My White 534 Serger is working!

My White 534 Serger is working!!

White 534 Serger

I bought this used White 534 Serger 7 years ago. My husband took them apart to clean, but he never put them back.  So it sat in the box with all parts not attached for 7 years.  Finally, I told him that for our 19 th Anniversary, I want him to restore my White 534 Serger as an anniversary gift.  And I am glad that he did it!  He finished it by our anniversary!!  YEAH!!  It is the best anniversary gift EVER!!  lol

This is my first serger.  I have never used a serger before, I have no idea how to use it properly.  My hubby got me a serger book as another anniversary gift, it is called The complete Serger Handbook. 

This is a great book for beginners.  I learn so much from it, and I love the photos.  They are clear, so I can compare my stitches easier, not like the serger manual, it is hard to read, because they are not "photo", they are drawings.  Highly recommend this book if you are new to serger.

I haven't had a lot of time to play with it, but I am planning to make a Serger Cover with this little machine.  I am very excited for my first serger project.  And I can't wait to use it for my 18 inch doll clothes, my doll clothes are going to look much more professional.

 

Video of White 534 Serger in action:

 

 

Do you own a serger?  Show me your serger projects.  Inspire me!  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Little Birdie Measuring Tape Cover with Sizzix Fluffy Bird Die

I found the Sizzix Fluffy Bird Die clearance, so I just got it (I can't resist when it is so cheap).  I didn't have any projects in my mind.  Then my hubby suggested me to use it to make a measuring tape cover.  I thought it is a brilliant idea. 

Here is the Little Birdie Measuring Tape Cover:

Little Birdie Measuring Tape Cover with Sizzix Fluffy Bird Die

Little Birdie Measuring Tape Cover with Sizzix Fluffy Bird Die

Little Birdie Measuring Tape Cover with Sizzix Fluffy Bird Die

I used some scrap fabrics from my stash, good thing about this project is that it requires very small piece of fabrics, so I don't need to buy any fabrics, just dig through my fabric stash.  For the base, I used wool blended Felt that I got from JoAnn a while ago.   I just hand stitch the base and glue the bird on the top.

Because it looked very bland.  I dig through my embellishment and ribbon stash, I found that cute measuring tape ribbon that I bought years ago.  It matches perfectly.  For eyes, I used buttons.

I think this little Birdie Measuring Tape Cover turns out very nice!  I am glad that I found a good use for this Sizzix Fluffy Bird Die.  I think this die can make a good pin cushion, Christmas ornament, paper weights, fabric weights etc.  It is really endless.  My next project with this die will be Fabric Weights or Christmas Ornament.  I already have some ideas in my mind, I can't wait to make it.

My First Sewing Pattern - Baby Shoe Coin Purse

Baby Shoe Coin Purse Sewing Pattern

I finally finished my first sewing pattern - Baby Shoe Coin Purse.  I am very proud of myself.  It is a very long process.  The most challenging part is for the tutorials/ instruction.  It is hard to take a clear instruction pictures.  And I have no one to help, I have to do all by myself.  But the result is amazing!  The tutorial looks very good. 

The Baby Shoe Coin Purse is not a super easy project, but it is not hard either.  If you know how to sew curve and zipper, then it will be easy and quick project.   It is definitely an "Afternoon Project", it will take about 2 hours or less for experienced sewers.  If you are new to Zipper or Sewing Curve, it will take longer than 2 hours.  But isn't it nice to learn some new techniques?  I love to do difficult projects, because it is how I learn new techniques.

Baby Shoe Coin Purse Sewing Pattern

One thing I love this sewing pattern is that I can show my creative side!  I can decorate different way, like bows, fabrics flowers, lace etc.  Below is some of examples.

Another variety Coin Purses

If you like the Baby Shoe Coin Purse, you can purchase the pattern at my Etsy store.

Japanese Quilting Patchwork Craft Book

I love this Japanese Quilting Patchwork Craft Book.  I am never really into Patchwork, because I think it requires too much work!  hehe..  I am lazy in some way.  And I never found any patchwork pattern that I like.  Until I found this Japanese Quilting Patchwork Craft Book.

Japanese Quilting Patchwork Pattern Book

Here are the projects in this book.  The projects are soooooo pretty.  I like almost every single projects which is rare.

Projects/ Patterns are included this Japanese Quilting Patchwork Book

I like how they coordinate the fabrics, I am more "kawaii" style girl, I don't like those "Country" style patchwork.  The projects in this book really caught my eyes.  Very kawaii and colorful.

Here are few of my favorite projects:

Love the baby quilt, it is so Retro!!  Remind me something from 70s.

Love the small pouch!  The color is so 70s.

I really need to sew this cute little sewing case!

Another cute patchwork patterns

Aren't these quilting pattern cute?

Super Kawaii Pouch, Bag Patchwork Patterns

It makes me want to learn how to quilt

Cute small Table Runners

I really enjoy reading this Japanese Quilting Patchwork Craft Book.  If you like to quilt or new to quilt, I think you would enjoy the book like me.

This book is available at my Etsy Store.

