RedCotton

Metal Shank Walking Foot with Guide Bar

2009-08-28T01:45:00.025+08:00

Image from Google Search Engine

This one included inside the free gift for my Bunny. You can buy this foot from Bernina dealer or online suppliers at the range of US$24-26. (I will update if I found local supplier with RM$).

The shank on this walking foot is made of metal. Most walking feet have a plastic shank.
Often people will tighten the screw too tight when attaching causing the plastic shank to break. Since this walking foot has a metal shank, this will no longer be a concern.

Great for keeping quilt layers from shifting when sewing and keeping stripes and checks matched. Fabrics lie between an upper and lower feed dog, preventing them from slipping.

The walking foot has a feeding system that works with your machines feeding system. As the lower feeding system feeds the fabric through, the walking foots feeding system feeds the fabric from the top at the same rate as the bottom feeding system.

The walking foot is great for quilting because you have several layers of fabric and the layers
can slip around. The walking foot is often called an even feed foot.

New, with instructions. Comes with guide bar. The guide bar slides into either side of this walking foot or it can be used with other types of presser feet where there is a need to sew multiple rows of stitching.

I found a picture with instruction here.

(will update my work with this feet later)

Clear Plastic All-Purpose Foot

2009-08-18T00:40:00.026+08:00

Image from Google Search Engine

This one included inside the free gift for my Bunny. You can buy this foot from Bernina supplier or online store at the range of US$12-14. (I will update if I found local supplier and RM$).

The foot also called as the satin foot or the applique foot. It is very ideal for precision embroidery, applique, cutwork and monogramming. Nothing stands in the way of our creative vision. The cut out on the underside of the foot accommodates satin stitching and the clear plastic ensures greater visibility while sewing.

The bottom of the foot has a wedge shaped indentation, which allows even satin stitching to glide under the foot without dragging. The angle in the indentation makes it possible to turn curves easily.

The toes of the foot are shorter, compared to a regular zigzag foot, for greater maneuverability while sewing (we can turn the fabric more easily for smoother stitching lines, an important asset when embellishing fabric).

Worth to have this kind of foot because it is great for all of the following:

Heirloom hemstitching
Hemstitched squares, heirloom sewing
Hemstitched applique, heirloom sewing
3-D applique
Blanket stitch applique
Decorative stitch applique
Blind applique
Madeira applique
Mola applique
Reverse applique
Satin stitch applique
Shadow applique
Stained glass applique
Chain stitch
Couching sequins
Fringe
Shadow hems
Lace-making
Crazy patch quilting
Stipple quilting
Corded scallops
Off-the-edge scallops
Smocking

I found a video guide in using this foot for applique and decorative stitching here.

Here is a sewing instructions for applique:

Cut out a desired shape and fused to the right side of a cotton
Place stabilizer under the cotton piece
Select zig-zag stitch (refer your machine manual)
Set to medium stitch length and narrow stitch width
Sew around the shape's edge
Repeat the previous process with a closer stitch length and wider stitch width to ensure that all of the shape's raw edges is covered by stitching

Good luck on yours!

Bunny : Test drive

2009-08-14T03:36:00.007+08:00

Straight line

This is my 1st time driving my Bunny and I am just finished reading the manual for the 3rd time :) gheee! Moving to the next step, let's heat it up!

I decided to make a pin cushion. Here we go! Sew a straight line ;) I have no issue with the thread tension yet. (that was what I am so scared of! Phew!)

Finished result

A pin cushion

Made with Bernina!

So it is true that this machine is easy to handle and sewing is fun! I guess sewing is a great therapy too! I just need to adjust my schedule so that I could enjoy more!

Great tips!
Sewing a straight line

My sewing machine is here!

2009-08-10T13:54:00.004+08:00

Finally, my dream came true yesterday! I own a sewing machine and it's a Bernina! Yay! I am totally zero about sewing machine but I believe I will be operating the machine very soon! From zero-to-hero! Follow my journey ^_^

Hey, I was thinking about to name her... emmm... I want to call her "Bunny". Yes she is my Bunny!

Comes together with my Bunny is a FREE portable extension table! Before the package arrived I was thinking it was a table that I can put my Bunny on it. No I was totally wrong HAHA...

