For the last few months I have been thinking about getting a new sewing machine.  Actually I had become quite obsessed with it.  You see I was still sewing on my little Brother BM2600 and had come to realise that I really needed to upgrade.   So of course I started looking at all the Quilters Edition Machines and found very quickly that they were way beyond my little budget.  But I keep looking and looking and I found this beauty from Brother the Innovis 400, complete with extension table, waling foot, free motion foot,  stitch guide etc.... price $999.00 wow  compared to some of the other makes and models this is the best price ever.

 This machine has 294 stitches including 3 alphabets.  It has a large throat,  autothreader, thread cutter, backtack,  3 speeds and the list goes on.

 It also came with a nice hard cover case.

 Its a dream to operate.

Card Making

My friend Tricia over at Scrapping in the Avenues has reignited my interest in Card Making.  It has been such a long time since I have pulled out my little stash of goodies and I am so pleased that I did.  I needed to make 3 thank you baby cards for my Grandson's arrival and a Happy Birthday card for Grandad,  can you guess which is Grandad's?  I am thrilled that I made the effort.

Using up some bold scraps

I decided to do this easy but busy and bold quilt for a needy toddler,  I procrastinated on getting this finished after piecing together the top last year.  Its so satisfying completing your wips!

I decided to join the Star Quilt along run by Natalie from Piece N Quilt

I love her style but more importantly I have tried stars before and didn't have any success.  Hopefully this will teach me something and because its goes for a year I won't have any impending pressure (well I no).

Mother's Day

May is always a busy month in our household,  we have 2 daughters birthdays, 1 Grandad birthday, 1 Nana birthday and of course mother's day which involves several mother's to take into consideration.  Whilst I celebrate Mother's Day I find it very hard to please everyone including myself.  So this year I have tried to get a little more organised and I actually made my Mother in Law a cute little kitchen wash towel with a teacup applique.  I also did a self covered button and my first ever self taught button hole.   I am pretty happy with the results,  cost was only about $4 NZD and about 2 hours time involved.  I think Mum will be happier with this than another quick thoughtless gift that we normally do!  Have a great day Toni