According to Wikipedia, Serendipity is “is the effect by which one accidentally discovers something fortunate, especially while looking for something else entirely.” Like when I was searching in my coat pocket for a tissue and found a twenty. Yippee!

The artisans of Lily Pad Landing have adopted the idea of serendipity for our fifth Thursday stockings. Unlike our regular stockings which have previews beforehand and go live at 9pm, a Serendipity stocking is a surprise stocking. Items don’t preview, they just go live at random times throughout the day. So you could be browsing, refresh the page, and suddenly something appears that wasn’t there before. Doesn’t that sound like fun?

I know that we’re all busy and even though we may want to spend a day on the computer, our kiddos need to be fed, changed, played with and cuddled too, so I’m giving hints as to when my items will stock. Besides, I gotta reward all my loyal newsletter and blog readers, right?

All the answers to these hints can be found somewhere in my blog…
1- How many greenish stones are in my non-Valentine’s Day gift, plus 1?
2- How many of my family members have blue eyes?
3- How many white and pink boxes do I need to be Gaw-geus?

Serendipity to you,

The first appliques I ever made were on stockings “Mrs. Claus” made for College Boy, Princess and Angel Face. I didn’t know anything about applique, but I stumbled along and managed to do a fairly decent job.

Since then I’ve ahem… “Mrs. Claus” has made stockings for Jo-Bear, Z-Man, Little Guy, and Teacher. And grandmas, grandpas, aunts, uncles, cousins, you name it. I think the only ones in our family who don’t have an appliqued stocking yet are Great Grandma and me - go figure!

I loved applique so much that I started making appliqued diapers… but that’s a story for another time. The point is that over the years I’ve made a LOT of appliques and learned a LOT about how to applique. Now I’d like to share that knowledge with all of you. Don’t be scared - if you can sew, you can applique! Besides, I’ll be with you every step of the way and if you run into problems you can contact me. So grab your fabric scraps and put on your creativity hat - you’ll be surprised how easy and addicting applique is!

Supplies

Obviously you’ll need basic sewing necessities like a sewing machine, scissors, thread, needles, pins, etc. In addition, you will also need:

• A regular pencil
• Plain or tracing paper
• An iron
• A water or air soluble marking pen or pencil
• Paper backed iron-on adhesive, like Heat n Bond™
• Tear away stabilizer, standard type
• Fabrics for the applique, prelaundered as the finished product will be laundered.

How to Applique - Step by Step

I did my best to explain each step thoroughly, but feel free to contact me if you’re confused about something.

1. Draw Your Applique Design
The first you need is a design to applique. A simple design with straight sides is easiest for beginners, so consider starting with a block, kite or star. If you’re an experienced seamstress you may want to try a design with curves, like a heart or balloon. I’m working on one of my elephant designs in the examples.

Either draw your design on the plain paper, or trace the design onto the tracing paper. Keep in mind that the finished applique will be a mirror image of your tracing.

2. Trace onto the Iron-On Adhesive
Place the iron-on adhesive on top of your design, paper side up, and trace your design onto the adhesive. If your design is made up of more than one element, like the elephant and heart, you will need to trace each section separately.

If there are sections next to each other, you need to decide which will go on top of the other. When tracing, extend the line of the bottom section about 1/4 inch where it touches the top one. This will allow you to layer the sections so there won’t be any gaps in between them.

3. Rough Cut the Design
After your design pieces are traced, you need to separate them from the rest of the adhesive. Cut around your tracing lines, about 1/2 to 1 inch away from the lines.

4. Choose Your Fabrics
This is one of my favorite steps - choose the fabric for each section. To make selecting easier I separate my fabrics into color families. Cotton woven fabrics are the easiest to work with, although you may want to experiment with other fabrics as you gain experience. Beware of fabrics that fray because they often shred when laundered, and thicker fabrics like corduroy or velvet may be too difficult for some machines to handle smoothly.

5. Fuse the Fabric to the Adhesive
Heat your iron according to the directions that came with the adhesive. When the iron is hot, place the preshrunk fabric right (front) side down on your ironing surface and press to remove any wrinkles. Be sure to put the side you want to use face down so you’re looking at the back of the fabric. Double and triple check before ironing - I can’t tell you how many times I wasn’t paying attention and fused the adhesive to the front of my fabric! Place the adhesive, paper side up, on the wrong (back) side of your fabric. Fuse according to the directions that came with your adhesive.

