Current Mood : Happy
Current Image Notes : Here's the second prototype Teacher of the Year jar. You'll see the final version tomorrow - it's already with the new owner !
Got lazy last night and only sewed the cat with Dearest Son's teacher's initial, so I had to hop up today and sew cute kitty, and get it all put together. The TOTY candy jar was gonna go to its new home today. I was determined.
Cute kitty stitched out adorably, and Beloved Hubby said that one was his fave. You get to see it tomorrow ! But my idea to sew the designs back-to-back met with less than a success. Ugh. Ended up Fray-Checking the edges, and sewing each design to a plain back of the same fabric. Much easier. And this way, she can put the blank sides to use in her own way, and she won't have to see the less-than-pretty backside. Dug in the ribbon and lace stashes and added that, and an hour and a half later, it was done, wrapped, and ready to go.
What amazed me, in a detached sort of way, is that changing thread colors is something I can do without thinking, and it only takes about thirty seconds now. I used to dread switching thread colors, because it seemed to take forever to get Brody threaded. Well, getting the thread under the quilting foot is still a pain, since the thread always goes off in some odd direction I can't quite reach, but I'm sure even that will eventually get easier.
I also figured out what the forum sewists meant by ‘thread bikinis'. For some odd reason, thread on those narrow little embroidery spools unwinds fast if left alone and unsecured. So many sewists either buy stretchy thread nets, to hold the tails in and the thread secure, or use various other methods to hold it down. I simply used the plastic sleeve that came with the little skinny spools, but I'm sure as the thread decreases, they won't fit very well. So, I've tried using the larger transparent rubber bands that come with new dolls, or stickers applied to the top of the spool. Normally, I'd worry about adhesives gumming up the needle, but the thread that gets tucked under the sticker is the very last bit - which usually gets snipped off, either during threading, or as a thread tail in the embroidery.
The kids in Dearest's class were very happy to see me again, and were thrilled to learn that we were doing a craft right after recess. They had an absolute blast making designs for their buttons. Many used collage and tear-art in theirs. One young man colored the background to his button red, then cut a star from the camouflage paper I'd brought. With the star glued to the red, then pinned to his camo-print shirt, it was a startlingly amazing effect. As they were getting ready for the next part of the day, many were attaching their new buttons to their backpacks. (happy smile) And asking me when I'd be back !
Our Teacher of the Year loved her candy jar, and immediately started trying the various discs on, and thought it was a stellar idea. She'd never seen one before. Goes to show, what's boring in one neighborhood is exotic in another. By then, though, it was time for me to help clean up and scoot. I was tired - it takes a bit to corral nineteen excited kids enough for even a small project - but I felt great.
And the ‘Teacher of the Year' gift is off my to-do list - before the end of the school year ! I'm happy with me... And sleepy as any cat in sunshine. Hope your Friday was special, too.
