Sewing from Yesteryear!!!

 

 

                            How do you feel about today's sewing versus Yesteryear's Sewing?


Sewing has really came a long way , since our parents and grandparents days.. During
their  days of raising their  families, Sewing was not a hobby ,it was a MUST!!  Not
only did they have to mend their clothing, make their clothing, and make other household
needs. They had the basic sewing machine, cotton fabrics, basic threads.

Our sewing , has come along way.. We have new, computerized sewing machines, we
have patterns for everything, we have  the  blog world of sewing information, we have
classes for everything.. We have You Tube! We have all our extras [such as bias binding,
 bias tape, lace,etc] packaged and ready to sew. We have online shopping , where our fabrics
are delivered to our doors. We have so many different kinds of fabrics [I don't even
know what they are?]

My daughter /granddaughters came to visit yesterday, and we were discussing
making dresses for the girls [which I do all the time]. She told me, that  she
loved the fabrics and knits that didn't need ironing. Life was too busy to iron
all those cotton dresses.!!!!!

  I got to thinking about it, and wondered, "how did
I feel about quilting cotton fabrics for wearing apparel? I know this is a much debated
topic in the blog world. I  do like the conviences   of the easy care of the new fabrics.
But: my reasons for loving and using quilting cottons:

1- So readily available in all the fabric stores /and on line.
2- Such beautiful prints and colors available.
3- The outcome is such a beautiful garment. Crisp and pretty [and no...I hate to iron! The
downside to cottons!]

 The vintage dresses that  we love so much now... were our grandparents everyday
wear.. They not only sewed them and ironed them.. But, they ironed with  out electricity.
They had to heat an iron on the wood fire. [boy , do I feel lazy! ha].  I love the conviences
of  today.. I wonder how our  parents/grandparents kept  the family , going so well? In
my opinion--- they are the "super heroes"!!!

Extra Fresh Veggies = Squash Chow Chow

Squash Chow Chow  that should be called
Multi Vegetable Chow Chow

 We are getting lots of fresh vegetables from the garden.
So, I made a batch of Chow Chow, I have had
this recipe  for years, and have always changed up
the  squash to a multi of different vegetables.

This will be really good this winter with  those peas and
butterbeans. Also,  a spoonful over the chicken tacos
is super good!!


 Recipe

12 cups grated [or cut up in small chunks] squash-[I used a mixture
of yellow squash, white squash, green tomato, cucumbers

2 large onions

2 large bell peppers

Optional-  2 -3 hot peppers [any kind you like]

5 teaspoon salt [once you have chopped above vegetables,
sprinkle salt over  it. Set in refrigerator [covered] overnight.

 The next morning:  Bring to a boil:
2 1/2 cups vinegar
1 teaspoon tumuric
2 teaspoon pickling spice
4 cups sugar
Once it boils and all this is dissolved good, pour on top
the vegetable mix. Bring this to a boil, and boil for
20 minutes. Put in jars [that are cleaned and  prepared
for canning.

notes:
1-  I put my pickling spice in a  piece of cloth and tie it up,
and then put in the vinegar mixture. Once it is cooked,
I remove and throw away.  I don't like the seeds to be in my
 chow chow.

2-You may use your choice of vegetables.. just what ever
you have on hand.. I have even added shredded cabbage
when, I was short on above veggies.
3- Use  the hot peppers that you like, and  the amount of hotness
you like. I don't add the hot peppers.

4- You can  grate  or cut these veggies ,any way you like? The
original recipe said to grate , I have done this, But I like
the texture of the chopped veggies the best!

 

Vintage Simplicity 5259

Simplicity 5259
Black/white daisy print fabric [from stash]
white eyelet for sleeves [from stash]

Close up of fabric used.

  I  used a vintage pattern that I had used previously.. therefore,
the fitting was done for me.
I didn't have enough of the daisy fabric for the sleeves
so, I used white eyelet.
  Don't  you think a yellow cardigan , when the  weather
gets chilly , will be pretty?

I used  4 1/2 yds  of fabric from my stash.

Yummy Peaches from Kenny's Place

Peaches from Kenny's Deer Cabin.
He came home with a 5 gallon bucket  that was almost full!!

I had to decide what to do with them!!
 

A yummy peach cobbler for lunch!!!
[Excuse the ugly old baking pan-- I have had it for
years, and it cooks really well.. Didn't think I was
going to take a photo of it,ha]

The rest of the peaches:
 We saved out some  for snacking on. The rest are  in the
freezer , for more cobblers  this winter.

[ps-  Kenny brought these  in, and told me ,  it was my pay
for   painting his cabin. ha]

Red/White/Blue Patriotic Dress

Sew Country Chic  at Sew and Tell Saturday is hosting a Patriotic  Theme
Saturday.. please go check out  her blog..  She does some adorable
clothes for her girls and herself.

Red/White /Blue  Dress
I  did this quick pillowcase style dress for  a friend's
child.

The fabric  came from my stash,  so working toward
my stash busting challenge. I used 1 yd.

Chevron Pocket Initial T-shirts for the Grandkids

Chevron Pockets with Embroidered Initials

My granddaughters wanted me to Embroidery their
initials on some chevron pockets. I had several colors
of the chevron fabrics in my stash.. So they
went and bought the t-shirts and we selected
the fabric and matching embroidery thread to
make the shirts.
I embroidered their initials on the chevron fabric, first, then
centered the initials  and cut out and made the pockets.

 I used approximately 1 yd of fabric from
my stash.. Thus  working on  my stash busting challenge.

