Vintage Threads

Do It Again?

2009-01-22T13:47:00.002-09:00

I've had quite a few inquiries asking if I will repeat the project for 2009. Unfortunately...no. This was quite an undertaking and I don't think I'm ready to turn around and get started right away on another yearlong marathon. :) The goals I set for 2009 are more personal, some fitness and athletic goals I want to see fulfilled before my 50th birthday in 2010. I'll post about that in another month or so.

I owe you all one more picture which I hope to post soon. A photo of all the boxes on their way out at the post office! And then I hope we will have a photo or something to post from the orphanage when the packages arrive.

Big thanks again!

Charity

And the final count...is 103!

2009-01-22T12:54:00.004-09:00

Here they all are in all their glory! Thanks to everyone who helped. You all have been exceedingly generous. I could not have completed this project without you. I will let you know when they have arrived at the orphanage and forward any communication received. Again, blessings to all. May your kindness be returned to you a hundredfold.

This photo doesn't really show just how many skirts there are. They are piled about six deep! You all did a great job! Everything is just beautiful.

Hugs!

Charity

Last, But Not Least...Sharon's Skirts!

2009-01-06T11:10:00.003-09:00

Sharon of Sharon Sews sent in these six delightful skirt sets. Each was beautifully packaged with satin ribbons and handmade tags. I wish the photos were better. It's still bitter cold here at 10 degrees below zero. I'm stuck with indoor photograpy which, as you can see, is not my strong suit. These skirts are even more adorable than the photos depict. Stop in over at Sharon's blog and give her kudos for her generous gift.

With this batch, we are DONE with our Hundred Skirt Project. I have to buy a few tees more and then add those to the box. Then it's simply a matter of addressing and taking it away to the post office. I will share pics of all the skirts in mass and the box once I get the last few things ready to go!

Charity

Scads of Beautiful, Fun Skirts!

2008-12-30T16:20:00.006-09:00

We are almost there, ladies! A ton more skirts came in this last week so pull up a chair and get comfortable. I received word of two more skirts on their way and I'm finishing up about 6 more here. I think that will put us at goal. I'm hoping to get these mailed to Guatemala by the end of this week. I have to shop for a couple of dozen tops for some skirts that came in without, but after that we should be ready to ship!

I was blessed to pieces to receive these ELEVEN skirts from Sally. Sally sells children's clothing on Ebay. You can see her work and visit her seller page HERE. They are all beautifully made with sturdy mock flatfell seams, perfect topstitching and fun pockets or ruffles. The fabrics are cheerful and soft, which will appeal to the young girls.

So...here they all are...Please excuse the poor pictures. I had to shoot indoors as it is 20 degrees below zero outside. The lighting is poor. I'm sorry the photos don't do Sally's beautiful and generous gifts justice.

And these two skirts were sent in from Elaine. You can visit her blog by clicking HERE. You can also visit Elaine on her business website. They are lovely cotton knits. One has tie-dyed stars. She has embellished the bottom row with rhinestones. The other is a fun green and purple rugby stripe with generous pockets in the sideseams. These were sent in much needed large sizes. I didn't want the Plus-sized girls at the orphanage to get left out. Elaine also included a cash gift to help with international shipping. Very thoughtful! Thank you so much, Elaine!

I only have a few more to post - as soon as they are completed and then we will be shipping soon. I will post one last photo of all the skirts in their baggies ready to go! And one of me at the post office mailing them away!!

Thanks to everyone who has been part of this project. We're almost there!

More Skirts Arrive!

2008-12-16T15:50:00.006-09:00

Six beautiful skirt sets arrived in the mail today. From Tammy Kniegge in nearby Anchorage. I will take pics and post tomorrow as it is already dark here in Alaska. Tammy did a beautiful job on the skirts. Each has a t-shirt and a special touch either on skirt or shirt. These skirts were received with much joy as the deadline is looming and I was getting nervous about making it on time! These new arrivals put us at 82 skirts received and ready to ship! Thank you SOOO much, Tammy. I will post pics tomm. as soon as possible.

Charity

Heirloom Photo Pillow

2008-12-16T10:31:00.004-09:00

I'm currently working on an heirloom photo pillow. It is decidedly Victorian in flavor in soft shades of gold and ivory. A lace-framed tulle pocket provides a spot to tuck in a favorite photo, wedding invitation or vintage postcard. It's completed except for the stuffing and embellishment, some hand-beading, a few pearls, silk flowers, tassels, etc. It's a Christmas present for someone who will remain unnamed lest she read my blog before December 25th. I'll post a pic as soon as I get the handwork done and a decent photo taken.

In the meantime, here are some pretty pillows found online.

And some past pillows of my own...

Charity

Tonight's Dinner

2008-12-15T15:29:00.005-09:00

I have been experimenting with gluten-free cooking as well as some fat-free, sugar-free, dairy-free cooking. We have a variety of health issues going on in our home at the moment. Which makes meal planning a real thrill. I thought I'd share tonight's dinner. We had gluten-free meatloaf (I substituted crumbs from Seattle Brown Bread). We also had roasted red potatoes spiced with rosemary, paprika, garlic, onion salt and a few bay leaves. A garden salad, Normandy vegetables and gluten-free, sugar-free brownies (substituted xylitol for the sugar) rounded out the meal. Since I was a bit worried about how the meal would actually taste (being new to all this), a little camouflage seemed in order. I thought I'd distract with a pretty table setting...

Wool Felt Christmas Ornaments

2008-12-13T19:09:00.003-09:00

I made this set of wool felt ornaments while watching the John Adams mini-series. I like to have a little hand-sewing to do while relaxing in the evenings...

Christmas Gift Idea

2008-12-13T09:07:00.006-09:00

Here's another Christmas gift idea. I made a little notecard set from a vintage Dr. Seuss book. I simply used spray craft glue to adhere the illustrations to the front of a blank notecard. I bought a a set of 8 notecards at a local thrift store, new in shrink wrap for next to nothing. I lined the envelopes as well. But the fun part is the little folder. To make it, I simply ripped the entire inside pages out of a hardcover vintage Dr. Seuss book. I then covered the bare spot where the pages had been with a strip of paper cut from the end papers so it would match the inside of the cover. Then I glued a strip of ribbon across the middle of the book leaving long ends loose at the edges in order to tie the folder closed. I packaged the cards in sets of four and tied them with matching ribbon. A fun presentation for a vintage children's book lover!

Charity

Christmas Gifts for Seamstresses

2008-12-12T08:46:00.004-09:00

I just finished this little stash of gifts for some fellow seamstresses. The tutorial for the needlebooks can be found in the tutorial list in the sidebar. The tutorial for the pincushions are readily available online. Here is the link I used. I did a 4 patchwork circle rather than 6 simple because of time constraints. Great fun and fairly quick to complete.

Charity

Yet another...

2008-12-06T13:34:00.001-09:00

Another skirt ready for shipping. This one is from a Liz Claiborne stretch twill that I bought from Vogue Fabrics quite a few years back. It's a size 8.

DEADLINE!!!

2008-12-05T15:13:00.003-09:00

The deadline for The Hundred Skirts Project was to be August 1st, then December 1st. Obviously, those have both come and gone. I wanted allow time for those of you who said you were working madly to get your skirts in. The new deadline will be January 1st. This time I will have to enforce it as I don't want to delay receipt of the skirts any longer. My mother-in-law and I are working hard to finish up the last amount to complete the 100 skirts. When we reach 100, we will be sending the skirts whether or not the pledged skirts are all in. If all the pledged skirts arrive, that will be terrific! It will put us well over our goal. However, the skirts are going January 1st regardless. If you can't make the January deadline, I can provide the orphanage's address and you can mail them when you're ready. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at lovelace @ mtaonline . net

Thanks to all who have participated! I will continue to share skirts as they arrive in my mailbox or are completed in my workroom! Hugs!

Charity

Skirt Donations From High School Classmate!

2008-12-05T15:06:00.003-09:00

I am quite late getting these posted. My high school best friend (Class of 1978!) and I "found" each other after 30 years. We had a delightful visit this summer. I was touched to receive these adorable skirts from her a few weeks ago. She wanted to help with our 100 Skirts Project. She did a beautiful job on the skirts. The fabric combinations are really charming. Thanks so much, Lisa! Lisa is now working on a extravaganza auction for the Northwest Children's Fund. To read more about this project, click HERE.

Black, Red and White Ladybug Print Ruffled Skirt

Teal Floral and Stripe Ruffled Skirt

Border Print with Eyelet Trim

Hundred Skirt Update

2008-12-05T14:51:00.005-09:00

My mother-in-law and I have been working on skirts to wrap up The Hundred Skirt Project. We have made three in the last day or so. Here they are..

Black and White Pique with ruffle, a girl's size 14

A Distressed Denim with Appliqued Pocket, a girl's size 16

A Hawaiian print sheeting with banded ruffle, a girl's size 7

And we almost have a paisley stretch twill and a moss green moleskin ready to share with you next. I'll share those as soon as we're done.

Almost Forgot How This Works...

2008-12-05T14:48:00.002-09:00

I've been gone so long I've almost forgotten how all this works.... :) I apologize for the long absence. I have been so busy teaching and then remodeling a room for my mother-in-law to use while she stays with us for a couple of months. But I finally got a few minutes to get back to blogging. Life should settle down from here. I'll post a Hundred Skirt Update shortly!

Charity

Sewing Withdrawals!

2008-10-12T08:41:00.003-08:00

It's prep period. While other teachers are happily ensconced in their classrooms engaging their eager students in the mysteries of quadratic equations and the wonders of constitutional monarchies, our pathetic heroine is huddled behind her desk. Her eyes glazed. Her limbs trembling. Perspiration beads on her furrowed brow as she suffers violent chills followed by fatiguing sweats. She wraps her arms around her wasting body in a futile attempt to bring comfort to her hollow existence. It's been 10...no...12 days since she has had her last fix. She attempts to rally. She must pull herself together for the sake of the children. But all she wants is the delicious feel of the fabric under her fingers and the sound of the humming machine....

Switching Gears

2008-09-30T18:46:00.004-08:00

I have been scheduled to substitute-teach for six weeks at our local Christian school where my youngest son attends. Filling in for one of the teachers' maternity leave. I wasn't expected to be needed until next week or the week after that. But I got the call to come in Monday. So I've been and will be teaching high school until probably the end of November. I'm willing to do it because the school has only a couple of us high school subs they can call on, but I'm reaalllllyyyyy not looking foward to it. It's going to put me behind on making my Christmas gifts this year big time.

Anyway, I'm going to try to continue to sew (and share my efforts with you) regardless. Even if I have to do the get up at 4am thing to do so. But if I'm a little quieter than normal, this is why.

I don't know how those of you who work full-time are able to manage that, your homes AND still find time to make all the gorgeous things I see on your blogs. Advice welcome! :) :)

Charity

On My Cutting Table - Vintage Toddler Pattern

2008-09-28T17:32:00.004-08:00

Today I cut out this vintage toddler's pattern. Isn't that one of the sweetest little wrap dresses ever? I'm going to make it in the rosebud print below. I may insert a tiny picot lace into the yoke seam. Or a baby rickrack. Or tiny pink piping. Still playing around with ideas. This is for my eldest niece's baby girl, Serenity. Isn't that a lovely name? My niece, Noelani, is learning to sew so I will leave it unhemmed for her to put the hem where she desires. The pattern envelope shows an awfully short hem placement and I'm not sure that Noelani will want it that short for her wee one. We'll let Mom decide. I'm not sure when I'll get this one started. I have to finish up the Harvest Dress. Then I have a shirt halfway completed for myself as well as a two piece sweater dress. I need to wrap those up and then perhaps I can get started on this one. It's a size two and won't fit Serenity till Spring anyway. The fabric's a bit light for a Washington winter.

Charity

Woman's Perogative To Change Her Mind

2008-09-28T17:11:00.002-08:00

I've changed my mind on the petticoat for this jumper. One of the problems last time I made this dress was the weight of the skirt relative to the structure of the bodice. The petticoat and very full appliqued skirt really put a strain on the straps of the jumper.

