That's A Stitch

Personalized Tumblers

2012-02-14T05:31:00.000-08:00

I have seen some cute tumblers but they never are the exact colors I want. And never have the entire name on them.So, I decided to make a couple for two friends. I am going to give them to them today. I hope they like them.

Dog Treats Jar

2012-02-12T04:33:00.000-08:00

Made this really cute Glass Jar for my Black Labs dog treats. It turned out super cute. Love the freebooter script font.

SF Giants Candy Dish

2012-01-30T04:02:00.000-08:00

Well, my sister-in-law, Marie, gave me an excellent idea. She called me the other day and ask if I could cut some blue vinyl in the LA Dodgers logo. I told her absolutely! So, she made the cutest LA Dodgers candy dish for my nephew. And then put silver Kisses and blue Dove chocolate in it... SO Cute... So, I thought, I will do one for Chuck but make it a SF Giants. Turned out pretty cute! He's gonna love it.

Go Giants!

Cricut Cake Machine

2012-01-16T05:53:00.000-08:00

I got a Cricut Cake Machine for Christmas. YEAH! I am not a cake decorator by any stretch of the imagination. Most of you know, I don't really like cake. I much rather have cookies or brownies. But guess what, I can cut and decorate cookies with this baby...

Can I hear an "WAHOO".... So, yes you have to practice until you find what works for you. This is what I have found....

1. Fondant works best for anything that will be eaten.Chef Duff has great already made fondant.I purchase mine @ Michael's with 40% off coupon. The chocolate tastes like Tootsie Rolls. YUM

2. Gumpaste is great for designs that won't be eaten. They get entirely too hard.

3. Use the freeze method for best results.Roll out, freeze, cut, freeze, and then pull off mat. Makes better cuts and doesn't loose its shape.

4. Sugar cookie dough cuts well. I cut them at least 2".

5. Cookies are thin so they are crispy. If you want thicker cookies, just put one on top of the other before you bake. I love crispy cookies so this isn't an issue for me.

This is the sugar cookie dough after being cut

I haven't decorated a cake but have done cookies and actually cut raw tortillas and just baked them. These would be super cute for a themed party. You can cut stars, hearts, footballs. Great served with salsa or soup. Since these are flour tortillas~ they can be served with pretty much anything.

1st try at cookies. I will roll out fondant thinner next time. Too thick.

Chucky's Birthday cookies. Yeah. These turned out EXACTLY as I wanted them too. And they are super yummy.

Sorry about the ugly picture but wanted you to see the tortillas cut. Cut then put on sprayed cookie sheet and bake.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-16T05:12:00.000-08:00

Sorry I have been gone so long. Been really busy with work and the holidays. But I am back and wanted to show you some things that I had been working on during the holidays.

I have had my Silhouette for several months and finally started really using it this Christmas. I made some really cute candy dishes for friends. I even had a "Craft Night" at my sister-in-laws house to show a few family and friends how to make them. It was so much fun!

I also made a few really cute Glass Blocks as Christmas gifts and they were a huge hit. They are super easy to make and so cute in an entry way. These make really cute night lights in bathrooms and baby rooms.

I made some cute monogrammed coasters as well. Super Easy and Super Cute! I bought some extra tiles from Home Depot to make some for my own house. I forgot to take a picture of them but I will post a picture when I make mine.

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday season!

More Baby Stuff

2011-09-11T20:03:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine and his wife had a baby girl this week.

Her name is Layla. I made her a personalized blanket. Love poka dots! One side is poka dots and the other side has the flowers (this fabric may look familiar, I have used it before and loved it)

Love this flannel by Robert Kaufman!

I also made her a couple of bibs. One has a pocket and the other says "Diva in Training". Made with great flannel so they are super soft.

Love the "Diva in Training" bib.

Shopping and We Survived Candlestick!

2011-08-28T18:43:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, I am an Oakland Raider fan. Last weekend, my husband and I went to watch them play at Candlestick. On our way to San Francisco, I stopped off at a few shops looking for a wire dress form. Not to make clothes but to use to hang my completed projects on. SCORE.. she is exactly what I was looking for.

Isn't she pretty??

On to the game. It is so funny to watch 49er and Raider fans tailgate together. We have gone to this match up several times but this time, the crowd was a bit rougher. We left at start of third quarter-Thank GOD.. after the game, they had 2 people shot and 1 person got beat up in a restroom. And everyone seems to think this only happens in Oakland... NOT... I just hope the Raider season is better this year.. I should make shirts that say "I survived Candlestick"

Sorry for crappy picture quality. Took with my phone.

Project Board

2011-08-14T13:59:00.000-07:00

I found this ugly board in the clearance area at Home Goods while shopping with my sister, Miltie. It is HOT Pink and Bright Green. If is made of foam not cork. The frame had a ding in it but I fixed it with some wood filler. Not perfect but you can hardly see it.

