Catching Up!

It's been awhile since we chatted!

Let's see if I can remember how to do this.

 

First, thank you so much for all the kind comments, encouragement and support

regarding the closing of my business.

The main reason for my absence here has been the flurry of activity on my website.

Seems I spend the majority of my time filling, packing and shipping orders.

 

My husband and I also took a few days off to attend his 40th high school reunion and visit family and friends in Tennessee.  It was a delightful time!

 

Now, the temperatures are dropping, the leaves are changing, and my life is heading in new directions. 

There are still some orders to fill and merchandise to sell, but the website will soon be closing permanently.

 



Many of my sewing friends are busy packing their bags for Atlanta.  The 2012 Convention of the Smocking Arts Guild of America begins on Tuesday.  How I wish I could be in attendance with them.

I am certainly there in spirit, and anxious to hear their reports afterwards.

 

 

A small part of me is also there in this chatelaine.

I made and contributed it to the Delphi Heirloom Sewing and Smocking raffle basket.

The chatelaine, combined with a silk embroidered hussif, reticule, scissor case and handmade scissor fob, will be won by a lucky attendee!

Some of you may have already seen the photographs shared on Facebook or at HS&S.

The chatelaine is made of blue silk satin ribbon, woven through mother of pearl rings.  A pair of small embroidery scissors is looped on one end.  A ribbon pouch, embellished with seed pearls, can hold a thimble.  The silk strawberry, filled with emery, is for polishing needles.

A small mother of pearl heart-shaped button holds the ribbons together at center back.

The chatelaine can be draped around one's neck. 

I use mine mostly to just keep track of those small scissors on my often cluttered sewing surface!

It also comes in handy while sitting and stitching on a comfy couch or chair.  It is more difficult for everything to disappear among cushions and pillows, when they are all linked together!

 

 

The photograph prompted many inquiries and requests for additional chatelaine instructions and information.  I thought I would share a few similar chatelaines and sewing accessories I have made over the years. 

The chatelaine above was made and donated to the Wee Care raffle basket during the 2004 SAGA Convention.

This particular chatelaine included hand embroidery on the ivory silk satin ribbons.  A small pincushion and more elaborate ribbon thimble pouch were also included.

Another SAGA member generously donated various decorative sewing tools.  They, and the strawberry and pincushion, were attached to the chatelaine after this photograph was taken.

 

This is a chatelaine I made for myself several years ago.

 

 

While perusing photographs, in search of chatelaines, I stumbled upon this silk ribbon embroidered mouse pincushion!  She was made and contributed to the Wee Care raffle basket for the 2005 SAGA Convention.

 

 

I also rediscovered this pincushion and emery strawberry.  They were made to coordinate with a pair of Gingher designer embroidery scissors, and given as a gift.

 

It is so much fun to make these sewing accessories, whether you keep them for yourself or share the joy with others.

 

None of these ideas, for the chatelaine, pincushions, strawberries or thimble pouches, are necessarily original.  I have taken ideas from a variety of sources, and fitted them for specific persons or events.

Due to the many requests, I will try to soon share basic instructions or resources for making some of your own.

 

In the meantime, happy stitching -- whether in the solitude of your own home or sewing room, or while gathered with fellow sewing sisters!

 

What I Did this Weekend

I wove blue floss through the Swiss entredeux edging on the skirt from the Old Fashioned Baby sewing retreat.

I began embroidering the hemline of the skirt, too.

Jeannie used featherstitching on her dress.  I have substituted stem stitch.

Featherstitching on curves is not my strength, and I really enjoy doing this stitch!

We fired up the grill.  After the hot dogs and chicken, came the best part --

S'mores!

We watched some of these, which were much prettier than my picture taking skills portray!

Hope each of you had a fun weekend, too!

Now on to a very busy, but short, week!

Project Storage

How do you store your projects?

I must admit that many of mine are in resealable plastic bags!

However, I much prefer this method.

I especially love using these for my needlepoint!

Most of my needlepoint projects are of the small variety.  Otherwise, they would never be completed in my lifetime!  I like that the canvas remains relatively flat when stored in these cases, as opposed to rolled up in a plastic bag.

Needles, scissors and other sharp pointy objects remain safely inside, not poking holes or jabbing fingers and other body parts when it is least expected!

Just for grins, isn't he cute?

I adore nutcrackers for the holidays!