Since I was going to make a peasant blouse for the jumper anyway, it dawned on me that I should make a peasant dress with full tiered skirt to serve as the petticoat and blouse all in one. This will be so much more comfortable than a very heavy skirt with its weight born only by thin straps (rather than a shouldered bodice). And the dress could be worn alone or with another jumper as well. It also will solve the problem I had last time with two very full skirts layered into the bodice seam join.

So...first thing tomm. morning I will join the skirt to the bodice and then cut out the underdress. I'm too tired to do anything more tonight and likely to make dumb mistakes. I will work on the beading and button embellishment while watching tonight's DVD. I think I'm in the mood for James Bond! Off to check the DVD shelves.

Charity

PS - Forgot to say what fabric I picked for the underdress. It's a country primitives print. Small mustard stars on black. Perfect to continue the country, primitive look of the dress.

Harvest Dress, The Sequel...almost done

2008-09-28T15:45:00.002-08:00

I've finished the bodice and the skirt on this Harvest Dress, The Sequel. I've pinned it together in this pic, just to get an idea of proportion. I think I'll shorten the bodice a touch. All I have left to do is make the attached petticoat/crinoline that gives the skirt its body and then attach the bodice to the skirt. Then it's simply a matter of buttons and buttonholes and it's ready to hand on to Karess. Well...gotta get the review and contest entry filled out and THEN it can go to Karess.

Oh! Forgot! I also have to do some buttons and beading accents on the skirts appliques still.

Charity

And Blanket/Nursing Cover Is Finished

2008-09-25T12:19:00.005-08:00

The flannel patchwork with fleece backing blanket/nursing cover is finished. It's in the same flannel fruit and flower fabrics as the burp cloths. This is for a little girl baby, the first child of Casey's Bible and Literature teacher. I will be subbing for her six week maternity leave. The baby is due any day now, so if I suddenly disappear it's because I'm teaching.

Which is all the more reason I have to get all my projects caught up NOW!

Burp Cloths Finished

2008-09-25T10:37:00.003-08:00

Eight burp cloths down. One nursing cover and a ruffle attachment to go!!!!

Charity

Sewing Up A Storm

2008-09-25T08:36:00.004-08:00

I am sewing up a storm here...

I have 8 baby burp cloths and a nursing cover in progress. The baby shower is 3:30 pm today and it's 8:37am here in Alaska. So do the math. Yep! I need to haul.

And when that is done and I have time left over (Keeping my fingers crossed that this power of positive thinking stuff works...) I will attach the ruffle to my "Harvest Dress, The Sequel" project mentioned below. I finished the applique fusing on the skirt and got the top edge gathered. I will do the button-stitch edging and the hand-beading while attending the soccer tournament this weekend. Then hopefully get the petticoat and bodice assembled on Sunday. That leaves Monday for putting the skirt, petticoat and bodice together and whipping out a quick peasant blouse. So...if all works out as planned (Gee, that would be a first), I should be able to complete this outfit and get it entered in the PR Contest before the Tuesday deadline.

Here's a pic of the fused skirt appliques. Please excuse the very ugly indoor lighting photo. No time to set up a shoot outside!

Will report in this evening as to whether or not I achieved today's goals.

Charity

Harvest Dress...The Redux

2008-09-23T11:55:00.005-08:00

On to the next sewing project. This one is far overdue. About a year ago a little gal from our church, Karess, modeled this dress for me. It was for a children's designer invitational event at Ebay.

Karess just adored that dress, as you can tell from her smile in the photo. Though I compensated her for modeling, I did also promise that I would make her a similar dress someday. I did warn her that it would not be as elaborate as the one she got to model. :) :) I don't think I could bring myself to do all that applique twice!

But I'm finally starting in on the dress. I will use this pattern for the bodice as she's outgrown the pattern I used before.

I self-drafted the skirt as it needs to be much, much fuller than most pattern draftings. I will also include a petticoat with a tulle ruffle to make the skirt pouf out - as I did in the original.

I have started the appliqué. Instead of using Fall vegetables, I'm doing a cutsier and slightly more childish crows and sunflowers theme. There will be a crow on the jumper's bodice as well. I will add buttons, beads and hand embroidery to the appliques and plan to hand buttonhole embroider the sunflowers' edges and narrow satin-stitch the rest. I can't imagine trying to navigate a satin-stitch around all those little petals of the sunflower. :(

If I have time, I will recreate the black homespun peasant blouse for her to wear under the jumper. I will most likely not recreate the jacket, but might applique on a purchased denim jacket if I can find a nice one at a thrift store.

The DK Coat is History!

2008-09-22T21:00:00.004-08:00

Here are my final pics and final thoughts on this coat. And just to keep things interesting...a confession.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN SEWING THIS PATTERN:

1) Be sure to note that the seams are sewn 3/8! It says this in the beginning and this does not mention it again. So make a sticky note and put it on your machine if you need to. Tearing seams out of fleece is a real pain, so you will NOT want to forget this.

2) Many of the seams are sewn wrong sides together so that the seam allowances are exposed. This is done to show off the color on the double-sided fleece. However, when you are cutting out, you will want to be VERY careful to get the seams cut perfectly straight as they will show.

3) Because of the exposed seams, I recommend NOT cutting out the notches. The pattern does not say this and it should because it does not remind the reader to remove the notches after sewing. I recommend thread basting all your markings. Chalk will brush off the fleece. Pencil does not work well on fleece either.

4) I used my built-in walking foot as the double-sided fleece is quite bulky. It also helped when attaching the faux fur which is apt to stretch more than the fleece.

5) The pattern calls for interfacing the collar. I found that there was plenty of bulk going on already and didn't think the double-sided fleece needed it. However, if I was doing the coat in a different fabric such as a lighter wool or suiting, then I would do so.

6) When working with the curly faux fur I recommend using those large flower-headed pins. Regular head pins completely disappear into the fur. It's easy to hit them with your needle or overlook removing them when completing the seam.

7) There is a slight problem in attaching the neck facing. If you are making the coat from fleece, the pattern layout calls for cutting the neck facing from fleece. When I went to apply this I realized it was going to be far too much bulk to use fleece for the neck binding. At one point this would mean four layers of fleece in the seam allowance. So I decided to use a bias strip of cotton as close to the fleece color as possible for the neck facing instead.

8) Illustration #12 show the front facing being on TOP of the neck facing. Actually when this seam is sewn the neck facing should be depicted as being atop the FRONT facing so that when the front facing is turned back to the inside of the coat it encloses the raw edges of the neck facing. The directions say to do it this way, but the drawing shows it incorrectly.

9) The pattern calls for a button-on hood that sits under the collar. I didn't like this idea and decided to do the hood as one would a hat. Separately from the coat. I lined with the fur fabric, inserted ties cut from strips of the fleece and put pom-poms on the end of the ties and the point of the hood. The hood can sit under the collar for the cuteness factor when not in use and then tied on like a bonnet when desired. This way the collar doesn't wad up at the neck like it would if the hood was buttoned on and used in place under the collar.

MAJOR CONFESSION TIME.....

Does anyone notice a difference between my coat and the one on the pattern envelope. A big difference?

Sigh...I had a thyroid moment. Okay, a couple of thyroid days evidently. I sewed this coat the wrong side out. The pink side of the double-sided fleece should have been showing. I sewed this whole thing. Worked hours and hours on it. And never even noticed my error until I was cleaning up after it was finished. Upon putting pattern pieces back in the envelope it dawned on me that the coat in the pic was pink and mine was...was...was...VERY orange! Oh well. Here's to hoping my little niece likes orange. Alot.

Bummer. It would have been so much cuter in pink. Note to self...check thyroid levels before sewing!

Charity

Fold-Over Elastic Contest

2008-09-22T07:11:00.005-08:00

Saf-T Pockets.com is having a contest for the most creative use of fold-over elastic. The grand prize is a $100 gift certificate to their website. Second prize is a $50 certificate and Third prize is a 19" decorator dress form. See details HERE.

And just look at their marvelous assortment of FOE!

And here are some tips and tutorials on using FOE.

Angry Chicken's FOE Tutorial

Tip For Binding Edges

FOE for Diapers

Blue Lily's Tutorial

Charity

Back From a Quick Weekend Trip

2008-09-22T06:03:00.003-08:00

I don't know how people who must travel for business do those quick 2-3 day trips. They're exhausting! My niece got married in Colorado this weekend. I flew from Alaska, traveling all Thursday night and arrived Friday morning. The wedding was Saturday. I flew back out very early Sunday morning and didn't get to bed till past midnight. Whew! It was a beautiful, casual-but-still-elegant outdoor wedding. And Candace looked absolutely gorgeous. Doesn't every bride?! :)

So...back to my sewing gig here. Here's the sewing line-up for this week:

1) Finish the Orange Coat and get it mailed off. Get my entry in for the PR Contest. To see all the darling entries so far, click HERE.

2) Because the contest ends Sept. 30th, I need to drop my other projects and quickly get together the other entry I had hoped to get listed. An appliqued dress for a girl at church. It will be somewhat similar to the Harvest Appliqued Dress. She was my model for that one and desperately wanted one for herself.

3) A set of burp cloths and matching breast-feeding cover-up for one of Casey's teacher's at school.

4) Finish the gray sweater outfit I was making for myself.

5) Finish a shirt I have about halfway completed for myself (will post on that one later). It's this Khaliah Ali pattern.

That's probably more than I will be able to get done for this week. A girl can always dream.

Charity

Daisy Kingdom Coat - Almost Done

2008-09-17T07:16:00.007-08:00

Just a quick update on the Daisy Kingdom coat. I'm on my way to do an airport run and so only have time for a quick photo.

One important note on this coat. The neck facing calls for it to be cut from the fleece. This requires far too much bulk at the neckline. Up to four layers of fleece in places. And the hood isn't even yet tucked under the collar. I thought this was a poor plan. So I cut a facing piece from a quality quilting cotton, from the bias so that it could navigate the neck curve. Here's a photo of the facing ready to be handwhipped down.

All I have left to do is the closures, the right fur cuff and the hood. You can read the Pattern Review I have written for this coat HERE. I will update it when the coat is completed. It will then be entered in Pattern Review's Sewing for Babies/Kids Contest before being shipped off to my niece, Winter.

Alaskan Womanhood

2008-09-13T13:54:00.012-08:00

I've had a rather glamorous morning assisting my husband's installation of a new septic system. This is what we Alaskan women do when we're not buying lipstick or attending hockey games.

But I digress...where was I? Oh yes, standing in the bottom of a sewage-littered trench holding a metal rod while my husband takes measurements with one of those tripod thingies. He's not in the sewage trench, mind you. I'm not sure how I ended up being the one on the crap-covered end of the stick. But such is the life of an Alaskan woman. Equality and all that.

And what does the style-conscious Alaskan woman wear while holding a metal stick in a sewage trench? Besides the lipstick, of course. Well...fellow fashion mavens, I'm happy to report that I was wearing boot cut jeans, dark denim with silver embroidery on the patch pockets. Since it was a bit cold and drizzly, I bypassed this Fall's must-have ruffled blouse and chose an Old Navy red fleece pullover instead. But I WAS wearing boots - which if you've been paying attention to the action at Bryant Park is THE must-have accessory this season. They were men's size 13 rubber knee boots, bearing the paint remnants of their former role as part of Caleb's Darth Vader costume. How I managed to stroll up and down my septic runway in shoes four sizes too large for me can only be a testament to the grace we Alaskan women show under pressure. Not only can we navigate raw sewage while wearing galoshes fit for Goliath, but we do it with style and grace.

I wonder if this makes me qualified to be VP?? Perhaps I better freshen up my Republican Red lipstick....

Charity

Distracted by Sweaterknits

2008-09-11T10:00:00.005-08:00

I was cleaning up after my session on the DK Coat last night when I came across a lovely grey wool sweater knit in my stash. It has been cold and yucky and miserable and that sweater knit looked so cozy. And it was perfect for Fall. I suddenly had to have something to wear out of it for church on Sunday....Or maybe I just didn't want to set the collar on the DK coat. I hate doing collar/front facings. Anyway, I decided to do a quick serger project for myself.

