November Sewcial Sisters...

I love the time I spend with the Sewcial Sisters. They're all such talented women and I learn so much from them. 

Lori is an accomplished quilter, and I watched her hand quilt on her Everlasting quilt on Monday. She took the time to show me how to do it, and shared a few other pointers. I'm really inspired to work on a sample piece with the goal of getting good enough to hand quilt my own Everlasting quilt. 

During our monthly Show and Tell (or, as I call it Bring & Brag), she shared this lovely table mat she'd completed since our last gathering. I love how the colors just pop off the black ground fabric.

Kathy D. has been busy! She shared five or six finished quilts, but this one was one of my favorites. It's so colorful! Kathy has her own longarm quilting machine, so she always finishes her own pieces. Her machine quilting is so professional and beautiful. It really enhances (as it should) her precision piecing. 

Karen made this beautiful quilt and shared it with us on Monday. She's always shy and hides behind her quilts when the cameras come out. The colors make this piece subtly Christmas, but it's perfect as a year-round quilt, too. 

Darcy has been working on the multiple blocks of this quilt as a gift for her husband. She's completed most of the blocks - which I think she said she started in 2016 - and it getting really close to putting it all together. I had to get a photograph of this block, because of the sweet camper. I loved this quilt, and would love to create my own version. Note to self - Add this quilt to the list!

Before we left for the day, Lisa B's son brought Darcy's new sewing machine to her. It's a Ltd. Kaffe Fassett Bernina. Sorry I don't know the model number. The machine is decked out with the same decals as the colorful fabric shown on the protective cover. As you can see, she's in love with it. I have to admit, I was a bit taken with it, too. Lucky for me, they were all sold out of the Ltd. ed machine.

Our next meeting is December 1st. I'm planning to have a few pieces completed so I can brag, too. If I don't get them done, I'm perfectly happy to cheer on the accomplishments of my friends. They're the best!

Hello, Darcy...

Brynwood Needleworks - Janome 3160 QDC

I promised to show you my newest machine today, so may I introduce "Darcy"? I've chosen this brand new Janome 3160 QDC sewing machine for a number of reasons.

Brynwood Needleworks - Janome 3160 QDC

This little lady will be carried to sew-ins, Nifty 50s gatherings, retreats, and when we travel in the Flying Cloud. She only weighs twelve pounds, but she's big on features.

She has sixty stitches, including 6 one-step buttonholes; needle-up/down features, one-hand needle threader; auto thread cutter; a free-arm; and many other features found in full size machines.

Brynwood Needleworks - Janome 3160 QDC

Additionally, she has an included sewing table, so that I have more space when working on quilt blocks, or other items where having the extra area will come in handy.

Did I say she only weighs twelve pounds? That was a huge motivator for a number of reasons.

Now, in case you're wondering how I came up with her name...My initials are "DC"(too), and my nickname around here is "Deece", but I wasn't going to have a "Deece, Jr.", so I had to come up with something different. "Darcy" came to mind, and I kept coming back to it. It seemed to suit her, so "Darcy" she shall be.

Brynwood Needleworks - Coffee Pouch

What to make for our maiden project? As luck would have it, I got a phone call yesterday morning. I had made a few zippered pouches as Christmas gifts a few years ago.

I was told that this gift had been used every day since as a makeup carrier, was much-loved, and that the zipper had finally broken. Would I please make another?

Brynwood Needleworks - Coffee Pouch Interior

Well, when I'm asked a sweet request like that, how can I possibly refuse? (No way!) I pulled out my fabrics (she asked to stay in the same theme as last time, even though it was for makeup), and Darcy and I went to work.

I'll mail this out today, with a tiny love note tucked inside (see the label?). Darcy and I are going to get along just fine!