A watched iPod never charges...and other things I've learned

Just like the legendary pot that won't boil, my new iPod seems to take forever to charge.  I want to listen to it before I go to bed tonight and time....is....dragging....by....  Thanks for your input, everyone.  I may need to get a miniature bike like the one Sheepish Annie mentioned in her comment.  Anything that helps melt away 60 pounds sounds pretty good!

Another thing I've learned (again) is that I'm not as creative as I wish I was.  I'm okay at making things, but as far as being original and creating "art," well I'm not so good at that.  Here's a show-and-tell example for you:  my first fabric postcard.  I made it in brown for August's Project Spectrum neutrals and for the hope of fall coming sometime soon.  It's okay for a first try, but I doubt I'll be making many more.  I just don't have the knack for it.  I wonder how much of creating something (whether it's painting, sculpting, fabric art) is talent and how much is practice?

In case you want to make a postcard of your own, I'll share the things I learned today:

1)  Before you start creating, actually measure out your fabric instead of just fusing things wherever you want.  (Postcards measure 4" x 6".)  While the flowers being cut off on the edge don't bother me, they might have been an important part of the design.

2)  If your quilting stitches run over the edge, don't trim them off when you cut your fabric to size.  You'll end up with stitches coming out.

3)  Rubber stamp embossing on fabric sounds like a good idea, but it takes practice.

4)  If an embossed image gets reheated by the iron, it spreads out.

5)  Use a press cloth if reheating an embossed image.  All that junk on your iron would not be pretty.  (I knew about using a press cloth to avoid getting fusible web on my iron and fortunately it was in place when I heated the first flower, so I was spared a mess.)

6)  Plan out all the steps first to avoid having to reheat embossed images.

7)  It takes more than fusible web, fusible craft stabilizer, felt, and fabric to make a stiff postcard.

8)  If you use lightweight muslin on the back, you will be able to see the quilting stitches (wrong side) through it and it's distracting.

9)  Katie is right.  Getting consistent satin stitching around the edge is a little tough.

And one last thing I've learned again.  Even though I keep hoping to rekindle some of my former love of sewing, I still love knitting the best. 

Comments

[katie]

Oh my gosh, I LOVE that postcard! It's awesome! The color combinations you used are brilliant. And I love the quilting stitches. It looks just like those postcards at the fancy-pants websites. I'm so impressed! Just goes to show, you are your own worst critic.

I meant to tell you, I did use an extra piece of fusible fleece on the other postcard I made, fused to the muslin. That helped cover the stitching on the back of the file folder card. I guess yours was the one I didn't actually sew to the card, I just stitched the log cabin onto the fleece.

[Geraldine]

Hi Beth, In reference to your last line, its the opposite for me, I always loved sewing the best and probably always will. Crocheting second and knitting close behind, they are all wonderful hobbies though!!!! Love seeing your projects btw...

Huggs, G

[Sheepish Annie]

I tried to rekindle my relationship with the sewing machine this summer. It was fun, but I don't think I'm ever going to be a die hard seamstress. Knitting is so much more portable. And when you throw it in frustration it is a bit easier to pull it all back together as long as it stays on the needles. I'm still trying to track down all those tiny little quilting pins that were flung in a fit of angst a month ago!

[patti]

I like your postcard. You are too hard on yourself! (aren't we all?) And I have enjoyed picking up my knitting again, too.

[keri]

How pretty, the postcard has such gorgeous details and colors. Good luck with the ipod, it will hold a ton of info, and I keep all my knitting pictures on there. It's so much fun! =)