I settled on New Look 6730 for a quick basic skirt pattern. But I'm making a few changes. I'm angling the hem line asymmetrically for one. Secondly, this sweater knit has an interesting ruffled selvage. I cut it off and inserted it into the shorter side seam as a sort of piping. I only need to make the elastic casing and hem to finish up the skirt. Then I want to make a long sweater to go with it. Perhaps a wrap style and repeat the selvage ruffle at the neckline and/or cuffs. But I only have 2.5 yards left and this is only about 30 inches wide. So we'll have to see about the top...

Here's the pattern I'm using for the skirt. Haven't picked the pattern for the top yet.

And here's a pick of the selvage being basted onto the side seam allowance. I used orange thread so I could follow it as a guide when layering over the second skirt piece.

I should finish this skirt today. Then I'll finish the DK coat before going on to the top for this skirt.

Charity

Caleb...Forever Our Baby!

2008-09-10T17:32:00.002-08:00

Our eldest, Caleb, turned 21 on August 11th. He was in training at the time and we were out of state anyway. So we couldn't get together to celebrate. We have been trying for more than a month to connect with him. They get to this age and they are BUSY! But he found some time to come home last weekend. I fixed his favorite meal (totally turned out perfect!) and burned his birthday cake! LOL! Hence the cheesy store cake in the photo. :)

Here's our boy all grown up! He was more than 10 pounds at birth and as you can see, he's still a hulk. And totally wonderful in every way. We really love our boy!

Charity

Daisy Kingdom Coat Progress

2008-09-10T16:42:00.003-08:00

I'm almost done assembling the coat front. I need to do an invisible whipstitch securing the fur trim on the pockets. Then up next is assembling the coat back and shoulder seams.

I've never done a fleece garment with exposed seams. It does make for quicker construction. And with the double-sided fleece, the exposed color is really cute looking. However, every tiny scissor wiggle when cutting out is there for all to see. I've gone over the seam edges and carefully tried to shave them down perfectly straight, but it's a lot trickier than I thought to get those exposed raw edges looking sharp.

Charity

Sister Skirts Completed

2008-09-10T12:25:00.003-08:00

I finished the Sister Skirts and am on to the Orange and Pink Daisy Kingdom Coat. I left the elastic ends unattached on each skirt so that they could be adjusted to their wearer upon arrival. This is why they hang a little funny in the photos.

Size 8 Skirt

Teen Skirt (see in post below)

Size 5 Skirt

Guatemala Orphanage Update

2008-09-09T08:36:00.003-08:00

Those of you participating in The Hundred Skirts Project might enjoy popping over to my father's blog to see photos of his recent trip to Guatemala. Just click HERE. And here is a photo just for fun!

Charity

Three Sister Skirts

2008-09-01T18:17:00.003-08:00

I know I'm supposed to be starting on the Daisy Kingdom Coat today, but I forgot that I wanted to send three matching sister skirts along with the baby blanket below. I didn't want the siblings feeling left out! So I'm whipping up a size 5, 8 and a woman's size for the teen sister from this purple tweedish suiting fabric I had in my stash. The teen's skirt is below. The size 8 is almost done and the size 5, not yet started. Our eldest is coming out to spend the night so I'm not sure I'll get them done by tomm. I rarely get to see our college student these days. The rest of these skirts probably won't get done till Weds. pushing back gift mailing till Thursday, Which means the DK coat will have to wait till Thurs night!

Here's the teen skirt. I'll post the other two when I get them done. Each style is different, but all are made from the same fabric and will have the same beaded applique detailing. I will cut the applique into smaller floral elements for the younger girls' skirts so the detailing will be proportional.

I have used this pattern, Burda 3152, about four times now. It's a really great quick and easy, tried and true type pattern. Great for wardrobe basics. You can read my PR review here.

Charity

Finished!

2008-08-31T18:35:00.003-08:00

Finished the quilt and am on to the last of the burp cloths. I'll be able to get this mailed off on Tuesday! Next up after that is the Daisy Kingdom coat.

Charity

Baby Quilt Stippling

2008-08-31T13:09:00.004-08:00

I'm still slugging away at this funky-style baby quilt. I'm doing the stippling, but having some problem with skipping/too large stitches. Perhaps it's because I'm using a fleece backing instead of a traditional batting and cotton backing. I want some warmth to this as it will be for a winter baby and is headed to a northern state. This isn't going to be one of my better machine quilting jobs. Oh well...it's still adequate, just not as small of stitches as I normally like to see on a "working" quilt.

After I finish up the stippling, I have just the binding left to do. I've already got the binding made so that part should go fairly quickly. I hope to be done in another 3 hours or so.

Labor Day Pattern Sales

2008-08-31T08:59:00.005-08:00

Vogue Patterns were on sale for $3.99 this weekend (at JoAnn's) and McCalls for $1.99. Vogues rarely go on sale, so I picked up a few I've been eyeing. I browsed through McCall's to see about picking up a few bargains, but was uninspired. Their Fall line is pretty lackluster. Here's what I did get...

Vogue's Marci Tilton Oriental Art Jacket - I'll be making this from the chinese coin dot silk I bought in Portland recently.

Vogue 7854 - Not sure what fabric I'll use for this year. I have a couple of light linens or sanded rayons in mind, but I loved the design lines, especially the divided side front.

Vogue 8464 - Love the unusual reversed princess lines on this one and the funky collar. I'm thinking it would be fun to do the facing and collar in a contrasting print and then pipe the bodice lines with the same.

McCalls 5195 - I don't usually like these draped jackets, but I have a sweaterknit in a salt/pepper tweed that is perfect for this. Shorter length, of course. If I have enough fabric I would make the skirt in the same.

McCalls 5570 - I haven't bought a child's pattern in forever. I've always loved these cloud skirts. I have a brown ombre satin that I think this would be lovely in. I'm debating it as part of the Northwest Children's Fund Auction I posted about HERE.

McCalls 5131 - I like to make children's costumes and this is a pattern I've been wanting to do for a long time. A Civil War historical ensemble. I will do this from authentic reproduction Civil War prints.

Charity

Baby Gift In Progress

2008-08-30T19:18:00.006-08:00

I've been working on some baby gifts this weekend. I don't know if it's going to be a girl or a boy so I'm making four boy-themed burp cloths and four girl-themed burp cloths. And in addition I'm making a quilt from loud, large scale, funky prints in irregular strips. Something very quick and easy. I hope to have it all done and wrapped tonight!

Here's an in progress pic. These are the boy burp cloths and about 1/5 of the quilt. I'll post a better pic when the quilt and cloths are done. Excuse my mega-ratty ironing board cover. I really need to avail myself of this tutorial and make a new one!

Here's the quilt top. I need to go pick up some fleece to back it with tomm. and then will be binding it with a red and white striped binding. Will post a pic when done.

Charity

Marji's Skirts

2008-08-30T12:25:00.004-08:00

Yeah! We got some gorgeous sunshine and I've gotten the photos taken of Marji's skirts. Here ya go! And pop on over to Marji's sewing blog, Fiber Arts Afloat and see what she's up to. I LOVE the glen plaid skirt with lace trim she just finished.

Alphabet Adventures..."Z is for Zippered Pouches"

2008-08-29T14:50:00.009-08:00

I'm only about a month late finishing up my Alphabet Adventures. Sorry about that! If you want to see the rest of this post series, click on "Alphabet Adventures" in the Labels section of the sidebar.

So...last one. Today is brought to you by the Letter Z and Zippered Pouches. These are handy little gadgets for all kinds of things. Make-up. Ipods. Tissues. For packaging a little gift. And they're simple to make. And to save you the effort of figuring it out on your own, here is a photo tutorial.

Zippered Pouches Tutorial

Step One - Cut two squares of fabric. I don't worry too much about size at this point. I like to trim to my exact desired size AFTER the zipper installation. Pick a zipper. It's fun to do a contrasting color or if you're the matchy-matchy type, go for that!

Step Two - Use a zipper foot if needed. My machine has an option where I can move the needle far enough to one side to eliminate the need for a zipper foot on sufficiently dainty zippers. So my photos won't show a zipper foot. Do what's needed for your own machine. Fold back one edge of of one of the fabric swatches. Unzip the zipper. Align the zipper to the folded edge leaving a little of the zipper tape to show for a touch of color! Align the raw edge of the top of the zipper tape to the raw upper edge of the fabric swatch. Topstitch zipper in place.

Step Three - Repeat with the other side of the zipper tape and the other swatch being sure to align the top of the zipper tape to the swatch's raw upper edge.

Step Four - Shut zipper. Stitch across the bottom of the zipper about a half inch from the bottom edge of the fabric swatch to create a new zipper top. Backstitch a couple of times to secure. Trim excess zipper.

Step Five - Trim front of pouch to desired size. Allow for 1/4 inch seam allowances.

Step Six - Cut a fabric swatch for the back using the front as a pattern.

Step Seven - Unzip the zipper slightly. Place front and back right sides together and stitch all the way around using a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Trim corners.

Step Eight - Turn pouch through zipper opening. Shut zipper. Press pouch. If using a nylon zipper be careful not to melt zipper with iron. Embellish as desired.

Northwest Children's Fund Auction

2008-08-29T10:16:00.004-08:00

My friend, Lisa, is a board member of the Northwest Children's Fund. This year she is the co-chairperson of their extravaganza auction which occurs in May. She asked me to consider a donation and, of course, I'm thrilled to do so! But also a little intimidated when I look at the types of donations they've had in the past.

I'm considering offering a package of a mini-wardrobe of my original children's designs. I thought maybe I could put together a PowerPoint of past designs? Or some type of brochure? I would work with the auction winner to design for their chosen child, perhaps? Or perhaps send some original designs already made up that could work as samples of my style, but then also be auctioned off as well?

On the other hand, a quilt did really well last year, so maybe I should consider going that route? I'm open to suggestions. Would love to hear about your experiences with auction fundraisers. What does well? What doesn't? Presentation ideas? Bring on your ideas!

Here are some of my past children's designs...

Charity

2008 Fall Fashion Trends

2008-08-28T09:42:00.008-08:00

So what are you thinking about the Fall Fashion Trends so far? Fall has always been my favorite time of year, both in general and in the fashion realm. As usual, there are some things I love about the Fall Fashions and some I'll be passing by. Here are some of my favorite trends and runway shots.

TRENDS I'M LOVING

Coat Dresses - Have always loved coat dresses. So glad to see them in a comeback!

High Waisted Pencil Skirts - While my figure won't allow these, I love the look. Classic and feminine.

The Shoes - Oh my! The shoes this year are amazing. They seem to be the "statement" accessory of the season. I particularly love the suede boot in luscious colors.

Colored Tights - I've always loved these. Lived in them in the 80s and am happy to see their return. My legs are one of my last remaining decent features.

The New Conservatism - Many of Fall's fashions are modest and ladylike. Knee length dresses. Kitten Heels. Fur-trimmed wool coats. Think Lady Bird Johnson without the Frump Factor. Michael Kors has captured the best of this look. Love it!

Mixed Plaids - Nobody does it better than Ralph Lauren

Dressmaker Details - Lots of blind tucks, rosettes, pleats, pintucks, trims!

TRENDS I CAN DO WITHOUT

Peaked Shoulders - What is the point of those idiotic wings? You look like you could injure someone in a crowd.

Bow Blouses - Not even Diana could pull this off? Why do we think we'd be able to?

Purple - I know everyone is screaming the praise of these season's plethora of purple, but I'm just not a purple kind of gal. Lilac, maybe, in small doses, but not purple!

Gladiators - I know I said I loved this season's shoes, but the gladiator sandal is the exception. They remind me too much of the tire tread sandals I wore in the 70s.

Marji's Skirts Make 66!

2008-08-28T09:25:00.002-08:00

Marji's, of Fiber Arts Afloat, skirts arrived yesterday. Three beautiful skirts in much needed larger sizes! There is a Girl's Size 14 in a vibrant floral on a black background. Then there are two fantastic border prints in dramatically shaded colorways. This fabric is a finely woven cotton with a very silky hand. Very lovely. These are both Misses Size 14s which will be perfect for a couple of the older, larger girls at the orphanage. Thank you so much, Marji. Your contribution will be much appreciated, I know. I am waiting for it to get a little lighter outside for picture-taking and will then post photos.

This brings our total count of skirts actually arrived and ready to go to sixty-six. If you have not yet sent your skirts, there is still time to participate. The deadline for arrival at my home is December 1st!

