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"!!!

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
 

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/

De-Stashing Sew a Long 2013

Sarah Liz , has organized a De-stash sew along. It will
start on June 1 and run through December 31, 2013.
It is a very laid back, no strick rules.  Us fabric/pattern
hoarders, hope it will encourage us to use our
 beautiful fabrics/patterns, instead of buying more?
I posted on that blog . Check it out.
http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4918523855600251161#allposts/postNum=0

  I have several projects on the table.. And several sewing projects
for friends.. Hope to share some sewing items soon.

Package from UK... Sew Special

  What  a fun Package -- All the way from Norfolk- UK
  The sweet Diane from:
 http://margueritedesigns.blogspot.com/2013/05/virtual-meet-my-turn-plus-giveaway.html
Sent me this lovely  package. She sponsored a  blog meet up. It was so fun, to meet up via
blog, with some of our sweet sew weekly friends, and some new girls too. I loved these
children patterns.. But.. was so surprised when I received the lovely fabric also.. And don't
you just love this adorable card..
 Special thank you Diane.

Another Olivia Walton 'Look Alike" Wrap Dress

Wrap Dress...

Here is another Olivia Walton --- Look alike dress.
 The fabric is  a pretty teal blue with pretty flowers..
And I used fabric from my stash.. I am trying
"really hard" , to do that!!

This is not the fabric that Olivia's dresses would have
been made from.. But, I love the colorful fabric.And
bet if it would have been available to her, she would
have liked it too.ha

I love this style dress , it is really comfortable and
easy to wear.

I actually made this dress a month or so ago.. And just never
got around to posting about it.

Check out this blog post, to see a better photo of this fabric.The
bottom photo is the fabric that I used.. I had posted a  different
pattern to use , but it didn't happen.. the wrap dress was
chosen over the other patterns.
http://sewblessedmaw.blogspot.com/2011/06/new-fabric-store-joanns-and-grand.html

Thank you Eva Girl, for all your inspiration and help with
this pattern..

Simplicity 1699- Was it Meant to Be?

Simplicity 1699--  Was this pattern meant to be sewn by me?
Well, I think so... Let me explain. I bought this pattern
at one of Hancock Fabric's $1 sales awhile back.. I got
it home, and really didn't think too much about it.[you know,
you just have to buy a pattern when they are a $1]

Then came this book-- Sew Stylish.
I  was on my way to the doctor, and ran into the store
to get something to read [always a long wait to see my
doctor and I for got to bring me a book] Anyway, when
I got to reading it, there  was  an article in there , where
3 different people had taken this pattern and  made
it in different ways.. The pattern had begin to look better.
 

 I fell in love with  the Candy Stripe version.. I loved
that the stripes were running different directions, I
loved the cute pockets that she added [and included
the pattern for ,in the magazine].

 Love the pockets!!!

 Remember me saying, I must use my stash... I don't need
to buy any more fabric.. OOOOPS..  I failed!! well,
I had no red/white stripe fabric [I did have  some
blue and white stripe.. but I reasoned with my self,
it wouldn't be as pretty as this red/white seersucker]..

The 3 different versions in the magazine.

 I like this blue/green version too.. I foresee doing it too!

SO,  this dress is on my  cutting table, or rather should
I say... It is in the muslin stage right now.
Happy Sewing.

Blouse #1- Faye's Sew Essential Blouse Sew Along-2013

Blouse #1-  Colette Violet

Back view- Colette Violet

Faye's Blouse Essential Sew along-2013
I have made this pattern several times since
it was released. So, it was a straightforward/fun
pattern to sew. I needed a new white  blouse for
summer. I will be posting blouse #2 tomorrow.
http://sewblessedmaw.blogspot.com/2013/03/fabricpattern-choices-for-2013-top.html

Please check out Faye's  Sew along.. There have really been some
pretty blouses /patterns  posted.
http://fayessewingadventure.blogspot.com/p/2013-essential-tops-sew-long.html

 

Fabric/Pattern Choices for " 2013 Top Essential Sew Along"

Vogue 8815

Cotton/polyester blend fabric
 

Sassy Librarian  Blouse
[sorry the photo didn't show up, My ink was just about out
when I photocopied this class material]
Cotton fabric.. teal blue with rose colored flowers.

