Atlanta Braves Home Opener

Some friends and I headed down to Turner Field to see the Braves open their season with a WIN! The best part about opening night and holiday games is when the fighter jets fly over. Gives me chills every single time.

Magen & her gum

William & Keith

The National Anthem

Braves Win!!!

How to Embroider on Oilcloth

About a year ago, I did some pattern testing for a new sewing book, Sewing With Oilcloth. The author, Kelly McCants, came to Atlanta this past fall to do a book signing and hangout session, so I went so I could meet her and get my books signed.

While we were hanging out, we got on the subject of embroidery. We weren't sure how the embroidery machine would handle the oilcloth.

I am just now getting around to trying it, and it works just fine. I use a home embroidery machine (Brother PE780D), so i am sure the industrial machines will handle it just as well, if not better.  Before you try it, there are some things you need to know, though:

1) DO NOT hoop the oilcloth. Hoop the stabilizer and stick the oilcloth to it. Sticky stabilizer or temporary spray adhesive can be used.
2) The embroidery needles will wear out more quickly when stitching on oilcloth, so be mindful of that.
3) Since oilcloth should not be pinned down, I usually babysit the machine while stitching oilcloth due to the chance the oilcloth can come off the stabilizer from the movement of the embroidery arm.


When I embroidered my beach / pool tote, I used:
~ A fill stitch. Since this bag will get a lot of use and the lettering was large, I opted to not use a satin stitch.
~ Medium weight cutaway stabilizer
~ Temporary spray adhesive to stick the oilcloth down
~ Titanium Organ sharp embroidery needle
~ Gunold polyester embroidery thread. I would stay away from the rayon on oilcloth. It tends to break easily.

I wrote this post, assuming that folks familiar with embroidery are reading it. If you have any questions at all, please feel free to comment or email me!

Waterproof Oilcloth Beach / Pool Totes

Oilcloth is fabric that is vinyl-coated cotton. It is waterproof and stain resistant, which makes it perfect for beach & pool totes! I recently made one for myself, and I am pleased to offer them! These won't be in the shop, but I will take orders for them instead.

Here are some images of the large size tote, filled with stuff!

The Details:

~Size Options:
     Large: 18"W x 14"H x 5"D: Very roomy, fits 3 beach towels!
     XLarge: 24"W x 14"H x 8"D: Huge. You can fit your kids in it, probably.

~Two 6" tall side pockets, perfect for sunscreen or your cell phone

~Waterproof: Wipe down or hose off! (Don't put in washing machine, though.)

~Note that oilcloth is not food safe, so don't put a sandwich down in the bottom without it being in a ziplock baggie!

Main Fabrics (choose one):

Coordinating Fabrics (choose one):






Font Choices:



Pricing Options (Same for both sizes):

1) Non-personalized tote: $47.50 + tax and shipping

2) Personalized tote: $56.50 + tax and shipping

To Order:

Email me with fabric & personalization choices at april@forsheedesigns.com and I will send you a PayPal invoice. Turnaround time from cleared payment will be approximately two weeks. Please let me know if you have any questions!

Easter

Just a few photos of us and our friend's little boy coloring and hiding the Easter eggs!

{My Garden}

Last year, I was successful in keeping two plants alive and producing: Cherry tomatoes & basil. This feat made me think that I can add more plants to my list of responsibility.  I knew I wanted to keep this project contained to my back deck so that I would not have to tromp through the yard to go water a garden. So, a container garden on the back deck it is! Another reason I like this idea is because I can use potting soil. No soil testing, augmenting, tilling, etc. Just pour & plant!

Here it is:

Top from left to right: Dahlia, Basil & Rosemary, Cherry Tomatoes

Bottom from left to right: Bell Peppers & Jalapenos, Cucumbers, Salad Greens & Spinach

This guy is going to tend to the basil & rosemary.

I'm pretty excited to be able to go pick my salad when I want one!

And some pretty tulips that were in the front yard!

Marietta National Cemetery

Last week, we paid a visit to the national cemetery in my town. I have driven by there an infinite amount of times in my life but never stopped to see it. I always wanted to, though. I have been enamored by the arrangement of the grave stones for years. They are all lined up so neatly!

At the top of the hill, a beautiful gazebo covered in wisteria sits. The scent coming off of it was phenomenal.

There are monuments and, of course, a big American flag.

My Little Baby

Well, I guess this is the best place to announce that I'm going to have a little baby! April Fools. Yes, that was lame, but it's April Fool's Day so I felt obligated to fool you. Moving on...

How cute is he?

His name is Junior. He's 5.5 pounds of Yorkshire Terrier who acts like he's about 90 pounds of ferociousness. The boy likes to bark at strangers and squirrels who approach our house. Hilarious! I love the little white tuft of hair on his chest!

Here's his guard dog stance. What kind of dog do you have? What funny things does he/she do?