I can hardly believe it’s been a full week since I was at the Original Sewing and Quilt Expo in Lakeland! I finally finished my eReader wristlet that I began in Hope Yoder‘s workshop. This project featured some machine quilting and applique, sewing, and attaching hardware.
finished wristlet
eReaders, AKA iPads, Kindles and Nooks, are everywhere, and I’ve seen so many articles about crafty cases for these new electronic devices. Although this workshop was rather expensive, I was not at all disappointed. The fabrics in the kit were vibrant Michael Miller coordinating prints, the pattern is easy to follow and explains much, we got Steam a Seam 2 to transfer the applique pieces, heavy interfacing to protect the tablet, a Velcro fastener, durable hardware for attaching the strap, a charm for the strap, and an embroidered, matching-fabric-covered button. Plus, we got to assemble it all on a Husqvarna Viking Designer Diamond sewing machine, using a walking foot with a 1/4-inch seam allowance guide. Machine tool heaven!
iPad with magnetic cover fits snugly in wristlet
When you have 20 women (or 40, as was the case in another class I took at the Expo) making a project together, [I think] it is so interesting to watch their behavior. A few rush through the directions and then get to hear the teacher say something like, “No one should be on Step 3 yet! Hold on!” Then some women rush to get the jump on using the iron or the clapper. In this project we made extensive use of a clapper, or point presser, to iron the thing completely flat. Problem was, we only had 2 clappers among 20 women. You get my drift? 
But overall, the camaraderie was great, and the instructor provided lots of personal attention to each one of us. And the educators, women who help you with the machines they furnish, are always around helping you make sure it is threaded right, and that you have the special top-stitching needle for the top-stitching step, a full-enough bobbin and the right foot for the job. Craft, sewing, and machine heaven!
Mar 02, 2012 @ 12:09:22
You got it done! Yay! I think I would have been guilty of rushing ahead to ensure sole use of the Clapper, detail iron, etc. Where was that tool when I was into constant sewing? All I ever used was a hammusalabamus and a sleeve board. sigh