This is what I made today. It has prairie points on it for a little bit of pazzazz, pizzazz, puzzaazz. I do not know how to spell pizaz. The purse is called a shop hopper bag and this is the small size of three possible patterns. How do you like the cowgirl fabric?

I am absolutely in love with my new sewing machine. Last night, I was afraid to use it. I think I was too tired to think straight. Today, I had no problem turning it on and trying out all the features. I made myself use the hands on features instead of the foot pedal. I also connected the knee pedal that allows me to use my knee to raise the presser foot. That takes some getting used to. It will be great when it all clicks in my brain.

I made a label for my mom. I used the lettering feature to make her a label that says, “Made by Myrna.” It was fun. I learned that it turns out so much better if you use a stabilizer under the fabric. I think there is a way to make the lettering a little bit bigger but I haven’t figured that out yet.

I already broke a needle. I am not sure what caused that to happen but I think I may not have had it inserted correctly.

Mom and I decided it was too nice of a day to sit inside and sew. She had heard about a fabric store in Noblesville that we needed to find. All I did was venture into a fabric store. I didn’t know they sold sewing machines. I didn’t know they would have the Janome 6600 Memory Craft. Why did I sit down and give it a test drive? I dreamt about it last night. I wanted it. Argggh. I am going to need debt consolidation help soon. Credit counseling and credit card counseling from The Credit Exchange is available to those of us who run into trouble.
On the website there are tools which you can use to help you start to get yourself debt free. For example you may use their debt analysis tool for free and find out whether your high interest or balance credit card qualifies for their credit reduction program.

My new toy:

I finished a bag for my sister in-law. She wanted a black and white bag that had lots of pockets and a zipper inside. I had never made a bag with a zipper inside and I didn’t have a pattern so I winged it.

This is one side of the lining with 3 pockets.

The other side of the lining with the zipper.

I folded the zipper back so you can see it.

The sides of the lining put together and ready to sew into the purse.

The finished bag. I hope Sandy likes it.

My pantry is bare, the floors are dirty and my house is a mess. I am learning to sew on my new machine. Manhattan maids would be appalled at the dirt in my house. Or maybe not. Their professionally trained maids are pros at making houses sparkle. They clean kitchens, bathrooms and even mop floors. They follow a 49-point checklist to make sure they don’t miss a thing. I NEED THEM!

Maid Pro is a company that is built upon an excellent reputation for satisfying their customers. There are no contracts to sign, and they want you to be happy. You will be surprised how affordable their service is. I am checking it out.

Did I tell you that I bought a new sewing machine yesterday? It is a Janome Memory Craft 6600 and I love it. That is, I will love it once I get over being afraid of it. It has so many features that I have to get used to. It has a push button stop and start that I want to try so I don’t have to use a foot pedal. My old brain has trouble wrapping around the idea of pushing with my finger instead of my foot.

What kind of sewing machine do you have?

I have been introduced to so many crafty people since I started this blog. It is nice to see that the old crafts are coming back. Knitting is one art that has been able to withstand the test of time. I think that because there are so many beautiful yarns that an enthusiast can never be finished. Just when you think you have made the last sweater, you see a yarn that cries out to be used.

I admire those of you who knit. I cannot add anymore hobbies to my list so for now, I will buy my socks. Hue has the most comfortable socks and they come in so many pretty colors. For now, I will cover up with a handmade quilt and wear Hue socks.