Mr. Bunny Applique

This past week, I have spent some time getting my Etsy shop, Josie-Bea Originals restocked with some new spring items.  I decided while working on these little things that I would kind of give you a step-by-step on how the shirt comes to be. I say kind of because I am leaving out the essential pre-sew steps which include stabilizing the applique fabric, centering the applique on the shirt, hooping, etc. It's important to do every step precisely and to not skip any step. But this is not really a tutorial on machine embroidery. Just a {Thought-You'd-Like-To-Know} kind of thing. So here's where I start on the machine.

I program in two appliques, the circle applique and then Mr. Bunny applique.

Next I sew the first applique with a running stitch, then cut out the shape, and finally follow with a finishing satin stitch on the applique.

I use these AWESOME scissors to cut out the appliques. They allow me to get right up to the edge of the running stitch so there is no excess fabric. My appliques would not look as clean without these scissors.

On top of the first applique, I repeat the steps above for Mr. Bunny applique.

After cutting out Mr. Bunny, he is ready for the finishing satin stitch.

 Almost complete, Mr. Bunny now has whiskers.

 And, the finished product with Josie-Bea Originals label and hang tag. All ready for my Etsy store.

Please come by my Josie-Bea Originals Etsy store, if you get a chance. I had scaled back my offerings after my hand injury, but now I am up and running again and adding new things weekly. I am also excited that Josie-Bea Originals shirts and gift items are going to be available at two local Knoxville stores, Jack and Jill and The Social Butterfly of Echelon. Hope y'all are having a great weekend. Now I am off to do some more sewing!

Sewing with Mimi

While we were in Virginia, Emma-Caroline honed her domestic arts skills by helping Mimi sew bandannas for Mickey, Barkley and Lucy. Emma-Caroline and Mimi picked out special fabric at Joanne Fabrics for the dogs' special bandannas. Now they will be all ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas with their newly made scarves. Watching Emma-Caroline sew with Mimi reminds me of happy memories of sewing with my Mema and Granny Bea. I'm so happy Emma-Caroline is learning to sew from one of her grandmothers too. Emma-Caroline and Sophie will also learn to paint and sew from Nana and how to knit from Grandma Beverly.