PHOTOS COMING SOON

Pink and Orange Girl's Coat

2008-08-27T17:50:00.005-08:00

I'm starting this project on Monday, Simplicity's discontinued Daisy Kingdom coat pattern #4515. It will be a Christmas gift for my 7 yo niece, Winter. I have had the fabric, pattern and notions for this coat for sometime. I decided to enter it in Pattern Review's Sewing for Children contest. It should be fairly quick as it's made from double-sided fleece in pink and orange. The coat is sewn wrong sides together with exposed seam allowances. So no need for lining or finishing. I'm slightly short of fabric, so I might have to get tricky with the layout. I think this will be a fun project. I'm really looking forward to it. I don't think I'll have remnants, but if I do, I'll make a little muff to go with.

Yet Another...Skirt!

2008-08-27T14:54:00.004-08:00

A fourth skirt from my good friend, Pamela. I love the little print in this one. It reminds me of some of Mary Engelbreit's work. And the buttons are a perfect match.

Pamela has been very busy learning to quilt after bringing home her mother's fabric/craft stash after settling her mother's estate. She is also becoming a master skirt-maker with this, her fourth effort. These skirts are all the more special because they come from her beloved mother's fabrics. You can see the memory quilts Pam is making from her mother's stash and clothing on her blog.

Thank you, Pam for your contribution. I'm off to update our stats!

Charity

The Report From Fabric Mecca

2008-08-27T12:32:00.009-08:00

This Fabric Shopping Report is brought to you courtesy of a failed septic system. The private school my youngest son attends sent all the students home early today due to a backed up septic system. I was due to work at the school setting up a mailing system for them. But here I am instead with a bit of unexpected free time on my hands. So I am at last reporting on my recent fabric shopping expedition to Portland, Oregon.

My MIL and I left bright and early. We have shopped Portland about three times now and are getting better and better at navigating the various highways and exits. We made it to Fabric Depot about mid-morning and spent about two hours there. Fabric Depot has some wonderful garment fabrics, but I was mostly concentrating on their elastic trims and 1930/40s repro fabrics. I bought some black, white and nude foldover elastic for sewing knitwear. I also bought some elastic trims for decorative knit edges in shades of olive, burgundy, black/silver and black/gold. I picked up 12 different 1930s prints to restock my quilting stash. I wish now that I had picked up even more. :( I'm always worrying about spending too much, restrain myself and then go home wishing I had stocked up more because it will be a couple of years before I can get back again. I also bought a lovely brown matte double-knit jersey in enough yardage to do either a dress or a top/skirt combo. That was all I bought at Fabric Depot. I was actually a bit disappointed in their garment fabrics this trip. Last time I remember there being so many more options. Dorothy (my MIL) was also a bit disappointed and remembers the garment section being a bit more inspiring on our last visit. We decided that we must have been caught right between seasons. Too late for summer bargains, but the Fall/Winter stuff not fully arrived yet.

We left and headed to the Milwaukee District to shop Mill End Outlet. While Fabric Depot is larger than Mill End, it is heaviest in its cotton and quilting selection. Mill End has a better selection of garment fabrics. We ate at Bob's Red Mill for lunch and I picked up a few whole grain products there.

We found that Mill End was in a similar transition between seasons. There were many lovely things, of course, but not quite as spectacular as we have found in the past. We usually shop Portland in late February and winter fabrics seem to be at their peak selection. Which for us Northwestern seamstresses is usually what we are hoping to find - those lovely coatings and wools and corduroys and fleeces! At Mill End I bought two fantastic contemporary rayon prints, one in brown and cream and the other in black, wedgewood and cream. I also bought a chinese silk that I just adored. And I bought several brown silks and silk blends. I also bought a packet of wool felt that I hope to use in making my Art Coat. I bought a bright vintage-styled floral to use in a little girl's design. I bought some distressed gray wool that reminds me of Issac Mizrahi's designs. Finally, I was thrilled to find an ikat design that I have been searching for for some time. I have a favorite jacket that has become worn. I hope to reproduce it using this new ikat.

Here are the photos:

I was thrilled to be given this steam table by my MIL. She had purchased the latest release and I was the lucky recipient of her previous table. She also gave me this fantastic set of Gingher scissors and snippers. My old scissors were just about shot so what a timely gift!

More Skirts Pledged!

2008-08-21T15:07:00.003-08:00

I was excited to return from my trip to an email from Sally (screen name, emerald_door - hope I spelled that right). She has pledged 10 skirts for The Hundred Skirt Project! And has a good chunk of them done already. :) Sally is a children's boutique designer. I look forward to seeing her contributions. Thanks, Sally! I will post photos of your skirts for all to enjoy when they arrive.

I'm off to update our Project stats (sidebar).

Charity

Will Be Gone for a Bit

2008-08-05T22:42:00.000-08:00

I'm taking a week break as I'm heading to Portland, Oregon to do some fabric stock-up shopping and spend a few days with a high school friend (recently rediscovered her after 30 years!) and my MIL and nieces. I'll be back with lots of fabric goodies to show you, so see you next week!

And yes...I still need to wrap up my Alphabet Adventures with the Letter Z - which will be Z for Zippered Pouches, in case you were wondering...

Charity

Alphabet Adventures - "Y is for YOU!"

2008-07-31T16:37:00.009-08:00

Today's Alphabet Adventure is brought by the Letter Y and YOU! That's right, YOU! It's your turn to sew. And maybe win a prize for your efforts. Here are a list of online sewing contests I've searched out for you, as well as some suggestions for finding contests locally. If you decide to enter any of these and win, be sure to let me know!

Make It With Wool - I have been fascinated with this contest ever since my Jr. High Home Economics buddy, Mari Moser, won 3rd place in the National Contest. She was a school celebrity for weeks. :) While the 2008 contest has already closed, keep an eye on the website for 2009! This is a great contest with really good-looking entries.

Pattern Review Contests - The Pattern Review website has quite a few ongoing contests on a variety of subjects from Lined Jacket to Stash-busting to Charity sewing. Prizes are usually donated sewing-related items from the websites various sponsors. I won an ironing board cover there as 2nd runner up in a charity sewing contest! :)

Love to Sew/Fashion Design Contest This is a "fashion forward" contest for designers of all ages. Lots of age categories. Prizes supplied by Crafts of Chadds Ford.

Love to Sew Quilt Contest - Also sponsored by the Love to Sew website. This has several quilt categories in various age and skill categories. Winning quilts to be displayed on the website.

American Sewing Guild Contest - If you're a member of the American Sewing Guild, they have a yearly contest. The 2008 season is already closed, but it's not too early to start thinking about 2009. I've been thinking about joining the guild for some time. Are any of you readers members?

World of Waverly Decorating Contest - This is a national sweepstake with some pretty tempting prizes. A trip to New York. The services of a top decorator. You simply write an essay on how Waverly fabrics changed your family's life or some such thing. :) I'm sure you could spin this if you just thought long enough!

U-Handblog Amy Butler Bags Monthly Contest - A monthly contest sponsored by teh U-Handblog site. If you haven't been there before you need to get over there and check out her cool bags. Some great tutorials as well. Her monthly contest features bags made from the Amy Butler bag patterns.

Indie Fixx, a crafting blog, has frequent giveaways and contests. Check out the current going-ons HERE.

While not currently running a contest, the Sew Mama Sew blog frequently offers contests and giveaways. Their most recent Tutorial contest was fantastic! Pop in to see what they offer next.

Its-sew-karren.com maintains a listing of currently running contests. Bookmark this one!

American Quilters Society - This national quilting organization features five different quilt expos around the nation in 2008. Each expo includes a quilt competition. Check out the website to see which are still open for 2008 and to download a registration guide.

Sew News is having a "Design a Falling Leaf Applique" contest. Winners will be featured in the December 2008 Sew News as well as online. The deadline is August 15th, so get a move on!

Here's your chance to win a Bernina Artista. Enter the "Festival of Machine Embroidered Quilts" contest. The deadline is coming soon, so visit HERE!

State and County Fairs - Fall is coming and with it state and county fairs from coast to coast. These local fairs are usually great opportunities to showcase your talent and earn (admittedly modest) cash prizes.

Local Quilt and Sewing Shops - Check the bulletin boards of your local sewing and quilt shops for national and local contest announcements. I have often seen local quilt guilds sponsor a variety of themed contests. If you're nervous about entering a national competition, get your feet wet these way!

Sewing Magazines - When you have nothing better to do in a grocery store, rifle through the sewing and craft magazines. Most magazines sponsor several contests a year on very specific subjects.

Okay...now it's up to YOU! Get out there and strut your stuff. Who knows? You may carry home a blue ribbon!

Charity

Yet More Skirts....

2008-07-29T18:20:00.003-08:00

I think by December and the end of The Hundred Skirts Project, I am going to be thoroughly sick of skirts! LOL! As of the 2009 New Year this blog will be declared a Skirt-Free Zone.

This skirt set is another one for the families my Dad will be visiting in Guatemala separate from his visit to the orphanage where the 100 Skirts will be sent. I have completed the 6 yo, 8 yo and now a 13yo's skirts. I have one more 13 yo to sew for and I'm done with skirts for a few weeks. I won't do anymore until after I return from my trip. This last skirt is almost completed. It is the same as the one below. The tee's applique will be slightly different. But I will spare you the final skirt's pic. Just imagine the same as this one only with a baby blue applique. Okay?

Why Buckeye Sue Gets Her Own Post

2008-07-29T16:15:00.002-08:00

Sue left me more comments in the Fabric Mecca Beckons post than I could deal with in a comments box. I had to bring it out here in the light of the day so I could handle all her questions. :) Plus...Sue came up with a way for me to rationalize any new fabric purchases. For that she deserves her own post.

Sue asked....

How do you inventory your fabrics?

I know some people keep really intricate inventories. I like to have my fabrics out where I can see them. So I don't feel a need to inventory samples into a notebook or anything. I sort my fabrics into open white plastic baskets by color only. I don't separate out knits from velvets from silks. When I design, I do so almost entirely based on color inspiration. The exception is extra bulky fabrics that would take up an entire basket themselves. They go in larger Rubbermaid containers, but there are few enough that I know what's in the bins. The other exception are fabrics on the bolt. They are stacked on the shelf where I can see them. And then quilting fabrics are the final exception. They are sorted by color into drawer units. I can see everything at a glance on my shelves.

Here...it's easier to show you.

I was asking about the fabrics shown in this post, "Fabric Mecca Beckons." Are those all from your stash?

No. Those are pics from the websites of the stores we will visit. :) The first one is from my inspiration files. I don't even remember where I got it.

And yes, you're right. I started with about 700 yards fabric. However, that includes all kinds, quilting, apparel for me, apparel for children, special occasion, home decorating, vintage collection, coatings, men's, knits, sleepwear, etc. When you spread it around to that many categories, it means that I don't always have a teen girl-appropriate bottom-weight fabric when I need it. I know, I know. Ungrateful brat.

Charity

Fabric Mecca Beckons

2008-07-29T11:44:00.011-08:00

I am leaving August 6th for an on-a-whim trip. Craig and Casey were flying out to pick up our motor home and drive it back up the Al-Can Highway before winter sets in. Kind of a last Father and Son Hurrah before school starts. At the last minute I decided to go with them on the flight down and spend a few days with my MIL and nieces.

Every few years my MIL and I attend the Puyallup Sewing Expo together and have started adding in a trip to Portland, Oregon to fabric shop. There is limited shopping here in Alaska. A JoAnn's and a Wal-Mart. There is a good selection of quilt shops, but nothing that offers quality garment apparel. Since I haven't been able to make the Expo in some time, I'm overdue for a fabric stock-up!

I sew ALOT. This year alone I have sewed up almost 150 yards and it's only July. I do a great deal of service-oriented sewing, make a lot of gifts, as well as some of my own clothes. So I move through my stash at a pretty quick clip.

Portland is becoming a bit of a West Coast Fabric Mecca. My MIL and I like to visit the Pendleton factory, the Mill End Outlet, Josephine's Dry Goods (gorgeous stuff, but the snootiest saleswomen ever!), the Button Emporium and Ribbonry, Fabric Depot (largest fabric store in the nation) and others. We used to drop in at the Daisy Kingdom store in downtown Portland, but sadly it has been closed. We have not yet made it to Rose City Textiles, but perhaps we will this time.

