It's been quite a while since I created this blog and lots of things have evolved in my crafting world since my last post.

I became re-aquainted with my first crafting love--sewing.  While I always had a sewing machine, it never really filled the bill.  My first sewing machine, which I still have, dates back to my high school days.  Yes!!  That long ago!

I remember going shopping for it with my mom at the fabulous Petersen Harned VonMaur store in downtown Davenport, IA.  The sewing machines were located on the mezzanine right next to the photography studio.  They don't make many stores like that any more.  I got to pick out the machine and color (pretty blue and cream) and even a storage cabinet with a chair.   I thought I had died and gone to heaven.  This was before the dawn of the free arm.  It still works today.  Heavy as a stone--all metal.

After using my best friend's, Cindyann, Bernina sewing machine for a Christmas present for my daughters that yearn to own a Bernina came charging back.  There is an expensive accidental Ebay auction purchase and a trip to the Bernina store in Cedar Rapids, Iowa (Inspired To Sew) that brought me into my current addiction in sewing--an embroidery and sewing machine.

I started out with an Artista 630 but quickly learned that this machine only wet my appetite and wasn't going to allow me to do all of the things I had to learn to do!  Addictions are terrible!  Within a short time, I traded up to the Bernina 830. (Cindyann keeps track of all of the things I say I'm not going to get so she can predict how quickly I will acquire the item.  It's a running joke between us).   I lived and slept embroidery lessons for a good year.

 Now most people go into new adventures at a cautious pace and don't pick overwhelming projects to do.  Yep, you got it, I chose to participate in a 1 year program to create a quilt in the hoop.  I had never made a quilt, let alone embroidered really much of anything in this first year.  But as always, I jumped into it feet first and decided I needed to make this Feathered Star Quilt from HoopSisters.  Did I mention, I also needed to make it King Sized with a border?  Here's a secret--the largest bed I have in my home is a Queen.  I chose two colors--white and black.  Remember I have two small dogs??  WHAT WAS I THINKING?!  LOL!

I'm happy to report the quilt is done (yes, I made it King Sized with a border).  It is safely packed away in a bag and I proudly take it out to show anyone who is interested in seeing it.  It will probably never be used on a bed.  Mostly because I have two dogs, and I need to store it in a vault.  I chose threads and fabrics wisely, or so I thought, but naturally chose the most expensive thread to use--silk. Enough said--hubby might read this post.  The less said about this the better.

While working on this monthly quilt project, I couldn't do any other sewing, which led into a second Bernina 580 (also a combination sewing/embroidery machine).  Yes, Cindyann predicted correctly. We had some fun with the purchase and sucked her husband into believing she was now hooked and would be trading her Bernina in on a new Bernina Embroidery/Sewing Machine.  Great fun with that gag!

Another year goes by, and I have acquired additional items that I just HAD to have for this newly acquired lust of embroidery and sewing.  Let me introduce you to them:

• Big Bernie--the 830
• Baby Bernie--the 580
• Sergei the Magnificent--Babylock Serger and
• Brother  (aka Bubba)--The Dream Machine

I love them all and am getting more proficient and confident in their uses that I decided it was time for the "family" to try to earn their keep.  With a little nudge from a friend, I have decided to try my hand selling some of my items in a consignment store "Simply Inspired" in Hanover, IL. under the name of "Lyn's Lovelies".  

It's a nice little drive from the Quad Cities (not far from Galena) if you are interested.  Some of the items I will be selling are:  Collar-danas (a pet bandana that goes on the collar), mug rugs and wraps, crayon rolls ups, assorted bags, key fobs, microwave bowl holders, and eye glass cases to begin with. Lots more items to come in the near future, too.  Custom orders available upon request.  I'll post pictures of some of these items soon.

Thank you for stopping by and hope you all have a wonderful summer.  Happy crafting everyone. :)