Lucky that my mentor was with me (via online chat) when I try to put them together. So this how they are supposed to look like -->

I love the table. It is made by acrylic material, very thick and clear plastic. Read more about acrylic here. It is going to be useful when I am sewing larger quilt. I will start sewing baju kurung for my little princess before I go quilting. And perhaps some simple pants for the boys.

--

I got FREE walking foot and quilting foot too! Offer valid until 16 September 2009! Check at my mentor's shop for more details!

And last but not least, I bought at a special price for this full set of extra foot set in a smart-storage! Check with my mentor if you are interested!

View all pictures of my sewer here.

p.s. thank you so much Kak Zila!

A liltle organizing

2009-08-06T08:30:00.003+08:00

I purposely bought this Danish biscuit because I want the round-tin to store my threads.

This is also biscuit's storage that I intentionally bought for my sewing storage.

When I bought jam in a bottle, I always collect it and reuse as a storage for some spices and recently to store my sewing items too.

Keep organized!

Sunday Stash #4

2009-07-19T16:01:00.007+08:00

Today is linen day. This is my very first collection of linens which I bought from local online store. And it is advised by the shop to pre-soak all the linen before cutting. Here we go, dry-up...

Linen looks rough but after pre-wash (by washer) it frays out a lot. Perhaps no one pre-wash linen? I thought pre-soak and pre-wash is one same procedure ^_^ any way the pre-wash do not harm those linens.

I love to touch linen surface. Let's find out more about these linens...

Pure Linen

fabric type: pure linen, fine grain yarn dyed
width: 150 cm / 60 inches
weight: medium and drapey, suitable for shirt, dress
base color: oatmeal
pattern: stripes and checks woven in grey yarn within the same width; 30 inches width of stripe patttern and 30 inces width of checks pattern
surface: smooth
fabric care recommendation: hand wash possible, pre-soak fabric before cutting

Linen Twill

fabric type: 100% linen twill
width: 140cm / 55 inches
weight: medium to heavy, suitable for pants, pants suit, dress, skirt
base color: off white
pattern: twill weave
surface: slightly textured
fabric care recommendation: pre-soak before cutting

Linen Chambray

fabric type: Linen 100%
width: 114cm / 45 inches
weight: medium, suitable for pants, skirt or full suit
base color: grey
pattern: chambray
surface: fine texture
washing & ironning instructions: pre-soak before cutting. Hand or machine wash in light detergent and gentle cycle. Drip dry under shade. Dampen before ironning with high heat on the wrong side

I bought those linens from online local store, eFabric. What I like most about the shop, they provide those fabric information ;-)

Happy sewing!

p.s. credit to eFabric for the fabric info.

Shipping day #1 - updates

2009-07-15T23:30:00.002+08:00

I shipped out 3 parcels recently (read here) and I've received alert from all 3 recipients that they got the packages safe and sound.

Karen received package on July 7th and blogged here & left comment;

"Hi Erin,
Your package arrived safe and sound here;) I want to thank you so much for all of the work that went into making the pincushions for me and for all of the other goodies that you also included;) I have put pictures up on my blog for all to see;) Please keep in touch;) "
I am so happy that the parcel reached her safely. The package approximately travels 8587.4 miles (Kota Bharu to Orem, calculated here). Karen is my secret swappee (swap partner) for Pincushion Summer Swap '09. Find out more about this swap here, here and here.
Sara received package on July 10th and sent email;

"Erin,
The fabric is gorgeous!!! I can't wait to make a skirt for myself. And thank you for the pincushion. I love it!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Regards,
Sara"
Sara is one of my giveaway lucky winner (read here). I am glad that Sara loves the fabric and also the pincushion (read here). The package approximately travels 8569.7 miles (Kota Bharu to Orem, calculated here).
Amanda received package on July 13th and left comment;

"Hi Erin! Great pick for stash sharing.

I wanted to let you know that I received your package. Thank you so much! Now I just have to decide whether to keep it as a skirt, or make something out of it. hmmmm...
Thank you also for the pincushion! Believe it or not, it is my one and only. I haven't been able to justify buying one, since I can make it. And I haven't made one, because I'm too busy! lol I also enjoyed your creative stationary! Creative gal you are! Blessings to you!"
Amanda is another lucky winner for my giveaway (read here). I hope she enjoys the fabric. And the best part is my surpirse gift, the pincushion (read here) is so useful for her sewing activities. The package approximately travels 9268.0 miles (Kota Bharu to Orem, calculated here). I guess the distance tells why it took extra days of journey to reach her place.

