This post is for my reference.

Moda site link: Program details and filler blocks

Fat Quarter Shop links : Large letters. Small letters

Large letters finish @ 8″ x 10″ and small letters finish @ 4″ x 5″ (before adding additional sashing).

Do you have a Singer 301, Featherweight 221/222 or other vintage machine with a fold-up extension bed? Do the clear silicone bumpers you apply to the faceplate thumbscrew keep falling off? There are other options: make a padded sleeve that fits over the extension bed or make a faceplate cozy that protects your machine bed from the presser foot screw, faceplate screw and any other decorative accessories that might be affixed to your metal faceplate (needle minder or thread cutter perhaps?). I learned about faceplate cozies at a retreat where a fellow sewist had one on her Featherweight.

Numerous retailers offer patterns on how to make these things, but if you’ve ever made a quilted bookmark, you can make a faceplate cozy. It’s like a GIANT bookmark with a ribbon marker. First, you’ll have to figure out what size to cut your fabric strips and batting. You’ll need two measurements: (1) width of your faceplate and (2) distance from the top of the faceplate to a point 2″ to the right of your presser foot (run a flexible measuring tape down the side of the faceplate, under the presser foot and stop 2″ to the right of the presser foot). Add your desired seam allowance to these measurements and you’ll have the cut measurements for your strips and batting. Your loop will be made from 1/4″ wide ribbon, trim or rickrack (about 3″-4″ long). In the picture below, I used 1/2″ wide (medium) rick rack from my stash. For me, it’s too wide, but use what suits you best.

I’m a pen and paper planner kind of gal. I tried to do everything digitally on my phone like my husband does, but it didn’t work for me. The one item that I will continue to do is to keep a digital appointment calendar with recurring reminders for birthdays, anniversaries and bill due dates. The digital calendar integrates quite nicely with my paper planner system.

My preferred planner is the classic size Happy Planner with a dashboard layout. I tried moving to the mini format once I retired, but quickly went back the larger classic size. For 2023, the company offered a sewing themed planner, which I’ve really enjoyed using. There’s a Miss Maker version available for 2024 that’s really cute, but it comes with a vertical checklist layout. I tried an expansion pack in this format to see how I’d like it. Nope! Apparently, my preference for the dashboard layout is stronger than I thought! Do you have a strong preference for a particular type of planner, too?

Picked up my 2024 classic planner with a dashboard layout today from Michaels. It’s the cute Say Hello to Happy theme. Everything is right in my planner world again. Now to transfer the 2024 scheduled events to the new calendar!