Happy 4th of July America

Happy 4th of July and I personally want to thank all those who have sacrificed for their country and my freedom.

New Review of the Ikea SY Sewing Machine, Sewing Leather

New Review of the Ikea SY Sewing Machine, Sewing Leather

I had a request to try sewing leather with the Ikea SY Sewing Machine. 
I first have to say the machine it's self had no trouble with the thickness of the leather I used. I didn't have a leather needle so I used a size 90. The leather was a soft leather I use for backing beading projects.

I used the longest straight stitch and had to pull the leather along as I sewed or the feed dogs would have bogged down. I also found that I needed to use a 4/8 or better seam allowance. The smaller seam allowance allowed the leather to slip around and away from it's self.

I would not make leather my first project with this machine as the material is a challenge to sew. You can't use pins and such so you have to be able to guide the material and mind the seam allowance.  

So to answer the question can you sew leather with the machine?

 Yes you can. 

The engine had no troubles with it.

 The only trouble I had was that the feed dogs would eat the material if I did not firmly pull the fabric along.

Ice Crystal Necklace Inspired by The Great Gatsby and Oz the Great and Powerful

I finished the Ice Crystal necklace and just love how it came out.  

I was inspired by the trend of Art Deco that is the theme of costumes in the movies The Great Gatsby, and OZ the Great and Powerful. 

As I mentioned in the last post I surrounded the crystal with beads. 

Then I added a net chain with a variety of white beads. the joining beads in the net have a gilt finish it gives it an elegant twist.

I love the way the clasp came out. I used a gold plated bead for a pop of color. 

A Necklace Fit for Glinda or Daisy

My next project in the Art Deco theme is based around a Clear Round Swarovski Crystal.
The necklace would fit right in with the themes of design for Glinda in Oz the Great and Powerful or Daisy in The Great Gatsby.

So far I have picked the beads and started surrounding the crystal with them to hold it in place.

Check back to see my progress.

Or why not follow me?

Art Deco has come to Town

Art Deco Is in Folks. You have to admit that some of the best dresses this year at the Oscars were Art Deco. From Halle Berry,  Catherine Zeta-Jones, to Jessica Chastain Beaded and grand is back.

Don't forget the movies that have an Art Deco theme OZ the Great and Powerful, and The Great Gatsby. The optics in these movies is stunning.

So with that in mind I have been happily beading in the theme of Art Deco
Above is a Swarovski Crystal pendant Necklace. I surrounded the crystal with 3 sizes of beads and added a Spiral chain of two colors of seed beads.
The clasps is a peyote ring and toggle hand made by yours truly.

I also made a similar necklace with a great neon button. The necklaces are somewhat different in that the button is actually the clasp and is front and center.
I also used a peacock variegated green seed bead for the spiral.

I have more to come so stop back later. Better yet why not follow me?
 

Join me in a Peyote Beading Class

Join me in a Beading class at Raspberry Junction in Niantic, CT.
 I have been beading for 43 years.

Peyote is a versatile beading stitch, Change the size and shape of the beads and you have a very different piece.

Participants in the class will begin on large beads to learn the technique. Written and oral directions will be combined to help all to learn the stitch.

You will need to bring any magnifying glasses you need. ( I buy mine at the dollar store) If you find you need a work lamp feel free to bring one.

The peyote class is scheduled on April, 6th 12:00PM and will last for 2 hours. 

The cost of $25.00 includes thread, needle, and beads to complete the pendant pictured.   Practice beads will also be provided.

My Beaded Jewelry Consignment at Raspberry Junction

I moved my jewelry  to a cove space at Raspberry Junction   in Niantic, Conneticut.
A business that is just starting out and still has room for talented crafters.
My daughter helped me set up the space. I think it came out great what do you think?