So it's time to make my shopping list. Any suggestions as to what I should buy? Stores that didn't make my list? Where we should eat (HEALTHY FOOD!)? :)

Charity

Alphabet Adventures - "X is for Xylitol"

2008-07-29T07:20:00.006-08:00

Hah! Bet you thought I'd get stumped on this one. :) Today's Alphabet Adventures is brought to you by the Letter X and the word "Xylitol."

Xylitol is a naturally occurring substance that can be found in plants, fruits, and vegetables and is even produced in the human body by normal metabolism. Xylitol has no known toxicity or carcinogenicity. It is listed by the US Food and Drug Administration as an ingredient that is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS). It has a long history of use in food dating back to the 1960's and is included in such products as chewing gum, syrup, toothpastes, mouthwashes, and pharmaceuticals.

Why am I talking about Xylitol on a blog dedicated to the domestic creative arts? Well...because Xylitol is a natural sugar substitute and can be used in baking. It does not have the glycemic concerns that sugar does nor the toxicity issues of other sugar substitutes. It's also easier to bake with than sugar substitutes with a more realistic texture and taste. And as a bonus, it's a one-for-one equivalent so there's none of those mathematical gymnastics required in using a sugar substitute when baking.

I have been trying to move our family towards healthier eating, but have been uninspired by sugar substitutes to date. However, I have a friend who swears by Xylitol and uses it regularly. So....Xylitol is my Great Last Hope. Here are some recipes and websites I've found recently. I'll let you know how it goes as I begin my baking experimentations.

Sweeten Your Life the Xylitol Way (A cookbook I'm considering) - Website contains some sample recipes.

Sweet Savvy - One woman's experimentation with Xylitol. Contains numerous recipes

Xylitol Recipes with Photos

General Xylitol Information

Charity

Another Canine Cutie..

2008-07-28T19:38:00.004-08:00

This is another skirt headed to Guatemala. Not an official Hundred Skirt Project skirt, but for another family that my parents befriended there. This is for an 8 year old girl. I will probably buy a red tee to go with this one as well.

This is the out of print pattern I used for this skirt. I have used this several times. I love the way it turns out. It has that preppy "Catholic School Girl" look to it. I loved that whole "Jumping Bean" line that McCalls produced during the 1990s.

Alphabet Adventures - "W is for Wag The Dog"

2008-07-28T13:40:00.005-08:00

Today is brought to you by the Letter W with this little skirt I've titled "Wag the Dog". I am in the middle of making four skirts today. They need to be mailed asap to my father who is making a trip to Guatemala to work in The Shadow Of His Wing Orphanage, the same one where we will be sending The Hundred Skirts Project. While there he will also be visiting two families that he and my mother befriended. There are four daughters between these two families and the skirt sets are gifts for these girls, ages 6, 8, 13 and 13.

This skirt set is a Size 6. It was made from Daisy Kingdom fabric. I ran short and had to use a secondary fabric for the double-tunneled waistband. I will be covering some buttons from that prints to add to the center of the doggies' bows. Hopefully, that will keep it from looking too ad lib. The tee shirt will most likely cover it anyway!

Three more to go today! I've got to get scooting!

New Baby

2008-07-28T09:02:00.006-08:00

Ya'll are invited to come see my new baby, "Her Own Devices," a gadget blog for the June Cleaver wannabe. You won't find any pink laptops or rhinestone crusted flashdrives there. But if you love to nest and putter around the house, if the thought of a new dust mop makes your heart pound, if you love to hang out in the sewing notions aisle at your local JoAnn's, then you will feel right at home.

Charity

Scads of Skirts!

2008-07-27T15:50:00.015-08:00

Today at church I was showered with skirts for The Hundred Skirts Project. Six more sets came in. Some with the cutest extras! Then on checking my mail at home, I found that a skirt had arrived from Annika as well. So you're in for another Hundred Skirts Fashion Show. Here goes...

This velvet bubble skirt is from Annika. Stop over to her blog, Annika's Atelier, to thank her for her participation. The fabric on her offering is so deliciously soft and features sweet embroidered rosebuds. I know some little girl is going to adore this.

This next skirt is from Sarah, one of my sewing lessons buddies. She calls her design "Salsa. The skirt is made from a soft brushed cotton in a vibrant paisley print. She beaded the top for a little extra sparkle and made two hair scrunchies to boot! Thank you, Sarah!

This next skirt is Emily, also one of my sewing lesson buddies. Emily calls her skirt set "Flutterby". It is a sweet butterfly print with a ruffle and pink rickrack trim. Emily also trimmed the tee to match. I believe this is a Size 6. Some wee one will love her flutterbies!

This next skirt set comes from my dearest friend, Pamela. Pam is Sarah and Emily's mother. She is also the gal who cared for me, never leaving my side, for days while I was so ill. Pam made this adorable Crayola print skirt with a red band and rick rack trim. Pamela recently lost her mother after caring for her while she was ill (you seeing a pattern here?). This skirt is even more special because it is made from her mother's fabric stash. Isn't it sweet of Pam to share these precious memories with us!

Another by Pamela. This is a really nice weight cotton sheeting with a red rickrack trim at the hem.

This cute set is from a young girl in our church named Cora. She is a beginning seamstress. I think she did a great job with this calico skirt with double ruffle and double yo-yo flower ornament. She bought two tees to coordinate with her skirt so that the lucky recipient will have two outfits to wear. She also included a cute little change purse.

The last skirt is from Yetta, Cora's sister. She is also a beginning teen seamstress from my church. She sewed a lovely skirt from a soft embroidered moleskin. She also included two shirts for two complete outfits. And she made an adorable little purse and included a beautiful glass bead necklace. Some little girl is going to be thrilled with this very generous gift.

Our total skirts received now stands at 61 skirts with 42 yet to come in. The new deadline is December 1st. Thank you so much to all who have participated so far. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it and what a blessing these will be to the orphanage. If you are interested in participating, it's not too late. Contact me at lovelace@mtaonline.net or VintageThreadsBlog@gmail.com

Charity

The Hundred Skirt Projects - An Update

2008-07-26T15:54:00.008-08:00

I have had quite a few skirts arrive lately, but it's been raining so miserably that I've been hard-pressed to get photos taken. Today I decided they were going up, rain or no rain. So these pics probably won't do these skirts justice. They are even cuter in person.

From Alison (three skirts in a Girls Size 14). You can visit Alison's blog to leave her a thank you note and see her other wonderful projects!

A vibrant floral print in a sweet pique fabric. What happy colors! And the tee is a perfect match.

A cute periwinkle plaid. This cotton has the smoothest, sateen like feel to it! Fun bias cut flounce.

A lovely linen skirt with a flirty flounce. This is a nice weight for the hard wear these skirts will most likely receive.

Next up are some adorable sets from Andrea. I'm out taking pictures now! Andrea is the proprietor of Needle Nose Apparel. She makes adorable clothing for dogs, particularly greyhounds. Stop by and let her know you appreciate her generous donation to The Hundred Skirts Project.

A turquoise set in a Size 8. Look how perfectly the pocket detail matches the tee. :) She calls this one "A Pocket Full of Posies:

And this one's called, "How Does Your Garden Grow?", It's a Size 8 as well.

"Purple Prose", a size 8. Look at the cute felted flower detailing! :)

"Hibiscus Dreams", also a size 8. Made from a wonderfully soft pique. Very Lily Pulitzer.

This brings out total count of skirts actually received to 54 with 49 more promised to come in! The new deadline is December 1st! So mark your calendars!

Charity

Alphabet Adventures - "V is for Vintage"

2008-07-26T08:32:00.008-08:00

If you've followed my blog at all, then you probably already guessed that today would be brought to you by the Letter V and "Vintage." However, I haven't decided what yet. There's so much vintage around here to choose from. Patterns? Fabric? Collectibles? Trims? Sigh...I'm still surveying and making up my mind. Undecided seems to be my chosen mode lately. I'll be back with something vintage. I promise.

UPDATE: I decided to share some vintage children's printed quilt blocks that I found in my thrift store wanderings. I have seen these on Ebay on rare occasions, but never been able to get information about the maker or the date. I'm thinking they are 40s era.

I found six of these little teddy bear blocks. Two became pillows that I sold on Ebay (see below). I have four left. I'm thinking they will probably become a baby blanket by adding in wide piano key sashing.

I have 12 of these Wizard the Oz blocks. Two of each of the design shown below. This will become a larger children's quilt using the fabrics shown in the bottom picture. I haven't yet decided on the block style. I'm thinking perhaps some Log Cabin framing around each of the blocks? The quilt will then most likely be sold on Etsy. I'll post a pic when its done. It will be awhile as I'm going to start on Christmas gifts soon. They will get priority. But I may reopen my Etsy shop in early 2009.

While searching for the pillow photo in Photobucket, I came across this previous creation and thought I'd share it with you as well. This was made by scanning a 1960s-era giant greeting card onto transfer paper and then ironing it on to muslin. It was then framed with a 1930s repro fabric and some scotty dog fabric.

Charity

Alphabet Adventures - "U is for Undecided"

2008-07-25T19:55:00.003-08:00

The Letter U is going to involve a little audience participation, so find the comment box and get your trigger finger ready....

I am long overdue for a hairstyle change. I have always worn my hair long, full, layered with wave or curl. My husband likes it this way so I can't go to short. My face is rather full so too straight and flat on top doesn't look good on me either. I need a little volume on top and around the eyes. Okay...with those parameters in place, what do you think?

This is me now. My hair is up so you can't really see what it normally looks like. And I had curled it with those crimping irons. It's not normally kinky like that.

And here are the candidates. Please keep in mind that I look NOTHING like any of these gorgeous women and that no hair cut on earth is going to transform me to model material. I've accepted that and am prepared to deal.

Hair Style #1 - I love this, but think it's probably too close to what I have now and won't give me the change I'm looking for. DH, however, loves this look and he has to look at me more than I do...

BTW, that's not her before picture there in the corner. If I thought this haircut had this kind of transforming power, this post would be non-existent.

Hair Style #2 - I like the versatility on this one. The straight or curly. I also like the fun bangs. My concern is that it's too flat on top. And dh's input???..."It looks like she's wearing a helmet." Sigh.

Hairstyle #3 - Now I LOVE this one. If I had a lot of courage, this is what I'd go for. I know my hair type would work well with this one. And it's just so darn "free and easy" looking. However, I'm a little afraid of that much change. I haven't had my hair above my shoulders in about 20 years! And I know DH won't be crazy about it.

Hairstyle #4 - This one is probably the most reasonable choice. It's still a little long, but it still offers a big change from what I have now. My husband doesn't mind it. It has the volume that I need around the eyes and on top. So what's the problem? For some reason it screams "Joan Collins" to me. Maybe it's the pearls. Maybe it's the lipstick. But it scares me a little. Will I look like a 60 year old woman who has never outgrown her (debatable) glory days? It just looks a little "mature" for me. On the other hand...I AM 48yo and way past the Morgan Fairchild haircut days.

Help me, ladies. There's no better way to make such a personal and important decision than to relegate it to people who have never met you and whom you barely know....

Leave a comment, please. I need to make up my mind by next Wednesday.

Charity

Tutorials Update

2008-07-25T18:04:00.001-08:00

Please bear with me while I do a little housekeeping. The amount of tutorials I have available on my blog has grown to the point where the listing in the sidebar is rather cumbersome. I will be shifting from a list with pics to a link list only. Links to tutorials may be missing for a short while, but don't worry! They will make it back in the sidebar, but in a more streamlined presentation.

Charity

Alphabet Adventures - "T is for Twisted Tucks"

2008-07-25T17:26:00.005-08:00

Continuing on with some alphabetic creativity...today is brought to you by the Letter T with a tutorial on Twisted Tucks. This is a technique I learned from a wonderful book called Manipulating Fabric. About 8 years ago, I made a vest of an ethnic ikat fabric using this technique on the vest front. It closed with toggle loops and bone buttons. It really turned out neat. I hope to make another similar to it this fall.

