Oh my! August. Where is the time going? It doesn’t seem like I’m getting much done. Each week I look back and ask myself “What did you get done this week? What can you share?” Some weeks I have to dig pretty deep and other weeks the answer is easy. This week I’ve been busy with a few things.
I’ve been working on some drawings and learning to use Paint.net. This is a more sophisticated tool than the paint software that comes with many Windows operating systems. It has quite a bit more functionality. If fact I’m almost having fun with it. I found the standard paint product very limiting and frustrating but I didn’t want a high powered tool like Adobe Illustrator. I also didn’t want to spend too much money. My objective was to find a tool that was at a not too complicated and inexpensive. So last weekend I did a little homework and came up with Paint.net.
I’m still learning the tool and found the Rotate / Zoom function a whole lot of fun. I’m hopeful this program will open up a new dimension in my sewing and embroidery. Here is the link if you want to know more about the tool: http://www.paint.net/
Oh and it’s Free!
I’ve been doing a little smocking. I have an Amanda Jane and am learning the nuances of creating an evenly pleated piece of fabric. You would think it would be straight forward – put the fabric in, crank the handle and walla! Not true. It does take a little bit of practice and care for the fabric being pleated. If any of you have some tips, please share them. I’m still getting some uneven folds in my pleating.
I also stitched out one of the Needlework Hand look designs introduced at Convention. The design recommended cotton thread in a 30 or 40 weight. My stash didn’t have the right colors and content. So instead I went to my embroidery floss stash. I’ve often wondered what I would do with the floss. I knew I wouldn’t be doing any thing involving hand embroidery. (Why would I?) OK back to the stash. I went through the stash and found a number of colors that matched the knitted pattern in the sweater. I do need to give credit to my GF (good friend) Brenda. She has an eye for color and makes the matching process fun. I pulled the floss strands apart and wound them onto empty spools. (I have a hard time throwing them away.) I was only missing 2 colors. I picked those up at JoAnn’s. One color was a thread spool and the other another skein of embroidery floss. The design stitched out nicely. I did use a larger size needle because the floss was quite heavy even with only 1 strand. I slowed the machine and kept a good eye on the stitch out. It did stop often since the longest strand when using the floss was 9 yards. I had planned to use the sweater for a felted bag. When I do get around to that project the bag will have more interest.
I’ve also been playing with the Texture Hoop designs. Here is design 221314 from 213 Texture Hoop Ribbons & Flowers. I have it on point intentionally. I plan to share that project info in the not too distant future.
Here is a design I created using components of 221314. It’s still only virtual. I’ll need to look for a place to incorporate the design. Oh, I just love the 4D software!
That’s all that I have for the week. I do have more items in the wings. I have the new 4D ExpressMonogram Wizard software. I haven’t broken the seal yet. I have a couple things that need to be completed before I start to play.
Sew Soon.
LIN
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