Sewing Machine Review - Brother PQ1500SL

I'm not sure if I was wearing it down, or just trying to sew too fast, but lately I've been pushing my Janome HD3000 to the limit and it was complaining.  Still was sewing pretty good and I'm not getting rid of it, but I managed to tear up 3 needle plates in a year and even with filing they weren't salvageable.  (Torn up needle plates leads to uneven stitches, fabric catching, and even thread breaking).  At $20+ a pop, it was time to decide what my next machine would be or what I could do to prevent that from happening.

I'm calling this one Captain Jack...Harkness or Sparrow is yet to be determined. Also, he's already getting blinged up!

I've been eyeing all of the 'professional' (not industrial) machines for a few years now, and avidly following every time someone asks for suggestions or reviews their machine.  There are a few that are mentioned a lot, the Brother PQ1500S(L), Juki TL2000Q(i), Janome 1600P, and now the Janome HD9.  The HD9 was what really got me interested, until I saw the price.  A lot of the machines have the same features, straight stitch, faster speeds, more room, and more power.  It really came down to price for me.  The Brother was the lowest priced and had some great reviews, plus a thread cutter (oh how I've missed that!), extension table, leg lift lever, and tons of feet!  It also has a pin feed system, which I'm hoping to try with some of my slippery fabrics.

WIP Monday - Time For Fun!

The last few weeks before Christmas always get super hectic with late night finishing up orders and trying to prepare, so I always plan on taking the last week or 2 of the year as a break and sewing only what I want (or not sewing at all!), and somehow that doesn't usually happen.  I do still have orders to finish, but not that many!  I took a little time over the weekend and last week to work on some UFO's and start crocheting my baby Kevin...He's ending up HUGE and only needs one more ear, some facial features, and clothes!

These were cut and in my UFO pile for so long that I had to ask around to remember where the fabric came from! It's an older Snowy Owl print, paired with awesome hardware from Wizardry, Stitchery, and crafts

WIP Wednesday - No Time To Sleep!

I was able to bust out a ton of orders last weekend and the start of this week, so I'm not too panicked, yet.

Adorable teeny backpacks!

Mix It Up Necessary Clutch Wallet (Emmaline Bags)

The best part about doing custom orders is that I can make almost anything anyone can imagine! Want to show off multiple fandoms on one piece? I can do it!  Need a cross body strap? No problem!

The colors on this one are so pretty!

WIP Monday - I'm Still Alive

...Barely!  I have been slacking on the updates, so you get a Monday one!  I finished up all the craft shows finally and now can focus on orders, a ready to ship sale, and maybe even cleaning and decorating my house!

Adorable ornament I added to the lineup, might have a few extra later this week!

Supernatural Laney Hobo (Swoon)

It's been forever since my last Laney Hobo (affiliate link, but it's a free pattern!), I forgot how fast and cute they are!

I'd say it's a PG-13 fabric...

This fabric has everything!

WIP Friday - Please Hold for the Next Uninjured Crafter

Preorders are starting to show up, but if I can finish at least 4 items a week, I will be on track to have everything shipped by December 16th (my goal for plenty of time to deliver for Christmas - priority mail at least)

Time for another reading pillow!

Magic School Pick A Pocket Wallet (ChrisW Designs)

I love the traditional shape of the Pick A Pocket Wallet!  It's great for showcasing some of my awesome fabrics, and is customizable to have either more card slots or an extra zippered pocket!

Why yes, I DO have coordinating snaps for many of my fabrics...

Trying different picture options, both seem to show off the fabric colors nicely!

WIP Friday - Delays Galore

I only have 2 weeks left until my big craft show and of course that means that I had barely any time this week for sewing!  I managed to get a few things on the machine and should be super productive this weekend (I predict there will be LOTS of coffee involved), but I have a family thing on Sunday, so that means I'll be losing even more time...

So glad I have a table press for keychains!

Detective Pika Scrub Hat

I've made lots of random things, but a scrub cap was a new one!

Need to work on my mannequin a little, but she's not as creepy as the plain Styrofoam ones...

WIP Friday - Too Busy For Updates

I keep meaning to move my WIP posts back to Wednesday, but somehow the weeks are speeding past and next thing I know, it's already Friday!

Alpine beanie from Nella's Cottage pattern, want to make a ton more!

Coffee Detective Rosie Cross Body Bag (Swoon)

I admit, I mainly watched the Detective Pikachu movie for Ryan Renolds...and pikachu. My kids know all their names, but I only know about 10....and 4 of those are versions of Eevee!  The movie was surprisingly cute and funny, but this fabric is AWESOME!

My sentiments exactly...But first, coffee!

WIP Friday - Back on The Crafting Express!

I survived the first craft show, and now I have a small break until the next ones, so it's time to stock up on everything, catch up on orders, and get ready for the holidays!

Some new sticker bling for my sewing machine!

