If you didn’t see the Cost Plus ad in the Sunday newspaper yesterday, go take a look. They are getting ready for spring and it is a very cheerful ad. They even have a grouping of Adirondack chairs that looks like my banner. Guess they’ve been trawling the web for ideas. 😉
![Journal from Annie Smith Journal from Annie Smith](https://artquiltmaker.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/pict3747sm-235x300.jpg)
Recently, I received an email from Annie Smith, yes, podcasting Annie Smith. In better times, I left a few comments on her website and also gave a donation. She contacted me, because she felt bad for not responding to my comments. I try to respond to comments on my blog, but it isn’t always possible and I certainly don’t expect any other blog authors to respond to my prattling. Still, she contacted me and wanted to send me something, because she hadn’t responded. I told her it wasn’t necessary, but she sent me the journal above anyway. As I have mentioned, I write in a journal nearly every day. While this is not the style of journal I normally use, it might be nice to try something different. Regardless it was very thoughtful.
![Failure! Failure!](https://artquiltmaker.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/pict3744-300x225.jpg)
I wanted a sturdier tote bag to carry around. I decided to try to make a bag out of the clear tablecloth covering type fabric (is it really fabric??). I thought it would also be cool to have a clear plastic bag even though I would have to be careful what I put in it! I felt justified on this thought during the past week when I was carrying about my soaked flower bag. As you can see from above, I haven’t, yet, been very successful completing the clear plastic tote. The problem is that I cannot sew this tablecloth fabric on my machine 🙁 . I tried it normally, but the feed dogs wouldn’t feed. I tried backing it with some slightly heavy tissue paper, figuring I could rip it off later and he machine still wouldn’t feed. I even asked at the store where I bought the fabric and they said it should be no problem. Above is a picture of me failing at sewing the clear plastic bag. Unless any of you have any brilliant ideas, I am going to buy some colorful staples and staple it together. Not sure how sturdy it will be, though, and I am concerned that the backs of staples catching on things.
I realized that I hadn’t posted or written about the Flower tote. At least I couldn’t find any reference to it.
![Flower Tote Flower Tote](https://artquiltmaker.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/pict3624sm-236x300.jpg)
I finished this tote at the beginning of January. It is the first tote that I have made using one different fabric for the side so the pocket fabric stands out. I am pleased with that way of highlighting the ‘main’ fabric. It is a pretty easy way to do so. Basically, I cut the same numbers of fabrics out of two different fabrics as normal. Then I used one side piece in the flower print for an inside piece and one blue side piece for the outside side piece that gets the pocket attached to it.
![Flower Tote detail Flower Tote detail](https://artquiltmaker.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/pict3626sm1-300x225.jpg)
From the City Quilter Newsletter: “If you or any friends will be in New York City the weekend of March 21/22, I thought you’d like to know of a wonderful quilt show put on by the major Manhattan guild, Empire Quilters. It is entitled Urban Inspirations, and takes place at the the Fashion Institute of Technology, a major teaching institution, which is just around the corner from us.” If you would like to subscribe to the City Quilter newsletter, email them at: info@cityquilter.com I can’t attend this year, but would love to see photos you take from the show.
I wonder if the clear tablecloth is sticking to your foot… I know my machine will only sew plastic/vinyl like stuff with a plastic foot (or teflon one) along with tissue on the back. I have to use a glue stick on the tissue or the feed dogs just move it, not the plastic…
Good idea! I’ll check. I was using a plastic foot and the cloth sticking to the foot may be the problem. I don’t know if I have a teflon foot. If I do, I haven’t used it that often. Another thing to check.
Not sure where you use the glue stick, can you explain more?
I think she means to glue stick the tissue to the plasticky fabric. I bet it is sticking to the foot too much for the feed dogs to move it along. Could you have a little strip of fabric pinned on along where you’re sewing?
Oh and did you see I gave you an award? http://highfibercontent.blogspot.com/2009/03/surprise-award-received.html