Category: Accessories

My beloved Simplicity Boye Electric Yarn Ball Winder is about to die. The past three months or so, when I use the winder, it starts to slow down and will stop after winding about 80 yards. I have to wait a few minutes before I begin to rewind the yarn and then it slows down, even more, only winding a few yards of yarn before the motor starts protesting, makes squealing noises and stops… again! This continues until I FINALLY finish rewinding a skein of yarn.  So yes, I know that the motor is going to give out. I’ve had this the Boye yarn ball winder since 2012 and since that time, it’s wound numerous yarn cakes. It was my first and only winder.

When it first started giving me issues, I had thought about purchasing the same type, but to my dismay, I discovered they weren’t making them anymore. However, that didn’t stop me from stubbornly searching for another (or a suitable electric replacement). I did find the Boye electric winder, however, they were used and were costing more than I originally purchased mine for. I purchased mine with a 50% coupon at AC Moore. Paying close to or over $100 for a used electric winder? Uh huh… no, thank you!

 

New Purchase: Heavy Duty Yarn Ball Winder by Nancy’s Knit Knacks

This past Friday morning, I did make a purchase. I’ve bought the Heavy Duty Yarn Ball Winder by Nancy’s Knit Knacks. This has been on my long-term purchase list for years and I FINALLY decided to make the purchase. This winder does have the option to be turned into an electric yarn ball winder, however, the actual winder is manual. It’s made out of hard maple, and it’s handcrafted with proper maintenance, it most likely will outlast me.

The past few days, I’ve been viewing these shoes…

Just look at the detail on the back of them. Amazing, right? However, even though they caught my eye, I held off purchasing them. Why? Check out those heels.

I normally steer clear of anything stiletto related. Give me a chunky heel and I’m all over those, even if the heel is high.

Last night, I went back to the shoes and really started looking at them. That’s usually an indication that I will be making a move to purchase them. I’m in the process of selecting fabric for a gown to which I’ll be adding beads, rhinestones and sequins. These shoes would compliment the gown perfectly!

This morning, while I was looking at the shoes, I remembered that I had the above lovely fabric that has just been sitting in my fabric bin, waiting to be turned into something amazing and this morning, I’ve decided to make wide legged pants. So there you go, another outfit that would compliment these amazing shoes. Of course, I’ll need a blouse to compliment the wide legged/palazzo pants.

Yes, I ordered the shoes and they should be here on Friday. Even though I made the purchase with a gown in mind, I know I’ll be wearing the above fabric (once it’s been turned into and outfit) with these shoes.

Yesterday, I stumbled upon this delightful wedge heel and instantly purchased it on Amazon. Since I’m a Amazon Prime Member, I will have this tomorrow. You’ve got to love their two day delivery service.

 

I still haven’t chosen the fabric for these shoes and I still haven’t decided on the outfit I’ll create. I ‘m thinking of something in a warm gold since that compliments my complexion so nicely? What will I make? Oh, I will most likely create a sundress and perhaps some wide legged pants. We’ll see…

The past few weeks, I have not done too much sewing. However, it hasn’t stopped me from participating on a few secret sewing forums that I’m a member with on Facebook.

It didn’t stop me from dreaming about the clothes that I’d sew when I did have time. Until then, I’ll satisfy myself with small projects like the bias tape that I created last weekend.

My next project will be “game bags” for our board games.

First up is Sorry. I ordered this last week, and my daughter and I have had a lot of fun playing this game. As a child, it was one of my favorite “no-brainer” games. The only thing lacking from the game is a proper cover. I think if the cardboard box, that houses the game is protected, it will wear better after constant use. It makes sense, right?

Second, I’ll make a cover for Jenga! Yesterday, my vintage Jenga arrived in the mail. It was a brand-new unopened game that was made in 1986 by Milton Bradley! After my daughter’s homework was done, we had a lot of fun playing the game. Of course, that needs a bag sewn for it also.

My daughter told me, “Mom, you should embroider the name of the game on the outside of the bag.” I smiled and told her I was thinking the exact same thing.

Googling, making bags for my board games, didn’t show me any cute bags that others had made for their games. Could I be alone in my desire to cover our board games? I should hope not. However, even though I didn’t find any others that want to cover their games I did stumble upon this wonderful site that featured a  lovely bean bag checker game that was sewn! I will definitely have to make these for someone soon.

Since the checkerboard is made out of neatly cut squares, it’ll give me the perfect opportunity to try out my Shape cut Rulers by June Taylor. I received an update from Amazon, they have them in stock so I’ll get mine tomorrow. Just in time for my three-day weekend! Hooray!

For appliqué or quilts (which I have not made in a few years) I absolutely adore neatly cut pieces of fabric. I normally accomplish this by placing the ruler on the fabric and marking with chalk, pencil or my Clover Chaco liner, and then cutting. However, I’d much prefer making my cuts directly onto the fabric and now I’ve found a few rulers that do this without the extra steps.

First up, is the ruler that I used to make my bias tape. It’s my Dritz See-Thru Dressmaker’s Ruler. The only drawback about that is that the lines, where the rotary cutter would be inserted, does not extend the entire length of the ruler. See how it’s in sections? I get around this by advancing the ruler forward once the end of my rotary cutting line is reached. Of course, I make sure my measurements are still accurate.

Because of this, I decided to order another one.

 

Say hello to the June Tailor 20-Inch-by-23-Inch Shape Cut Pro Ruler. This also has lines, where a rotary cutter blade can be inserted; however, it extends almost the entire length of the ruler!  How awesome is that? Unfortunately, it’s on back order, so I won’t be receiving this until January 23. Boo, hiss!

My research has shown me that her rulers have received overwhelming reviews and after viewing a few of the videos, I can see why. Take a look…

 

Don’t you think it makes fussy fabric cutting extremely easy? The majority of the reviews are favorable. In fact, with one of her rulers there were no negative comments. That’s fairly impressive since there were numerous reviews made about the ruler. The above, is what I ordered, and it seems to be her largest ruler.

 

Earlier this week, I received the Omnigrip 8.5 X 12 ruler, which makes cutting fabric on angles much easier. This ruler does not have any slits to insert a rotary cutter, but I can easily place the ruler on the angle needed and start cutting. In fact, I spotted this ruler on Curls & Q’s post titled, Home for my Double Pointed Needles. To be more specific, you can see it in the picture, with the caption, titled ‘Marking the Lines’. I must say, it’s a great post and perfect for someone looking to make their own knitting case.

Honestly, I have not had a chance to try it out yet, but I have three days off, so I’m planning to really test it out then. I can’t wait! Since I have an extra day off, it gives me plenty of time to play with the appliques and whatever I want to get into. Who knows? Perhaps I’ll make a patchwork pillow. Wouldn’t that be delightful?

Do you have any crafting projects for this weekend? I’m hoping to start on an outfit for myself and begin planning my daughter’s outfit for the upcoming Father/Daughter dance.

 

Items Needed:

1. Dritz See-Thru Dressmakers Ruler
2. Omnigrip Ruler
3. June Tailor Shape Cut Ruler