Ann #1
Reusable lunch bag for our daughter.
I can make these bags in my sleep and decided it was the perfect project to make while getting acquainted with my new Juki sewing machine. All fabrics, batting and button came from the stash. I prepped the fabric on March 31 and did 2 rows of stitching to try out the machine. April 1 was a day of frustration as I was trying to learn too many features of the machine.
I decided to cross hatch the fabric to a cotton/poly mix batting. My biggest issue was getting the foot pressure correct. Several rows of unpicking, I got the correct setting and settled down to sew on April 2. From that point on, I had no issues and was able to play a bit while I sewed.
The bag has a back seam in both the outer and lining fabrics. The bottom is boxed so it has a 6" base to sit on. It is very basic in construction.
I made the piping for the handles and button loop. I used the zipper foot to attach the piping to the handles. I also tried the zig zag stitch with no issues. When putting in the lining, I fit it first and cut off about 3/4" so the lining doesn't bag or sag inside. When I was happy with the results, I finished the bag and hand stitched the turning hole closed.
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Ann Belcham
Entry #2
Pair of placemats for our son-in-law's camper.
I bought this as a kit in 2013 and finally decided to sew it up this spring as it has hung out in the stash long enough. It was the perfect project to piece on my new sewing machine. The kit came with all the pieces cut to size. I sewed the strips together and cut them into squares and put the placemats together. The instructions were not the best - hand written on a piece of paper 8.5 x 5.5". Thank goodness for a decent photograph to help me out.
I sandwiched it with the batting and backing and then chose to stitch in the ditch and do cross hatching. The binding (which is too wide) was attached and hand sewn down.
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It was a great project to learn about my new machine and to gift.
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I am excited to give the dark side a try now that I've tested the waters.