I got it for a dollar! I had to take a picture just to prove it. I was practically dancing in the isle. As soon as I saw it, I knew I wanted to paint the frame black and put a fairly simple fabric on it. I actually want to put a crazy fun fabric on it but thought it would be too hard to see anything pinned to it.

I wrapped the fabric around. I was going to attach with glue but decided to use painters tape instead. This way when I am tired of this fabric, it will be easy to remove and will be usable for another project.

I will be able to pin up drawings of projects or patterns I am working on.

Now I just have to put it up on the wall. It is just sitting on my sewing desk right now.

Day at the Lake

2011-08-09T21:14:00.000-07:00

Been so busy this summer with work, that we haven't been able to find the time to go to the lake. Well, left work early to spend the day at the lake with my husband and one of our sons. School starts tomorrow so hardly anyone was on the lake today.

He is making sure I don't get run over while I try to get my Fat Butt on the tube..

My turn to pull them. I love whipping them around...

Sweat Shop is closed!

2011-08-07T20:09:00.000-07:00

Well, the Sweat Shop is finally closed. I finally finished all of the jerseys. It went much faster since I used both of my embroidery machines side by side. My son, Chuck, came by and came into my sewing room. He just said "REALLY". I cracked up and took a picture to see how he saw it.....

Pretty funny when you look at it from this point of view!

Well, now that this big project is finished, I can work on FUN stuff now. I have some projects that I have been wanting to get done. A few baby gifts, a few totes and slings, and some Hallowen projects... I purchased some new fabric that was delivered two weeks ago and some more that is coming in Tues. Can't wait to see the UPS guy. Don't you just love your UPS guy?

Big Sur

2011-07-17T14:57:00.000-07:00

We are always so busy with work and everyday life, we forget how beautiful the area we live in is. So, Friday night, I told my youngest son and husband not to make plans for Sunday. That we were going to go on a picnic. They agreed with NO COMPLAINTS but they didn't know where we were going and didn't even ask. I just told them to be ready to leave by 9:30.

So, I packed up a picnic basket and cooler for a quick lunch and some relaxation. I packed a few games and my NookColor. They brought their own IPods. With the car packed with basket, cooler and chairs ~we were off to beautiful Big Sur. We only live about 30-45 minutes from Big Sur. It was a quick, breath taking drive down. I forgot how truly beautiful the drive is.

We got into Pfeiffer State Beach, we parked and walked a few yards to the river and set up right there along the river.It was so peaceful to sit and just listen to the river running. I relaxed and read my Nook while my son and husband went walking up the river. Weather was perfect at 76 degrees. Just a little breeze every once in a while to cool you off.

Hope you all had a relaxing weekend as well.

Baby Stuff

2011-07-01T18:17:00.000-07:00

As most of you know my niece, Erica, had her 2nd son this past week. I couldn't wait to make Johnathan a cute blanket, bib and burp cloth. The blanket is about 34" X 34". Super wonderful flannel fabrics.

Love the RicRac peaking out from the pocket. Click picture and see closer

I also have been wanting to make a blanket and bib for a friend of mine. I just haven't had a chance to do it until this week. Just as cute as Bailey is. I just love this fabric.

Both sides of blanket and bib are soft, warm flannel.

These are so addictive to make. I am going to pick up some more fabric this week in order to make a few more. I have two friends that are having baby girls in the next few weeks.

Diana's Cake

2011-06-18T05:30:00.000-07:00

My dear friend, Diana, had a birthday this week. As you know, I live in beautiful Monterey, CA. And work in the Salad Bowl of the world, Salinas. So, one of my clients is a huge strawberry grower and brought me some beautiful strawberries when he heard I was making a strawberry cake for Diana. He loves her almost as much as I do. I made some wonderful chocolate covered strawberries with them.

Since I used whip cream for the frosting, after I made the cake, I had to put in the fridge. And it caused some of the chocolate to get spotted, as you can see in the picture. I will have to figure out how to do this a bit better but it was DELICIOUS.. And isn't that what really counts?? If anyone can assist me on how to avoid the white spots, I am all ears. Leave a suggestion in the comments section.

Can't tie a bow to save my life, so I just put a knot in ribbon.

The only issue I really had were with those Pepperidge Farm Pirouette's. I purchased 4 cans and if anyone has purchased those before, you know how pricey they are. Which would have been fine but 95% of them were broken and could not be used.

Butterfly Swirl Love!

2011-06-13T05:55:00.000-07:00

I just love this fabric so much, I made two birthday banners for two friends whose birthdays are this week. I just love how it came out!

Excuse the pictures. I just hung it up in my sewing room.

The i kind of looks like an r because of where I placed it. But I still love it!

Another Happy Birthday Banner

2011-06-10T04:56:00.000-07:00

Well, I made another birthday banner for a friend of mine late last night. I just love this fabric. Its part of the Butterfly Swirl collection from Windham Fabrics. I purchased mine from my favorite local fabric store-Beverly's Fabrics- http://www.beverlys.com/butterfly-swirl-white

I love how it turned out and know she's gonna love it.

