Going to the SewingExpo always tells me spring is on the way, and on Saturday, it sure looked like it. The weather was sunny and bright, but the wind was there to say, Oh, no, it’s still winter here. And today, the weather is reinforcing that message, as our typical winter weather of heavy overcast skies and drizzly rain is back.
I did have lots of fun at Expo on Saturday. I took 4 classes, two in the morning, two in the afternoon. One class on scalloped hems and the other three were about handbags. The hems class was interesting, but basically a pitch for a neat, but pricey, tool the presenter sells. I’m going to try to figure out a way to do the same thing without her tool. The three bag classes could easily have been combined into one. I got a little bit of info or a new idea from each one, but they were really just a chance to sit down for awhile.
I did buy a few things. Big picture so you can see everything, including my after-Expo Girl Scout cookies & tea snack.
I think my favorites are the trims down in the bottom right hand corner. I like using woven ribbons and trims on my sewing, but can’t always find what I want at my local fabric store. I found *plenty* to like at a wonderful booth (Nifty Thrifty Dry Goods – no web site) at Expo and restrained myself to get only what you see. I will definitely be allocating a bigger part of my Expo budget for them next year.
But I also have another wonderful thing to save for. I found “my” embroidery machine: the Babylock Ellure. This is a lovely combination sewing and embroidery machine. I heard a rumor it is being either discontinued or upgraded, so I’m going to visit my local Babylock dealer and start looking for a good deal.
Yesterday, I did a little personal sewing. It was sunny enough to hang clothes on the outdoor clotheslines. Which reminded me that I wanted to make a clothespin apron, like I’ve seen in The Apron Book. Mine is wider than the one in the book, which makes sense since I’m wider, too. Plus it will hold more clothespins. And I used some of the ribbon I bought at Expo. I think the ribbon adds that perfect detail, don’t you??
Instead of ties, I used a piece of webbing and a D-ring and some velcro to make a belt-like band. I think it will be much easier to put it on with this belt style, especially when it’s full of pins. Here it is on me, picture taken by my 8 year old, not the best angle.
I like the bright spring colors, which will be brightening my basement today as I hang clothes.
One last thing: I got my ravely invite! The same day I posted about it, lol! My name there is ladyblueflower and I am, of course, completely overwhelmed. In honor of getting my invite, I did sit down last night and try knitting again. It wasn’t a complete failure, but pretty ugly looking. I’ll post some pictures as soon as I have a “getting better” shot to go with the “messy beginner” shot.
Thanks for reading my Monday novel!
BlueflowerTreasures 