What in the...

heck happened to my sewing machine???

I was working on a gift for a friend the other day and the most frustrating thing happened. At one point in my sewing, nearly half of the "item" (I don't want to reveal what it is, as this person might read the blog and I still haven't given her the gift) got shoved under the bobbin casing due to a particularly dull needle. Let's just say I wasn't exactly "gentle" while extracting my work from the machine. I yanked this way and that, up, down, side-ways, all the while trying to lift the needle back out when finally it gave. When I went to re-thread my machine, the stupid needle wouldn't pick up the bobbin thread. I'm pretty sure that if I took this thing to a repair shop, it would likely cost more than the machine itself. So I got out my tools and started dissecting the thing.

I think I've found the problem: the timing seems to be off. Does anyone know how to fix this? I've looked online and have found a few links that might help but boy, I'm not excited to fix it. Dang.

Fabric Flowers

My dear sister got me started on these. She found this link and started making some adorable versions of this cloth flower. I decided to try my hand at it and they're so easy! They're a great alternative to the typical flowers you find on head bands and barrettes these days.

Here is my version:


And here is one that I created by winding up some cute fabric, just twisting and turning it as I went. There really was no rhyme or reason to it. I sewed it as I went along to keep it in place. I love the vintage look it has. Then I added a red button for the center. I'm definitely going to be making more of these. I think they'll be adorable for some shoes or hairbands or clothes, etc:

Do any of you have ideas for other kinds of flowers? I'd love to hear them!!!