery machine you will need Stabilizer, Thread (FUnny Gutterman is the only one I haven't used), I swear by my curved scissors by Fiskars. Andrea had posted an awesome list of things you will need.

It took a bit of searching but I did find Heathers page last night and at 11 pm I saw the birthday sale!!! I had 1 hour to shop and I literally made it in under the wire.

I have just spent a long time browsing Lynnie Pinnie and also bought a ton of designs... when they are mostly .50cents! you can't go wrong!

Sooooo......... I'm set! will be back to reply!

 

[nannye]

I found the marathon thread website, but I can't for the life of me find the starter set.... can anyone help?
Thanks
Erin

 

[nannye]

Looking up threadart.com and I found their starter sets, but I viewed embroidery thread and for the starter sets, it doesn't say embroidery it just gives the options of rayon or polyester. I wany Rayon right for the brother pe770?
Thanks

 

[RMAMom]

I found the marathon thread website, but I can't for the life of me find the starter set.... can anyone help?
Thanks
Erin

The first set of 50 is polyester, scroll down for the Rayon

http://www.marathonthread.com/collection.shtml

 

[nannye]

Thanks mary, I couldn't for the life of me find that page on the website!

 

[VBAndrea]

We are in the car and headed South for Thanksgiving in TN! I finished pretty much everything I wanted to do and got everything packed despite a crazy couple days. Monday evening, we were finishing up dinner when I had a piercing pain in my left chest. It took my breath away for a moment and then continued to hurt quite a bit. It scared dh and I enough that we decided I should go to Urgent Care. Turns out they can't completely rule out a heart attack, so after an EKG, they decided I needed to go to the ER for blood tests. After getting there, they decided to keep me overnight to do a stress test on Tues. (If we weren't going away, I could have done it outpatient.). I didn't get released until after 4pm on Tues. I lost a whole 24 hours of work time to find out I'm perfectly healthy. BUT I really was in pain and had no idea what it was. I'm pretty embarrassed by the whole thing, honestly, but at least we don't need to worry about it on vacation.

Here are my last few items:

T- shirts for one day at Epcot and Chef Mickey's dinner

My Snow White shirt:

Cold weather gear, just in case

Close-up of felties I added to the coats:

I'll try to post some action shots next week!

Regards,
C.

I love everything! Have a fabulous trip!

For those stuffing themselves with delicious bounty today, Happy Thanksgiving. For the rest, have a great day and appreciate how well your pants fit!


(of course my kiddos needed one-time use thanksgiving shirts!)

Adorable photo! I bought designs last year that were general fall (leaves and such) and have some freebie Thanksgiving designs, but dd's outfit will clearly have to wait until next year!

Hi everybody, I wanted to come on and wish you a Happy Thanksgiving. I also wanted to let you know that we have had a few crazy days here at my house. My husband went to the dentist on Monday who felt a mass in his neck. Tuesday he went to the doctor who immediately sent him for an ultrasound. Yesterday he was admitted to the hospital and we were told to expect surgery that day. It turns out that my husband has a very large mass in his thyroid. He will have surgery but they have decided to send him to a surgeon who specializes in head and neck surgeries. It will probably take several days before we know what kind of mass it is and exactly what to expect. We are praying that it isn't cancer and that it is some other kind of mass.

Oh Diane, I am praying the biopsy result show no signs of malignancy. I also hope they get the biopsy done very early in the week (like tomorrow!) so you can get the results sooner rather than later. I am so sorry you are having to deal with this, but thankful your dh's dentist was on the ball in finding this.

Grrr! I didn't get an e-mail about Heather's sale It's just as well though as I truly have no extra $$ to spend.

Ahhh Poor Judy probably throught I was a Crazy woman with my ALL CAPITALS PM!

I have been debating the pe770 all week. saw it had gone down in price a bit the other day. I checked it tonight to see it had gone down again. I was debating on where or not to wait and see if it went down a bit later so I tuned into Disboutique and saw Judy's post abouther another $30 off. The $30 didn't show up until the very end so poor Judy was dealing with my "where is it?" BUT it was there! so My Brother PE770 is now on its way!



