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Instruction Challenged

Is anyone else instruction-challenged? I have such a hard time following even the best tutorials and user guides. This card was definitely a test of patience in following instructions. First of all, I ordered a Janome Sew Mini sewing machine because I wanted to be able to make fabulous cards with zigzag stitches like Amy. My sewing machine arrived this week and yesterday I finally pulled it out of the box. One of the reasons I felt the need for a new machine was because I couldn't figure out how to use the 1950's 100 pounds of steel version my mom gave me. LOL! I figured if I had a new machine, there would be a great manual that would somehow unlock all the mysteries of the sewing world I've been missing all these years.

Well, there is a manual, but it wasn't magic, that's for sure! LOL! It took me over an hour with the manual just to figure out how to wind the bobbin, insert the bobbin, thread the spool, and then I got stuck on trying to get the bobbin thread to come up through the bottom. Eventually Mark got home and walked me through it. So embarrassing -even my husband who has never sewed before in his life and in no way could be considered "handy" could figure it out! So he got me straightened out so that now I can sew to my heart's content. (That is, until I run out of bobbin thread or need a new color and have to repeat the process all over again!)

So this morning I saw Beate's weekend challenge to make a library card. I read the tutorial - it seemed easy enough. I printed the tutorial and followed it step by step - or so I thought. I have no idea what I did, but it just doesn't look right. the lower cut out is on the wrong side or something. Anyway, I decided to just make it up from there. I stamped True Thyme cardstock with the Paisley background in True Thyme. I glued some beautiful Heidi Grace paper to the cardstock and then decided to use my Janome Sew Mini. Probably should have practiced first, because I was all over the map! I decided to add a little round tab punch with brads on the one inset to cover up some of the horrific stitching I did around the corners. I then tied a gold edged burgundy ribbon around the front panel in a bow. Then I stamped Cat & Flower by The Cat's Pajamas in Versafine Onyx Brown on Pearlized White cardstock. The flower is paper pieced with some of the Heidi Grace paper. I matted this on Marigold Morning and a Bravo Burgundy Giga Scallop Square Punch.

Well, I was horrified to see how bad my stitching looked on the back side when you opened up the card, so I decided to turn it into a pocket card. I just used some sticky strip down the two sides of the shorter flap and then made an insert with Marigold Morning cardstock. The stamps are Hello from TCP and the to you from me is from the All in a Row Stampin' Up set. I guess it still turned out pretty cute, even though it's not exactly the card I set out to make. LOL!

Okay, now you see why I usually write my posts late at night when I'm tired. If I write them in the day time, I'm far too chatty and bore you to pieces with all the inane little going on in my craft room. Oh, and just so you know - I love the Janome Mini! It really is easy to use and SO light - only 5 pounds! I've always had a mental block when it comes to doing the thread and the bobbins, so if you're a normal person you probably won't have any trouble whatsoever figuring out how to do it! ;) The only thing that will take a little getting used to for me is that there isn't any pressure sensitivity to the foot pedal - it's either on or off. I'm used to being able to sew slowly, so I can make sure I've got everything straight. This machine goes along at a medium pace, not speedy fast, but faster than I'm used to. Well, I was going to share some RAKs in this post, but it's too long, so I think I'll do that in a separate one, so if you're still reading, be sure to scroll down to the next post to see the awesome cards I received from Karrie and Beate.

26 comments

Anonymous said...

Julee, you crack me up!
First time I sewed I felt the same way.
And I can never follow instructions either. LOL I might have messed up on those. Who knows...
I do know that your card is freaking awesome, having the dip on the the wrong side or not. I am not sure I would have even noticed.
LOVE the paper you used. Love your sewing!!!

Thanks for trying it out! You rock!
Have a wonderful weekend. Hugs and smiles

Anonymous said...

I tried too, but with All in a Row. http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/681659?cat=10631 Talk about challenged. Man, I can't do it like Beate does. hee hee Your card is beautiful...I love it.

Tina said...

Your card is absolutely beautiful!

Anonymous said...