Tools of the Trade - Steam Press (Iron)

I'm a sucker for a good tool that will make life easier, but when they are as pricey as a steam press, I don't rush out and buy one.  That being said, this is a life changer for making purses!

A steam press in its' natural habitat...a messy craft room

WIP Friday - Craft Show Time!

The first show of the season is Saturday, so I'm putting orders on hold and trying to finish up a ton of last minute things.

Adorable boho style animals from Ohana Applique Designs!

As You Wish Triple Zip - Moon Beam Fabrics and Sew Da Kine

It's time for another awesome fabric round from Moon Beam Textiles! This one is a 80's remix and it is totally INCONCEIVABLE! (I'll try to not keep using that word, because I do know what it means)

Everyone needs a fancy copy of this book. EVERYONE.

WIP Friday - Keep On Keeping On

Did you ever think of a word, then write it down, and immediately think you spelled it wrong? for some reason 'keep' doesn't look like a real word to me today.  Maybe I've reached the stage of sleep deprivation where I get loopy. 

Preview of the strike project, the fabric is pretty awesome! Moonbeam textiles, round now open!

Stranger Things Pegasus (take 2) - XOXO by Lauren

I love how fast, easy and versatile the Pegasus is to make!  It looks like a new design just by switching up the outside panels, or in this case, making it all one solid piece!

The fabric is so vibrant!

WIP Thursday - Cold snap!

The weather took a drastic cold turn this morning and now I want to crochet everything!  Time to grow that extra pair of arms so I can multitask!

Awesome pins!

80's Hosta Hobo (Blue Calla)

I'm totally a child of the 80's and this fabric is my childhood!

Two exterior zipper pockets give storage and a fun accent!

WIP Friday - October is Here!

Welcome to crunch time!  I have just over 3 weeks until the first craft show, plus need to figure out a costume for my youngest, and also need to get the orders done so I'm not pulling all nighters trying to get them out in time for Christmas presents...

More backpacks, these are the 'large' teeny size!

Magic News Upgrader - Pattern Testing! (ChrisW Designs)

I always love testing new purse designs, and this one is pretty amazing!

Backstitch woven panel fit PERFECTLY!

WIP Thursday - Time to panic?

I had a panic moment when I realized next week is already October...and that's when crap gets real.  First craft show of the season will be the weekend before Halloween, then Halloween, and next thing you know, it's November, full on Christmas gift making mode and no sleep until January!

How adorable are these together??

Cave of Wonders Everyday Tote (Bagstock Designs)

Every time I saw this pattern, I was impressed by the style, but never had a reason to buy it until a customer ordered one, and now I want to make more!  The Everyday Tote is a quick sew, with some great detailing!

I love how Genie is inviting you to check out the bag!

WIP Thu...Friday - Again With the Delays

I was doing so good, getting caught up and even maybe almost ahead...but last week's bleh turned into a sinus infection this week...so not much got finished.

Reclining on the couch and crochet was the extent of my energy...but maybe this blanket will finally get done this year!

Sacrificed Marigold Messenger - Moon Beam Textiles (Blue Calla)

The final project for the MoonBeam WoW round is a fun messenger bag!

I had to ask my experts about this one, really behind on my WoW bosses!

Watercolor Nakoa Convertible Bag (Sew Da Kine)

When I first saw this bag style from Sew Da Kine, I fell in love, and impatiently waited for it to be released as a pattern!  She finally had some time and put it together, so I snatched it up right away, hoping for time to make one for myself.

I even remembered to use my handmade bling!

Burning Blades Siren Tote - MoonBeam Textiles (XOXO by Lauren)

The next project using the latest preorder fabric now available from Moon Beam Textiles is a simple but roomy tote!

This is the adult sized panel, easily centered it on the tote!

WIP Thursday - In a Funk

I'm not sure if it's the lack of fall weather, the realization that we are only 3 months away from Christmas (and 1 month away from craft shows), a random bug the kids brought home from school, or some influence of the stars and a butterfly wing flapping on the other side of the globe, but I've been in a strange mood all week.  Maybe it's a combination of stress, hungry, congested, and super tired that means I want to be sewing and making stuff, but I end up sitting and staring at my projects. Naps might help a little, but I may need to start sleeping more than 6 hours a night...and I don't have time for that!

This was one of the best parts of watching Tangled every day when my youngest was obsessed with it.

For the Horde Floor Pillow (Moonbeam Textiles)

The latest preorder is now open at Moonbeam Textiles, perfect for the gamers in your life!

FOR THE HORDE!!

Cave of Wonders Hollyhock Hobo (Blue Calla Patterns)

This is the purse to match last week's Necessary Clutch!  The Hollyhock hobo from Blue Calla Patterns is a unique and fun design with lots of neat features.

Cave of wonders panel is amazing!

WIP Thursday - New Month, Same List

I had ambitious plans for the holiday weekend, with lots of sewing and project finishes...Instead I spent time with my college student, made a trip to Ikea to stock up on lanterns so I can start working on fairy lanterns, and lost track of the days...

