The Queen is home

I've been looking for a 3rd machine. I want something semi automatic, something heavy duty. I read online about Janome HD1000 and visited Usha Janome shops in my town and they said it is not available in India. 

But I need a machine to sew my wallets and bags. 

My Bernette has been having some problem and in and out of service a couple of times but the problem persist. My Husqvarna Viking  DT 20 can handle it so far, but it is not tough enough to handle the load. Besides, if anything happen, there is no service support for Husqvarna Viking in my town or the nearest Metro (that is Calcutta), it's going to be a headache for me.  So, I was looking something less expensive which will serve my purpose.

First I went to the main dealer of Usha Janome in GS Road, the guy there was trying to sell me the high end machine, and refused to show me Usha Stitch Queen, the machine that I have in mind (besides the HD1000). I told him, I already have fancy one and I don't need another one. So I  went to the shop where I bought my first Janome when I came to India 14 years ago. 

I spoke to the old man and showed me 2 machine, Janome Empress and Usha Stitch Queen which basically the same, except Janome Empress only treadle and has a couple of decorative stitches, while Stitch Queen is equipped with electric pedal and only has straight and zig zag stitches (which is what I need). He insisted that I try sewing using the sample fabric that I had with me. He said "I will not sell you the machine if you are not happy with it and it doesn't serve your purpose". And I was sold. His honesty is a rare quality of a master salesman. Despite of having a small shop, he didn't try to sell me the more expensive machine. He also insisted that I meet the machine demonstrator to check if everything is ok and will send him to my house for thorough demo. 

And so I brought the Queen home ^_^

Top View ~ you can see the motor attached at the back, that is Janome motor. 

it's written : designed and specified by Janome 

and I got more than what I bargain for, that I can drop the feed dog down, that mean you can you FMQ, right? 

I mean, if you google about FMQ you will always find  the instruction goes like 1) drop the feed dog and 2) set the stitch length to 0 

et voila!!

My first trial

I was amazed. No loose stitch, no tension issues (literally!!!) and it just goes...smoothly..just like when you drive again after a long gap, after few minutes you will race in the highway

and I did finish this mug rug in one go...just as simple as 123...

And I recently found this tutorial by Lizzie Lenard on YouTube  on How to do FMQ if you have treadle machine. 

Isn't it inspiring? 

Until then,

Happy Sewing

Looking Back

Happy New Year!!

2015 was a good year. I traveled quite a lot and collecting more fabrics. I learned Jogakbo (Korean Patchwork) during my visit to South Korea, started trying hand quilting (still in WIP now) and also started making bigger bags (again).

The latest bag that I finished was Ikat Super Tote from Noodlehead pattern. It took me quite a long time to start. I love how the grey jute highlighted the ikkat fabric. The bag is perfect size for someone who love carrying lots of stuff like me. 

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 here are some of the things that I've completed in 2015.

More photos can be seen HERE

or in my INSTAGRAM 

{ Bag and Pouches} 

{quilts}

{Passport wallets}

{iPhone sleeves}

Now, I'm ready with new adventures in 2016.

Happy 2016

Necessary Clutch Wallet

I have been searching for accordion wallet pattern and my dear friend, Namrata from Bagstock told me about the NCW and she encouraged me to try. She even added me to the NCW addict group on facebook.  After few months of watching all the ladies in the group making beautiful NCWs finally I printed out the pattern and started making one. 

The wallet is spacious, you can fit it up to 12 cards, and there is one slip pocket behind each card slot.

I added another zip pocket there and d-rings for the detachable strap. I made 1 long strap and 1 short lanyard. 

 

The middle part is my favorite cos you can put your mobile phone there. 

So, no more carrying your big purse when you go out for a little errand or just going for a short lunch break. 

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Some adjustment that I made : 

#1. The Flap 

I attached the border to the exterior flap panel by sewing the inner border to the exterior panel first. Then baste stitch the outer border to exterior before sew it together with the lining flap. That way I get a good finish of the flap and since I used magnetic snap, it gave a better finish of the front esp. if you are using magnetic snap. No more worries maneuvering around the snap ;) 

#2 . The wallet body lining, I use buckram in the middle part and use fusible woven interfacing in the oval part. That way, it's easier on my machine since it's less bulky. And before turning I add a piece of flannel as batting in the middle part. That give a stiff but soft finish to the wallet. The wallet feels for firm.  (sorry forgot to take pics here).

#3. Added second zipper pouch based on tutorial by Jean on her YouTube channel.

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 I used my pinking scissor to trip the flap or any curvy sides. It's easier and faster plus gives a better finish 

So, if you've been thinking to give the NCW a try, go ahead. It's fun to make and with all the tutorials and group support, you don't have to worry about anything else:)

Get the pattern at : Emmaline Bags

and the fabrics at Chezvies Supplies

or if you'd rather to buy the finish wallet, you can head to my ETSY shop. I can make in any fabric you want.

Until then,

Happy Sewing

Ella Bucket Bag

 I have this unique African print for few months. The print is huge. I put up for sale in my facebook page Chezvies Fabrics for a long time and there's no taker :(

I believe that all my fabrics will come of use someday {I think all the hoarders have the same believe ^_* ) and it's true. I was browsing Etsy for Totebag and found SOTAK handmade's pattern, The Ella Bucket Bag, and I know that it's perfect for my fabric.

Svetlana's pattern is very thorough and easy to follow. With step by step pictures which is a huge thing for me. I am one of those who cannot follow written instructions. So having step by step photo tutorial is really a big help.

I made few improvisation here, because of the print I decided to put the zipper pocket inside and I skipped the inner pocket.

And for the magnetic snap, instead of attach the snap onto the bag, I made a little button flaps and attach it to the bag. Since the fabric I use is Indian mulmul fabric which is quite lightweight, attaching the snap this way is safer.

The interface I used is fusible interfacing. I used in both exterior and lining. I added foam in the exterior fabric.

I definitely will make more of this bag. It's super easy. 

Bag will be available for custom order in 

www.chezvies.etsy.com

www.facebook.com/chezvies

Fabrics used are Indian cotton by Chezvies Fabrics

Until then,

Happy Sewing

How to quilt it?

I am working on this geese quilt. It's going to be huge one,  86" x 90". I've been looking at several tutorial on how to do big quilt in my home sewing machine. Since I don't think so I will be able to tug and move it around, and with my spondylitis problem, it's  definitely  NO.

I found a pretty butterfly cotton for the back 

I have Jera's book Quilt as you Made modern but I am not sure how to do mine. SInce it's going to be 3 parts, Solid panel on both sides and one long geese panel in the middle. 

Then I saw this tutorial by Marci Girl Designs which I think it's doable. Well it will involve hand- sewing but that is better that hauling the whole quilt in one go on to the machine.

here some pics from Marci Girl Designs:

copyrights : Marci Girl Designs

Copyrights : Marci Girl Designs

copyrights : Marci Girl Designs

copyrights : Marci Girl Designs

Go ahead to Marci Girl Design for complete Quilt as you go tutorial.

and Wish me luck ^_^

Until then,

Happy Quilting