Sewing in the paper craft room!

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a post about stitching on your cards.  Today, I'm doing some sewing on my cards, using (drumroll) the sewing machine!  Mind you, my sewing machine had a bit of dust on it, as my sewing days have long taken a back seat to my paper crafting.
But I love the look of all the stitching I've seen on cards, and when I went to make a card for a quilter friend, and had paper that looked like quilt blocks, well, it just screamed to be stitched.  So, I blew off the dust, sneezed, and proceeded to sew on the card I made her.  Of course, I loved it, and couldn't stop.
I sewed on the card I made for my daughter, Faith (previous post), and on another card in a previous post. I have posted two or three times since the last Technique Tuesday, so if you'd like to check them out, just scroll down.
OK, now on to some cards for today:

The papers on this card are from Basic Grey, and the stamps are Hero Arts.  The punch is EK Success.  I stitched around the patterned paper panel, then along the border of the light brown and pink.  To stitch on card stock, practice a little with your machine's tension until you get the right setting.  I usually stitch on the panels, then attach them to the card, so the stitching doesn't show on the inside.  I like the look of the stitching, especially with distressing.  I used pink thread to keep it soft and pretty.   You can change your thread to go with any of the colors of your papers. I usually only change the top thread, because the bottom (bobbin) thread won't show (little lazy secret of mine).  Wink, wink.  I won't tell if you don't!

I used a zig-zag stitch on the larger panel of this card and a straight stitch on the smaller panel.  It's fun to vary the stitch sizes and structure to fit your card's personality and feel.
TIP:  Be sure to let the card go through the presser foot at it's own pace.  I found that if I'm in a hurry and pull the card slightly, the thread will break, as it's being stretched when you pull.
I don't remember the manufacturer of these stamps.  They are images I had stamped a couple of years ago.  I borrowed the stamps when I was at a stamping crop and stamped some images to use "later."  Just dug them up and colored them for this card.

I hand-stitched the vellum "pocket onto this card.  I wanted to make the bookmark a part of the card, and love to use vellum. I thought it might make a nice pocket holder, so pulled out some embroidery floss and commenced sewing.

Finally, on the halloween card below, I cheated and "faux stitched."  Yep, that's just plain ole fine tipped marker stitches along the border panel.  I used some straw mesh "paper" I had to give this card a fun texture. The bats are from a halloween punch.  I also stitched around one of the tags.  I don't know if you can see it (click on card to enlarge and you may be able to see), but I used  a piece of velvet paper for the black tag, and ironed it over a Trick or Treat stamp.  More on that technique in another post.

I'm really feeling all Martha Stewart-y today.  I've been sewing (even if only on cards), and I made a big batch of sausage and peppers and a batch of Texas Cavier for Faith's baby shower on Thursday.  Her friends are giving her a shower for the baby, so I'm off to Buffalo again.  Twice in a week!
Here are a couple of pics of Keeley from the festival on Sunday:

 Just had to show you Keeley's butterfly face that she got at the Elmwood Festival on Sunday. She really loves to get her face painted!  Notice the space where her two front teeth used to be?  lol.
That's it for tonight.  Be sure to stop back soon, as I just received a VERY generous package of brand new holiday stamps from Penny Black for Design Team work.  I'm just itching to get at them and make some cards. so I wouldn't be surprised if I post a few before next week's Technique Tuesday.  Thank you so much PB!!
Enjoy these last hot days.  As for me, I'm very anxiously waiting for fall! I just want to be able to breath again!
Blessings and peace,

lynda