Thank you most to all the postal service officers who have been directly nor indirectly involved in this journey.

Happy day to all!

Apron and giveaway!

2009-07-15T08:00:00.001+08:00

At least once a week I must read TheFabricShopper and I cannot say NO to her giveaway!

Here is a sneak peak of the prizes for this week! Pretty ditty huh! No one would ignore this one.

Read more here. Hurry up, the giveaway ends Sunday, July 17 at midnight CDT.

GOOD LUCK!

WIP#July-1 : Done!

2009-07-14T11:00:00.001+08:00

All sewn up and halfly cut the rag-area... I hope I am doing the right thing coz I can't find any details instruction on cutting this (cross-fingers).

All set..

Washing time!

Done! YAY!

WIP#July-1 : 9 quilted patches

2009-07-13T17:41:00.001+08:00

The pictures tell about my progress clearly... I am over due now! Ouch!

Sunday Stash #3

2009-07-12T13:16:00.008+08:00

Wow! I've been missing so many Sunday huh... but not this Sunday! Here is my selected stash to share with.

It's a 100% cotton broadcloth and has geometric printed design on 42" width. The design is Japan/oriental geometrical and floral woodblock print in shades of brown. It is light and i was thinking about making some purse/bag from it.

I bought this fabric from online local store, eFabric. It comes with two base color, dark brown and navy blue. Through out this month the store is giving out discount for entire collections! Add some stash sewers!

Happy sewing!

WIP#July-1 : First 3 blocks

2009-07-10T02:05:00.009+08:00

Last two days I cut baby napkin (used) for my rag-quilt batting. Each batting size 3" x 6" then fold to get a size of 3" x 3". Tonight I quilted the first 3-block.

This is my very first quilt (but not yet with the real batting material) and I use quilting thread which is excellent and very smooth. Believe me not even a single knot. I highly recommended this thread to every one. Worth buying them!

The above pictures show the result of my first block. Ends with uneven surface (not sure how to put it in words but I guess the pictures tell).

So for the second block, I make center thread-basting. Since the thread blend well with my backing fabric, I just draw the X for the top.

I have nice-flat block but the top & backing not inline. But I guess that would be alright since for rag-quilt we reserve 1" of seam allowance. (I am lazy to rip them off and re-quilt huh..)

As for my third block, I quilt from the center point to each corner. It took half hour for me to hand quilted this block (last one for tonight). But it turns out almost perfect! The following pictures explain the result...

I hope I can finish this rag-quilt this weekend!

My pincushion has arrived safely

2009-07-03T12:00:00.003+08:00

"Peep peep!" I knew it's going to be my mystery pincushion! The postman asked if I were the right recipient because the address is not correct. OMG! What have i done?!

When i recheck my email to Sandra, yes it was my typo error. My house number should be 1699 but I sent her 1966. So many thanks to the nice-postman, if not I must be waiting for the mystery parcel forever 8-)

My secret partner is Cindy! from Clara City, Minnesota. I never heard of that place, so I google-map and found this satellite image of Cindy's place!

Wow, must be a peaceful city and no traffic jam. She told me in her notes that only 1200 population in the city. (This swap introduce to Clara City!)

Now let's open the box and see my pincushion!

How sweet! And I never came across this kind of pincushion before. The teapot is made of wool-felt and Cindy create a lot of these and she is working on its pattern. Read her blog for more info on the pincushion!

"Cindy, you are so generous!" Look what do I get here!

The golden vintage item is so stunning! I am sure only Cindy would describe best about it. Let's hear from her about the golden vintage item.

Thank you very much Cindy! Thank you very much Sandra for hosting this GREAT swap!

WIP#July-1 : Sneak peak

2009-07-02T04:28:00.009+08:00

This is my very first quilting project. I have decided to make the most simple quilt which is rag-quilt a.k.a. ragged quilt.

I am using 9 charm-blocks from Moda Charm Pack of Wildflower Serenade for my quilt top. I am expecting a finished size of 9x9 rag-quilt.

I am using cotton flannels for my quilt back. I only have these two flannels. It seems the blue one not so sweet to be there. Perhaps I will make all pinks for the back.

