Key Fob Project

I have been loving the early spring we had. It has been really busy though. I had a lot of fun at the American Embroidery Conference in Marietta at the end of April. I taught a few classes on Embird and one on fun ways to use applique designs. I introduced a few  new sets too. Granny helped a lot of people make a zipper bag at our table. We collected $100 which we donated to Kids in Distress.

I've been seeing requests for simple shapes to make patches on a lot of my mailing lists. So I created Patches - Basic Shapes 1. It is a set of 7 basic shapes in 2 sizes, that all fit in the standard 4x4 hoop. They are basically done like my regular applique designs, but I've added another step and instructions for making free-standing patches with them. These are like blank canvases where you can add your own design and/or your own text to make patches. You can also use them to make key chain fobs and magnets. These are available on my website, Pegboard Crafts and also at The Stitchery Mall.

Here is a key chain I made using the design Patch_OvalB (the larger oval) in my set. It is really easy and takes a minimum of supplies. You can use scrap fabric and scrap stabilizer. It has pretty fabric on the back of the key chain and is stiffened with a heavy stabilizer like Timtex or Stitch N Shape.  Instead of putting matching thread in my bobbin, I used a permanent marker and colored in my white bobbin thread on the back. I purchased the key fob and key rings from eBay. Another option would be to add a grommet to one end instead of the metal key fob and insert your key ring through it.You can download a PDF file with full instructions from my website on the Patches - Basic Shapes page. 

My daughters, Kim and Katey, are making key fobs to help raise money for their ride in Pelotonia in Columbus, Ohio. Theirs will look something like this one. You can use the design Rounded Rectangle 1B from the same set to make a similar one. This ride benefits the James Cancer Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. They have a common interest in riding this year as their aunt was diagnosed with uterine cancer at the end of 2011 and has been undergoing treatment at James.  If interested in donating to their ride requirements, here are their links. Kate is at https://www.mypelotonia.org/riders_profile.jsp?MemberID=63816. Kim is at https://www.mypelotonia.org/riders_profile.jsp?MemberID=112032.

I also showed how to make magnets using these shapes. They are basically done the same way. Instead of a key fob or key ring, I cut business card sized sticky backed magnets to the back side when finished. I will be adding a project sheet for one of them next month.

New Zipper Bags

I've been working really hard the last few months and the results are finally ready.

The Kindle/Nook case took the longest. I wanted several options that would cover the different versions of Kindle and Nook - but not have so many options it became confusing as to which one to order. have a Kindle 3 so that was pretty easy to make a case for - I had something to play with. My mom's Kindle is in a leather cover, so again, that one was pretty easy to make sure it fit well. The rest I had to make some intelligent guesses on. I've been using my Kindle case since late February and love it. The pocket on the front holds my charger so I don't lose it. The padding I used is just enough to protect it but not make it too thick.

I adapted my popular Shoulder Bag to make the new Jr Varsity and Varsity Purses. These have several options not available on the Shoulder bag - quilting and a 2 fabric pieced front and back. The Jr Varsity fits the Designer 1 and ULT hoops while its big sister, the Varsity purse, is sized for the Brother Innovis 4000D and PR600.

Last, but not least, are the 3 new iCases. I needed a 4x4 size for our local embroidery meeting so the Nano 6 was born - it its the iPod Nano 6th generation but is a good coin purse too. I was also asked for a case to carry an iPod Classis 120GB. The 3rd one is for my iPhone. I used transparent vinyl for one side of my case. Surprise! The touch features work right through the vinyl. I suppose one could even cut openings near the top and bottom for the speaker/microphone so you could actually talk on the phone with it in the case. I use mine on a neck strap when I walk or ride my bike.

All the new bags are on sale at the great introductory rate of 50% off from now until midnight EDST on May 26, 2011. Details on my website http://www.pegboardcrafts.com