Twisted Tucks Tutorial

Step 1 - Create a series of narrow tucks evenly spaced across your width of fabric. The tucks take up a great deal of room so you will need a much larger piece of yardage than the pattern piece actually requires. Different sizes of tucks provide different results. As do the amount of spacing between them. You may want to experiment until you get the effect desired. For the purposes of this tutorial, I used 1/4 inch tucks spaced 3/8 inch apart. A good way to learn this technique is to use a plaid with a regular repeat as I did here. The plaid's horizontal and vertical lines make a wonderful stitching guide and eliminate the need for pre-marking. Twisted Tucks on plaid also give a neat secondary effect.

Step One - Sew narrow tucks the full width of your fabric

Step Two - Press the tucks in one direction.

Step Three - Sew across the tucks in vertical seams. Alternate the direction each row so that the tucks create their definitive "twist." If your tucks are closely spaced together, you will need to pull each tuck up from under the presser foot so that it does not inadvertantly get sewn down the wrong direction.

Step Three - Stitch across tucks vertically.

Step Four - With tip of iron or a mini-iron, press the tucks in the direction they've been sewn.

Step Five - Cut pattern piece from the yardage you've created. Assemble garment.

You can vary the width and spacing of the tucks as well as the directional seams to get a wide variety of looks. Here are some examples from Manipulating Fabric.

Charity

For The Hard-to-Shop-For Man in Your Life

2008-07-25T12:18:00.006-08:00

It's about time...

Manly Man Candle Company has solved your Christmas Shopping Dilemma. You can now buy candles for the rugged he-man on your list. Comes in scents such as Grandma's Cooking, Leather, Hunting Lodge and Yardwork. Particularly delightful are the descriptions of each candle. Check out this clip from the product description for the "Clean Laundry" candle...Doing laundry is horrible. First off, it's boring, secondly, it's too hard, and lastly, your clothes just get dirty again in the next couple of days.

I have a few more suggestions for the product line. How about After Rugby, Dirty Socks and Fish On! ?

Charity

Alphabet Adventures - "S is for Sharks Teeth"

2008-07-23T09:38:00.010-08:00

Today is brought to you by the Letter S and "Sharks Teeth." Confused as to where I'm heading with this? Sharks Teeth is a sewing technique that involves creating blind tucks in fabric, then snipping the tucks in intervals before folding in the raw edges created and sewing them in place. Hmmmmm....maybe it will just be easier to show you. Photos coming in the next couple of hours. I'm sewing now. :) :)

Sharks Teeth Tutorial

Step 1 - Create a series of blind tucks 3/4 inches wide. Each row should just meet the next row. How many tucks to do depends upon your design. For this skirt, I decided to do three rows.

Step 2 - Slash the tucks at intervals 1.5 inches apart, cutting up to, but not past the seamline. Alternate the slashes so that the cuts on one row meet the middle of the "tooth" on the next. It should resemble the way bricks are laid.

Step 3 - Turn the cut edges to the back of the "tooth" so that the raw edges meet in the middle, folding at a 45 degree angle. Press neatly. Repeat for all teeth.

Step 4 - To catch and hold the folds in place, restitch the horizontal tuck seam in a wide zigzag being sure to catch the raw edges underneath the tooth. I used a decorative tulip stitch on this skirt. It is headed to Guatemala as part of The Hundred Skirt Project. I was concerned that the shark teeth be durable to hold up to the more aggressive laundering they will receive at the orphanage (the girls sometimes do their own laundry using concrete washboards!).

Step 5 - Press teeth and assemble garment.

You can see an example of a child's dress with a Sharks Teeth bodice here.

Alphabet Adventures - "R is for Recipes"

2008-07-22T16:16:00.004-08:00

I had promised some pie recipes to Keely and Karen in one of the posts below. I'm overdue so today's the day! Brought to you by the Letter R...Recipes for Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse Pie, Blackberry Streusel Pie and Key Lime Pie.

Blackberry Streusel Pie

Crust - Use your favorite recipe or a graham cracker crust

Topping
6 tablespoons (packed) brown sugar
6 tablespoons whole almonds
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
4 1/2 tablespoons old-fashioned oats
4 1/2 tablespoons flour

Blend in food processor until ingredients begin to clump into a mass.

Filling
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup quick-cooking tapioca
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
5 cups assorted fresh or frozen blackberries

Mix sugar, tapioca, and lemon juice in large bowl. Add berries and toss gently to combine. Let stand until tapioca softens slightly, stirring occasionally, about 45 minutes. Spoon filling into crust. Crumble topping evenly over filling. Bake pie until crust and topping are golden brown.

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Key Lime Pie - This is off the back of the Key Lime juice bottle. It's nothing special. I'm still looking for a better recipe.

Use a graham cracker crust.

Mix together:

4 large egg yolks
a 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup key lime juice

Pour into crust and bake at 350 for 15 minutes until lightly browned and fairly set in middle (will set up a bit on cooling). Cool completely Top with fresh whipped cream and garnish with lime slices or peel curls. Store in fridge.

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Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse Pie

This is my own recipe and I pretty much eyeball the ingredients and add as I think is needed. So these ingredients are estimated. Sorry about that. It's just the way I cook. :)

In a double boiler melt:

A bag of chocolate chips
About a half cup or so of peanut butter, more if you like peanut butter :)
8 oz. of cream cheese

Remove from heat. Make up a large box of instant chocolate pudding. Gently fold into the peanut butter mix. Gently fold in a tub or so of Cool Whip. Pour into a graham cracker crust and chill.

Charity

Alphabet Adventures - "Q is for Quilt "

2008-07-22T14:13:00.004-08:00

Next up on my alphabetic creative ventures is the Letter Q and the word "Quilt." Today I decided to pull out my Japanese Lavender Quilt and do a bit more work on edge finishing the fused appliques. The design's branches are done by needle turn applique while the leaves and blossoms are done with fuse-and-buttonhole stitch. I have only about 18 more of the leaves to complete and the quilt top will be ready for basting, quilting and binding. This is the quilt that is headed to Nana's House, a safe house for young girls separated from their parents.

Here is a sample of what the buttonhole edge finishing looks like.

Charity

Alphabet Adventures - "P is for Pink Paisley Pajamas"

2008-07-22T12:58:00.003-08:00

Playing catch up here...Today is brought to you by the Letter P and "Pink Paisley Pajamas". This is a beautiful piece of flannel backed satin that has been in my stash for at least three years. I've decided to make myself some pajamas and a short robe (if there's enough yardage). I'll use the pattern below. I hope to get these completed in time to take on an upcoming trip and will post pics when done.

Charity

Will Catch Up Soon

2008-07-19T17:54:00.001-08:00

Got swamped with household stuff combined with camera battery issues. Will catch up on my Alphabet stuff as soon as possible....

Charity

Alphabet Adventures - "O is for Orange"

2008-07-17T18:02:00.004-08:00

Today is brought to you by the Letter O and the color Orange. I made this little skirt using the same pattern used in the post below. It too will be headed off to Guatemala as part of our Hundred Skirts Project. It's made from an orange striped denim that I have had in my stash for quite some time. There are flatfell seams for extra durability. It's trimmed with a hot pink polka dot grosgrain ribbon and purchased heart applique. I'll buy a hot pink tee to go with. :)

Skirt #47 "Orange You Glad?"

Skirt #47 "Orange You Glad?" Hem Detail

Charity

Alphabet Adventures - "N is for New Look 6450"

2008-07-16T10:08:00.003-08:00

Today is brought to you by the Letter N and New Look Patterns #6450. This is a little skirt for The Hundred Skirts Project. It was squeezed out of a small bit of Kitty yardage in a high grade quilting cotton. I trimmed it with two different types of vintage Cluny lace and a hem flounce. It is a Size 8. I'm not sure what type of tee I'll buy for it yet. I'd love one in the magenta shade in the print, but that will probably be a hard match. More likely that I'll find a cream or tan to go with. Will see...

That brings our actual Received Skirt count up to 46 skirts. I also have four more here from Andrea that I will share with you as soon as it stops raining. Once I post Andrea's skirts (which are totally adorable!), we will be at 50 - the halfway point! If you still have not sent in your skirt, the deadline is December 1st. We had to move it back from the hoped for August hand delivery because it was cutting it too tight for too many of our participants. So...mark your calendars for December 1st!

New Look Pattern #6450

Skirt # 46, "Kitty in the Garden", Size 8

Detail of "Kitty in the Garden"

Alphabet Adventures - "M is for Mod"

2008-07-15T17:33:00.005-08:00

Today's Alphabet Adventure is brought to you by the "Letter M" and the adjective, "Mod." I love the graphics from the 60s and 70s. So retro. When I found this Patron magazine from the late 60s, I thought it would make the cutest notecards. So I whipped them out tonight while watching Season 2 of The Office with DH. It's a set of four and I packaged them with a little sash made from vellum paper and grosgrain ribbon.

See ya later, hep cats!

Charity

Alphabet Adventures - "L is for Long Lost Leggings"

2008-07-14T09:47:00.005-08:00

Today's Alphabet Adventure is brought to you by the "Letter L" and "Long Lost Leggings". I was scrounging around in my sewing room and came across a pair of child's knit leggings and tunic/dress outfit that I had started a couple of years ago! The outift was almost done. I'm not sure how I got derailed from the project.

The leggings just needed the waistband turned down and elastic ran through the tunnel. The tunic only needed hemming and the appliquéd kangaroo pocket attached. So here are the leggings finally completed and I'll update the post with the tunic as soon as I get it finished. This is about a size 4/5T, I believe. It's been so long I don't remember! My bad. :) But we have quite a few little cuties at church in this size range and I'm sure it will find a happy home somewhere!

Charity

Alphabet Adventures - "K is for Kitchen Towel"

2008-07-13T15:52:00.003-08:00

Today's post is brought to you by the Letter "K" and the humble Kitchen Towel. This was a embroidered vintage kitchen towel that I found quite a few years ago. It was adorable, but I think it's even cuter now! I added a strip-pieced border of 1930s reproduction prints and some 1970s floral buttons. "Granny's Apron" prints are some of my favorite quilt and crafting textiles. I think they are just so adorable! This took me under an hour to do. I think it would make a cute housewarming or hostess gift for a vintage-loving friend!

Charity

Eyeglass Cases Revisited

2008-07-12T13:16:00.002-08:00

I picked up a most recent copy of Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion to read on an overnight trip we took on Thursday. I was delighted to see these eyeglass cases in her crafting section of the magazine since I had just completed my own pair (see Letter "E"). I think these ones are super cute and just had to share with ya'll since some of you were thinking about making some of your own. Hope these inspire you!

Charity

Alphabet Adventures - "J is for Japanese Purse, Junkin' Finds and Juvenile Vintage Greeting Cards

2008-07-12T09:02:00.005-08:00

Okay....today's a three-for-all! I have three things I want to share for the letter "J". So today is brought to you by Japanese Purses, Junkin' Finds and Juvenile Vintage Greeting Cards.

First the purse...This is Vogue 7354 and was given to me by my MIL.

If you have this pattern, you'll note that the word Japanese appears no where on the envelope. One might think that I was forced to cheat on this particular letter. One would be wrong. This is called the Japanese purse pattern by my nieces. My MIL is teaching her grandaughters, my nieces, to sew. They are all the sweetest girls and they are 1/4 Japanese. They love to make little projects that allude to their heritage and these purses were made by the girls in oriental brocade and dubbed their "japanese purses." I decided to make my own from the pattern, though mine isn't remotely oriental in flavor. I made the purse below from a thrift store vest. I admired the embroidery work on it and bought it with the idea of using it on a coat collar or pillow top. But it became this purse instead. It has a slightly folk art, primitive/country look to it that I like. Bright spot of note...Only two pieces for this pattern. Heads up to Paula (of the 40-something purse pieces fame).

Thrift Store Vest Beginnings

"Japanese" Purse

My second "J" for today serves to share my recent craft related thrift store finds with you. My Junkin' Finds...

Costume Patterns for a dime each.

Fabric for Backing my Japanese Inspired Quilt (Hah! That makes FOUR J's for today)

Victorian Illustrations Books for Papercrafting. These are just jammed with gorgeous graphics that will be perfect for making tags, collages, notecards and such. I only paid $1.00 for each book.