I will post another picture once I put it up. It was way to late last night to pin it up and take pictures.. but so excited to post it.

American Idol contestant, James Durbin Hometown Celebration! at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

2011-05-15T07:14:00.000-07:00

Well, we are all still in shock that James was voted off of American Idol. But this won't be the last you see of James Durbin. Santa Cruz welcomed their "Hometown Idol" home this weekend. They had over 20,000 people show up. It was crazy good fun! We stood waiting for him for over 5 hours and it was worth every freezing cold minute of it! The sun did come out when he performed so all is good.

This is about 1/4 of the people that were there to see James Durbin

Most people get a key to the city but Santa Cruz mayor gave him a surfboard with an image of himself on it. He now needs lessons. This Santa Cruz kid doesn't know how to surf. LOL It was great!

James Durbin singing at Hometown Celebration in Santa Cruz, CA

Cancer Awareness~ Relay For Life Monterey

2011-05-09T05:25:00.000-07:00

Well, Timothy and I volunteered again for Monterey's Annual Relay For Life. We had a lot of fun. We always are at Survivor and Caregiver registration. We love it. It is amazing how much strength these people have. And support. They couldn't get through this horrible disease without great caregivers. Reminded me alot of how much strength my mother had when she was fighting her own fight with breast and bone cancer. But then again, I don't think we have met anyone stronger than my Mom. She was AMAZING! And I miss her very much! She will be gone for 12 years come July and there is not a day that goes by that I don't think of her.

So, for Mother's Day. We went to eat an early lunch and then I got to sew and embroider the rest of the day. YEAH!! My sister-in-law, Teresa, is participating this Friday in a walk for cancer. It is kind of like Relay but all the funds raised stay in her own town. So, I am trying to get these towels made for her and her team. Her team is called the "Blushing Pink Divas".

(Disregard the shiny film, I wanted to take a picture before going to bed and didn't get all the stabilizer off- it washes right off. I will update photo later today)

IPad Sling/Case

2011-04-25T05:40:00.000-07:00

I was asked to make a case for a friends IPad. She wanted something that she can carry her IPad to her sons ballgames. So I thought if I made a sling type purse, it would be exactly what she wanted but also stylish compared to what you can buy at the store.

I used swivel clips at the ends of the straps so she could remove the strap and just use the case part and throw in her larger bag or purse. I used fleece for padding to protect the IPad.

Well, I hope she likes it, what do you think?

Monogrammed IPhone case

2011-04-19T05:10:00.000-07:00

I was commissioned to make a Monogrammed IPhone case. She chose one of my favorite fabrics,Expresso Beatrice flowers by Michael Miller. I just love how it turned out.

The backside. I used Pearl Snaps..

Monogrammed Coffee Sleeve

2011-04-15T05:34:00.000-07:00

I love using my own Monogrammed Coffee Sleeve each day. The fabric makes me smile and the fabric is so much more comfortable on my hands then those cardboard ones. I have had so many people ask me about them that I started selling the pattern and will begin selling already made sleeves through my Etsy Shop. That's A Stitch

Here are two I whipped up last night while watching American Idol. I just love this fun bright fabric. Doesn't it make you smile?

Cute Dish Mat

2011-03-28T04:52:00.000-07:00

I have seen a few cute Dish Mats surfing the net and knew I wanted to make myself one of them. I bit the bullet and purchased a Walking Foot for my sewing machine. GEEZ, those are pricey, this one was $80 but worth every penny. My new gadget made this project so easy. You see, the bottom of this mat is a hand towel. And when you use a regular foot on your machine, it is very difficult for the towel to feed through the machine own feed dogs. And for those of you who have followed my blog, I used my favorite fabric and it goes great in my kitchen. I have brown tile counters. I just LOVE IT!!!! It is Kaufman Metro Market Apples Green/Brown. I can't get enough of this fabric. My next project is to make some placemats with it. Did I tell you... I LOVE THIS FABRIC!

I used a white hand towel for the bottom so it will be absorbent

This is a picture of it in use.

Reversible Market/Grocery/ Tote Bag

2011-03-13T08:41:00.000-07:00

Well, I spent most of the day yesterday sewing and putting together a Reversible Bag Pattern for my Etsy Shop. I love making these bags so much. They are so easy that any beginner can make one but whomever you give it to will think you are a "Rock Star".

I hate those ugly reusable bags you can buy at the store. The fabrics they use are so ugly. This fabric makes you smile it is so bright and cheerful. I have made quite a few of these bags over the years and made this one for a dear friend of mine. I'm giving it to her this week, I really hope she likes it.

Monogram Pocket Key Chains

2011-03-06T20:12:00.000-08:00

Well, I was able to get a few Monogrammed Pocket Key Chains done this weekend. I just love this project. I got it from FiveStarFonts a while ago. I have made myself a few of these key chains. This time, I made a few for some friends. I just love how they turned out. I love them because I can fit my drivers license, debit card, Costco card and some cash into the pocket on the back. I just clip my house and car keys on and away I go. No need for a purse.

