New Sewing Machine!

I am a little late in posting this, but I have been so busy playing with it and hanging out in craft and quilt shops buying stuff I don't need for the last couple of weeks. ;)  I should clarify that it is a sewing/embroidery combo and way cooler than I thought I would ever have. The best part, my husband is about as excited as I am!  I picked it up on a Saturday afternoon and had it out of the box and was reading instruction manuls most of the evening.  I wasn't ready to start sewing, but very anxious to play with it.  We got a little instruction at the shop - basically enough to get going, but not enough to really do it right.  I have done a couple of little test pieces (appliques mostly). 

This one is my first ever attemp at an applique.  I grabbed random fabric and finished the heart before I thought to add a letter.  I kept trying to figure it out, but could not remember how the lady told me to combine designs.  I did my best to re-hoop it and added the E.  Came out pretty cool.  I have since figured out what I was doing wrong and can combine designs now.  :)

This is my first attempt at a t-shirt.  My design was way too small and a little low on the shirt, but it makes a pretty neat pj top for my son.

Attempt #2 at t-shirt appliques.  No kidding, this fabric combo took me about 30 min to finally decide on.  I swear, choosing fabrics is the hardest thing for me.  I just don't have an eye for it....yet.  This one is a little better on size, but could stand to be a little higher.  Again, this was before I figured out how to combine designs, so next one will have "Love Bug" written somewhere.

But, in true 'Lisa' style, my eyes are bigger than my ability and I think I need to take a step back for a moment.  I have so many ideas and projects I want to do that when I have a minute to sit at the machine I can't decide what to do and end up doing nothing. Worse than that is I am beginning to develop a serious fabric addiction!

I am not sure I should be allowed in Hobby Lobby or Joanns without a chapperone. I see the crew from "hoarders" coming to my door any day now...okay, maybe its not quite that bad just yet, but I can definitely see a need to develop some kind of organization to my chaos very very quickly.  We are still working towards the craft closet, hopefully in the next couple of weeks.

When we got the machine, we also bought the big design software package. DH has the design/graphics/print media background and has already begun designing some really neat stuff.  He is my source for all my applique patterns and even created some fonts for me.  He is a bit of a sci-fi fan (understatement!) and he just designed this for my son :

Next version.....ready for it....is going to be in glow in the dark thread!  Very cool!!

My sewing classes are set to begin Saturday, so I am hopeful that I will be a little more focused and able to start and finish more projects.  Maybe I can start working thru my trove of fabric. :D

I have been working on perfecting my 'cup wrap'.  I tried another version with thin batting and velcro.  I think I'm getting closer to getting it the way I want it.

My plan is to keep trying new patterns/combinations until I get it right. It is a quick project that will help me learn the sewing as well as the embroidery side of the machine because my next few versions will have a monogram....I hope.  Stay tuned.