Stash of Quilting Magazines and one book of iron-on quilting labels - .25 each

And my final J for today...look at these adorable sixties era Juvenile Greeting Cards I came across recently. Aren't they funky and retro?! Really fun. I'm going to use them to make retro-style gift tags to pop on my nieces Christmas presents this year.

Now since I exceeded letter expectations for today, does that mean I get an automatic out on a hard letter like X or U????

Charity

Alphabet Adventures - "I is for Iron-On"

2008-07-11T17:00:00.000-08:00

Today is brought to you by the letter "I" and the under-appreciated, much maligned iron-on patch. I found a mess of these iron-on patches in the thrift store stash I posted about here. Since I'm not big on glitzy stuff, I sent about half of them to my mother who likes life on the sparkly side. So it was that on her recent visit all her denim jeans were sporting rhinestones on their backsides. And they looked cute enough that I decided to give one of the patches a go on my own jeans.

And here is the result...I was skeptical having grown up in the Iron-on Knee Patch Era, but I was pleasantly surprised. Iron-ons have come of age, I believe. These are, after all, Swarovski crystals. Mom tells me her jean embellishments have already survived several launderings, so I remain hopeful.

Charity

Recipes Forthcoming

2008-07-10T11:31:00.001-08:00

Keely and Karen requested the recipes to the pies below. Just a quick note to let you know that I won't be online through tomm. afternoon, but will get those to you as soon as I can.

Charity

Alphabet Adventures - H is for Hundred Skirts Project

2008-07-10T10:14:00.005-08:00

I haven't done an update on our Guatemalan orphanage service project in quite some time. So today is brought to you by the Letter H and the Hundred Skirts Project. I have an important announcement to make...

I have heard from a great many of you who are not even close to being able to make the August deadline. So I have moved it back to the end of the year as it was originally set up. This means that they will have to be shipped rather than hand-carried by my father (click HERE for his website) on his August trip to the orphanage. But we just were not going to get anywhere close to the full 100 delivered to me in time for his trip. So...if you have not yet got your skirts in, you've got a bit of a reprieve. And if you wanted to contribute, but thought you were too late there is still time. Since we have all sizes covered now, just sew whatever size skirt your heart desires. Search the past posts on the 100 Skirt Project (see sidebar labels for link) for details or email me at VintageThreadsBlog@gmail.com. I will be seeing if I can get FedEx to take on the project as part of their community service endeavors as the weight on these skirts is much, much higher than I had anticipated and international shipping is going to be a bit daunting.

So the new deadline is....DECEMBER 1st!! Mark your calendars. :)

And enough business! Now for some fun. These are some skirts that have come in recently...

From Peggy

Beautiful striped and very soft denim ruffled skirt

Lovely blue linen with tucks and embroidered posy

Close-up of embellishment detailing

And from Liz...fun color combo, huh?!

And now for a shameful confession...When I was ill, the skirts below were opened for me and shown to me. But the identifying information was lost. :( :( :( I am so sorry that I am not positive who these are from. I remember discussing them in email, but have been all through my email and cannot find the discussion. I do hope the donor will forgive me. There has been so much traffic on this project and while I kept great notes in general, the ball did get dropped while I was ill. Please, please, please...whoever made these beautiful skirts, please email me at VintageThreadsBlog@gmail.com or leave a comment so I can make sure you get the credit you deserve for your generous donation!

Peacock-ish print, tiered skirt with lovely short sleeve green sweater

Lovely full tiered skirt in a victorian floral stripe.

Look at the beautiful scalloped hem on this one! It has a bit of a metallic glint
in the print that I know some girl will adore!

And a big thank you to Leigh of Nashville who sent in a generous donation to assist with shipping or tee purchase! This is very much appreciated and will be even more helpful now that we will be going ahead with international shipping.

Our count now stands at...

103 Skirts Promised

45 Skirts Received

Alphabet Adventures - "G is for Graham Crackers"

2008-07-09T06:02:00.002-08:00

Okay..this one's a bit of a stretch. LOL! Today is brought to you by the Letter G as in "G is for Graham Crackers." Last time I bought groceries, graham cracker pie crusts were on sale 3/$5 (you'll have to take my word for it that that's a sale price here in Alaska). I bought three and popped them in the freezer. Since I have to take a run today to Anchorage to pick up the wonderful Mr. DH from the airport, I thought I'd make a few pies to drop off at eldest son's college apt. So....the Key Lime, Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse and Blackberry Streusel pies are now being devoured by four perpetually hungry college students. That is if Caleb decided to share with his roommates...

Traditional Key Lime Pie

Blackberry Streusel Pie

Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse Pie

Charity

Alphabet Adventures - "F is for Featherstitch"

2008-07-08T09:15:00.003-08:00

Today is brought to by the Letter F and the featherstitch. I have many Works in Progress (WIP) in my sewing studio. I tend to get Creative ADD on a regular basis. I like having lots of things going at once so I can switch between projects when bored. One project I've been working on in bits and pieces for about 5 years is a crazy quilt. Crazy quilts are usually done in jewel tones and black, but mine is in pastels, creams and golds. It consists of twelve 12-inch blocks, which is rather large by crazy quilt project standards. They're quite labor intensive with all that hand embroidery so the technique is usually done in small doses such as needle cases or pillows. This may not get done before I die, but it still gets pulled out and a seam or two done at a time. Since I am not at all a perfectionist, my work is not nearly up to normal standards for hand embroidery, but I enjoy it regardless and that is almost always my goal in my creative endeavors.

Last night I did three seams, two of which are variations on the featherstitch. The first is a short seam in gold floss with grape-like clusters done in the bullionstitch and french knots. The other is a closed featherstitch in white floss with blue daisy loops and some green accents.

And here's the rest of the block.

My favorite resource for crazy quilt embroidery...

I was eating dinner tonight when I realized that it was mostly "F" foods, fettucine (Chicken Fettucine) and focaccia bread. So I snapped a quick pic. LOL!

Charity

Alphabet Adventures - "E is for Eyeglass Case"

2008-07-07T09:41:00.010-08:00

Today is brought to you by the Letter E. E is for eyeglasses. I made these cases from a vintage hydrangea print, circa 50s/60s, and some fragments from a vintage tea towel. They are quick and easy to whip up. They'd make great stocking stuffers and are a great way to use up small bits of fabric and trims.

Charity

ADDENDUM

English Daffodil asked in the comments how I made the cases. They're quite simple. I did this...

1) Trace a rectangle around the glasses leaving adequate room for sliding in and out and a 1/4 inch seam. Use this shape for the pattern. One pair I rounded the bottom and the other I left square.

2) Cut two pieces for outside shell. Two for liner. And two of fusible fleece (thin stuff you use to make placemats and such with). Fuse fleece to exterior shell.

3) Decide on trims and cut those to fit. Attach trims.

4) Put right sides together of lining and stitch around outside edge with 1/4 seam. Leave top open. Put right sides together of exterior shell and stitch in the same manner. Flip exterior shell to right side. Leave lining with wrong sides out.

5) Slip the lining inside the exterior shell. Align upper raw edges. Turn under raw edges to inside 1/4 inch. Slipstitch edges together.

That's all!

Alphabet Adventures - "D is for Doll Clothes"

2008-07-06T09:02:00.000-08:00

This Sunday we bring you the letter "D" and some sweet doll clothes. An adorable little girl at our church had an American Girl birthday party earlier this year. At that time I was swamped with The Hundred Skirt project and the Sewing Party. So I'm just now getting around to making her the little outfit for her new doll that I wanted to give her. I was inspired to use bright, lollipop colors by these sweet little dolls at AllSorts. I've decided that doll clothes are deceiving. You think they'd sew up quicker because of the short little seams, but I find they take just as long as a child's item to sew. Sometimes they're even harder to manage, make and coax into shape BECAUSE of those tiny little seams, armholes, facings and such. This isn't the best picture. Not enough light yet this morning for a good shot and raining too hard to take it outside.

"D is For Doll Clothes"

Alphabet Adventures - "C is for Campbell Kids"

2008-07-05T06:00:00.001-08:00

Today is brought to you by the Letter C and The Campbell Kids! A couple of years ago I found a darling coffee table book about the Campbell Kids at Barnes and Noble for about $5. The illustrations were perfect for papercrafting, so I picked it up and put it in my stash. My gift stash was getting a little low so I decided to make a little pack of Campbell Kids paper goods. The little gift pack includes two notecards with lined envelopes, a memo pad and 3 tags.

Charity

Alphabet Adventures - "B is for Buttoncard"

2008-07-04T15:49:00.004-08:00

I love the sweet graphics on vintage buttoncards. It is not often that I find an intact card here in Alaska, but when I am so fortunate I pick them up. I like to use them in a variety of crafts. This afternoon I made this notecard below using a 50s-era buttoncard. The framed buttoncard I did a few years back, but include here as another idea for you to consider. They also make adorable gift tags!

Charity

Alphabet Adventures - "A is for A-Line"

2008-07-03T09:08:00.006-08:00

I've decided to do something a little random on my blog for awhile. I've been a bit slow after my recent illness and finding it hard to tackle large projects without making bad errors due to mental fatigue and exhaustion. So I think I'm going to do some little things and keep it light and fun. I'm going to do an A-Z alphabet post series on small scale creative endeavors. Today is brought to you by the Letter "A"...

A is for "A-Line Vintage Wrap Skirt"

I found this vintage girl's pattern at a thrift store for .25. It was uncut! I decided to sew it up in a whimsical nautical whale print that has been floating around the online children's sewing world for awhile. It's a cute pattern that features two back pieces on either side of the front piece. It has a long waistband that slides through an opening on the side seams and then buttons around to the front. The waistband can be buttoned to a choice of front buttons to adjust the fit. Patch pockets feature top-stitching and red heart buttons. If I get ambitious I'll add some rickrack to the hemline. Here's where the skirt stands at the moment. I need to hem and do the waistband.

The skirt will be included in The Hundred Skirts Project. I'll buy a white or red tee to go with it. It's a size 7/8 depending on where one buttons the waistband.

Charity

Key Lime Revisited

2008-06-29T18:12:00.004-08:00

Thanks to Kathy (a fellow Alaskan) who posted her Key Lime recipe in the comments box below. If you have a recipe you want to send me, you can mail it to... lovelace @ mtaonline dot net. I bought the Key Lime Juice (haven't seen the real thing here in Alaska). I'll give Kathy's recipe a test drive and I'd love to have yours, nebraskanative. I'll post photos and reviews when done.

Charity

Keeping It In The Family

2008-06-28T10:36:00.006-08:00

My father, at age 69, has decided to enter the Blog World in time to record Mom and his 50th Anniversary cruise. He's got a gift for writing and photography. They are retired and spend most of their time traveling. So if you love travel blogs, I'm sure he'd love some readers. Leave a comment and let him know you stopped in...

Traveling With the Woods'

Charity

Yet More Porch

2008-06-27T12:02:00.003-08:00

The wonderful Mr. DH called me from work last night. He had been on my blog and was appalled to discover that I had not yet posted photos of his completed porch work. Last time I posted about the porch, he had finished across the front, but hadn't done the return to the house with its fancy mitered multiple corners. I was informed that I needed to address my omission. So in the interest of benefiting further from his home improvement talents, let's give the man his props!

Here are the pics of the project in its entirety!

He IS pretty amazing. :) :)

Charity

So....What's That About?

2008-06-27T09:24:00.002-08:00

I decided to make a Key Lime Pie today. I made one while Mom and Dad were visiting. It was good, but not as spectacular as I remember the Key Limes we had when vacationing in Florida as a teen. I wanted a better recipe. Then I remembered that I had two southern cookbooks, one written by Florida residents and one from New Orleans' fab cooks. I figured that would be the go-to source for a truly authentic Key Lime pie. Would you believe neither book had such a recipe???? What's that about????

I feel betrayed. I want an explanation from you southern readers....(as well as a knock-out recipe!)

Charity

Ethnic Beaded Top

2008-06-26T17:30:00.004-08:00

I had started this top before I was interrupted by my illness and then house guests. I finished it up today. It's a discontinued Simplicity pattern of square neck top and skorts. I sewed it up in a batik ethnic-flavored cotton print that I have had in my stash for quite some time. I set the sleeves on the bias, something I had been wanting to try after reading an article on the subject in Threads magazine. To add a bit of interest I beaded the neckline making a small "tassel" from the beads in the center front. Sorry about the bad photos. Too late in the day for good indoor lighting...