Colette  Violet [My 4th one..I love it]
linen fabric light blue with darker blue designs

White on white stripe linen
WIP--- Colette Violet.. I actually started this 
 blouse , when the  pattern first came out.. I had lost
some weight after cutting it out , and it no longer fit.
 So I tossed it aside.
Since that time, I have lost some more weight,
 but decided, this was the
perfect time, to  redo this beautiful fabric, in the
redo pile.. I took a break , last night and  resized it, and
sewed a little on it.. [cheating Judy,  Sew along is not
 until Sunday!!! OOOPS!]
As I told you here:
http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6755312589615767449#editor/target=post;postID=8271824357969141658
I am busy working on 4 grandaughters , Easter dresses,
so I am not sure , how many  blouses, I will actually
get done, during this 2 week sew along.. But , I will
commit to one, and we will see ??
However... these are on my sewing table for spring
and summer sewing...Along ,with several new dress
patterns. and of course t-shirts [a brand new world
for me..sewing with  knits.. thank you Stacie.]
  http://www.staciethinksshecan.com/

NOTE:  Do you know what I  noticed?   I love red, you
all know that... And every time , I pick out fabric..it is red
or has red in it? Do you see all this blue? hummm... not
like me at all.. I must be going through a  blue phase.lol


 

Sewing For Dr. Seuss Week.. Dresses& Ruffle Pants

Dr. Seuss Week is coming up..
I had to make 2 of these sets.. They were
really fun to make. Now these girls are ready
for their fun week at school.

Sewing for kids is so fun.. There clothes are always so
cute and easy to fit.. On the other hand, sewing and
fitting adults..is not quiet so fun.. ha. I have been
taking a Craftsy Class , trying to learn more about
fitting patterns..

Sewing Room ----Redo Projects

Desk Chair-Oh how ugly you were!!
I had the 'Most Comfortable" Desk
chair in my sewing room. My husband
rescued it from being thrown away, and
brought it home to  me.. I have been using
it for years.. [hint...you didn't get to see
it when I took photos in my sewing room,
I hid it,ha] Kenny took the cushions off
for me, and I took it outside for a much
needed coat of black paint!!!Just look at
these ugly cushions.. They are headed for
a brand new look.. I will use the floral
unholstery fabric , seen below.





• 
   
  White on white stripe sheet, Found at the thrift
  store last week. It will become the new  curtains
  for my sewing room. With a floral topper.

Beautiful floral upholstery fabric and Red /white

gingham check.. The was in a bag at the thrift

store for $3.00.

Floral fabric-- 4 yds

Gingham - 5 yds..

I am going to cover the cushions of my desk chair

with the floral..The red check will be come a table

skirt..

 

  Lots of work to do before the finish line!!! But

what fun... Judy is having!!!

Patterns & Fabrics.."Ooops..Fabric store sales"

Patterns Why??? Because  Hancocks had a 99  cents sale!!
And I could not resist.lol
 I have been seeing the   last dress pattern on many
blogs and  really like the way it turned out.. The   blouse pattern
just caught my  attention.. And the first dress in the photo,
 really looked comfortable.



the top fabric is  really pretty rayon silky fabric. The bottom
left one is  a really pretty challis with silver sparkles. The
right  pink with polka dots is a twill , for a skirt.
 How do you resist such beautiful fabric, when it is on sale?



This is a tiny black and white check twill fabric.  I  want to
make some dress pants/slacks.



Tooooo Cute.. Of course, I have to buy for my grandkids.
 The raggedy ann and Andy was so cute. And then
 Abby Cadabby, is  afavorite of one of my friends
children. And last but not least.. is the cute little
nautical fabric. It has tiny little sailor boys on it..
 I cut this out  and am working on another sailor  top now.

Happy sewing to all of you.. Sorry for my lack of sewing post.. I have
been putting up purple hull peas, butterbeans and  it has been
 really busy and hot!!! Hope your enjoying your summer.



Vintage Pattern /Fabric

Vintage patterns I found on Ebay
[there were 4 more in this lot,but
my photo didn't show up, will post later]



Crepe  fabric

  This is what happens , when Judy is home -- sick with a virus...she  visits Ebay.lol

Last week, I had a looooooooooooog lasting virus..  I just didn't feel like doing
anything. So, I foud myself reading my favorite blogs, finding new blogs and
then roaming around ebay..  I found this adorable lot of vintage patterns.
I bidded on them, but didn't really expect to win them.. I put the amount
that I was willing to pay and {intended} to walk away. Keep in mind,
that darn virus was making me  do things,ha.. Someone was just a
raising the bids up.. Now....... I just couldn't let that happen, I had been
on that sight admiring these patterns too long!!!!!
 Well.............They came home to me... And I love them..

ps.. The orangey/apricot crepe fabric was  on sale, and I couldn't resist it.

