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Friday, August 20, 2010

Sewing, Sketches, and Scooter's Vacation!

Hey all!  Kim here and I am thrilled to be your blog hostess today!  I'm even more excited to share with you three of my favorite things in the scrapbooking world:  sewing, sketches and Scooter's Vacation!  So let's get right to it!

First up - sewing!  Stitching on my layouts has become a must for me.  I just love the finishing touch it gives to my layouts and cards and it's sew easy (pun intended)!  Okay, I'll admit, it wasn't always so easy!  So let me share with you a few things I learned along the way and hopefully you can speed up your learning curve!

*Use a basic machine with basic stitches!  In fact, I went out and purchased a small, basic machine for under $75.00 just to use for my scrapbooking.  It's all you will need.  Keep it handy and threaded with a basic color and you will find yourself using it all the time!

*Apply a small amount of adhesive to hold your papers in place while stitching.  Avoid stitching directly through adhesive tabs as this will gum up your needle and your thread will continually break.  If you do get glue on your needle, you can clean it with Un-do or rubbing alcohol. 

*Use a medium to heavy weight needle for most paper stitching.  The exception would be if you were sewing through light ribbon or vellum.  In this case, a light weight needle will suffice.  Remember to keep your stitches long - short stitches too close together will act like a perforation and your paper will tear. 

*After stitching, turn your project over.  Grab hold of the bobbin (bottom) thread and give it a light tug.  The top thread will come through a bit and make a loop.  Grab this with a sharp point and pull it all the way through to the back.  Use tape to secure both threads to back of project and cut off remaining.



*Play with a variety of stitches!  I combine straight and zig zag stitches on almost all my layouts.  Sometimes I  leave the ends loose on the front, sometimes I go around 2 or 3 times, sometimes I use a pattern and sometimes it's random.  There is no right or wrong way!




Next up is my sketch!  I love to work from a sketch!  They make great starting points for photo placement and help me to get my mojo flowin'!  I love to rotate them, add photos, delete photos - you can make the design all your own! Some of my favorite sites for skeches are My Sketch World, Page Maps, and Pencil Lines.  Here is own I created for you to play with:

And last but not least is Scooter's Vacation!  This is one of my all time favorite lines by Imaginisce.  It's such a versatile travel line full of fabulous 2-sided papers and embellishments!  You can find it all at Two Peas in a Bucket and at your local Michael's Craft Store



Do you see all that fun dimension?  I was playing with my Cuttlebug machine and embossing folders!  I love to use them to add dimension, texture and character to my designs!  The large dot one is called Seeing Spots and it's my current favorite!  I also used Diamond Plate, Script Texture, Tiny Bubbles, Polka Dots and the Measure by Measure borders. 

Did you make it all the way down here to the end?  If you did -- good for you because this is where the giveaway information is!  Giveaway?    Imaginisce is amazing when it comes to fun giveaways!  So, leave a message here by August 24th and you could win a prize package full of Scooter's Vacation Goodies! 

Do you want another giveaway?  Of course, you do!  If you hop on over to my blog today, you will see that I'm giving away a fabulous Cuttlebug embossing folder by Provocraft!  It's called Dominos!

Have a glorious day - Happy Scrappin'!

130 comments:

Ashly Margritz said...

WAY WAY cute!!! thanks for the sewing tips!! Love this line.

Manhattan Mandie said...

LOVE!!!! I just pulled out my machine and figured out how to use it... now to ACTUALLY use it on a layout! LOL! Thanks for the tips! I love Scooter's vacation too :)

TeacherMom said...

Well now I guess I better pull out my MIL's ancient old machine and see if I can get it to work!!!! Thanks for the tips!! Your layout is awesome and I LOVE the paper!!!

Queen Mary said...

Love the sewing tips! They're seeeeeewwwwwwwwww cute! And "Scooter's Vacation" is seeeeeeewwwww versatile! You Rock!

Ann Edwards said...

The layout and sketch are super...plan to use the sketch soon and would love to have the prize goodies to use!

Nicole said...

Kim!!!! Your sketch and your LO ROCK! And, I love how you use your stitching as an embellishment and not just a border. Fabulous work!!

{VICKI} said...

would love to win some great goodies---thanks for the chance

StephB said...

I love the Scooter Vacation layout! It's fantastic!!!

carrie said...

Love this! Thanks again for the chance to win!

Melissa said...

Love the line and your sketch! Thanks for sharing!

Alexis said...

THANKS FOR THE TIPS!! AND I LOVE YOUR LAYOUT. TOO CUTE

Rhonda Miller said...