6. Cut out the Sections
Cut out each section, following the tracing lines carefully.

7. Remove the Adhesive Backing
Carefully peel the paper backing from the iron-on adhesive. If the backing is difficult to separate from the adhesive, tear the edge of the paper a little to get things started, or use a fingernail to separate the paper from the fabric.

8. Iron the Applique to Your Item
Place the applique, adhesive side down, on the item you’re going to apply it to and arrange the sections to match your pattern. If you have several pieces you may need to look at the pattern to remember how the sections fit together. When the applique looks the way you want it to, iron it down according to the directions that came with the adhesive.

9. Add Some Details
Using the water soluble pen or pencil, draw in any details you wish to add to the applique.

10. Stabilize with Interfacing
Cut a piece of tear-away interfacing large enough to cover the entire applique with a border of about 1/2 - 1 inch. Place the interfacing on the wrong side of the item you’re appliquing, under the applique. Now this part is a little tricky - holding the interfacing tightly, flip the item over and pin the interfacing on from the front. (You can see a pin in my next photo) If the item you’re appliquing is thin enough, you hold it up to a light to make sure the entire applique has interfacing behind it. If the item is too thick to see through you’ll have to check by feel.

11. Stitch Your Applique
Now comes the fun - stitching! Use a Satin stitch if your machine has it, otherwise use a Zig Zag stitch and decrease stitch length until the threads are sewn right next to each other. Most sewing machine manuals recommend loosening the top thread tension for applique work, but be sure to check your own machine’s manual for directions. Using a scrap piece of fabric, experiment with stitch width and length until you find an effect you like. You want the thread to go into the applique fabric on one side and into the background fabric on the other, so the raw (unstitched) edge of the applique is completely encased in thread. On my Viking I generally use a stitch length of .3 and a width of 3.5, but each machine is different so these numbers may not work for you. Once you find the stitch length and width you like, write them down somewhere so you don’t forget - the owner’s manual is a good place. Unless you tend to lose them like I do.

Line the applique up so the raw (unstitched) edge is in the middle of your presser foot and start stitching. Go slowly at first, until you gain some confidence. Slow down as you approach a curve or corner so you don’t overshoot the edge. There are several ways to turn corners; try different ways until you find one that works for you. The way I round a corner is by stitching to the end of the fabric until the thread is even with the bottom edge of the fabric. Then I sink the needle in the very outermost point of the corner, where the two sides meet. Raise the presser foot, leaving the needle sunk into the fabric, and pivot the fabric to the right so the raw edge is lined up in the middle of the presser foot. Lower the presser foot and continue sewing.

Curves are easier than corners, and wide curves may not require any pivoting. Stitch wide curves slowly so the stitches remain even. Sharp curves may require a pivot to keep the raw edge in the middle of the presser foot. When stitching an outer corner, like the outside of an O, stop with the needle down on the background fabric, then pivot just enough to line the raw edge up. When stitching an inner corner, like the inside of an O, stop with the needle down in the applique fabric and pivot just enough to keep the raw edge in the center of the presser foot.

Remember to stitch the details you marked earlier. I generally narrow my stitch width by one setting for inner details. Remember to backstitch whenever you begin and end stitching so your stitching doesn’t come out later. I realize this photo doesn’t show the raw edge in the center of the presser foot - I was about to pivot around the curve when I took the photo. See the pin holding the interfacing to the background fabric? Since taking this photo I’ve moved my pins to the edge of the applique so there aren’t any holes in the PUL.

12. Trim the Threads
Wen you’re all done stitching carefully trim the loose threads as close to the fabric as you can without cutting the fabric or stitching. I trim the font first because any tiny ends are usually pulled to the back when I grab those threads to trim them. Using a small, sharp scissors makes it easier to trim closely.

13. Remove the Interfacing
Remove the interfacing by tearing along the stitching. Your needle will have perforated the interfacing so it should come away fairly easily. Use a fingernail along the stitching to get things started, but do not use your scissors or anything sharp as it might poke through the applique. Don’t ask how I know this, it’s a tragic memory.

Congratulations - you’ve made your first applique! Now go show everyone what a fantastic applique you made, then send me a picture so I can see too. I hope you had as much fun doing applique work as I do!

I took my “new” serger in for an owner’s class today. It’s been “sick” and I was about to throw it out the window because I was so frustrated with it. Turns out the problems were mainly “user error” (blush). Two little finger thingies broke off the stitch plate so I need another one of those, and the blades are dull and need to be replaced. She said I was a “heavy user” and need to bring the serger in for a tune-up 2-3 times a year instead of just once a year - oops! The good news is that she figures it’ll be done by Sept 1, and all tune-ups are free for the first 2 years - no matter how many times I take it in. I can’t wait for it to be tuned up and come home!