I also tried out a new project I bought from DigiStitches. It is a zipper pouch. It comes in 3 different sizes but I tested it on the 4X4 size. It turned out really cute.

I have made purchases from both of these websites and have been really happy with the results and prices. Very easy to follow instructions from both. And if you have any questions, they are always willing to help..

Easy Monogrammed IPhone/ IPod Case

2011-02-21T19:05:00.000-08:00

I purchased this Monogrammed IPhone/IPod Case In the Hoop project . Oh my gosh. I just love it. It was so EASY to make. The only issue are those pain in the butt snaps. I haven't put them in yet. I want to practice a bit on scraps before I put them on this beautiful case. I have a DroidX, so this case is a little short but I will use for my Ipod Classic. I purchased the project from Digistitches. They are great.

Just love it... Especially this great green and brown apple fabric. I am going to make some placemats out of it. It makes me smile.

Super Simple Easy Pillows

2011-02-20T17:45:00.000-08:00

Tim talked us into gettting rid of his bed and putting a futon in his room. His cover is plain black. I told him that I would make him some throw pillows to add some color to the futon.

First of all, I refuse to pay $15-$20 for pillow forms for a teenagers room that allows his black lab to lay on his bed. Enough said... So, I purchased regular bed pillows at Wal-Mart for $2.50 each. I cut the length down to 20" to make a 20' square. Pulled some of the stuffing out, and sewed it shut... Created my own pillow form for $2.50 each. YEAH

I had purchased some great Marcus Fabric a while ago. I cut 4 20"in squares but I cut them on the fold, so I only had 3 open sides. I was going to make these an envelope closure on the back but decided, I just wanted something simple, so just made them Easy Pillows.

With right side together I pinned them along 2 sides and part of 3rd side, I left about a 10" opening between the corners. So, I sewed down one side, done the 2nd side, and down part of the 3rd side. Started to sew again on the 3rd side to the end.

I trimmed the corners, to make sharp corners. Turned right side out. I pressed the opening to the inside. This step will help when you stitch closed. I then worked my pillow form into the opening. Be patient or you will rip your stitches. After you have the pillow form in, using pins, pin closed with several pins. I then hand stitched the opening closed.

Timmy and I love how the turned out and they were so easy to make. And since they were cheap to make, I won't care when I see Pearl, the black lab, laying on them.

Central Coast Wildcat golf shirts

2011-01-23T17:53:00.000-08:00

We have always been a Green & Gold family. I graduated from MHS and our two older sons graduated there as well. And now our last one, attends MHS.. So you can imagine that you open any of our closets and Green & Gold is everywhere... Go Dores!

Well, after almost 20 years @ Monterey High School, Chuck has been working at Central Coast High School. The school colors are purple and white. Do you know how hard it is to find anything Purple in the mens section.. Well, I found a few golf shirts and embroidered Central Coast Wildcats on them. I love how they turned out. I just wished they had more shirts. I could only find 5. So, that is what I did pretty much all day, embroidered these shirts and watched Chicago lose to Green Bay. So, will it be NY Jets or Steelers joining Green Bay in Dallas for Super Bowl in 2 weeks? I'm hoping it will be NY Jets...

Well. back to the shirts... how do you like them?

New Year

2011-01-09T17:18:00.000-08:00

I am so glad to start a new year. Everyone I know is looking forward to a great 2011. I never make New Year Resolutions but feel that I need to this year. I need to balance my family and work. So, I have made a promise to myself to do something for or with family or friends each week. This may just be a phone call to catch up with an old friend or a cup of coffee with a son, sister, brother or dear friend.

So, my new motto is "Love like you have an expiration date!" Life is too short not to enjoy every minute of it with loved ones.

I have been working on some Valentine's Day projects...

Love the penguins....

This one says "I love you" ... this is for Chucky's Birthday. I am working on his real birthday present but I will have to post that after I give it to him next week.

"I Love You" towel

I made this a movie themed basket for a friend and her family for Christmas. I embroidered the towels with popcorn and candy box.. Filled a popcorn bucket with Mike & Ike candy, licorice, chocolate covered raisins and a DVD. She loved it....

I know, the bow SUCKS!

Christmas Sewing

2010-12-13T18:53:00.000-08:00

[Click to enlarge}

I have been working on some Christmas gifts... I made this cute coffee sleeve for myself... I am making some for my staff that will include a Starbucks Card... I just love the Red poka dot fabric with Grinch Green Monogram! Super cute and even easier to make. I have stitched the monograms on all of them already now I just have to sew them all. I hate those cardboard bands.. these are so much cuter.

Thanksgiving is Coming....