To Any Canadians Interested my price with duties and shipping was $706

I'm so excited for you!!! You will love it!

Yeah!! My 770 is on its way too!! I have had it in my amazon cart for at least a year! This is the best price I have ever seen!! Def. more than I usually spend on myself for a Christmas present but my birthday is in feb. so I guess it's just Christmas and birthday rolled into one!! I'm soooo excited!! Thank you for posting about the extra 30$ off sale!!

Awesome!

A couple years ago, I told many of you on this board about my Dad having cancer and how my boys walked with him to the mailbox everyday. A lot of you mailed Daddy cards, postcards, or packages. Yesterday, Daddy passed away. I just wanted to thank all of you who sent Daddy something. You made him a happy man each time there was something in his mailbox. It made for a lot of special memories with my boys. Thank you again.

Dawn

I am very sorry for your loss. I hope your family heals as best as possible. It's always so challenging when you lose a loved one.

What kind of fabric do you all use for your appliqués?

Cotton scraps.

I have been lurking for years, you are all so talented. I have been trying to decide between the Singer Futura and the Brother pe770. I ordered today with the discounts and my new Brother is on the way. I can't wait to share creations and get advice from you gals.

Yay! ANother one joins the club! Way to go buying your first machine coinciding with your first disbout post

I'm trying to catch up again after not checking in for a couple of days. Everything looks wonderful.
I decided to use Disney Christmas fabric for my grandkids' Christmas outfits this year just because it's fun. But now it turns out they will get to wear them to see the Christmas decorations when we go to WDW on Monday
I used the Disney fabric for the appliques on my granddaughter's shirt and the bottom ruffle on her skirt.

And I used the Disney fabric for my grandson's vest.

The skirt is just beautiful and I love the ornaments

Andreas' Awesome Supply List she sent me months ago...One of these days I WILL have a machine, I am ready and keep trying to learn all I can without owning one.

Thread: Marathon 50 most popular colors starter set in Rayon
Also wise to order an extra black and white
website is marathonthread.com

Stabilizer: Medium Weight Tear away from Marathon

Medium weight cut away. I buy Floriani brand from Tidewater Sew-Vac. Some people just buy it at Joann’s and get the common brands. Floriani was recommended to me b/c it softens a lot after washing and is good for kids with sensitive skin.

For cotton I hoop a sheet of the tearaway and then float a second sheet under

For knits I hoop the cut away and float a sheet of tear away under it

Scissors: I use Gingher embroidery scissors (use coupon from Joann’s). I used a small curved manicure scissors as well. Some people buy Friskars curved scissors which can be purchased with coupon at Michaels or AC Moore.

Spay adhesive: Dritz 505 spray in yellow can available at Joann’s (use coupon as it’s around $15 per can).

Bobbins: I wind my own. Machine comes with bobbin thread and 4 spools and you can buy the spools at Walmart. If you buy prewound I was told to buy from Marathon NEB sided plastic polyester filament 14100P

Memory stick -- Brother PE 770 uses PES files

Marking pens or pencils

Extra needles: I just buy them from Marathon -- ballpoint for knits, sharp point for cotton

Pins for knit from Walmart if you pin rather than hoop you shirts.

SO EXCITED for all of you getting new machines!

Diane, Praying for your entire family as you wait for answers, I do know what that feels like and I am sorry. There is never a good time, I am sorry it is at the holidays.

Wendy, Praying for a successful gallbladder surgery and I hope it is a lap procedure vs open. I had mine out and a week later I was back at work, traveling 4 states. I had been so sick that the surgery made me feel lots better. I hope yours is as easy!

I LOVED those Christmas outfits!

Thank you so much for posting that.

Well, our kids and their families are back home now after a wonderful TG together. I did get a chance to have my DGD try on her Chirstmas outfit and she loved it! She didn't want to take it off and wore it all day on Thanksgiving. On the opposite side of the spectrum, my DGS wouldn't even try his shirt on! I was hoping to see how this one fit since I have material to make him a couple more for Christmas gifts, but he wanted nothing to do with it! Oh well. Here are a few pics:

The skirt looks beautiful on -- it looks plenty full and twirly. But BooHiss on DGS not trying on that adorable shirt!