I discovered that I could "feel" the canvas and wool much more easily than other types of sewing and embroidery, while my eyes recover and heal from surgery.

Give me a needle, and  I am a happy camper!

This size case, is also the perfect size for many of our favorite sewing and smocking magazines and class handouts.

I find that holding the case in my lap provides a comfortable work surface while reclining on the sofa, sitting in doctor offices, or traveling in the car.

Speaking of traveling .  . .

The case slides easily into most of my tote bags.

I also fill it with my scissors, embroidery hoops, and other sewing notions when flying to and from classes and schools.  If I place it right on top, inside my checked luggage, the majority of my other clothing and belongings are less likely to be rumpled, should the bag need to be opened for inspection.

Upon arrival at my destination, it is ready to be slipped into my tote bag to hurry off to class, or holds all my sewing utensils safely for any hotel room stitching.

The cases will also stack nicely for storage!

If they stack this well on my tufted ottoman, just think what they would do on a closet shelf!

I purchased my cases at the local Staples.  They are made by Iris. 

Different Dolly Stitching

Is your heart a puddle?

I was smittened the moment I laid eyes on her almost 20 years ago at a local fundraiser.

Needless to say, she came home with me!

I recently shared some stitching I did for dolls, here and here.

But this takes dolly stitching to a whole 'nuther level!

Have you ever seen such a cute little nose -- and it is all created with needle and thread.

Her big brown eyes, eyelashes and eyebrows are carefully hand embroidered.

Subtle coloring adds her sweet little pink lips and a rosy glow to her cheeks.

Even her little hand,

and ears are completely molded and shaped by stitching.

The only thing not stitched?

There was no sign of a label or artist signature.

It makes me sad that I do not know who to credit for this creation that has brought so many smiles to my face over the years.

 I realize that I do not always "sign" my creations, either.

Maybe this person, so talented with needle, thread and fabric, did not care as much about the recognition, but more about the joy shared with others.

One more thing is missing:  a name.

Any ideas?

**Surgery Update, July 5**

I wrote and scheduled this post prior to my recent surgery, but have received many inquiries for a health update. 

Thank you so much for wrapping me, my family, my surgeon and other caregivers in your thoughts and prayers.  They were very much felt and appreciated.

I am home, but must continue to refrain from most activities for a few more days.  I spend my days and nights on our family room sofa, as I must remain in an upright position.  Not sure I will know what to do when I can actually lie down to sleep!

Frozen pea compresses for my eye have become my best new friend, while TV and CDs occupy my mind and attempt to prevent boredom.  I would much rather be outside in the sun or stitching.

So, I hope some of you are doing that for me!

The past few months of limited and double vision prepared me well for these days of vision with mostly just one eye.

The swelling in my right eye is subsiding, and I know that some of my vision was preserved.  To what extent, and for how long, remains to be seen.

My right eye and side of head are still swollen, very discolored, sore and just downright ugly!  Although improving, I have a fairly constant headache. 

One other risk of the surgery was facial paralysis or numbness.  From the amount of pain I have felt, I think that risk is small.  In this case, pain was a blessing!

Stitches will be removed on Tuesday morning.  More information, including a schedule for surgery on the left eye may be learned at that time.

There are still many hurdles to clear, but I am grateful for the small steps thus far.

Thank you again for your care, concern and support. 

Christening Ensemble Stitched with Love

Can you imagine being an expectant mother and opening a baby shower gift such as this?

You then would discover that your mother had been keeping secrets from you!

For weeks, she had been creating a gorgeous christening gown!

That was not all . . .

as there

 was also a lovely christening coat.

She still was not finished!

A precious bonnet completed the ensemble.

Each stitch filled with love for baby and new mother!

This precious babe will not only be wrapped in the love

of family and God on its special day,

but also wrapped in a special christening ensemble

created with loving hands of a grandmother.

Thank you to a dear customer, Lorrain,

for sharing her gorgeous creation!

Congratulations to her family on the upcoming arrival of a new little one!

Sweet Sue

Photograph used with permission from Trudy Horne/Collars, Etc. Pattern Co.

This darling dress was slated to grace the pages of the much loved magazine, Creative Needle.

Unfortunately, the magazine ceased publication prior to the article being printed.

Trudy Horne is now graciously sharing this sweet adaptation of her pattern, Mary Jane Jumpers and Blouses, through her website.