Catch up my updates on this project later!

The Good Ol’ Summertime Mini Quilt Swap

2009-07-01T14:19:00.007+08:00

Come on all quilters, let's make new friends this summertime by joining this mini-quilt swap hosed by QuiltingGallery.

Here I have quoted some info about the swap:

"Make a Summer-inspired mini quilt to send to your partner. It can be pieced, appliqued, or both. The choice is yours. However, if your partner entered any preferences when they registered for the swap, this information will be sent to you.

Minimum size is 12″x12″ and the maximum size is 24″x24″, any size or shape in between. Don’t forget to include to add a label to your quilt."

read more about this swap click here.
to join this swap, register yourself here. (before July 6th)
to see participants list click here. (I am at #52)

last but not least, join the swap Flickr Group!

Happy Quilting everyone!

p.s. this swap program encourage me to start quilting without delay!

MishMash StashBash Quilting Bee

2009-06-27T06:26:00.004+08:00

I found Kerry when she was looking for another two quilters to be in her quilting bee group.
Since newbie is welcome, I just trying my luck to be in her group called MishMash StashBash Quilting Bee (later I will refer as MMSB).

I just got a confirmation email from her saying that I am in! Hooray! I am so excited and looking forward to get started.

Check out more about this quilting bee group at Flickr.

Canton Village Quilt Works' giveaway!

2009-06-26T17:47:00.009+08:00

I am so sorry I can't help myself... I am crazy about entering giveaway lucky draw! Perhaps since SEWN [^_^] ..I am not actually looking for them but I recently read a lot of quilting blogs & groups.

This one has been running almost a month, but I just want to highlight it anyway.

Another great GIVEAWAY hosted by Jackie from Canton Village Quilt Works! In conjunction with her birthday celebration this month. The best part is she will be announcing NOT ONE but FOUR lucky winners!

Waist not time people, click on the image below to enter the giveaway! She will draw the winners on June 30, 2009!

All the best!

Quilt Qua's Giveaway!

2009-06-25T03:06:00.004+08:00

Last week this giveaway alert came across to me from Kak Diah's blog, and giveaway contest is something I can't stand especially when they are offering bundle of fabrics for the winner! So, what are you waiting for? Join this giveaway HERE!

Good luck!

BJX.STORE

2009-06-23T01:06:00.006+08:00

I just found a local indie (@ independent) crafter, Shambie who is also selling American designer fabrics especially from Amy Butler’s and Anna Maria’s at her online-store.

She has a fetish-ness over fabrics, most of the time she end up buying them in lots! Her fabrics stash is piling up, can’t wait to get her hands dirty with all the crafty projects that she has in mind.

She's celebrating her birthday this month and in conjunction of that, she generously wanted to throw a giveaway for her blog readers a pencil case (or pouch)! + a half yard of English cotton!!

Her giveaway just open to readers residing in Malaysia and giveaway will end on midnight 29th June, 2009. So wait no time, join hers if you are residing in Malaysia!

Good luck!

Shipping day #1

2009-06-21T03:14:00.010+08:00

This is my first time to ship items overseas. I remark the title with #1 because I believe this is just a beginning and sure will ship more around the world to all my sewing friends & friends-to-be.
I have 3 packages to ship to USA. And I really pray (hard) that they will have a safe journey to all my recipients.

The first package is for my Pincushion Swap Summer'09 partner. All participants have agreed to Sandra that we would not reveal our partner until she has received the package. Me myself yet to receive any, must be very soon I believe ^_^
This is my first swap and I really look forward to hear from my partner once she got the package. I hope she will like and enjoy all the items. The following picture shows all the items that I have ship in the package.

A donut pincushion
A batek pincushion
Two FQs of batek (yellow & blue)
Two 2-yard printed organza ribbons (pink & creamy)
One spool of embroidery thread (soft pink)
Three cute buttons (purple daisy, mushroom, sun-flower)

The second & third packages are for my SEWN Launch Party giveaway's lucky winners, Amanda and Sara. As promised they will get 2-yard of 100% cotton batek + mystery gift for each of them. The following picture shows a snap shot of one of the package contents. I hope both of you will enjoy the gifts and will be sewing some great stuff too!

