Montessori Aprons

Many moons ago I made Ebi-kun an art apron, when I designed it I decided it had to be easy to put on, this is the original apron, it lasted well and after putting in on a couple times he got the hang of doing it for himself, as he has grown I have made slightly different patterns and this is the one that works the best. It is backed with a rubberised towelling so spills don't soak through. 

These 3 aprons are available in the SHOP or if you fancy your chance at winning one, pop over to The Montessori Goldmine to see how to enter.

Not a happy bunny....

so...I had made a start on the custom order I was working on, over-locking a seam, I had the correct foot and stitch and suddenly the machine makes and awful noise. Naturally I stop and open the plate to see if there is anything jammed, certainly was, a piece on the needle late was bent. No idea why or how it happen but I was not a happy chappie. Oompa Lumpa man is coming today to fix it.

First project on the Janome

I haven't come up with a name for my new machine yet, any suggestions? I did manage to have a bit of a play on it before we left for Wakayama. I wanted to try out some of the stitches and applique so I made this little pouch as a thank you present for my neighbour Tammy, who helped me out with the translation when the dealer came to show me how to use the machine. I realised too late that I had a needle which was too big so the cotton is a bit pulled. The English manual arrived when we were away so now I can get down to really learning the ins and outs of it.

The Janone Horizone 7700

It is beautiful and arrived yesterday afternoon, the guy delivering it stayed for 3 hours showing me how to use it, my neighbour Tammy came to help with the translation so I think she got a free sewing lesson thrown it too :o). The guy did look like a Japanese Oompa Loompa and was very patient with us.
First impressions: it sews like a dream, I have read complaints about the position of the buttons and the draw not sliding out well but I have no problem with either. I haven't tried any kind of quilting on it yet, I thought I should try and get to grips with the basics first. I did manage to jam the stitches into the plate but it was most definately user error. They have ordered me a DVD and manual in English which will help, my head hurt after he left yesterday as I was trying to memorise everything! I am hoping to get back on it again today for a wee while but the Obon holiday starts tomorrow and we have plans so I doubt it will be seeing much action for a few days.