Oh Brother!

I have really been wanting to do machine embroidery for a while, but my machine doesn't do any. My mom's Pfaff will do 1/2 inch alphabet, but they are really tiny. I have really loved my Singer, but I bit the bullet and bought myself a new machine. It is both a sewing and embroidery machine. That made more sense for me-due to space issues (or the lack thereof). It still has all the great features, like needle up/down, speed control, decorative stitching top drop bobbin, auto thread cutter and tie off functions, but it can also embroider! I did some research and found the Brother SE400 and the Brother LB6800PRW models are exactly the same, except one has Project Runway markings on it. I was able to get the 6800 with a zippered rolling tote for less than the SE400 by itself. It's not here yet, so I am asking, "O Brother, Where art thou?"-Joke. Hope to get it early next week so I can take it with me to the beach. I am already finishing my 3rd table runner and plan to finish the 4th before I leave, so now I need a new project to take with me. I might just come back with all my clothes monogrammed-Ha!

Plan to keep my Singer while I am taking this one for a test drive-just in case.

Did "Jute" do that?

Ha Ha. I have a sweet friend (let's call her Nancy-because her name is Nancy). She is a creative crafts scout for sure. She is always bringing me little things that she believes I will or can do something with. Usually I do. She plucked some super cute cat head buttons off a garment destined for Goodwill and I turned those into some cute hair barrettes. This time she gave me these cute veggie buttons. I really didn't know what I would do with them, but they crossed my path this morning and I thought they would make the cutest little napkin rings strung with simple jute. They would be great for summer picnics. Simple, sweet and stepped up a notch. Better than just slappin' the paper napkin down. You could do this with wooden buttons too! All different sizes and shapes would be really fun.I will store them wrapped around this cloth napkin, so that the set of 6 stays together. Smart thinking. Now just have to figure out where to store the napkin. Hope everybody enjoyed their 4th! We went out in the Fiat and had dinner with the kids and watched local bands and fireworks.