My first Apron: Peter Pan Collar Apron with Wizard of the Oz Fabric

I always want to make an apron, but I always have the other projects that I want to do first, so my retro apron project had been delayed for long time.  Until I saw Butterick B5474 Apron Pattern, I fell in love with the Peter Pan Collar Apron.  I told myself that I had to make it.

Butterick B5474

I bought the Wizard of the Oz Fabric couple months ago, I really love how cute and colorful of the fabric, first when I got it, I didn't have a project in my mind.  I always buy fabrics but most of the time I don't know what am I going to do with the fabrics.  I am kind of fabrics junkies, I buy it because they looks great or they are on sale that I can't resist. 

Anyway, I decide to use the Wizard of the Oz Fabric for the retro apron project.  And I couldn't believe that I do have any matching fabrics which have enough yardage to finish the apron.  So I went to JoAnn and got a white and light blue floral fabric, I think they are perfect match.

I finally made my hubby to form "My Double Wire Dress Form" to my body shape, so I used it to be my model.  It isn't quit my body shape since when I put the apron on the dress form, I kind of stretch it out a little bit.  Oops! 

My Retro Apron: Peter Collar with Wizard of The Oz fabric

The pattern isn't difficult at all, but I do learn something new, I never sewed a collar, so it is a new to me.  I really enjoy sewing this apron.  It took longer than I thought, it is because it requires quite a bit of hand sewing which I am not really good at it. 

However, I have to say that I am very proud of myself, my hand stitch looks great on this apron.  And the fabrics match perfectly, this apron just looks so good!!  lol

Side View of my Retro Peter Pan Collar Apron

Close up of the Collar

Back of the Apron

More Front View

Iron Board Makeover: New Custom Made DIY Iron Board Cover

Iron Board Makeover:  New Custom Made DIY Iron Board Cover

My hubby got this iron board when he first moved out, so we have this forever.  I hate ironing, so I didn't really care how ugly the iron board looks.  But recently, I start to use interfacing for my sewing projects.  So each time I ironed the interfacing, I kept thinking how ugly the iron board is. 

Finally, I couldn't stand it anymore.  I gave it a Makeover. 

I took the old iron board cover out and traced it to an old Ikea fabrics I have for years.  But I added about 2 inches for the seam allowance.  I was planning to do draw string, instead of elastic like the old iron board cover. 

However, it didn't work out well.  So I changed my plan, I made it a "Slip Cover".  Because I ran out of fabric, I used different Ikea Fabric for the Back.  And my Custom Made DIY Iron Board Cover turns out great!  I am very proud of myself.  I seldom sew anything without a "pattern", so it is a "New Thing" for me to trace the pattern. 

Iron Board Cover

Iron Board Cover

DIY Iron Board Cover

Japanese Craft Book: More Handmade Cute Wallets and Purses to Make

Another Great Japanese Craft Book: More Handmade Cute Wallets and Purses to Make

If you like to making wallets and purses, you are going to love this book.  When I first saw this book, I fell in love immediately.  Full of beautiful wallets and coin purses pattern.  And the best part is the Pattern in separate sheets, so you can cut off the patterns and trace without damage the book.  Also, the pattern is full size, you don't need to enlarge.

You can purchase this Japanese Craft Book "More Handmade Cute Wallets and Purses to Make" at my Etsy Store.

Here is the preview of the book:

Japanese Craft Book: More Handmade Cute Wallets and Purses to Make

Japanese Craft Book: More Handmade Cute Wallets and Purses to Make

Really Love this Pattern and the fabric they used

This one is beautiful too

Macaron Coin PUrse

Mini Wallet

More Fabric Teddy Bear - Simplicity 5461 Pattern

I just did one more Fabric Teddy Bear.  I forgot to mention on last blog that I used Simplicity 5461 for the Teddy Bear.  The Pattern comes with 2 sizes, one is 18" which are the one I have been using, the other size is 22".  Simplicity Pattern 5461 also included the Teddy Bear Clothing and Accessories like hat and scarf.  I haven't sewed any clothes or accessories yet.

Simplicity 5461

The Teddy Bear I made this time is very girly and romantic, I used a very pretty floral fabric that I bought at JoAnn a while ago.  When I saw the fabric, I fell in love immediately.  At that time, I didn't have any project in my mind, I just bought it because I think it is pretty.  It turns out this fabric makes a "Beautiful Teddy Bear".

Teddy Bear from Simplicity 5461

I also tried a new techniques on this Teddy Bear, I embroidered the nose instead of sewing a button.  To be honest, it is very challenging!  I am never good at hand sewing or any kind of embroidery.  I really need more practice on hand embroidery.

Romantic Teddy Bear

 For decoration, I just used a hot pink ribbon and a brass heart (embellishment for scrapbook).  I used glue gun to attach the heart on the ribbon, it works pretty well.

Fabric Teddy Bear

You can see the nose, it looks pretty ugly!  lol!

I have been having so much fun sewing Teddy Bear, and I just found couple free Teddy Bear patterns online.  I will try the new patterns and I will post more pictures and the free patterns soon.