Recent teeny backpack orders...still working on the rest I have prepped!

Jasmine NCW

The final Necessary Clutch Wallet of the group used the amazing fabric I was lucky enough to snag from Backstitch. Someday it should be a preorder, but until that magical day, I need to stretch this one as far as I can!

Trying a 'watermark' but I lost my good program for it.  Time to download a new one!

WIP Friday - Fall is Coming!

Now that the kids are back in school, it really is starting to feel like fall!  Except for the fact that today's high is in the 90's....but the Pumpkin Spice Everything is already here! New favorite Starbucks drink is the cold brew with the pumpkin spice sweet cream and white chocolate syrup in place of the vanilla....It's AMAZING.

Recent Etsy order

Floral Wars NCW (Emmaline Bags)

I've shared a few pictures here and there, but this one really deserves a post by itself!

The 'top' view to see all of R2!

Tattspirational NCW

This project has been on my list forever, evolving over time as my bff changed her mind.  I finally gave her some priority when I had to do a few other NCW and it turned out even better than we had planned!

So inspiring! "Go Live Your Dreams!"

WIP Thursday - School Time!

My kids started school this week, and the oldest is heading out to college, so of course this week is flying by!  I may just have to do all my weekly posts in one day and call it good!

Adult sized topper from deep in the stash!

WIP Wednesday - Bleh.

I can't say last week was an entirely bad week, but it definitely wasn't a great one!  I have high hopes that this week will be better!  It was so bleh that I never even got around to posting my usual WIP post. Monday we lost power, so no sewing was even attempted (but I did try to crochet by the light of glow bracelets, kinda worked...) and Tuesday was spent redoing some vinyl handles that are the bane of my existence.  New rule, vinyl handles on a purse now add on $10 on principle.

Pillow case - great way to show off awesome fabric, but uses up almost an entire yard!

Dark Marauder's Map NCW

When I received the order for this NCW, I realized that the fabric I thought I had wasn't the one I actually had. (or maybe I did have it, but it is lost in the black hole of my fabric) Either way, it's been a while since I showed off one of these!  I actually made 4 in a row, so there will be more coming up!

I swear I still have the plain black and white fabric...somewhere.

Mouse House Summit Sling

I was excited to finally have a reason to make this pattern, and it was everything I expected!  The Summit Sling from Cloudsplitter is a good sized backpack, but not too big!

Panel was sent by the customer, just barely fit!

WIP Thursday - Not Ready for August

Instead of working on my Factotum for the final UFO project (besides the rivets on the purse project, which I DID finish), I decided to make myself a new purse for some selfish birthday sewing!  I finished it in only 2 days, but now that I've started using it I think I need to open it up and add some extra interfacing to the top, it's slightly too slouchy...but that will have to wait for a bit of free time.

Next order in progress!

Tula Pink Honesuckle Hobo, take 2! (Blue Calla Designs)

Before I had even finished the first Honeysuckle Hobo, I had an order for another one! The same fabric line, but a different color set.  I really wish I was a super fast sewologist, then I could have gotten pics of the 2 together.  Or maybe if I had mad photoshop skills I could put them in the same pic, but I don't have time for that!

The colors on this line are so vibrant and really pop with the black!

WIP Thursday - Nearly to the End of UFO July Challenge!

I am keeping up with the UFO Challenge for this month, but for this week I want to do a little different thing.  Instead of trying to finish something, I'm only setting my goal as finding, figuring out where I was, and then doing at least 2 more steps on my Factotum.  Of course to do that I'll have to clean/organize the pile at the end of my sewing table...so that might be more work than actually finishing something!

A few recent Etsy orders

Demon Hunters Minimalist Wallet (Noodlehead) - Moonbeam Textiles

The second project (but technically first one completed) for my Moonbeam strike sewing is the Minimalist wallet.  I love how fast this one comes together and the unique style!

Snaps came from KimmySnabrics

Back shows off tons of quotes!

Pie and Demons Rosie Crossbody Bag (Swoon) - Moonbeam Textiles

When I saw the strike fabric for Moonbeam Textiles, I practically begged for this panel!  It's so awesome that I am definitely going to be ordering more!

This is going on my to-do list for sure!

WIP Thursday - STILL (almost) on target for UFO July!

I'm not going to set a HUGE goal for this next week's UFO, my youngest had her birthday this week, and that means this Saturday is going to be her party with anywhere from 9 to 25 people...and since it's going to be at our house, that means extra cleaning!  I almost have the UFO for last week finished, just needs the final piece of the closure and the sides sewn!

Strike sewing for Moonbeam Textiles current round!  Awesome fabric!

Bag of Chips Siren Tote (XOXO by Lauren)

If I ever need to showcase an adult panel, the Siren tote is my go-to bag!  It's fast, huge and stylish!

It is ALL that and an bag of chips!!