2010-11-08T11:57:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love Thanksgiving and wanted something new and fun for my dinner table. So, I thought the easiest way is to make some placemats. I found the little turkeys on Embroidery Library. I purchased them for $1.49. So worth it.... and then I went to my favorite local fabric store, Beverly's. I found this great Robert Kaufman orange fushions fabric. I will definitely be using green and red when I start my Christmas crafts/sewing... The brown is Kona cotton.

[From this .. ]

Started wtih this

[To This..
Click on picture for close-up]

And got this...

[Click on picture for close-up]

I just love how they turned out. The orange is so bright and cheerful. These just make me smile. I LOVE THEM.. I made a set of 8....

I love the Fall..

2010-10-24T05:49:00.000-07:00

Anybody and Everybody that knows me knows how much I love the Fall. Especially Thanksgiving...I love everything about it. The cool crisp days, the beautiful colors the trees change too and especially getting together with my family for no reason. Just because I love them so much and love their company. I do however miss my sisters alot. They do not live here in California but I speak to them almost every other day. So, they are always close to me.

[ click to enlarge]

So, I was so happy when my sister, Betty, asked me to design something for her Thanksgiving Dinner. She wanted some napkins but she wanted them a bit more fun. So, we decided I would embroider a beautiful saying "Bless All who gather here" on them and the fun part, we decided to do them on a Bar Mop. I love the idea. Not formal as a linen napkin but very absorbent since it is more like a towel. I just ran a test and LOVE the way it came out. The leaves are from Embroidery Library. I did have to do some editing to it but I love that company. ~I forgot to iron a bit before I took picture~ this is right out of the washer and dryer after I embroidered. Beautiful!

Towel update

2010-09-19T08:22:00.000-07:00

I just finished the other towel for Corina's fairy towels. I bought this towel on clearance for $2.

From Drab

To FAB!!

Aren't they beautful together?? And for only $3 bucks!

Some new towels..

2010-09-19T05:48:00.000-07:00

I found this really cute orange w/burgundy tea towel at Ross and knew it would match Corina's kitchen. Unfortunately, they only had one but it was on clearance for $1... I embroidered a beautiful fairy on it with burgundy and gold thread and I just love how it turned out. I can't wait to give it to her.

I also purchased a few towels at Wal-Mart to make some Halloween towels. Turned out cute but I hate the towel material. It came out of the washer looking like it had a million snags. And I won't use these in the future. I will stick with tea towels or terry towels. They always turn out so beautiful. Click on the image and you will see what I am talking about.

Happy Halloween Banner

2010-08-08T20:57:00.000-07:00

Click on the picture to enlarge

I made a great Halloween fabric banner today. It turned out so cute.

I have it for sale on my Etsy shop. http://www.etsy.com/shop/thatsastitch

What do you think?

Black Yellow and Gray Birthday Banner

2010-07-30T22:07:00.000-07:00

Click on photo to enlarge

I made this banner for one of my co-workers. She loves Black and Yellow together and when I found this fabric~ it screamed "Sally"... I used Black for the calligraphy fonts. I just love how sophisticated it looks.

Since I was not going to be at work for her birthday, I had to sneak these pictures of it in an unused office at work. I should have centered it under the light but was in a rush.... But don't you just love the fabric??

Don't you just love this fabric?

Birthday Banner

2010-07-24T16:44:00.000-07:00

Click on photo to enlarge.........

My niece will be having a birthday party next month for her son. The theme is Disney. So, I made a birthday banner from fabric for the party. I made my own letter appliques from a Disney Font. I have seen these online but I refuse to pay for something that I can make myself.

I love the way it came out. I just hope she likes it...

Lauren's Beach Towel

2010-07-05T20:07:00.000-07:00

I picked up this cute towel and knew I had to make it for my niece,Lauren.

I had to print the letters out separately and then figure out where I wanted to place them. Then I chose the colors that I felt brought out the colors in the towel best. I love the colors.

I am still learning how to get everything lined up the way I want. The letters are a bit off but I still love how it turned out.I hopefully will be seeing her this week so she can use it this summer.

I just love love love the pink and orange together.

Kanji Towels

2010-06-27T13:29:00.000-07:00

My oldest son, loves all things Japanese. I know he's not but sometimes I wonder if he's not part Japanese.

I thought I would make him a couple of bath towels. He absolutely loved them.

He wants me to make some pillows for his bedroom at his apartment. I also see sofa pillows in my future....

Father's Day Gift

2010-06-15T21:51:00.000-07:00

I didn't have time to make the actual apron, so I purchased one fromWal-Mart. I purchased the "Grill Master" embroidery file from http://www.emblibrary.com/ I just love this website. They always have sales.

Well, my honey caught me making it. Oh well, after 28 years of marriage, there aren't very many suprises anymore. Except...uh, if I told you, I would have to hurt you...

Sorry about this picture, not very good.

I really like how it turned out...

Corkboard

2010-06-12T17:56:00.000-07:00

I bought this picture frame at Marshall's on clearance for $2.50. I took the remaining broken letters off, primed it and painted it Glossy Black (already had).... I removed the glass and replaced with cork (already had). I was going to cover the cork with fabric but decided not to for now. I had some colorful clips already.