Next up is the same pattern in a paisley border print and one in a black and white floral pique. They will be longer in length. The one above wasn't quite as "tunic-y" as I wanted.

Farewells, Tunics and the Return of Routine

2008-06-26T08:45:00.004-08:00

My company departed yesterday. My parents came to visit for 10 days. They had not been here for about 1.5 years so we had lots of catching up to do. We had a nice visit after a bit of a rough start. Dad ended up in ER with some nasty bug he must have picked up on the flight here. But after 3 bags of IV hydration and a day or two of rest, he perked up enough to get in some golf and even some sand-dune buggying! Mom and I stayed home during these excursions and did paper-crafting, sewing and watched Jane Austen movies. And so I have some sewing to share with you...

Mom had recently read some article that listed all the necessary items one must have in one's closet. And being the fashion maven (notice I was careful not to say slave, Mom) that she is, she was determined to add a missing element...the yoked tunic. She was insistent that we were not going to sew during her visit. She was concerned about me exerting myself after so recently being ill. What she doesn't understand is that sewing is restorative for those of us who love our textiles, right?! So I picked up Butterick 4856.

From the envelope's cover and technical drawing on the back, the design appears to have a yoke that is applied like a reverse facing, so that the yoke band sits atop the tunic front's neckline. However, when I pulled out the instructions, the directions made absolutely no sense to me. The neckline yoke was to be applied like a set-in band and the facing wrapped around to the back. And there was no provision for tacking down this facing. So not only was there no attractive yoke band on the front, but the front facing would flop around on the inside. Even more unappealing, the front band sewed in at the shoulder line instead of continuing around the back of the neckline. This was unacceptable to us. We ended up applying the facing backwards (according to the pattern instructions) so that it wrapped around to the front and was then top-stitched in place. We also drafted a back neck facing piece so that the yoke band is continuous.

We had enlarged the first tunic after taking measurements and comparing them to the pattern piece. We also did a careful paper fitting. Mom wanted the tunic to fit breezy and somewhat oversized. We did the first tunic in a pinstriped linen, black on white. We had enough fabric left over to create matching shorts. Mom was pleased with the tunic and our alterations to the design. However, we decided to not do the enlargements on our second version of the tunic. The second tunic was done in a brown faux linen, 100% polyester (looked elegant but nasty to sew, would not hold a crisp edge press). It was longer in length. Because it was dressier, she wanted a bit more tailored fit. I forgot to take pics of the second tunic, but you can see the original version below. We had enough left of the brown faux-linen for her to make capris as well. Total cost of the FOUR pieces: approx. $15.00! (50% off JoAnn's red tag clearance on the linen and 60% off the polyester). Total time with the two of us working together: Approx. 12 hours

Porch Spruce-Up, Part Two

2008-06-16T17:13:00.003-08:00

We finished up a little more work on our front porch. Craig built steps the length of our porch. We painted the front door. I spray-painted some shutters, shelf, etc. and sewed some pillows and made a bench pad. Not much effort and it looks sooooo much better.

I have houseguests and am not doing a lot in the project department, but will be sharing as I'm able. I hope to do a Hundred Skirts Project update soon as well as I have received several skirts in the mail recently.

Charity

A Public Service Announcement

2008-06-10T12:00:00.004-08:00

I have been doing research this morning on the use of epinephrine (adrenalin) in dentistry. Dentists are now mixing epinephrine with the ___caine anesthetics. The reason for this is that it prolongs the window of time for a dentist to work without the patient experiencing pain - a significant amount of time from about 15-20 minutes to 1-2 hours. However, what many dentists may not be aware is that there are some patients for whom this could be life-threatening. If a patient has heart disease, diabetes or thyroid disease, administering epinephrine can produce a fatality. I share this not because I want to scare anyone, but because I do not want anyone to unnecessarily suffer the trauma I had on the dental table. I have thyroid disease and while not diabetic, am "insulin resistant."

If you have any of these conditions, Google your condition along with the keywords "dental epinephrine" and print them out and take them to your dentist to discuss with him before you have dental anesthesia.

Been there, done that...so NOT fun.

Charity

Thank You For Your Concerns

2008-06-10T08:35:00.002-08:00

Dear Friends

What can I say? I am touched by your concern, your comments and your email. Just a brief update. I've been waylaid by a reaction I had to the anesthesia used for my oral surgery which required resuscitation and was then followed by complications from the pain meds which caused the most hellacious side effects. I am grateful for the intervention of friends, especially Pamela, who immediately responded and stayed by my side until DH could get home from work (he works at a remote station in Alaska and this happened on his two weeks away). I am slowly recovering, but I can't imagine that I will be pumping out many projects around here for awhile.

Thank you for all the personal emails and blog comments. I will try to answer them as I am able, but please forgive me if it takes me awhile to communicate. My strength is still limited.

Hugs to you all! I hope to be able to catch up with all your projects soon as well.

Charity

Just a brief note...

2008-06-02T18:47:00.002-08:00

I had a tooth go bad sat night and have been totally wiped out with pain ever since. Dentist can't touch it until the infection clears up. He's got me on mega pain killers and the pain is just popping on through even those. I probably won't be posting as I'll just be grumpy from the pain and incoherent from the meds. I'll be back after this goes away. In the meantime, those of who you are the praying types, I truly covet your prayers. I am in agony.

Had quite a few people ask about the animals and skins in the pics. Yes, they're real. DH got them on a safari to Africa a few years back. No they are not endangered species. No, nothing abusive happened. There is no waste. All the meat goes to the indigenous tribes there and the ranch provides much needed employment.

Sorry if I seem abrupt. Pain has a way of stripping the gracious southern belle thing off the best of us. :) :) Not that I was ever any good at that role anyway...

Hugs, ladies. I'll talk to you later.

Charity

Safari Room Spruce-Up

2008-06-01T10:36:00.003-08:00

Still sprucing up the former homeschool room. Yesterday I painted the side tables. They were really ratty looking. :) We will be getting new furniture in this room in a couple of years. Leather couches and cherry bookshelves/office center. But in the meantime, I want to make our cast-offs from other rooms liveable. :) The curtains are up next on the to-do list. I already have the animal print panels. They pull shut on rings and rods. But I want to make stationary side panels from the dragonfly faux silk-taffeta. I'm thinking about simply hemming them and then tying them in place on the rod with giant tassels and then letting them just puddle on the floor. The little lamp also needs a remake. I'd like to find a leopard print shade and then attach some black feather trim. We won't be painting for awhile yet, but I'm open to suggestions on wall color. I'm debating a chocolate brown. Adjoining foyer is a light brown with slightly olive overtones.

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Tag You're It

2008-05-31T17:30:00.003-08:00

I was tagged by Paula of Sew Confused. Thanks, Paula! Hope this makes sense. My brain is fried today!

WHAT WAS I DOING 10 YEARS AGO?
Same thing I'm doing now. Wife. Mom. Homemaker. Crafter. Seamstress. Add in Home Educator.

WHAT ARE 5 THINGS ON MY TO-DO LIST TODAY?
Supervise and Assist two teens hired to clean the basement - DONE
Supervise and Assist two teens hired to clean decks and paint porch - DONE
Spray Paint two end tables black - One down, one to go.
Sew side drapes for safari room - Haven't even started. Might be a late nighter
Register son for golf camp - Ummmm...where's the phone!

SNACKS I ENJOY:
I'm not really a dessert person. Favorite sweets would be cheesecake and white choc/macadamia cookies. Pizza is my favorite snack.

THINGS I WOULD DO IF I WERE A BILLIONAIRE:
Give money to son's private school.
Give money to Carry the Cure
Buy a Steinway for our church (and one for me too!)
Help several deserving families I know
Finish our house and landscaping
Buy DH several toys he has denied himself in order to buy US things
Travel with our sons
Too much else to list here

PLACES I HAVE LIVED:
Eugene Oregon (yet another thing we have in common, Paula!)
Kirkland Washington (went to college there)
Fremont California
Roundup Montana (don't ask. It's too painful to talk about)
New Orleans, LA
Tacoma WA
Santa Cruz CA
Springfield MO

WHAT TYPE(S) OF WORK HAVE I DONE?
Babysitter (child)
Cafeteria worker (college job)
Librarian Cataloging Assistant (college job)
Designer Dresses, Coats and Furs Salesperson (also did modeling for the Dept. Store's fashion shows)
General Labor, Remodeling Work for FIL's investments
Church Secretary (before kids arrived)
Free Lance Writer
Various Entrepreneurial/Home Business Stuff

All of the above was brief and inconsequential. My biggest desire was to investment a lifetime in my marriage, family and home.

SIX (6) “PEEPS” I WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT.
Those who want to play along...no obligations to anyone!

Sharon Sews - Sharon
Weekend Crafting - Reethi
Sew Much to Sew - Angelia

I'm too tired (did you see today's to do list?) to think of any others! Sorry. :(

Mantel Decor Tutorial

2008-05-30T11:08:00.012-08:00

Since I'm doing this anyway, I thought I might as well photo and detail the steps for ya'll. The room I'm currently working on is what we tend to call the "homeschool room" even though our kids are pretty much grown and we haven't homeschooled in years. The name has stuck. The plan for this room is a safari/old world/british pub/hunting lodge kind of look. Is there such a thing? It was dictated as the only possible outcome when DH came back from Africa with trophies to display. And when it's done, I think it will be great!

The large gas fireplace is the focal point of the room. DH's Alaskan Dall Ram hangs over the mantel. I decided to make this "backdrop" for his trophy. It makes things look more polished and cohesive with the room's theme. The idea could be tweaked for any kind of decor, however. You could use reeding in the frame for tropical decor. Mirror for contemporary. Paisley print for traditional. Toile for French Country. Cabbage roses for cottage. You get the idea...

Step One: Measure out the size square you desire. Pencil in lines to guide you in hanging the fabric and placing the molding. Sorry, forgot to take a pic of this step.

Step Two: Choose fabric for your insert. I used burlap for mine as I wanted a rustic, safari-ish texture. Cut fabric to fit. Spray back of fabric with spray craft adhesive and smooth into place being sure edges line up with your pencil marks. The little wrinkle in the middle of my fabric is where I pushed the nail through to hang the trophy. It will be hidden once the head is up.

Step Three: Cut molding in three pieces. Two side pieces and top piece. Miter corners if needed. I preferred to use corner rosettes as we have this trim throughout the house. Paint molding.

Step Four: Nail molding into place using small finishing nails. Touch up nail holes with paint. Notice my high tech hammer. :)

Step Five: Now for the fun part! Decorate with your accessories. Hang a trophy, mirror, portrait, watercolor, etc. in your backdrop.

More "Persevering Productivity"

2008-05-30T09:04:00.006-08:00

If you're wondering about the title of this post, I'm referring to THIS in which I naively announce all the things I'm going to get done in 2008. HAH! It's now almost June. I am about halfway through the year and still have a llloooonnnngggg way to go towards getting all that done. I'm making good progress in the sewing and stash-busting department. I've stash-busted almost 150 yards. I'm making fairly decent progress in the home organization efforts. Still a long way to go, however. The marathon-shape thing? We're not going to talk about that. Pretend I never said that. I was delusional. I must have been watching Chariots of Fire again and forgot that I'm more than 2x the main character's age.

I recently learned that we will be having house guests in a few weeks. So I need to lay aside the sewing for a bit and do some prep work for that. Company coming is always a nice little pressure to get some things done that need to be done anyway. So...those of you who come here strictly for the sewing, might be bored for the next dozen posts or so. I'm going to be posting my organizational and decorating projects. I will get back to sewing as soon as I can. :)

And with that caveat, here are pics of what I did yesterday. I cleaned out and organized a whole wall of bookshelves. Fifteen feet. I hauled out FOUR black bags of stuff to the trash. After everything was reorganized, I arranged them as prettily as a REAL library allows (Those libraries in magazines must be for non-readers. The books are color-coordinated and there are NO paperbacks.), tucked in bits of greenery and then hung some vintage landscapes on the fronts. This was an idea I saw in Country Sampler Decorating Ideas years and years ago.