Wow, thanks for sharing the sewing tips. I need to get a machine. I love your layout. TFS>

monica said...

bellissimo

Wendy said...

Thanks for the sewing tips! I'm really not good with a needle and thread, so every little hint helps! Thanks for sharing!

Deborah Long said...

I love this - you have convinced me to dust off my sewing machine!

April said...

This layout is AMAZING!!! I loooove all the little details...
- April W

Kelly Massman said...

That is one FANTASTIC layout! I love it all!

fong33 said...

Thanks for the tips on stitching. Putting a bit of glue is a great idea. Would love to know which sewing machine you use.

Bonnie said...

I found a small sewing machine at JoAnns for $40.00!!!! Can't wait to pick it up this weekend so I don't have to dig out my big machine every time. Might even put it in a yard sale if the little one works well.

Suzy said...

Love all the sewing tips! I need to remember to use my cuttlebug for my layouts too, great dimensions. Thanks for the chance to win! :) :)

ruth said...

Great layout Kim!

Anonymous said...

Great layout! Love the sewing tips!

Helen said...

Great tips!! I think I'm still a little scared to try this. Maybe I'll try it on a card 1st!

Thanks for the chance to win!

craftymom205 said...

Thanks for the sewing tips. Love the Scooter's Vacation collection.

Natalie said...

super cute!! i love the sewing but i was blown away with the embossing! i might have to look into trying that!

Pink Cricut said...

Love this layout and all the dimensions! I will definitely be using this in a layout soon! :)

pdrnc said...

I love the way stitching looks on LOs. Thanks for the tips.

ShoppingTamii said...

so cute! My sewing machine stopped working for fabric, but works perfect for paper...yay for me! Now, to invest or not invest in a Cuttlebug...

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh, Kim, your layout is gorgeous! I love all the dimension that the stitching and embossing added to it. I think I'll be scraplifting this sometime soon.

And yes, I would love to win! Thanks for the chance.

BethW said...

Just similar machine for this purpose. Thank you for the how-to's. Now I feel ready to give ti a try.

Ronda said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Ronda Archangelo said...

Love "Scooter" too...wish my Michael's had more of the line!

D said...

Chicago is such a gorgeous layout!!! So easy to be when you are using this line :)

Snips and Snails said...

I've used my sewing machine on layouts some, but need to do more. I love the way you used the basic stitches in different ways. I'm also loving the Scooter's Vacation line-it's perfect for all of my "boy" layouts.

Unknown said...

This line is too cute. Really love your inspiration.

Lisa Watson said...

Kim, THANKS so much for the wonderful tutorial on stitching!!! I don't sew so this info was very helpful!! Awesome LO and sketch too!!

Sue said...

Kim, I love stitching too on my lo's too! You do a fabulous job with stitching!! And the Scooter paper is fab!!!

Jennifer DeWolfe said...

I love that Chicago Vacation layout. I have embossing folders but up to know I have only used them for cards. I never thought of creating squares and embossing them so thanks for that tip!

Pamk said...

I love the idea of stiching on my layouts. Wonder if one of those little hand held sewing machines would be sturdy enough.

pamala said...

Fabulous pics and post, loved it. I am a sewing fan too. :)

Megan said...

I love how you used the embossing folders on the page. the little squares really add to the page.

Erika M. said...

I'm such a novice when it comes to stitching but you make it look really easy!

Beeceecreativity said...

fabulous Kim.. too cute .. amazing job with the sketch.. but especially love your signature stitching, amazing accents.. and fabulous style... congrats

Summer Braxton said...

Scooter's adorable and I'd love to have him in my home.

Angele said...

What a wonderful layout Kim. And thanks for all of the great info today.

Inger said...

Great article Kim! Thanks for the sewing tips. I will definitely be trying this technique out.

Mary Pat Siehl said...

oooh wow i love your layout! what fun! i too love to sew on my layouts. i always have so much fun getting the sewing machine out!

thanks imaginisce on a chance to win scooter's vactaion

Vicki said...

Thanks so much for the great info! Love the Imaginisce pps and your LO! That is a great sketch.

Dawnll said...

Love the colorful examples and fun for sure. Thanks for all the great information.

arlsmom aka Lynda said...

Super cute page...just bought a paper only machine last week so I can get into the stitching frenzy!!

Kelly Swosinski said...

Great layout, love the stitching !!

Kristin - The Fifth Sparrow No More said...