The Little Girl Who Loves Minnie Mouse

                                                Minnie Mouse Dress and Doll Dress


I made this dress & matching doll dress , for  a specail little girl named Mia. She is turning
four years old. Happy Birthday Mia.

 You see she loves the cartoon character Minnie Mouse.. So what better fabric than
this sweet minnie mouse print? The border is a red & white polka dot [since Minnie
is decked out in red & white polka dot.] I then added a black gross grain  ribbon
trim around it.

  What fun to sew for the little ones!

Red & White Polka Dot Blouse- New Look 6808

Pattern- New Look 6808
Fabric--Tiny Red & White Polka Dot stretch cotton blend
Notions- none

 I have had this pattern for quiet awhile. I have seen it made several times at Sew Weekly. I really
liked the  look of it.. So, I finally got around to making it.. It is a really comfortable and easy to wear
blouse.  I love the collar and the little bow on it. Super cute..
   I have a  skirt cut out,  that I am intending on making to go with it. Later Post.
   My photographer [Kenny] is out of commission right now... so no photos of me wearing it.. That
will have to come later, ha.

Sewing With Callie

Callie's Baby Wearing her new Pillowcase Dress

                  Callie loves layering, and her baby had this cute top and pants already..
               So all she had to do was  add, her new dress.. Now how cute is this baby??


Callie Made  a  Valentine Dress for her Baby




Hello Kitty Dress for her baby

 Callie is my 10 yr old grandaughter. She came and spent the night with us.  I had made  some pillowcase doll dresses for a friend's grandaughter. Callie saw them, and loved them.. Her response was, ' I sure wish I  could make some for my baby girl".. I told her, " you can"..She was thrilled!!! We went to the sewing room, and she picked out fabric ,she wanted to use..  I cut them out for her.. I set my sewing machine to the slow speed, And Miss Callie  began to create the wonderful dresses for her baby.. She was so proud  to try  the new clothes on her baby.. And then the fun began::::: We played babies for quiet awhile.. I was the grandma and I baby sit for her ,while she worked.  NOTHING  LIKE  GRANDKIDS!!!

Valentine Pillowcase Dresses

Valentine Pillowcase Dresses for the Girls

Valentines Day  is  just around the corner.. So.. I whipped up a couple of these for the girls.. They will love going to school  on Valentines day  in these.. They have black turtle necks and  black and white polka dot stockings to wear with it.. [Because ...it is cold here in Mississippi!!].

Kenny will be having  surgery on Valentines Day..Please remember to pray for him.

Olivia Walton's Anniversay Dress[My Wearable Muslin]

                                               Olivia Waltons Anniversay Dress Muslin.
  I love Olivia Waltons dresses. In the anniversary show, she wears a beautiuful dark green dress, I  have studied the reruns of this show and tried to figure out, how it was made. I follow Eva Girls blog,
Theoppulentpoppy@blogspot.com,  Please check out her blog, she does some beautiful garments.She loves Olivia's dresses too. She had sketched this dress, and when I saw her sketch, I realized I had a similar pattern [thankyou Eva Girl for sharing your sketches].

Pattern: Country Gentleman [found on ebay].
Fabric- quilting cotton [found at wal mart]
 
   The pattern had to have some alterations. The neck line was too low, so I had to reshape it. Olivia's dress,
had short ties, and I failed to notice this, until after it was made.But, when I do the anniversary dress, I will shorten the ties [and I plan on going back and shorten these ties].Olivia's dress also had 3/4 length sleeves with cuffs and one button on them. I didnt do this to the muslin, since my muslin fabric was not enough.But , I will do this also. So, the next dress will have differences.. But all in all I am very happy with the turn out.




Ties are TOO long!!




Pinned up ties, to show how it will look , when I shorten them.



The dress is a wearable muslin. It is kinda thin for winter, but I think this spring, I will wear it.It will make for a very good every day dress.  Cant you just see a cute little blue apron on it?? [even though, I really dont wear aprons,ha..But, I might just change that habit.!!]