I'm sitting here laughing at your 'over an hour' trying to figure out threading the machine and bobbin. I know, I shouldn't laugh - 'cause I'm that way with computers. Your card, btw, turned out beautiful.

Anonymous said...

I can't sew either and my Mom was a seamstress. I can't even load my ATG gun so I totally understand. Your post is a riot. the card is lovely despite your struggles!!

Charmaine (CharmWarm) said...

I think it looks AWESOME! LOVE that paper and the stitching is wonderful! :) I don't sew AT ALL!

Andrea, said...

Beautiful card, love the stitching and the stamp is gorgeous

Unknown said...

I love the card, and probably wouldn't have even noticed that it wasn't like the tutorial! LOL!

Every time I change thread color on my Janome I have to get out the instructions...so don't feel bad! It's not just you! :-)

Anonymous said...

I am in the same boat...tutorial challenged :) Your card turned out fantastic through! Love the paper and I think your sewing looks great!

Sharon in NE said...

It did turn out pretty cute, but then again, its got Sprinkles.

Taylor said...

Uh oh... your story doesn't leave much hope for me! I too hoped that the Janome machine would be the answer to all my struggles with sewing, but it sounds like I best be prepared for a battle with the manual. :)

Love your card too! And way to stick with the sewing!

Lisa said...

He he he he..... OK... I am laughing myself silly at DH having to get your sewing machine set up.... LOL! Poor Julee!!!! You're so cute.... LOL!!!!

Anonymous said...

Love how your card turned out! Gr8 "mistake" having the dip on the opposite side. Lovely colours too. Looks to me like it was meant to be, just a beauty. I love the paper piecing you did too, oh such tiny petals! TFS

Shannan Teubner said...

You are so hilarious!! And I have been bobbin challenged myself lately...EXCEPT...Guess what I found at WalMart tonight??? PRE-WOUND BOBBINS!!! They're in a package with like 8 white and 4 black...I'm so happy!!!!!!!!!!! I'll let you know if that helps the situation. Either way, I love your card!!!

Jules said...

Great card! I think even when you think you didn't do so good, you still make beautiful work. Look at all the great comments. I love to read your blog.

Anonymous said...

Instructions. What is that? I usually end up looking at the just basic shape/components of a project and then take it from there. Love giving things my own twist

CreativeMish said...

I think you did a great job! Thats one thing I've never done; Sewn on a card. I do have a Close To My Heart stamp set - Simple Stitches that I've used. You're choice of papers is fabulous! I love it

Anonymous said...

Your card looks great! My dip came out on that same side...Beate made 2 diff ones. Just so you know, your not crazy or anything...I thought I was! LOL I just bought the 'all in a row' set in place of a sewing machine.

Anonymous said...

Yo aren't going nuts- I had a few problems with the directions too, then I realised I was trying to use a whole sheet of paper, and not cut it down first- like it says to in the directions!
I just need to be able to read!
Karen.

Janine said...

I can sew but I still can't make cards like yours and Beate's challenge looks rather complicated. Like to have a go but up to my neck in Christmas cards!

Beth Thomas said...

Hey, gal! If I need a chuckle, I can always count on you to make me smile. Don't feel bad. I got my Janone machine way back at the first of August and haven't even had time to look at the instructions! I think you card is awesome. My mother says if anyone gets close enough to see what's wrong just hit 'em!

Mo Moss said...

Although I got a good laugh at your comments, I thought the card was wonderful. I HATE bobbins but do have to struggle with them. I would rather do that, then sew on a button anyday. All of your cards are great. Not to worry, Mo

Angie Z ~ Duckwaddlequack said...

This is gorgeous! With moving, it seems like its been ages since I've had a chance to visit your fabulous blog! I gotta go catch-up on your fabulous creations now!
Hugs!

~Angie

Rose Ann said...

Great file folder card!! I love it!! Beautiful!!

2 Worlds said...

I with you, I have trouble to follow this picture tutorials, to me video works 1000 better.
But yours looks great

Anonymous said...

Thank goodness I'm not the only one who has trouble at times with tutorials!!!! Thanks Julee, you've made my day. I'll get that folder card yet. God bless. Linda