Pincushion from batek sarong

2009-06-11T12:38:00.013+08:00

I love batek sarong because of its texture. Medium weight yet very strong. Mostly wear as lower garment or skirt by women in my place. 100% cotton sarong could last up to 10% years.

I envy my mom because she has a lot of sarongs and they are gorgeous (especially the vintage one)! She wears them as skirts.

I have started my own collections of sarong, but I have something else in mind. I want to do quilting and crafting on them.

As a start, I make some pincushions out of two different colors of batek sarong. Those pincushions are going to US very soon ;-) -- SURPRISE SURPRISE!

SEWN Launch Party Giveaway WINNERS!

2009-06-08T23:00:00.007+08:00

I am a bit late from my schedule... sorry to keep you waiting! My internet connection seems to have some problem earlier, lucky it's back before 9 June!

I feel generous tonight so I decided to give out 2 prizes! I generated list randomizer and here is the result!!!

List Randomizer

There were 39 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

36. Amanda <-- she prefers #2
18. Sara <-- she didn't pick any, so please contact me either #1 or #3
37. Kim
34. amy
16. Wagonwife Designs
32. Deb
5. Rafael
21. Big brother, Little sister
39. BKelly
10. Library Gal Quilts
35. ade
6. Krousegirl
23. ikkinlala
7. sandyandcosmo
19. A Joyful Chaos
4. Sue
3. Sharifah
26. Stephanie and Carlos
12. Bonnie
9. eriven
15. Lotta
2. Laurie
30. SandyN
27. Linda Stubbs
14. Joyce
31. Tasha
22. free indeed
11. angela
25. Sue
17. Joyce
38. Renee
33. buebau
8. Mindy
13. vada0427
29. Regina
20. roseread
24. CurlyPops
28. Louisa
1. La Gitan Mystique

Timestamp: 2009-06-08 16:55:53 UTC (generated at random.org)
I enjoy this giveaway very much! Thanks to all participants in my giveaway and most of all thanks to Sarah.

So far I am not yet lucky enough to win any. I have joined almost 132 giveaways at the launch party!

important to the winners:-

Amanda - check your email!

Sara - please email me, your profile with no email

SEWN Launch Party Giveaway from me!

2009-06-03T09:32:00.007+08:00

I am so sorry because it took me ages to put this up. I have decided to join SEWN Launch Party. This party is proudly hosted by Sarah Fielke from Australia in conjunction of official launch of SEWN, a new and innovative online quilting and sewing community for all lovers of fabric crafts! (I can't wait for this website to start functioning!)

So, I have decided something locally made for you!

I have 3 option of colors for you to pick 1! This fabric is 100% with batik motif prints. Approximately 118cm x 200cm. Usually wear as skirt (locally known as sarung) but I tried it for some other sewing project like pincushion & apron and they turn out great (half way done, will update when I post about them).

So, all you got to do is left a comment (with your favorite choice! Just remark as 1, 2 or 3!) I will announce the lucky winner at the same day as SEWN official launch!

Read about SEWN here and enter other giveway draws here. HAVE FUN!

All the best!

p.s. lucky winner will receive mystery gift too ^_^

p.s. 2 : comment section closed at GMT+8 0925hr, lucky draw at GMT+8 2000hr

Pincushion Summer Swap is ready

2009-05-28T23:15:00.010+08:00

Last weekend I spent my time with my lil girl at the hospital bed. So no sewing, no updates.

Any way I received an email from Sandra! It is a deal that I should not reveal my swap partner until she has received the items from me. Tonight I sewn a special pin cushion for her. I hope she gonna love it.

Next week I need to go out to local craft shop and look for some embellishments that she won't found at her place!

p.s. Thanks a lot to Sandra for hosting this swap (despite of her busy schedule)! I can't wait to receive my swap items too!

A simple Mary Jane's shoes is ready

2009-05-17T20:00:00.003+08:00

Pattern was bought from Etsy last month (read here). But since I could not find steam-a-seam-fusible at my local craft-store, only this month I am able to sew this sweet pair of shoes (without the double fusible web any way).

I only able to get a single lining web. So the process took longer due to seam-secure stitches that I have to make along the ends. It is hard to capture on my phone camera but I hope you get what I mean.

The above picture shows open seams.

This one show secured-seams after some blanket-stitched technique.