Now That I'm Back....

Now that I am back, I can tell you why I have not posted on here as much as I have wanted to. I decided to do a fast. I didn't fast food like most people think a fast is. I decided to fast sewing instead. Why? Because it was something that I do all the time and I really wanted to spend some time in prayer and in order to listen, I needed to spend the time used in sewing to pray instead. I gave up sewing for a week. Well, I did learn something. I felt like God was telling me to slow down, take the time to learn new things and enjoy using the talent He has given me. So I have been doing that. I have made a couple projects but two projects in a two week period is not that much compared to trying to complete 3-4 in a week. I also felt God telling me to expand my knowledge of sewing. I found a really awesome wallet pattern, which I will be able to coordinate with different bags. I will also be documenting the projects so you can keep up with what I am doing.  One of my next projects I will be doing will be in the form of a class that I am taking. I am taking a class at my local sewing store. I will try to take pics here and there so I can show you what I am doing and how much fun I will be having. Noah has been begging me to make something for him so I think I will make this project for him. The class I am taking is a how to class featuring the Zip it Up case by ByAnnie. The pattern features two sizes. I will be making the smaller case.   

 

You can find the pattern for this case here  I will keep you updated as to how it turns out. In the meantime, keep your eyes peeled for more project posts! Until then, Happy Sewing!!

I Love This Pattern!!!

So there is a pattern that I absolutely love. Its the Clematis Wristlet by Blue Calla Designs. Celine, the pattern's designer, is brilliant at making these incredible patterns and I love making them. I have purchased several of them and the project I am getting ready to start is the Boronia Bowler Bag. I did actually make one but I sold it before I could post some pictures so I'm going to just have to make another one.  In the meantime, I have been making some clematis wristlets which will be listed on my etsy shop. In the meantime, here are a few pics of what I have been working on.  

 

 

 

 

 

And of course I couldn't make these fabulous pouches without getting a shot of all three of them together.

Again, I will have these three pouches for sale on my etsy shop. They will be listed separately and not as a trio and guess what? They are one of a kind as I do not have any more of the gorgeous fabric. If I knew the name of it then I would look for more as it is a beautiful fabric and I have many patterns that this would go really well with.  Well, I am off for the evening and I will be posting more of my projects. If you have something you would like to see me make, let me know. I really want to tackle some challenges as well as learn how to do paper piecing and try my hand at making a quilt.  Good night and happy sewing!!!

Another Project

So I am getting ready for another project. This one is going to be for me. I have seen a fabulous pattern by Blue Calla patterns floating around the sewing group I am on and I have decided that even though I never thought the style to be for me, I really liked how one of them in particular stood out and I knew it was going to be my next project!  I have the fabric all picked out and I am even going to be using glitter vinyl and some fancy bling hardware on the outside of the bag to really make it pop! Again, I am going to be taking my time on this project to really enjoy the process. When I am finished with it, I will be listing the bag on my etsy shop as a made to order bag with a disclaimer that the glitter vinyl and bag hardware are optional and will add to the base price of the bag. That's fair, right?  Of course I have several projects coming up but this one is going to be first. The other projects I really am going to have to train myself to not keep for me LOL! 

Venturing into the Deep

Well I am venturing into a new project today. I have never done anything like what I am doing.  The other day I was bored and I decided to head over to my local Bernina specialty store and just look around. I ended up coming home with a new pattern and the things I needed to start a new project. Of course I had to justify myself by asking why I would need this item and my reason for making it? My beautiful daughter! She is three years old and her birthday is coming up so what better reason to get a new pattern than a birthday gift for when she turns 4 in a couple months.  The pattern I picked is for something called a Fetch Your Sketch, a pattern from ByAnnie. You can find it here I saw this pattern and I thought it was something that Abbie would love. It's something that she can keep her crayons and coloring books in as well as markers and chalk. Yes, you read that right, chalk. You see, this pattern calls for chalkboard fabric for one of the side panels! How cool is that!!!!  The first thing I noticed about the FYS is that it does not come with pattern pieces. It is one of those that gives specific dimensions which you cut out with a quilters ruler and rotary cutter. Since I am familiar with using pattern pieces, I measured out the dimensions on paper and then cut it out that way. Just make sure to label your pieces after you cut them out.  Normally when I sew, I like to get it done. The problem with this is that you end up starting and finishing a lot of projects and then you want to do more projects which ends up to a trip to HobbyLobby or Joanns which means you spend money....you get the idea. I want this project to be one where I take my time and really enjoy the process. I also wanted to make sure I was grasping some of the new techniques I would be learning. I know it seems intimidating at times but if you follow the directions, you will find it is easier than originally thought.            

        My work space is ready! Yes, I know it's a mess, lol! Today is the day that I actually get to start sewing the FYS!!!  I have my pieces ready and my can of spray adhesive...I'll explain that later!              

   

After several hours of leisurely sewing, complete with longer breaks here and there, I decided to stop for the evening. Wow! I got a lot done! Already there are a few things I would do differerently, but I will go over that later. Once I have this project finished at least!  

   Here is what I got done: the inside pocket panels. One side is the smaller pockets and the other side is the chalkboard panel. I have already noticed that this pattern uses a lot of seam binding which I think is great because it gives me an opportunity to practice using seam binding as well as making my own. Now this is my first time making this so obviously it isn't going to be 100% perfect. I know that I tend to get irritated with myself if I find flaws in things but I am teaching myself that it's ok if it's not perfect. It's part of the learning process and the more I do this, the better that I will get. In fact, the next one I do, I plan to quilt the fabric myself . I did finish the closing flap but it came out lopsided. It's very noticeable. I will be redoing that piece. Thankfully, it's a very small piece so it will not be that difficult.  That is pretty much all I have time for. I should have posted this last night, but I fell asleep and it is now Sunday morning.I will be sewing some more today. I will keep you updated and fingers crossed for a finished product!!            

An Adventure in Thread

Hello!!!! Welcome to my new blog, Remnant Blessings! I am so excited about this blog because I get to write and bout one of my favorite things to do: sew. And you get to read about my adventures in thread.

A few months ago, I was told about a website that had some free patterns and I decided to take a quick look. The pattern was for a really cute wristlet pouch that would work great as a mini purse. I checked out the pattern and I was hesitant. I had only made things like dresses and skirts and things like that but I had never made anything that resembled a purse.  Well, I took the plunge.  I downloaded the pattern and got the supplies I needed to step out into the deep unknown into a world where the only things I was familiar with were my sewing machine, thread, and fabric. 

I was nervous. Words jumped out at me that threatened my comfort level: fusible fleece, vinyl, zipper tabs.....rivets????? Ok...breathe....you got this. Just follow the directions. And thats what I did. I took each portion step by step. 

I opted to keep the bottom portion of my first ever wristlet pouch as cotton cloth because the idea of using vinyl was silly. This is a wristlet pouch, not a boat seat. It took me three days to make the pouch. Now I didnt sit down and go from start to finish. I had other things going on so I had to just take my time here and there. One thing I did not count on...I WAS HOOKED!!! After my first one it was the easiest pattern I have ever used and I have been making them ever since. 

My first Clematis Wristlet pouch!!!

The pattern I used was for the Clematis Wristlet by Blue Calla Patterns and it is a free pattern so if you would like to try to make one, go for it!!!

At the end of each post on this blog, I would like to share something I have learned. What I have learned from making the Clematis wristlet is to not be afraid to go outside your comfort zone and try something new.