ANyone hear from Wendy? Hopefully she posted on FB. I hope things are going well for her.

 

[miprender]

I swear by my curved scissors by Fiskars. Andrea had posted an awesome list of things you will need.

Love my curved scissors.

Well, our kids and their families are back home now after a wonderful TG together. I did get a chance to have my DGD try on her Chirstmas outfit and she loved it! She didn't want to take it off and wore it all day on Thanksgiving. On the opposite side of the spectrum, my DGS wouldn't even try his shirt on! I was hoping to see how this one fit since I have material to make him a couple more for Christmas gifts, but he wanted nothing to do with it! Oh well. Here are a few pics:

Looks like she liked it. And that shirt is too cute.

 

[goteamwood]

Since everyone is jumping on the embroidery machine deals, I finally decided to treat myself to a serger. I felt left out. I have been eyeing the Brother one that is under $200 on amazon for some time. It has good reviews and seems pretty basic and functional, so I figured I would try it. What exactly do I need to get started? Thread, I assume, but are there different presser feet and such like for the sewing machine? (For the record, I got this one.) I did also order a book on serging and have been watching some you tube videos. I did use a serger one time, but it was in 6th grade home ec class way back in the late '80s so I think it is possible that things have changed and I forgot how to use it.
My basic desire with it is to use it for seams for clothing instead of sew, zig-zag, etc to save steps. I mostly sew with cotton quilting fabric, I haven't gotten into knits or anything yet. I would like to use it to hem also. I currently make all my bowling shirts lined because I am spoiled by the nice, hem-free way they go together. I also got some fleece to make the Carla C raglan Hoodies for xmas gifts. I put one together yesterday, I am pretty pleased with it, it is for my nephew, I will post a photo when I take one.
I have been working like crazy to get some projects going, including the advent calendar which I dreamed of doing last year and never even started. I am doing in the hoop banners and making "pockets" out of them sort of. I have 1-2 done. Only 23 left to go. Oh, and assembling it. Good thing my kids can't count past 7 or so, buys me some time...

Thanks for the tips on Heather Sue's sale. I picked up a few I had been pining over for a while. It seems everyone had a sale this week, I spent more than I needed or wanted to, but got some fun stuff.

 

[PurpleEars]

26 days to go!!!! I got a bunch of designs during heathers sale yesterday so it's time to dust off the old embroidery machine and tackle the mountains of shirts I have to do. I haven't had my embroidery machine out since our last disney trip in 09! There are 8 of us going, all with matching shirts.... 3 shirts for each person are embroidered so I have 24 shirts to embroider.

I am sure you can get 24 shirts done between now and then!

It took a bit of searching but I did find Heathers page last night and at 11 pm I saw the birthday sale!!! I had 1 hour to shop and I literally made it in under the wire.

I have just spent a long time browsing Lynnie Pinnie and also bought a ton of designs... when they are mostly .50cents! you can't go wrong!

Sooooo......... I'm set! will be back to reply!

Glad that you got in on the sale. I didn't end up buying any designs as I don't have any projects planned right now. I simply can't justify buying designs when I have a few that I haven't used yet.

 

[strega7]

A couple years ago, I told many of you on this board about my Dad having cancer and how my boys walked with him to the mailbox everyday. A lot of you mailed Daddy cards, postcards, or packages. Yesterday, Daddy passed away. I just wanted to thank all of you who sent Daddy something. You made him a happy man each time there was something in his mailbox. It made for a lot of special memories with my boys. Thank you again.

Dawn

I am sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you.

I'm trying to catch up again after not checking in for a couple of days. Everything looks wonderful.
I decided to use Disney Christmas fabric for my grandkids' Christmas outfits this year just because it's fun. But now it turns out they will get to wear them to see the Christmas decorations when we go to WDW on Monday
I used the Disney fabric for the appliques on my granddaughter's shirt and the bottom ruffle on her skirt.

And I used the Disney fabric for my grandson's vest.

Those turned out really cute. I saw that material at our JoAnnes, and almost bought it, but figured I had enough projects in the works, so I restriained. But I love what you have done with it.

