Meet my new friend - SINGER HD4423

Hello,

It's finally here!! I got it on Tuesday last week!! It's Singer HD 4423. I was thinking of buying the industrial machine but I don't have space right now.

I've been considering this machine for quite some time and even though my other machines are doing OK, but I need a tougher machine to sew bags and wallet.

I won't be writing a long technical review here, but if you want to read the review you can go HERE or watch it on YouTube.

So far, I LOVE it!! Especially when sewing the passport holders, it can handle thickness changes with no hick up at all. And with the High Speed, I can sew much faster without dealing with a jammed needle.

The SINGER HD4423 also has top loading bobbin, which is convenient

 I'm yet to try on faux leather or another project as yet. I will update you again when I do.

It has 23 stitch variations (hence the name). Also, you can adjust the needle position to the right and to the left. 

The free arm is an advantage too. If you see the extended table, that was from my Bernette machine LOL. Have to make do with what I have, right? 

If you're looking for beginner heavy duty sewing machine, you might want to consider this machine. It's practical and economical!

Let me know what you think!

Until then,

Happy Mother's Day

Hello

Happy Mother's Day!

The photo above is the Mother's day card and key ring my dear sons gave me in the morning. We went to Archie's yesterday and both of them were busy choosing what to give me on Mother's Day. 

I love you, boys! 

 I want to share with you a note that  I copied from my friend Rashida Juzer from her Facebook Post (which I reposted on my page). 

Unknown Author but resonates how I feel -

Every year ( well, maybe not every year) my children ask me the same question. After thinking about it, I decided I'd give them my real answer:

"What do I want for Mother's Day? I want you. I want you to keep coming around, I want you to bring your kids around, I want you to ask me questions, ask my advice, tell me your problems, ask for my opinion, ask for my help. I want you to come over and rant about your problems, rant about life, whatever. Tell me about your job, your worries, your kids, your fur babies. I want you to continue sharing your life with me. Come over and laugh with me, or laugh at me, I don't care. Hearing you laugh is music to me.

I spent the better part of my life raising you the best way I knew how. Now, give me time to sit back and admire my work. Raid my refrigerator, help yourself, I really don't mind. In fact, I wouldn't want it any other way.

I want you to spend your money making a better life for you and your family, I have the things I need. I want to see you happy and healthy. When you ask me what I want for Mother's Day, I say "nothing" because you've already been giving me my gift all year. I want you. Time and memories mean more than any material item I could ever receive." Unknown Author

(If you feel the same way, feel free to copy and paste... I did!)

The handmade card from my MIL (thank you Mommy!!) and the boys. 

The painting on the card was done by my MIL. She started painting again and hopefully, I will be able to show you some of her works here on my blog. 

The rest of the day today was spent relaxing. I took a day off from sewing and spending the day catching up with the boys and later on watching  6 episodes of my Korean drama. I really love the Korean family weekends drama. 

What about you? 

I hope you had a great Mother's Day too!!

Until then,

Monday Updates

Hello again,

Last week I completed another improv on the family passport holder. This time I converted interior slip pocket into a zippered pocket.

Hopefully, I can write a tutorial for that soon. I forgot to take photos this time. It's very easy and I love how this turned out. I hope she will like it!!

I think I am going to offer this option in the shop along with other options, like an exterior zippered pocket 

 Sewing wallet binding is my favorite. It's like a lava cake after a Pizza dinner LOL. I have a tutorial coming up tomorrow! 

In the meantime, I'll be working on another improvisation this week. Don't you just love when with a single pattern you can make so many varieties?

You can get the passport holder pattern HERE.

It's Monday and here sneak peek to cheer you up this Monday ^^

All these beauty will be available tonight! Limited stock available! 

GO TO SHOP to see what other fabrics are available now 

Pretty Paisley 

  

One of a kind Travel Theme Cotton Fabric

Glace Cotton Ikat Print Fabric

That's all for today,

Until then,

Happy Sewing

{Tutorial} Another Wallet Mitered Binding

Hello,

Many friends asked me how I do my wallet binding. I love wallet with binding because it's stronger and it's one of a kind! You won't find the same wallet in the world. I guarantee that ^^

Handmade Family Passport Holder

Ok, so here's how:

(you can use cross cut or bias binding. The binding width is 1.5" ).

1. Start sewing the binding with 3/8" seam allowance. See the picture below, I folded the binding diagonally. 

This is the beginning of the binding

 Stop approx 3/8" from the corner, and turn the wallet diagonally and sew to the corner.

2. Now flip the binding strip to outward to the right 

3.  And flip it back again like shown in the picture below.  Make sure the fold at the top is lined up straight with the edge. 

4. Now sew the binding from the top with 3/8" seam allowance. Continue in the same manner until the end. 

At the end of the binding, overlap the binding strip like in the picture below

When you finish and fold the binding to the other side, you will have a neat mitered corner 

Nothing like a perfect ending, right? 

Now, finish your binding by hand. I love hand sewn binding. I tried several times to finish it with a machine but not very happy with the result.

This tutorial is an update version of my previous post. 

I hope you find this helpful. Let me know in the comment if you do or if you want more tutorial. 

Happy Sewing 

Something New

Hello again,

Few days ago, I was reading my past blog posts from way back in 2009 and 2010. I even read the comments and checked the profile of the commentator. Most of the bloggers are no longer writing. After the Facebook and Instagram, many people think writing a blog is too time-consuming. I was also caught up in the same trend. I mean, isn't it easier and more practical to just click photos and upload it to Facebook and Instagram, instead of writing all the details on the blog. The thing is, Facebook and Instagram is a fast moving, it's difficult to track what you have posted, even with the hashtag. Unlike a blog, where everything is properly documented. It's like a diary. We can always go back and read. Some cute moment, some ridiculous photos, and of course it warms my heart to read all those. Anyway enough of feeling nostalgic.

Yesteday, in between finishining my orders, I made this cute hipster cross body bag. It's been on my mind for several days, and it sort of bug me (you know what I mean?), so after cutting interfacings and fabrics for my Passport Holder orders, I draft the pattern and here it goes:

Pleated Hipster Crossbody Bag 

Originally, I wanted to make the pleat slightly closed, but I changed my mind. I love how the pleat turned out here.  It gives a patchwork look which was my initial intention.

I also made the front exterior pocket with hidden/concealed zipper. From far it will look like a slip pocket when it's actually a zippered pocket. 

Concealed Zipper Pocket

I was thinking to finish the top without a zipper, I guess that can always be an option later. I use beige linen for the solid and an orange diamond print fabric. 

Also, don't miss the patchwork removable strap! I love patchwork strap. 

Besides that, I finished another mini crossbody bag from my Phone sleeve pattern. I used the kindle size for this one which turned out pretty cool.

Red and White Mini Sling Bag

It's such a fast sewing and how scrap friendly this pattern is. The paisley fabric is just perfect, it's like waiting for the right project to come along. 

and of course the additional zippered pocket is always great option, right? Especially when you are traveling and want to keep all the small necessities with you without having to rummage the big backpack. 

That's all for today. I have to go and take the boys to their music classes today and I hope the weather holds.  

Until then,

Have a nice crafty weekends

This post is linking to Finish it up Friday 

Supplies Links : 

Mini Cross Body Bag Pattern

Linen Fabrics

Triangle Print Fabric 

Bright Orange Fabric