If you are new to sewing stuff toy, you may want to give Simplicity 5461 a try, especially you can get it at JoAnn when it is on sale like a $1.99.  

Handmade Fabric Teddy Bear

It is my first attempt to sew a Teddy Bear!  I was always very intimidated to sew dolls or stuff animals.  Because I don't sew curve well.  But my 3-year old son wanted to have a yellow teddy bear after he watched Miffy.  He said he has a white teddy, red teddy, but he didn't have a yellow teddy like Miffy.  So I decided to make him one.  We went through my fabric stash, he found a fabric which is mainly yellow with some white and black dots.

Fabric Teddy Bear with Bow Tie

Making Tedding Bear is a lot easier than I expected.  I think if you have some sewing experience, you wouldn't find it too difficult.  To me, the most difficult part is not about sewing, it is how to stuff the teddy without any bumps and the shape looks right.

I used vintage buttons for the nose and eyes.  First I want to use animals eyes, but I wanted to have a "Classic" look, so I went through hundreds of vintage buttons, and found these three buttons which great on him.  I especially love the button for the nose, it has a special pattern.

Fabric Teddy Bear with Vintage Buttons

I am very proud of myself, I think for the first Fabric Teddy Bear, I did a decent job!  The most important is my boy loves it!  He was very happy and proud of his mama.

Teddy with my Vintage Singer!

New Sewing Project: Shoulder Bag with Japanese Fabrics

I actually sewed this shoulder bag couple weeks ago, I keep forgetting to blog about it. 

Shoulder Bag with Japanese Fabrics

I bought the Japanese Fabrics like 2-3 years ago.  I haven't had time to sew anything with it, I am so glad that I finally have a use of it, not just sitting in my Fabrics Cabinet.

I enjoy sewing this bag, because I learn some new sewing techniques.  I never sew bag with interfacing.  For some reason, I am a little bit intimated by them.  Each time I look at the interfacing section at JoAnn, I am lost!  But this time I really want to make a bag look "Professional", so I read a lot about interfacing online, I am glad that I did.  My Shoulder Bag with Japanese Fabrics looks Beautiful and Professional.  My hubby is very impressed.

And the button I found one vintage button from my vintage button collection.  I think it adds a special touch.

The bag is available at my Etsy Store.
 

Shoulder Bag with Japanese Fabrics

Shoulder Bag with Japanese Fabrics

Vintage Button

The Best Kids (and Mom) Craft!! Hand Stamped Fabrics!

 

Best Kid Craft - Hand Stamped Fabrics

 
My 3-year old son loves craft!! I always look for some fun and easy craft projects for him (possible for both of us can do together).

Last couple weeks, I read a lot of Japanese Craft Books and Magazines, I found a few sewing projects which they hand stamped the fabrics for decoration.  Since I saw that, I am so fascinated about hand stamped fabrics.  I didn't know what kind of ink pad required for the fabrics, I was worried that it may be some expensive ink pad.  So I did more research and found this website, she tested several ink pads in her blog.  And I found out my local JoAnn has clearance for few of the ink pads that mentioned on her blog.  Of course, I bought one set to test out.

I used my Muslim fabrics that sitting in my fabric drawers for years.  Then I gave my son a lot of stamps and different colors of ink pad.  He had so much fun to stamping on the fabrics.

After he is done with stamping, I let it dry overnight.  The next day, I set the fabric with the hot iron.  The fabrics looks very nice and it has an earthy feel.  Then I used this hand stamped fabrics to sew a little bag for him, so he can put his toys.

Hand Stamped Fabrics Bag

I think my 3-year old son did a great job!

I used different fabrics for the lining.

The bag came out nicely!  My son was very excited and very proud of himself (and me)!  lol 

I also enjoy doing it with my son!  We both have fun!  And now I am so addicted to hand stamped fabrics, I ended up go went to JoAnn and got more Memento Ink Pad Sets (different colors, they are less than $3) and a lot of stamps!!    I just made a hand stamped fabric container.  I will post pictures soon.

I finally got my first dress form - Vintage "My Double" Wire Dress Form

I want to get a dress form for long time, but I am too cheap to pay over $150 for a dress form.  So i have been searching on Ebay, Craigslist and thrift stores for an gentle used one.  But I haven't had any luck.  Until couple days ago, I saw the "Wire" dress form on Craigslist.  I have no idea what is it, but it is ONLY $20.  So I google it immediately, and the wire dress forms were made in 40s and 50s.  It is adjustable, it is totally form to your body shape.  I think it is the coolest ever!  It looks great and practical.  The best part is only $20.  So I contacted seller, keep the story short.  I got it!!  :)

My Double Wire Dress Form

Originally, it came with some rods, carry case and instruction.  But the seller didn't have any of these.  Also, it missing the "stopper" for adjustable the height.  For $20, I am ok with it.

I used some random rod to hold up my dress form now

I haven't had a time to adjust "my double" wire dress form to my body shape yet.  I have to wait for my hubby back to town.  I will update it once I got it adjust!

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