My DH and I went to see a head and neck cancer specialist at Georgetown University Hospital yesterday. DH will have a biopsy done one day next week and we will get the results the following week. He will definitely have to get his thyroid removed, probably in mid-December but we are not exactly sure of the timing. They determines that while my husband's case is considered urgent, there is no need to rush into emergency surgery before getting biopsy results. Anyhow, the dr yesterday said that due to a few other symptoms that DH is having, he is leaning towards the large mass in the thyroid being caused by some kind of auto-immune disorder. But that the other likely cause is a very aggressive type of thyroid cancer. We won't know until we get the biopsy results so we are in for a couple of tense weeks.

I am sorry you and your DH are going thru this. Sending prayers your way.

Andreas' Awesome Supply List she sent me months ago...One of these days I WILL have a machine, I am ready and keep trying to learn all I can without owning one.

Thread: Marathon 50 most popular colors starter set in Rayon
Also wise to order an extra black and white
website is marathonthread.com

Stabilizer: Medium Weight Tear away from Marathon

Medium weight cut away. I buy Floriani brand from Tidewater Sew-Vac. Some people just buy it at Joann’s and get the common brands. Floriani was recommended to me b/c it softens a lot after washing and is good for kids with sensitive skin.

For cotton I hoop a sheet of the tearaway and then float a second sheet under

For knits I hoop the cut away and float a sheet of tear away under it

Scissors: I use Gingher embroidery scissors (use coupon from Joann’s). I used a small curved manicure scissors as well. Some people buy Friskars curved scissors which can be purchased with coupon at Michaels or AC Moore.

Spay adhesive: Dritz 505 spray in yellow can available at Joann’s (use coupon as it’s around $15 per can).

Bobbins: I wind my own. Machine comes with bobbin thread and 4 spools and you can buy the spools at Walmart. If you buy prewound I was told to buy from Marathon NEB sided plastic polyester filament 14100P

Memory stick -- Brother PE 770 uses PES files

Marking pens or pencils

Extra needles: I just buy them from Marathon -- ballpoint for knits, sharp point for cotton

Pins for knit from Walmart if you pin rather than hoop you shirts.

Thank you for reposting this list, I have a PE770, but this list definately comes in handy!

Well, our kids and their families are back home now after a wonderful TG together. I did get a chance to have my DGD try on her Chirstmas outfit and she loved it! She didn't want to take it off and wore it all day on Thanksgiving. On the opposite side of the spectrum, my DGS wouldn't even try his shirt on! I was hoping to see how this one fit since I have material to make him a couple more for Christmas gifts, but he wanted nothing to do with it! Oh well. Here are a few pics:

Absolutely Adorable!!!!

26 days to go!!!! I got a bunch of designs during heathers sale yesterday so it's time to dust off the old embroidery machine and tackle the mountains of shirts I have to do. I haven't had my embroidery machine out since our last disney trip in 09! There are 8 of us going, all with matching shirts.... 3 shirts for each person are embroidered so I have 24 shirts to embroider.

Wow, you are going to be busy. I haven't gotten my maching out in awhile, but I probably will soon, just to see if I remember how to use it.

Since everyone is jumping on the embroidery machine deals, I finally decided to treat myself to a serger. I felt left out. I have been eyeing the Brother one that is under $200 on amazon for some time. It has good reviews and seems pretty basic and functional, so I figured I would try it. What exactly do I need to get started? Thread, I assume, but are there different presser feet and such like for the sewing machine? (For the record, I got this one.) I did also order a book on serging and have been watching some you tube videos. I did use a serger one time, but it was in 6th grade home ec class way back in the late '80s so I think it is possible that things have changed and I forgot how to use it.
My basic desire with it is to use it for seams for clothing instead of sew, zig-zag, etc to save steps. I mostly sew with cotton quilting fabric, I haven't gotten into knits or anything yet. I would like to use it to hem also. I currently make all my bowling shirts lined because I am spoiled by the nice, hem-free way they go together. I also got some fleece to make the Carla C raglan Hoodies for xmas gifts. I put one together yesterday, I am pretty pleased with it, it is for my nephew, I will post a photo when I take one.
I have been working like crazy to get some projects going, including the advent calendar which I dreamed of doing last year and never even started. I am doing in the hoop banners and making "pockets" out of them sort of. I have 1-2 done. Only 23 left to go. Oh, and assembling it. Good thing my kids can't count past 7 or so, buys me some time...