Photograph used with permission from Trudy Horne/Collars, Etc. Pattern Co.

Please click here, to visit Trudy's website.

There you will find a link to the article that includes instructions to create your own

Sweet Sue!

Thank you to Trudy for sharing and inspiring!

Happy Stitching!

**Please note that Trudy stitched this sweet dress.  I am simply sharing!**

Alligators, Elephants and Taxes -- Oh, my!

Pardon my temporary disappearance!  I was buried under the avalanche of paper, receipts and forms that seem inevitable at this time of year.

I did manage to eek out some time to go on a safari,  returning with some mighty cute alligators and elephants!

Wanting to try a fairly new pattern, Willilam and Winnie by Children's Corner, I first selected a LakeHouse Dry Goods fabric, Elephant Toss.  There are tiny little elephants scattered all over!

A coordinating dot provided the perfect lining.  I also used the same fabric to applique a larger elephant on the lower skirt, as well as make covered buttons for the shoulder straps.

William is a romper for boys.  Mango Stripe Seersucker was used for the romper, while Kiwi Gingham was used for piping and alligator applique. 

For this version of Winnie, I decided to add a ruffle to the bottom of the skirt. 

If you wish to add a ruffle like I did, you will need to use a different method of construction than provided in the pattern.  Children's Corner has produced a series of videos with clear step-by-step instructions.  You may view the technique I used by clicking here.

 

And what girl alligator doesn't love a big bow and long eyelashes?  Some quick hand embroidery added a few fun details!  The bow was made using cast on stitches, while the eyelashes are back stitches.

Alligator applique may be found at Embroidery Boutique.

Elephant applique may be found at Applique Cafe.

This entry is linked to Sew and Tell Friday.

Please visit Amy's blog to see more sewing fun!

Groovy Bird Embroidery!

Originally posted by Helmouse

Isn't this a wonderful use of embroidery, fabric and colors?

I love it!

You may view more inspiration at Ellie's blog, too!

Update on my jury duty:

I was released earlier today, but will be part of a chosen group returning early tomorrow morning for the begining of a trial.  The attorneys have requested a larger than normal jury pool.  So, I am assuming this may be a difficult jury to seat.  The wheels of justice continue to turn, and I am along for the ride a little longer!

 

Simple Stitches

I am currently in the process of deep cleaning and reorganizing my sewing room.  Amazing the treasures I am uncovering in the process!

This hand embroidered dish towel is one item finally seeing the light of day after years in a dark drawer.  Being almost Easter, the little bunny and his carrot especially caught my eye.

Please pardon the wrinkles.  I was cleaning, not ironing!

Sorry to say that I do not know who stitched this little gem.  I do remember it being in the kitchen as I grew up.  We had similar ones that aunts and grandmothers on both sides of the family stitched.  It came to live with me several years ago when I helped Daddy moved out of my childhood home.

What struck me most was how simple all the stitches are.  It uses only the very basic stitches:  outline, french knots, lazy daisy and a few straight stitches here and there.

Often, I get bogged down with overthinking a project.  Do you? 

This proves that delightful embroidery and stitching projects are attainable for all of us.  You do not need to know how to make perfect bullion roses or other complex embroidery stitches.

It also shows that hand embroidered pieces can be used, loved, and used some more.

Instead of thinking so much, maybe we just need to stitch a little more.  There are times that more attention to details is a good thing:  coming home from the hospital gowns, angelic christening gowns, birthday and holiday finery, Holy First Communion dresses and wedding gowns.  In between all of those, there are so many opportunities for simple stitches.  We just need to seize the moment with needle and thread!

I am working on a tutorial for ribbon rosettes and other bonnet streamer attachments.  Be back soon!

Inspiring Way to Celebrate!

Amy, of Inspire Company, creates these uber cute grid samplers.
In honor of her upcoming 39th birthday, she is stitching a 39 square sampler.
She stitches one square each day.
What a wonderful way to celebrate!  Just a few stitches each day!

Of course, it is always more fun to celebrate with friends.

So, she invited others to join her and stitch 39 squares, too!

There are now about 100 participants in the 39 Square Stitch Along.

You may read and view more at
http://www.39squares.blogspot.com/

or

http://www.inspireco.blogspot.com/

Oh, and just a note -- there will be more bonnets with frills upon them between now and Easter!