Integrity - it’s something you either have or don’t have.

Having integrity means:

• You do the right thing, just because it’s right
• You tell the truth, no matter what
• You stand up for what you know is right
• You admit your mistakes and try to make it right

As I spend more time in the WAHM world, I’m learning that many WAHMs have integrity… and some don’t.

I can’t change how others choose to act, but I can - and always will - strive to live my life with integrity.

I’ve been thinking of making some changes in ZZD, but am not sure if the changes are a good idea or not. I’m hoping if I write them down I’ll be able to think more clearly… if anyone wants to chime in with opinions I’m open too!

First, I’m going to change my pattern a little. From what I’ve noticed with my boys and what other mamas have said, the rise is outgrown way before the waist. I want to add to the rise and trim down the wings. I’ve been testing some OV fitteds with trimmed wings on Little Guy and I really like them - they’re less bulky in front. I took photos of both the original and the trimmer wings:

Original:

Trimmer:

I’m also thinking about changing to all white snaps on the wings and studs and keeping the colored caps. The business/financial side of me says it’s a good idea - white snaps are cheaper and will save me time when I’m putting them on. The money I save can be used to buy additional colors and/or logo snaps - which would be very cool! The artist side of me mourns the loss of color - since my dipes aren’t serged the only color is the outer, the edges of the inner that peek out, and the snaps. The daughter-in-law side of me feels really guilty becaue I asked Tom’s folks for some kind of spill-proof container with compartments for Christmas. They got me several plus a wheeled tote to keep them in. So I’m in a major quandry about this possible change.

My snaps in their new homes - I love all the colors!

Finally, I need to make a change in the way I do customs. I love doing customs because the mamas are all so creative and I like to do different designs instead of the same ones all the time. But my limited sewing time means a longer turn-around time that I like and no time to do instock. No-one’s complained, but I feel really bad for making mamas wait for their orders or for their turn to order. So something has to change. I’m debating either only offering 1-2 custom diapers per order and more slots, or still allowing up to 6 diapers but only offering 1-2 slots at a time. Decisions, decisions, decisions…

PS - I want to change the look of the blog too, when I find time and decide what I want it to look like…

I’m so happy - I finally had a chance to sew for myself! I took the week between Christmas and New Year off from the daycare and decided that was the time to sew my new diaper bag and Mei Tai.

It took me a whole day to do the MT (Mei Tai) - because of interruptions and because I was making up the pattern. I’d taken ideas from a couple of different online patterns and MTs I’d seen for sale on a few sites to come up with my own MT. I absolutely LOVE how it turned out! I used 3 layers in the construction so the places where the straps are sewn on wouldn’t show. I also added bamboo velour to the inside where Little Guy’s head would be, and did the bottom strap as one long piece. The only thing I’d change is to add a pocket in the inside that I could stuff the MT into when I’m not using it. I plan to make a bag with the wavy fabric for this one, and try a pocket on the next one.

Front and Back - with bamboo velour

The diaper bag took two days, but if I’d had a whole day to sew and had a pattern with directions I could have done it in one day. To make the patern I searched out directions for backpacks and looked at lots and lots of diaper bags for detail and accessory ideas. I wanted a backpack style like the one I was replacing, but since we usually slung the bag from one shoulder I decided to do a single strap instead of the traditional two. I think it turned out great! I did a drawstring closure at the top, and still need to get a magnetic snap for the flap.

Front and Back - the strap has touchtape to make it adjustable

Inside… yep, I accidentally did the lining with the zebras upside-down. Oops!

I made matching accessories too: A changing pad with sherpa inside - it’s supposed to tie shut with a black ribbon, but I can’t find it.. A wet bag - the zipper turned out so awesome that I had to take a close-up of it, and A wipes case that will also get a black bow decoration when I find that ribbon.

I’m planning to add MTs to my product line in the future, but am still deciding about the bag. It was fun to make, but was realy labor-intensive too.

I’m going to list all the patterns and directions that I found during my search in my Make Your Own… resources when I have time.