Thank you to my sister, Betty who told me not to be afraid of a little spray paint. Now I am addicted. I primered this in a suit before leaving for work, 1st coat of paint when I got home and 2nd coat before I went to bed. Woke up at 4am, and cut cork and put all together. Thanx Betty!

It can either be hung or it actually can stand up as seen in this picture. So this project just cost me about $3... I love it...

I may add Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner above the three openings to put a daily menu on it and put it in my kitchen. Or just leave it on my desk. I kept the glass just in case I want to make into Dry-Erase Message Board.

It makes me SMILE and I LOVE IT!

Click on picture to getter a closer look...

More Towels

2010-06-05T22:59:00.000-07:00

Well, it was too hot to be out today. So, that just gave me an excuse to play with my embroidery machine. I made these really cute Red Apple towels.

I was testing out the LiveLove Laugh flower and it turned out really cute. I think I am going to use for a tote bag. I used some bright colors and just love how it turned out.

Scissors, Scissors, Scissors

2010-05-31T19:39:00.000-07:00

Like most people who sew, I have alot of scissors. I am always fumbling around trying to find them and I have a solution. While thrifting this weekend with my sisters, I found this.. it was originally a bar utensil holder. I spray painted it with primer and then with glossy black and NOW.....

it's the home for my scissors and rotary cutter. Now I always know exactly where they are... This is the first time I have spray painted, so there are a few runs but that's okay. I still love it

The cost $1.50... Have to LOVE that.

Cappuccino Kitchen Towels

2010-05-31T14:50:00.001-07:00

I made these cute kitchen towels as my first project. I love the way they turned out. Since this was my first project, I had purchased some cheap kitchen towels from Walmart. They were a pack of 5 for $5.

I purchased the embroidery file from http://www.emblibrary.com/. I have purchased quite a few files from them. It is a great website. Has alot of great stuff and alot of help. I purchased quite a few for just $1 each. Have to LOVE that!

Now that I know it was so easy. I am going to buy some nicer towels to make some more. Can't wait.

I love this machine. I have never used an embroidery machine before and this Brother Machine is so easy to use. I just absolutely love it.

Embroidery Machine

2010-05-22T20:52:00.000-07:00

Well, as some of you know, I have been looking at sewing/embroidery machine combos for a while. I just really couldn't justify the cost. That was until I got my Costco rebate last Saturday. It paid for 1/2 of it. So, I ordered it on Monday and it was delivered on Thursday. OH YEAH! I almost kissed the UPS guy. Here is a picture of her still in the box. Sorry for the horrible picture, was taken with my phone. Once I get it up and running, I will take a picture.

I have been sick all week with Shingles. So I haven't even had a chance to put it together let alone read the manual. I did however purchase two really cool fonts from Meringue Designs. Check her out at http://www.deepthoughtsbycynthia.blogspot.com/ or her Etsy shop at http://meringuedesigns.etsy.com/ I have purchased from her in the past and love her work. Check it out. Those of you who don't know what Etsy is~ it is like Ebay for Crafters but you don't bid, you just buy. There are so many talented people out there. I use it to sell my Lauren Tote Bag pattern.

Well, I may stay up tonight and read my manual so I can monogram something tomorrow. It is supposed to be cold tomorrow so it will be a great day to stay in and sew/embroider.

DIYDish Episode 9

2010-05-18T05:57:00.000-07:00

I loved these hooded towels. But especially loved their sponsor today. It is Embroidery.com. I just ordered my embroidery machine yesterday so this was of special interest to me.

Skip to My Lou~ Made By You Mondays

2010-05-17T05:40:00.000-07:00

I finally posted something to one of my favorite blogs~ Skip To My Lou~ Made by You Mondays. I am always in aw of the great talent out there.

Sophia's Baby Blanket and Burp Cloths

2010-05-15T19:54:00.000-07:00

One of my son's best friend just had a baby girl. They named her Sophia.

I made this super cute flannel blanket and burp cloths for her. I put her name on the burp cloths. On the blanket, I made an applique with the fabric I used for the backside. The "S" took some time but so worth it. It turned out so cute.

My sewing machine only has 1 font. After making this project, it just makes it even more clear that I have to get a sewing/embroidery machine combo. And Costco is helping me buy it. I got my annual rebate today and it will pay for 1/2 of it. So, I am ordering it..... I can't wait...

After this project, I am so addicted to the monogramming. My family better sleep with their eyes open. I may just monogram their butts.

Crazy Life

2010-05-09T06:02:00.000-07:00

It has been crazy around here. So busy with work.

I made this adorable cake for a friends daughter who was having a birthday party this weekend. She loved it.. It turned out so cute.

I'm making another one for Kenny's girlfriend's birthday.

