Fabric Hoarders Beware !

Fabric Hoarders Beware !
A recent study has indicated that fabric gives off certain Pheromones, that actually hypnotize women and cause them to purchase ungodly amounts.  When stored in large quantities in enclosed spaces, the Pheromones(in the fabric) cause memory loss and induce the nesting syndrome ( similar to the ones squirrels have before the onset of winter, i.e. storing food) therefore perpetuating their species, and not having a population loss due to their kind being cut up into pieces and mixed with others. Sound tests have also revealed that these fabrics emit a very high-pitched sound, heard only by a select few of breed of women known as customers.  When played backwards on an LP, the sounds are heard as chants "Buy me" "Cut me" "Sew me"!  In order to overcome the so-called feeding frenzy effect that these fabrics cause, one must wear a face mask when entering a storage facility and use ear plugs to avoid being pulled into their grip. (One must laugh however, at the sight of customers in a fabric store, with WW2 army gas masks and headphones !)

Studies have also indicated that aliens have inhabited the earth, helping to spread the effect that these fabrics have on the human population. They are called fabric store clerks. It's also been my experience that these same Pheromones cause a pathological need to secret these fabric purchases away when taken home (or at least blend them into the existing stash) and when asked by a significant other if the fabric is new, the reply is "I've had it for a while"

(Originally published in August 1997 in the Western North Carolina Quilters Guild
Newsletter) Written by Kathy (Smith) Harris, Tuscon AZ

Christmas is Coming Quickly

It is just about upon us.  Less than a week to go.  You can feel the excitement building and bubbling to the surface.  Last minute Christmas shopping.  My final Christmas present project is still in progress.  I promise I'll share some pictures and steps I used to do this soon, but for now, its back to sewing.

Eva

Redwork / Colorwork

These designs are machine embroidered and are going to be used to make a quilt.  I do have a lot more designs that I plan on making and selling on Etsy.  Someone can use the blocks and add their own borders for a  block quilt, pillows, wall hanging or framed to stand alone.

Judy



Sorry

A highway patrolman pulled alongside a speeding car on the freeway. Glancing at the car, he was astounded to see that the woman behind the wheel was knitting! Realizing that she was oblivious to his flashing lights and siren, the trooper cranked down his window, turned on his bullhorn and yelled, "PULLOVER! ", the woman yelled back,"NO, IT'S A SCARF!"

Brother Innovis 4000D

The Innov-ís 4000D is quite simply the most innovative sewing and embroidery machine ever. Sew or embroider at speeds up to 1,000 stitches per minute on one of the largest embroidery fields in the industry (nearly 12 x 7 inches) plus the world's first triple lighting system for ideal illumination of the working area. Choose from a large selection of embroidery designs, which cover every style including classic, romantic, modern and so much more. Simply touch the oversized color LCD screen to select embroidery patterns, stitches, powerful editing feature tutorials and more.

Sewing Stitches
Stitch Attributes: Mirror, twin, multi-directional, side cutter, satin stitch regulator
Stitch Width: Up to 7.0mm
Stitch Length: Up to 5.0mm
Utility stitch functions: 118
Reinforcement Function: Manual⁄programmable
Quilting stitch functions: 5
My Custom Stitch Feature (Create and save your own decorative stitches): Yes
Heirloom stitch functions: 25
Built-in Decorative Stitches: 369

Embroidery Pattern
Monogramming Fonts: 8
Frame Patterns: 10 frames, 12 patterns
Decorative Patterns: 369
Media Recognition: USB, memory card, stick

Needle/Thread Feature
Needle Threading System: Manual⁄automatic
Upper Thread Tension System for perfect stitches on any fabric: Button⁄pre-set
Needle Positions: Center, left preset, left, 15 settings
# of needles: 1 with twin needle capability
Bobbin: Horizontal⁄auto-delivery
Thread Sensors: Upper⁄Lower
Thread Cutter Button: 5 upper⁄1 lower
Bobbin winding system: Independent bobbin winding system

Machine Features
Maximum Sewing Speed (stitch per minute): 1000
Free Arm: Yes
Presser Foot Attachment: Snap-on
Presser Foot Height Adjustment: 3 levels (sew⁄emb)
LCD Touch Control Panel: Super large, color, high resolution 8.3"x3.1"
Presser Foot Pressure: Programmable (sew⁄emb)
Maximum Embroidery Field: 7" x 12

Yeah, it's pretty cool.  Once again both Judy and I each have one.  Unlike the serger, we are usually using both machines at the same time.  My husband can just hush up about the sharing!!!

New England Patriots

Looks like the Patriots are playoff bound.  Is it as Divisional Champs (home games) or Wildcard (away games)?

Cute Ornament

This little felt mitten has a lot of possibilities.  It can be used as an ornament, money holder, gift card holder, small presents can fit inside.  My mittens measure 8" x 5" (including cuff), but change the size for custom applications (gift cards, money, special gifts).  The colors can be altered on the mitten, fleece cuff and designs for unlimited creative combinations.  The designs pictured are ironed on Christmas trees.  If machine embroidering a design, do this before you sew the mitten halves together.  Easy and quick, fun to do with children.

Eva

My Serger



Janome serger

purchased from Blaine's Sewing Center

Cranston, RI

We have dueling sergers, Judy has the same one.  Someone needs a lesson in sharing so we stop buying two of everything!

Eva

A Baby Blanket

This is a quilt I made for my newest baby niece.

Machine embroidered blocks with cute little designs and saying.  I hope Alexis finds it warm and comforting.


Eva

Tis The Season

Thanksgiving has come and gone.  Christmas is knocking at the door, well already has one foot in the door.

Thanksgiving brought us Turkey with apple and walnut stuffing.

 Mr. Winston watching the Patriots.  I know you cant see it but Mr. Winston's sweatshirt has the Patriots logo embroidered on its back.  It makes his Daddy happy that his little man is such a big fan.

Sshhhhhh.  This is a present for my son's girlfriend's dog.  What is it with all these sports themes?  Now I need to make something for my son's dog, hmmm what shall I make.........



Yes, Bubbles will be getting a Celtics jacket with her name on it.  Everyone, from my mother in law (Judy), husband and kids, seem to be home town team fans!!  Which reminds me, Pats are coming on shortly on Monday Night Football.  I have to go!!



Eva

A Couple of Purses I Have Just Completed

We are heading out the door, so just a quick post.  We have a little one-on-one time with Nancy at Blaine's Sewing Center tonight, some serger instruction.

I purchased the pattern / instructions for these purses through Bumbleberries Boutique's (http://bumbleberriesboutique.blogspot.com/)  Etsy store.

Made from beautiful batik 2 ½” strips.
Purse measures 13" wide x 12" tall.
21" handle/strap.
Magnetic snap closure.
Quilted inside liner.
Two 7" deep pockets inside of matching material.
Decorative top stitching.
Created from my fabric stash that includes Hoffman Bali Pops Batik Fabrics.

Thanks, Judy

Welcome To Lighthouse Lane Crafts

We have started this blog to share some of our creations.  We have filled up too many rooms with completed, half complete and started projects.  We have sold quite a bit on eBay and recently opened an Etsy store, which we have linked off to the side.  We have been crafting for many years and in many different styles and materials.  Currently we have been doing a lot of sewing and machine embroidery.  In future posts, we will share pictures of our machines and projects we are working on, we hope writing will be a craft we can handle along with our others.  Please feel free to following along and leave nice comments or suggestions.