Coming soon:  I have a  dress for myself coming soon,
I used a vintage pattern that I have used before, [I
wanted  a quick/easy sew]. I also, used fabric
from my stash.. I have to put the zipper in and
hem it, and it will be ready to post.

Sewing Doll Clothes with [or for] Callie

Callie's Adopted Doll from Salvation Army

Callie was visiting with me and ask to go to the  Salvation Army.
She is amazed to go to a store and spend a  couple dollars and
get a sack full of [Priceless --to her] goodies!!!
Now... let me tell you, this girl has  dolls galore, beautiful
dolls that talk, dance, eat, life like but---
She sees" this poor little baby", that had ink scribbled
on her head...She just knew, she could bathe her and
make her new?? Well soap and water made her
feel better, however the ink was there to stay.
SO
She has to have a bonnet to wear.. How can you
make a bonnet with out a matching dress?

I had this tiny yellow /white floral cotton print, in my
stash, And the doll dress pattern. It was perfect
 for the new baby  an outfit..
Plus... I used 3/4 yard of fabric from my stash ---
thus working on my stash busting challenge!!

McCalls 8609

  I have been so busy painting [Kenny's deer cabin] and working in our
"too big" garden. That sewing has been put on the back burner..  Yesterday,
 I needed a sewing fix... so,
  


 I decided to do a simple blouse pattern , that
I have made in the past.. The fitting was already
done, and it is super easy to make. I have had this
fabric for 2 yrs. It is a linen fabric, that is cool
and comfortable to wear. The photo doesn't show it
very well, but I used some berry red round buttons
from my stash.
http://sewblessedmaw.blogspot.com/2011/06/new-fabric-store-joanns-and-grand.html
 I have some golden color linen from my stash ,that I want to make a Colette
Ginger skirt from.
 

McCalls 8609 view B
Pattern from stash-- Bought on ebay
 

Father's Day 2013

Happy Father's Day to each of you Dad's.. Hope you have enjoyed a good
one with your children.

My daughter , her family , and our grandson was here to spend  this
special day with Kenny and myself..  I made a special dinner , and he
totally enjoyed the kids. I am so proud to be married to such a wonderful
dad/granddad.  Thank you Kenny for being that special daddy to our
two children!!

 I would love to be able to go and see my daddy and give him a big hug,
and say Thank you for all the things you have done for me.. Thank you
for loving me, and thank you for leading me in the right ways..   My daddy
went to be with Jesus 7 years ago.. I really miss him, but know he is
doing much better in his new home. I love you Daddy!!!

Kenny's Deer Camp is taking the Sewing Time

     Why is Judy  not Sewing???
      She  is painting/ painting, and doing some more painting!!

Kenny has always dreamed of owning some land  for deer hunting,
for camping out,  for family and friends to enjoy.. Once he retired,
he found that dream.... 54 acres with an "old/old"  home place. It has
seen better days.. But, oh how I wonder ,what those walls and  old
buildings could tell us??? Last year we painted the inside.. so this
year.. we are  attempting to paint the outside..

Here are some "before" photos.. Be on the lookout  for some "after"
photos real soon!!! [And then maybe, my stash busting sewing can
resume, ha]

Now Kenny-- sitting with your feet propped up on
the railings...will not get this house fixed? haha

When I saw this place for the fist time, My thoughts were,
Oh No!!! we can NOT do anything with this.lol

Back View.. The pretty iris are blooming ..They don't
know, they have had no care.. for many a year.

Big old oak tree at the side of the house.. It
now holds a tire swing for the grandkids.
Do you remember ,having a tire swing when
 you were young? So fun!!!

Kenny's Old Tractor... Old ...but getting the work done..
[I think he is  enjoying playing ,ha]

Two old buildings in the back , to hold his equipment [aka junk]
See the  tree by the building that looks like the limbs
are cut off?  It is a pecan tree, Kenny grafted it with
good pecans this year. The grafts are growing well,
and he is really proud of them.

This is on the other side of the house... In front of a big garden
that is now planted and doing beautifully.. [will have to
post photo of that next time]  Aren't these lily pretty?
Wonder what little old lady tended these? NO telling
how long ,they have been here.

climbing roses  I found growing  next to a hill side. So pretty.

Side  view... oooooh...does it need help!!!


New Paint Job on the way...  Post soon.

Judy won a JoAnn's Gift Certificate

I am jumping up and down with excitement.. I won a gift certificate -- To  Joann Fabrics.
Check out the details :
http://i-heart-fabric.blogspot.com/2013/05/copy-cat-challenge-winners-announced.html
Erin  is such a wonderful seamstress, and she turns out the most beautiful dresses.  I love
her blog, It is so much fun..  Big ole hug and thank you Erin.

Sewing for My Friend's Children-- Camp Needs

 I have been really sewing a lot this  last week.  My friend's children are
going to camp.. So, I was asked to make "Trunk toppers" , ???? I  had
never heard of them.. She sent me a photo.  [So, hope they fit ? ha]
 She also wanted me to do them some tops with their initials on them.

Trunk Topper #1

Trunk Topper #2

8 tops I made this week
2 rtw t-shirts , that I added chevron pockets

Seersucker with strawberry buttons

Cute embroidered piece , sewed on with button

Appliqued  Initial top

 Back of the  above top..

All these items are sewed, embroidered, ironed
packaged and on their way to Arlington , Va.
to , two little girls, who will be heading to
summer camp soon.. Hope they enjoy them.

June Fabric from Stash Ideas

  I have joined the Stash Busting Challenge  that Sarah Liz is hosting.  I have listed some
June plans/ideas.. Check them out.

http://stylethestashsewalong.blogspot.com/