Mariannes Motifs

Workplace Wildlife

Walking back in from lunch today I came across this pretty butterfly.

Magnolia Flower

Did Some Sewing

My lovely and talented mom send me the sewing machine I wanted as an early birthday present.  Thank you Mom!

I immediately had that thing unpacked and wound a bobbin, threaded the thread and got sewing. I finished the patchwork bag that I started on the old machine:

Then I made this bucket out of a pair of levis I got at goodwill. This used the legs, and I am going to make one of those bum bags out of the top.

Both these pattern/tutorials came from the web - I have the sites linked on my Pinterest board Learning Quilting.   The Brother SE 400 had no problem sewing through denim.  (I got some denim needles). 

The machine is very easy to use.  So far I have tried straight stiches, zig zag, decorative stitches, and even made a 1 color embroidery design.  You'll see that later after I fix up the little bag its being made into.  I love the way the machine automatically threads the needle and cuts the thread.  I feel very spoiled.

 

Chihuahas Love the Sunshine

The kids were eating popsicles outside so Biscuit came out too.  He just loves to lay down in the grass and squint his eyes in the sunshine.  I think it's his Mexican heritage coming out - he loves hot weather and sunshine.

After spending Saturday running around with Jin's family friends, and Sunday at the pool and grilling out, today is a relax day.  ZZZzzzzz  Good thing I don't need to do the lawn myself.  Thank god for the landscapers, its too hot out for a push lawnmower.

A little cuteness for your day...

Sewing Machine Drama

The 1963 Husqvarna is broken.  I figured out why I couldn't adjust the stitch width or back-tack - the knob that controls those is broken.  It think it's worth getting fixed - I've had a sewing machine shop recommended to me that I will give a try. 

But in the meanwhile... since my birthday is coming up and all I have decided to get a new sewing machine.  I found one that does small embroidery as well as sewing a whole bunch of stitches - the rother SE400.  It also has very good reviews.   So if anyone wants to get me a birthday present - I humbly suggest an Amazon gift card that I can use on this puppy.

 

In Search of the Super Moon

Last night was a full moon on the day the moon is closest to the Earth (the Perigee) so they call this a Super Moon because it a nice and big full moon. I decided that I wanted to go out and try to get a good picture so we all piled in the car and went to a local park at dusk.  The kids played a bit, the dog got a walk, but we couldn't see the moon over the trees.  I did get a good picture of the kids, though.

So then I decieded that we needed to look for the Super Moon in the Brusters Ice Cream parking lot.  And there it was!  A big full moon.  None of my pictures came out.  We did get some great ice cream so it was a win anyway.

Now, today's daydream is a cabin in the mountains.  Get a reasonably priced prefab log cabin and put it on some land.  Then I am thinking chickens for eggs, and perhaps some suri alpacas.  The only thing is... I need high speed internet, and air conditioning.