1977 dress in progress

This dress is from a vintage Simplicity pattern I had published in 1977 hence the name.
I don't feel quite done with it something with the sleeves. I mean they are supposed to be like that but they look uneven and i'm not sure I like them quite this big. They are really big!



I might do an elastic at the hem and just make them puffy sleeves. The pattern calls for ric-rac at the hem and collar but wasn't sure I wanted to load on more but, I might add it at the hem. This was really straightforward to sew as most vintage simplicity patterns are in my opinion. I have a handful of vintage patterns in her size and want to make sure I try them out before it's too late. It really helps to be able to see it on a child. I actually tried this on my five year old boy too just to see the difference but ssshh don't tell.

Three Centuries of Red and White Quilts

I just got home from a trip into NYC to see Infinite Variety: Three Centuries of Red and White Quilts at the Park Avenue Armory which was an absolutely stunning exhibit of 650 red and white quilts loaned to the museum by Joanna S. Rose. The quilts hang in several circular pattern from the ceiling down appearing weightless and frozen in air. It is breathtaking to walk in and see this many quilts and the way in which they are displayed.

I've always loved red and white quilts (red being my favorite color) and redwork embroidery so this was especially exciting for me.

After the exhibit I really enjoyed reading about the origins of the popularity of this color combination and it's relation to the colorfastness of Turkey red dye derived from madder root. This has only furthered my interest in learning more about natural dyeing.

Geometric pieced patterns take up most of the quilts on exhibit though there is also a nice representation of applique designs. I also learned about the "snowflake method" from the brochure and think that would be really fun to try someday. This snowflake method is derived in the same way a paper snowflake is cut by using folded pieces of fabric.

I can not express how much I really loved seeing the variety of designs in one place. There were many that stole my heart. Being able to get so close up and see all the hand quilting work in so many unique and interesting ways was really special.

The exhibit is a birthday present to the owner of the quilts who wanted to give a gift to NYC and see something she has not seen before. She had no idea how many quilts she possessed and had not gone about acquiring them as a collector. She calls herself a treasure hunter. In the brochure it says that they were purchased at flea markets in the 1950's where they sold for five or ten dollars. Can you believe that?

I had only my phone to take pictures with as I forgot my camera when rushing out the door to catch the train but hopefully they will be able to show images of them online for those who could not attend. I really do hope so. And, if you can make it the exhibit is up for a few more days.

I think I have to add a red and white quilt to my ever growing list of quilts to make. Wouldn't you know I just picked up some red and white fabric yesterday at Joann's...

for japan

I think all of us have been affected by the terrible earthquake and tsunami in Japan. When I read about this group called Crafting for Courage I decided that I would donate a few items for the cause. The proceeds of any sales of these two items will go towards Save the Children.
I have decided on my knit kerchiefs because they are perfect for early Spring and early Autumn so wherever you are located this would certainly be a nice accessory. To me wool is a nice representation of warmth and comfort.
I recently had my first sale to Japan and a kerchief was the item purchased so I was also reminded of Japan when choosing what to donate.
The items are already listed in my Etsy shop and you can also find a lot of other items through the Crafting for Courage website.

lace leg warmers

I can kid myself all I want that Spring is here but, really it's still cold outside and there is snow on the ground. Snow on the snow drops and daffodils. It's a bid sad really.

Once the snow melts I think these are a perfect in between solution when it's warm enough to go without tights but, you still want to wear your ballet flats barefoot.
Mirry Dancers were quite a bit of work to make but, the result is worth it and I really love the lace pattern. Oh, and the color...so good!
As Gudrun suggests....I think a wee dance is in order!

Details:
Mirry Dancers by The Shetland Trader

Size: Small
Needles: Size US 3 and US 5 Circulars
Wool: Quince & Co. Chickadee. Color: Honey

far far away dress #2 - frog prince

This piece of fabric made it to the top of the pile recently and since I loved the first sundress so much I decided to make another. This is a nice quick project that one could easily get carried away making several of them and why not, it's so easy and comfortable to wear especially in this cotton gauze fabric. The directions can be found in Heather Ross's book Weekend Sewing. She also recently demonstrated making this dress on the Martha Stewart show so you might find directions on her website. The fabric is from her Far Far Away line which is really a beautifully colorful and creative collection.

bow tie pins

I love a bow.
So, I had to make some Clara Bow Tie pins.
Thanks Colette Patterns for the tutorial.
I changed it a little bit with the middle piece.
The stripe one is cut on the bias and is made out of quilting cotton. The other two are made with shot cotton. I love shot cotton and after having not used it in a while now want to get my hands on some more. It's so soft to touch.
A sneak peek at a new dress in the background there.

Hope you are enjoying your weekend. I planted some organic vegetable seeds this weekend- gourmet lettuce, astro arugula, pink beauty radish and sugar ann sweet pea. A lot more to do with the garden now that it is is Spring. The rhubarb and chives are coming back nicely. Also, picked up some delicious dark chocolate sea salt caramels from the Brooklyn Flea Market this weekend. Yum!

red skirt

This red skirt was made a while back to wear with the blouse pictured which I made first. It is pleated. She likes to wear skirts the best. Perhaps she takes after her me who wears skirts the most too and dresses. I love shorts but have still yet to become a pants person.

Lately she has been calling me Mom and I don't know but, it just sounds too grown up for her to be calling me that. I like Mama or even Mommy but, Mom...I'm not ready for that yet.

I am constantly distracted by making little girl clothes for her. In fact, instead of working on my quilts or going to my pilates class or even resting after hurting my back gardening yesterday I started and almost finished another dress for her from a vintage pattern this morning. You do what makes you happy I suppose.