I’ve been hunting for “the perfect” chocolate/blue fabric. I want to make a backpack style diaper bag to replace our old one, and I want to make a matching Mei Tai too. I have a vision in my head of chocolate brown solid - twill maybe - for the main sections with chocolate/baby blue print and baby blue solid accents. The hard part is finding the fabric! Here are some possibilities:

Last week I was leaning towards the waves (3rd) but today I really like the bubbles (2nd). I love stripes on MTs though, so I just can’t decide!! Maybe I’ll use both plus the solid - that could be fun… or a mess!

In sewing news:
- I finished a black turtleneck for myself! I’d planned to make it a breastfeeding top, then decided to make it “normal” and wear a breastfeeding tank under. I love it and have 2 more sweater knits yet, woo hoo! All I need is more sewing time…
- I finished Ashley’s custom order and am halfway done with Christina’s doll clothes. They’re so fun to make! Holly’s fabric finally arrived and her diaper is cut out. Today I hope to finish the doll clothes and work on Holly’s as well as the dyed OV ones I have cut out for Little Guy. He NEEDS dipes!!
- My goal is to get these done so I can start fresh on Pamela’s 6 appliqued ones. They’ll take a while! Oh, and I have LPL stocking to work on, plus things to stock at HC and a couple of pages to write for my main site:
www.zany-zebra.com. It never ends, but I love it!

I have a new toy - a Huskylock serger, and it ROCKS! I hadn’t planned to get a serger yet, it was on my “someday” wish list, but here’s what happened:

Several years ago Teacher decided I needed a digital camera. I thought he was nuts because I had a point-n-shoot 35 mm that I loved, but let him get the digital anyway. I quickly decided he was right and happily gave up the 35 mm for the digital. Then a few months ago he wanted to buy me a new digital camera with some of our tax refund - he thought I needed a better camera for both Zany Zebra and the child care business. I still loved my old digital, but had learned my lesson the first time and didn’t argue. Was he right!! I’m totally in love with my new camera and wouldn’t give it up for anything!

The old camera I planned to list on Ebay and hopefully make some money. Before I could list it my Dad asked if he could buy it for his clock repair business. He takes photos of the clocks before he works on them to make it easier to put them back together correctly. That was fine with me, I just didn’t know how much to ask. If it hadn’t been for the business I wouldn’t have let him pay me, but because I own two businesses myself I know that you need expenses to help with taxes!

Dad offered me half of what we paid, which my hubby and I both thought was too high so I searched Ebay but didn’t find the exact camera listed. Eventually we found a couple of sites with the exact camera, and they were going for more than half of retail. The same weekend I had to take my sewing machine in for an overdue cleaning and tune-up. They usually don’t have used sergers, but I ask when I’m there anyway. This time they had one - for just a little more than the amount Dad was going to give me for the camera!! I couldn’t believe my good luck!

I brought it home last Friday, started playing with it Saturday, and am totally in love with it! I keep thinking of new things to serge - wipes, soakers, doublers, inserts, placemats and napkins for Christmas gifts, dipes from the Cuddlebuns pattern for Squirt (the new baby), etc, etc, etc.

You know where to find me from now on… behind the serger, lololol!

…Has got to be me! LOL! Some mamas find grape skins, corn skins, or other unidentifiable and gross stuff. Not this time, this has got to be a first…

I was putting elastic in a bunch of diapers yesterday and noticed that I’d forgotten to put the doubler snap on one inner. So I worked it onto the snap press and put the snap in, easy as pie. The elastic and stitch to close the opening were completed quickly without any hitches. Then I picked the diaper up from the sewing machine, and heard something thunk against the snaps. What was that?! I felt around and there was something big and hard inside the wing. I knew it had to be a part of the snap press, but how to get it out? The diaper was done, with perfect elastic and back seam., of course. I considered several options, but ended up ripping out a small section of the back elastic and back seam, working the die out, then restitching those areas. I worked slowly and carefully and was able to match stitches so you’d never notice - unless you knew to look. What a story to tell the mama who ordered this dipe!

You know it’s not a sewing day when halfway through a seam your bobbin suddenly goes ka-fluey. You re-thread the bobbin, re-thread the top thread, pull out the ruined stitches, re-pin the pieces and sew a new seam. Then the same thing happens on the next diaper. So again you re-thread the bobbin, re-thread the top thread, try a new needle, pull stitches, re-pin, re-sew, etc. It happens again on the new seam, and as you reach for the scissors to cut the thread you hit the pin box. It bounces around the table and pins go flying all over the place. It’s obviously not a sewing day! Time to put away the sewing machine, any sharp objects, and avoid operating heavy machinery.

I think I’ll do something safe instead… like read a book!