Kim - what a terrific layout!Thank you for the sewing tutorial - you and I are on the same page with the stitching - it adds that just right touch!

-Kristin

juliem said...

That is such a great layout. I love the stitching instructions.
Hendersonville.

Clean & Simple Crafts! said...

Perfect timing! I have been playing with my sewing machine and fabric on my layouts recently. But I would love to know what machine you are using? I would love to have a smaller one to keep at my desk. TFS!!

PamSpradlin said...

Love all that stitching and embossing that is going on. It brings the layout together.

LisaM said...

Thanks for the tips, Kim! Your layout is fantastic as usual!

Ellen said...

I've been thinking about doing some stitching on layouts & cards. Thank you so much for the tips!

Lucy Chesna said...

your stitching is amazing and love the layouts and cards. I have to get that line. You rock!!!

Bobbi said...

I loved your layout. Thanks for the tips.

Jennifer Hansen said...

Would love some Scooters!

jlh774 at gmail dot com

Life in Colors said...

I do stitching on almost every page, it's just a finishing touch and with your tips it will have even more style!!! And what about scooter?? Well that's one of the most adorable collections ever!
Astrid.

Scrappi Sandi said...

I always admire your stitching techniques, Kim, & thanks for sharing those tips! That LO is stunning & I may just have to scraplift it in its entirety for my own Chicago Album!! Of course I will be using the sketch too & putting my own stamp on it!!! Ooooh! TWO fabulous giveaways!! Please include me in the draw for those....Thank you!!

Scarlett said...

Kim you always put me in awe with your stitching!!! One of these days I am going to get to meet you and after I HUG the living daylights out of you, I would love to learn how to sew without breaking a machine!! LOL! Your LO is awesome and I love all the embossing you did on it!

ScrappingMomOf3 said...

Great blog post, Kim... you should do this more often!

Janet's Joy said...

I love to sew on my projects too. Machine and by hand. Your page is awesome!

Kath said...

I've just started sewing on my LO's, so really appreciate the tips - thanks!

Anonymous said...

OH WOW...AWESOME INSPIRATION!!! TFS!!

Nicole W. said...

Too Cute! What a great use of this product. LOVE IT :)

kshand said...

This is an amazing layout, with wonderful tips on sewing. Love the colors of this line. All the added texture just finishes off the layout. Awsome

Kimmarie Baker said...

Great sketch Kim! Love the embossing you did with these fabulous papers!

Cynthia Baldwin said...

Beautiful page! Thanks for the sketch and the tips on sewing on pages, too. I never even took home ec in school, so I'm a little wary of sewing machines. But I just LOVE the effect machine stitches have on layouts! Need to bite the bullet and get one...makes for fabulous finishing touches!

Mum in the Making said...

WOW, gorgeous page! Thanks for all those tips, and for the great giveaway! Have a great weekend!

Angie May said...

I so love all the dimensions in your LO! Will definitely be using those tips.

chignon said...

time for me to dust off the sewing machine! Great layout

Brittney said...

Ah, if only I could work my sewing machine - LOL. Great layout!

lkeener said...

Ooooh! Another amazing Kim creation - LOVE it all!

suzann said...

This is so creative and full of great inspiration. Great sketch and stitching techniques. Needless to say, it's another WOW layout!

Jill P said...

Great sewing tips - and an awesome layout! Love it for those unscrapped vacation photos!

PollyA said...

Thanks for the sewing tips! Love the embossing, I haven't tried that technique yet, it looks really fun!

sucor said...

Thank you for sharing your terrific layout and helpful tips! Love all the textures!

Jess said...

Great LO! Love all the stitching detail!

Liz said...

i love the LO its great thanks for sharing

Vicki said...

Great layout. Love the stitching.

Mel said...

The stitching added with the dimension of those gorgeous embossing folders rocks. Great job. I love these gorgeous papers. Melxx

Melinda AKA medialady said...

I love scooter too! He is so cute!
You layout with all the dimension is wonderful. Thanks for sharing.

MJ's Kraze said...

I just tried sewing on my layout last week and I loved it. I really like what the sewing gives to this page.

Jennybean said...

love the sketch!

Lagene said...

Thanks for all the sewing tips! And thanks for the chance to win!

Kristal said...

Thanks for the tips, the sketch and showing us these fun things. Most of all Thanks for the chance to win. I love scooter!! Now let me scoot on out of here and get some scrapping done.

Michele said...

Awesome layout and I really love the stitching.

LisiB said...