Family

2010-03-21T13:53:00.000-07:00

As some of you know, I was going to be working on a few patterns last weekend so I can put them in my Etsy Shop. One of my New Year's Resolution was to commit more of my time to my sewing.

Well, last weekend one of my brothers had a heart attack. He is doing well but it was a pretty rough week. So, this week, I will be working on finishing up my patterns.

Patty Young's Flora & Fauna

2010-03-21T13:35:00.000-07:00

I just love designer Patty Young's fabric and her knewest line ~ Flora & Fauna is no exception. It is bright, beautiful and fun. The most difficult thing is actually bringing myself to cutting this great fabric. It comes in Raspberry, Mustard, Turquoise and Stone. I chose Stone but really love the Raspberry as well. I may have to order some in Raspberry since my local fabric stores do not have it in stock.

Don't you just love it... the pink dots are just regular Michael Miller dot fabric. I love how they work together, don't you?

Score! Beautiful Fabric

2010-02-22T19:43:00.000-08:00

I went to Beverly Fabrics on my way home tonight. And I scored big time. I had a 40% off coupon~which normally is not for fabric. But they forgot to print~ Excludes fabric....

And since I buy most of my great fabric there, they let me use it for some brand new fabric that came in.... It is Michael Miller's Daisy Dots.... I love it, love it, love it...

Have some ideas what I am going to use it for however not sure..

Been Busy

2010-02-21T07:39:00.000-08:00

Just checking in... Been really busy with work and a sick friend. I am working on a few new patterns. I have them in my head. I just need to get them written down and lots of pictures. I love a small messenger type across the body bag. One that fits your wallet, cell phone and car keys. One of the patterns I am working on is one of these types of bag but I am going to put the handles in differently so it lays flatter against your body then those that just have straps at each side. And I would really love to add a zipper closure but if I make the flap long enough, it really isn't necessary. I love hands-free shopping. Makes everything more enjoyable.

My hubby, Chuck turned the big "50" last weekend. We spent the day in San Francisco. We love playing tourist there. There are so many interesting people.

Happy Birthday, Chuck!

Cute Wallet

2009-12-13T16:46:00.000-08:00

I just made this cute wallet today.. I am pretty happy on how it turned out. The only issue I had was that I couldn't get my

machine to topstitch it correctly. I had to tear out the stitches so I decided not to top stitch it. It still looks great.

Phoebe Bag

2009-12-13T05:43:00.001-08:00

I just made this bag. A friend of mine wanted me to make it for her daughter. I hope she likes it. It has a pocket inside. Has a snap flap closure. And as you can see, she really likes that Chocolate Lollipop fabric as well.

Some Previously Made Bags and Totes

2009-11-24T05:27:00.000-08:00

Since Christmas is coming, alot of friends have been asking about me making some purses, tote bags, etc for them. So, I thought I would post a few of the bags I have designed and made in the past that may be of interest to some. Keep in mind, look at the size and style, not the fabric as that will be different.

This is a messenger bag I made. It is huge. I love the fabric design but my husband thinks it is too loud... I love it!! It is Groovy!

I love this bag.. I designed it for my girlfriends that are NFL Fans... It is roomy.. and has a shoulder strap

This bag is great for anything. I use this style for my books, magazines. I can put my tennis shoes at the bottom and put a pair of sweatpants and T-shirt, so I can go walking on my lunch hour. And still fit a magazine or two.

New Daisy Bag

2009-11-13T16:51:00.001-08:00

I just love how this bag turned out. I love the daisy fabric...

After everyone suggesting that I start selling my bags, I have just finished one of my bag patterns and have listed it in my Etsy Store..

http://www.thatsastitch.etsy.com/

I am not sure if I am going to list this bag. I just love it and may have to keep it.

Designed a new Tote Bag

2009-11-11T17:58:00.000-08:00

This is the first time I have ever done an applique and am so happy with it. The next one I make I think will be in blue denim with a daisy instead of the puppy.

I just finished this tote bag. I have been picturing how I wanted

the end product to look like and I am very pleased with the end result.

Next time, I will add a pocket inside as well as a snap/magnet closure.

I love the size. It is approximately 15"H x 13" W x 1" D. So you can put clothes in it as well as a few magazines. I just love it.

Coasters

2009-10-17T20:05:00.000-07:00

I made this cute coaster. It is 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" with a pocket to hold a tea packet and sugar packets. This one was made from some scrap fabric I had for testing. I can't wait to see how the real ones turn out. I have some great fabric to make them with. I will be making them smaller. I think this one is way to big. I think 4"x4" would be a perfect size.

Love this new Take What Ya Need Wallet

2009-09-16T04:13:00.000-07:00

I saw this fabric and had to have it. It is so cute. I love the puppies on it.

I have been trying to get more stuff in my Etsy Shop a little at a time. I have a few wallets in there now and will be adding some purses and tote bags.

My Etsy Shop- Take What Ya Need Wallet

2009-09-07T19:19:00.001-07:00

Well, I have finally put some items in my Etsy Shop, thatsastitch.etsy.com

I have added two Take What Ya Need wallets. Check them out. They turned out pretty cute.