Thanks for the tips on Heather Sue's sale. I picked up a few I had been pining over for a while. It seems everyone had a sale this week, I spent more than I needed or wanted to, but got some fun stuff.

You are going to be super busy! Let me know how you like you serger, I asked for one for christmas (a bit more than what we like to spend of gifts, but hoping anyway) I put the brother one you are looking at, and a Janome model, just because my sewing maching is Janome and I love it!


Congratulations to all those new PE770 owners, I can't wait to see your creations!

Marci

 

[jacquelynbiehl]

I guess I should have been more specific when I asked what kind of fabric everyone uses for their appliqués. I meant do you use solids, blenders, or something else. I guess to some degree it depends on what the appliqué is...just curious where you get your scraps from. Thanks!!

Congrats on the new serger! Sorry you felt left out. It does seem like quite a few of us finally bit the bullet on the embroidery machine.

To those who have ordered from thread art...have you been happy with their thread and/or prewound bobbins?

Ps. My 770 shipped today!!

 

[goteamwood]

I guess I should have been more specific when I asked what kind of fabric everyone uses for their appliqués. I meant do you use solids, blenders, or something else. I guess to some degree it depends on what the appliqué is...just curious where you get your scraps from. Thanks!!

Congrats on the new serger! Sorry you felt left out. It does seem like quite a few of us finally bit the bullet on the embroidery machine.

To those who have ordered from thread art...have you been happy with their thread and/or prewound bobbins?

Ps. My 770 shipped today!!

I already have the PE770 so not that left out... I have purchased from Thread art, and have had mixed results. I have a set of the larger (I think 1000M) cones and they are great. I ordered another and didn't realize they were the 500M smaller spools and they were TERRIBLE. They snagged the thread all the time, and the thread is wound so it literally falls off in a heap in your hand when you hold it. If you look at the reviews on Amazon for the smaller spools, they are all the same issues. I posted a review and actually got a response from them they are changing the spool design. So that's good. In the meantime though, make sure you get the larger cone shaped ones, not the cylinder shape, those were terrible. I broke a half dozen needles in 2 days because of the spools snagging. I took all that thread out and shipped it back to them with a letter to their customer service and while I haven't heard back, I also haven't had a single needle break since I stopped using that. The thread itself, I have the polyester, is great, I have been quite happy with it.
/rant

My scraps sort of come from all over. I have a bunch from quilting, I buy pretty much any and everything from the remnant rack when I am in Hancock or Joann. They are usually less than a yard and 1/2 price so it has been good for building up my stash little by little. Pretty much only buy cotton, though once or twice I have used a satiny fabric for a special project. I occasionally use felt too, especially for Mickey's ears. I like the thicker, fuzzy look to it. I use both solids and prints, I did read somewhere once upon a time to only use prints but I prefer the look of the solids in most cases. Especially faces. Someone much more experienced and knowledgeable than I am can maybe speak to the solids vs prints thing too.

I also first read that you should put heat n bond on every piece first, then iron the whole thing at the end. I did at first but I got lazy and I haven't noticed any difference in the outcome. Maybe someone has a thought on that? I just use spray adhesive to stick the scrap on, then trim around. that seems to be working OK. If there is a benefit or drawback to using heat n bond with every scrap, I would love to know it.

 

[dianemom2]

Grrr! I didn't get an e-mail about Heather's sale It's just as well though as I truly have no extra $$ to spend.

ANyone hear from Wendy? Hopefully she posted on FB. I hope things are going well for her.

Heather didn't send out an email about the sale. It was a secret sale. She shared the code on FB and then I posted it here.

I haven't heard from Wendy. I don't think she's had her surgery yet. I think it is next Wednesday.