Ok, you got me hooked! I will get a sewing machine and try it out! I love your tips and the embossing combinations are just wonderful.

rose said...

i've always wonder what the secrets to sewing on layouts are, so thanks for sharing yours!

~jan said...

Terrific sewing tips, Kim!! LOVE your layout and how you made the most of the Scooter line-FABULOUS!!

paperpapier said...

thank you for the sewing tips.. i have never tried it before though.

Unknown said...

Love how you used different embossing folders on your layout. It looks fabulous. I hope I win - I love Scooter's Vacation!

Thebug415 said...

great layout! Love how you used all the different folders. I love that ruler embossing...I have never seen that folder!

toni said...

girl, you always amaze me...your page is just darling...and I love your sewing tips. Your
LOs are always so inspirational!

Anonymous said...

Absolutely beautiful LO Kim!! All the stitching and embossing is wonderful! Makes me wish for a sewing machine now.

Diana Waite said...

Love how you used your embossing folders--I need to dust them off and use them!

Jackie Plank said...

Great sewing tips and a beautiful sketch and layout!

Nicole Brenna said...

Thanks for all the tips... I love to sew on the layouts....
I was also wondering where I can find the winners of the various giveaways. I entered a couple over a week ago and havent seen any winners posted. I just want to make sure that I dont miss out by not claiming a prize of I was to win!

Ashley said...

Love this article on adding sewing to a layout. I sew off and on, but I've never done it on a layout. Might have to try it! Thanks!

Jenny McGee said...

Great layout, I love your sketch. Thanks for a chance to win this great line.

Robin Gibson said...

VERY CUTE Kim! Love the stitching (& thanks for the tips!) and the embossing! I love how 'touchy, feely' this layout looks with all that texture and dimension! Great job!

Theresa said...

fantastic layout love all the texture and dimension! thanks for the sewing tips.

Jenn K said...

What a great layout! Really love all the different textures and stitching.

Adrea said...

Thank you for sharing what you have learned about sewing with a machine! Thank you for the giveaway!

Teresa Jaye said...

YAY for Scooter's Vacation!
I've just started using my sewing machine on my layouts and am really loving it! Thanks for the tips and the opportunity to win!

Nicole Laird said...

Love sewing on my layouts....but my machine has had a broken needle for a while. lol That layout you did is just too darn cute!!! Makes me want a Cuttlebug!

Please don't include me in the giveaway! Imaginisce has already been more than kind to me!! :0)

Anonymous said...

Great tutorial! Love all these tips!

Carol said...

That Chicago Vacation Page is sooooo cute! I love the colors!

Carol B
ciaoitalia2007(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

stinken cute friend!
love it!

Sandi said...

Can't wait to get my cuttlebug this week that I just ordered so I can scraplift this awesome layout. Would live some fun papers to go with it.

Hannah said...

this is so cool.....I always forget to use my sewing machine in scrapbooking - quilting, yes, scrapbooking - well let's just say I will be working on this!!!! thanks........... :-)

Kathy said...

Thanks for the great sewing tips, and I love your layout!

Iris said...

Great layout. Love the embossing. And Scooter is so cute. Thanks for a chance to win. Iris

serena said...

oh I love stitching too. your stuff is so fabulous. love the big dot embossing folder!

Drayia said...

Your company was the first one that caught my eye when I started scrapbooking again 3 years ago. I love your emblishments and cardstock. Looks like some great products coming out this fall.

Shawninaz said...

Great post! I also have a sewing maching setup just for crafting. I really like the look it adds to a project.

Janet said...

Your layout is awesome! It makes me want to get my sewing machine out now and give it a try!

Angie said...

Great LO, and thanks for the sewing tips! I love that collection, thanks for the chance to win it!

Veronica said...

Love the collection. Great tips for sewing!

Suzuki said...

Superb Layout - love the technique and I'm sooooo in love with the Scooter's Vacation Line!

Katie said...

I love all the textures! Great sketch too!

mumof4 said...

Scooter, Scooter, Scooter, I can NOT get enough of you. I took you with me to visit my daughter in Texas and scrapbooked most of my trip "while" I was there. I will have to scour Michigan or online to find more of you before you disappear so I can have you in my life longer.

juli (sweetpz) said...

great layout! i love the all the fun colours!

Sandy Ang said...

What a neat idea! Will have to try it out to showcase all my fav papers from a collection on 1 LO, cheers.

Jennifer said...

Super cute ... love all the stitching!

johnandcarolee said...

The dimension is amazing!

Anonymous said...

Great tips and super sweet layout with this cute pp!

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