I am going to add some more stuff this week. Let me know what you think...

Pouch Wallet

2009-08-30T08:24:00.000-07:00

I finally made one of those pouch wallets I have seen everywhere. This is my first one and the first time I have used snaps. It came together pretty easy.

It will fit your ID, debit/credit card and some cash. Attach a few keys and you are off to the store. You can leave your heavy purse at home.

Ashley's Birthday Present

2009-04-26T20:38:00.001-07:00

Well, I have finished my niece, Ashley's hobo bag. I just love it. I almost don't want to send it to her. It is so cute. It turned out so good. I hope she likes it as much as I loved making it for her.

I used Chocolate Lollipop for the exterior and brown with white pocka dots for the interior and the handles.

It has a zippered pocket inside. No closure because it is such a pain to open and close a snap. So I decided not to put one in.

What do you think??

Chocolate Lollipop from Free Spirit Fabrics

2009-04-04T07:04:00.000-07:00

Harts Fabric in Santa Cruz has some great fabric. Since fabric can get really expensive, I try to purchase my fabric at some type of discount. Maybe a 40% coupon or a 30% off sale. But sometimes you find that fabric that you "MUST HAVE"... at whatever cost.

As you can see, it is another version of the Chocolate Lollipop collection from Free Spirit. I just love it. It is the blue/green version of the pink one that I ordered from Fabric Depot. I should be getting my order from Fabric Depot on Monday. Can't wait to see it.

I am going to use this one to make another Hobo Bag. I will post as soon as I finish it this weekend.

Fabric Order

2009-04-01T05:16:00.001-07:00

Well, I just ordered some new fabric. I cannot wait to receive it.

I just love this one. This is my favorite.

I also ordered this one. I think it will be better in person. I am going to make some tote bags out of it. They will make some cool reusable grocery bags.

Some stuff I have made....

2009-03-28T05:51:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the items that I have made in the past few months. I need to work on some grocery/market bags so I don't have to use those crappy plastic bags from the store. They always rip. I can't tell you how many times I have broken jars.

This is a beautiful bag I made for my sister, Miltie. This green fabric screamed Miltie's name to me.

I made this bag for my sister-in-law, Marie. She is a die hard Rams Fan. Can you believe they still have loyal fans... Well, that's another story.

The Rams fabric is cotton and I lined with tan canvas fabric. It is sturdy.

This is a bag I use everyday. It is great. It is very sturdy. It has stiff interfacing in it. It carries my magazines, a cookbook or two and other reading material. I take it to work each day. It holds a lot of stuff.

This is the kind of bag I will be making for grocery bags. These are alot nicer than those re-usable ones you can buy at the stores.

This one also makes a great bag to use for the beach or picnics.

This one is a Cancer Awareness bag I made for my sister-in-law, Teresa. It turned out great. I love this fabric. It is really soft even though its not flannel.

I found some great fabric recently that has cancer ribbons. One is on marbled Pink and the other one that I found is on marbled Purple. I love the fabric, I just have to decide what I am going to make with it.

All of these bags are machine washable. I have found that sewing gives me a few hours to myself and lets me de-stress. It is funny because I never thought of myself as 'creative" but I have found that I am always looking at and feeling fabric and sometimes get up in the middle of the night with a thought of what fabrics and what style would look good. And write it down in my sewing binder.

Let me know what you think. Leave a post

Hobo Bag

2009-03-23T05:34:00.000-07:00

I have been so busy I haven't posted in a while. On Sunday, I took the day to pretty much just sew. I have been wanting to make this bag for a while and made it for Kenny's girlfriend. She loves it. It is really roomy but not too big. It has a zippered pocket inside. I don't like the way the handles came out so I will have to work on that before making the next one.

You can see the zippered pocket inside and it has a magnetic closure. I just love the combination of the fabrics...

Brown & Blue Journal Cover

2009-01-25T09:26:00.000-08:00

I have been dying to make this journal cover. I have had the fabric for a while but just hadn't gotten to making this until this morning.. I just love the button I found to match the brown and blue fabrics...

Brown & Pink Butterfly Bag

2009-01-11T15:12:00.000-08:00

I couldn't sleep this morning because I kept thinking about making this tote/purse with this great Brown & Pink Butterfly fabric. It is lined with pink pokadot fabric. It turned out great. It has two pockets inside.

Sewing, Sewing, Sewing today

2009-01-03T07:53:00.000-08:00

Well, I received my long awaited NFL and NBA fabric yesterday. I am making some blankets for my husband and sons from their favorite sports teams. I am very excited to get them done. I will post pics once they are finished.

Trying to get up and running

2009-01-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

Well, I don't normally make New Year's Resolutions however I feel that I need to make a few.

1. Live each day as if it is my last
2. Remind everyone how much they mean to me
3. Make my sewing habit pay for itself..