Since everyone is jumping on the embroidery machine deals, I finally decided to treat myself to a serger. I felt left out. I have been eyeing the Brother one that is under $200 on amazon for some time.

Thanks for the tips on Heather Sue's sale. I picked up a few I had been pining over for a while. It seems everyone had a sale this week, I spent more than I needed or wanted to, but got some fun stuff.

Congratulations on your new serger. I'm sure you'll love it. To get started there really isn't anything you need except for thread. You can do most of your sewing in white thread for a while until you can slowly build up your thread collection. Threading the serger is the hardest part of using it. I do have a few feet for my serger because it came with them but I rarely use them.

I did buy several designs on both Lynniepinnie's sale and on Heather's sale. I just hope my DH doesn't notice. LOL!

I guess I should have been more specific when I asked what kind of fabric everyone uses for their appliqués. I meant do you use solids, blenders, or something else. I guess to some degree it depends on what the appliqué is...just curious where you get your scraps from. Thanks!!

To those who have ordered from thread art...have you been happy with their thread and/or prewound bobbins?

I use mostly cotton fabrics. Some are scraps from sewing projects. Some are fat quarters that I've purchased and some are 1/2 yard cuts that I bought. I tend to use mostly calicos with small prints because I like how that looks. Many people prefer to use all solids because they like that look on their appliques. It is up to you since you are the artist making the creation.

I have been happy with all the thread I've purchased from Threadart. I bought lots of thread from them when I first started and 5 years later, I'm still using some of the colors. Some I've used up and replaced. I've never ordered their pre-wound bobbins so I can't comment on those.

I also first read that you should put heat n bond on every piece first, then iron the whole thing at the end. I did at first but I got lazy and I haven't noticed any difference in the outcome. Maybe someone has a thought on that? I just use spray adhesive to stick the scrap on, then trim around. that seems to be working OK. If there is a benefit or drawback to using heat n bond with every scrap, I would love to know it.

I never used heat and bond with my appliques. I don't even use the spray adhesive. I hold my fabric in place so that is lays flat and then run the machine's tack down stitch. It works just fine that way.

 

[VBAndrea]

FABRICS FOR APPLIQUES:
I generally like a same color print on a background -- for example I have several whites that have either white swirls, dots, splotches or florals on them. For hair I love doing prints with swirls -- makes the hair look like it has body or flow to it. I also like a lot of batik style / tie dye style fabrics for appliqueing. The only thing I tend to use solids for is flesh and I use a Kona cotton for that. I have tons of fabrics because I'm a member of fabric hoarders anonymous, so I always have things to grab from. My scrap drawer is overflowing because I've been sewing for 3 years now. When I started I'd buy fat quarters on sale or 1/4 yard of a fabric if I needed it. I also pick up anything in the remnant bin that I think will work.

I NEVER use heat and bond for appliques on my machine (I use it when I hand applique though) and like Diane, I don't use the Dritz spray for every scrap. I will use it to adhere my shirt to the stabilizer and I will use it for big pieces as well.

 

[sewmess]

I'd wear that shirt if it was my size! But I love Mater.
He'll get into it, I'm sure.

Well, this Friday I have a new side-by-side fridge coming, purchased through Black Friday sales! We didn't loose much food - we were coming up on grocery day and it really was just the freezer...the refridgerator part stayed cool.

Yesterday I spent the majority of the day with my mom at an urgent care place. She had fallen and was in a lot of pain and stressing about if she had broken or fractured in anyway, her hip. No broken bones, just pulled/strained muscles and what will amount to some bruising.

So I didn't have a lot of time to sew, although I did get a project ready to applique. And as soon as I put it together, I thought of an easier way.

 

[ivey_family]

Hi Everyone!

So far we're having a great time! We made Rope Drop this morning and met Peter Pan, my biggest goals for the day. PP was awesome! And he loved our outfits. Here are dh and the kids waiting for the parade to start any minute now:

And the kids at the resort yesterday:

The weather swings from quite cold morning and night to hot right now, but it's all good!

Regards,
C.

 

[love to stitch]

We're having a wonderful day at magic kingdom & Epcot. The grand kids outfits have been a hit too.