October is Learn a New Craft Month

Yesterday was Lesson One for Josiah, Lily, and Rose for Sewing 101. A cloth napkin was made by each child out of fabric they each picked out respectively out of a choice of about twenty fabrics that I had taken to their house. I made the smaller kids napkins to show each child how to cut the square of one fabric and lining was a white muslin. Sewing right sides together leaving a space not sewn to be able to turn the napkin right side out and then top stitching was explained to each child. The children did very well sewing and are excited about their next lesson next week which will be a fabric grocery tote, lined with pockets and handles.
Take care,

Diane

Autumn Is Here

As today is the first day of Autumn, I am thinking of a little redecorating in the kitchen/dining area. I have close to 10 yards of and attractive fall fabric for making a new tablecloth, appliance covers, and window curtains with valances. Matching apron and pot holders will be very nice.
I am thinking of a cushion in the dining chairs since the wood is so hard if you sit very long, just the main four chairs will have the cushions.
This will be a great project for me.
I will also be giving sewing lessons to Josiah, Lily, and Rose as part of an extra subject for their homeschool. I have picked out simple articles of clothing, that once made they will be able to actually wear. The grandkids are very interested in learning this great skill.
Until next time. . . .
Diane

Wrap dress from 60s

When I was a little girl, my mother made most of my clothes as well as my older sisters.
Sometimes she made us dress alike dresses and I remember Easter fancy dresses well.
The sleeveless wrap dress was one of my favorites and I have been searching for a similar
pattern for my granddaughters. I have found one that goes on over the head and then wraps, but, that is not the one I had as a child. I may have to design it myself from memory. I'll let you know how that goes.

Take care,

Diane

Costumes

Kids love dress-up anytime!
The granddaughters pulled out aprons from long ago and had such fun playing dress-up!
I am thinking what if they were to "find" a box of sorts, with all manner of dress-up apparel.
It is so much fun sewing costumes of various fabrics. I am thinking soft and flowing dresses and velvet capes, an assortment of hats, this could be interesting! Oh, and let's not forget the boys!
A racecar driver/mechanic or karate kid or chef, and the lists gets longer. I am going to have fun with this one!

Take care!

Diane

uniforms

Making chef uniforms out of easy care white cotton or cotton blend fabrics will take a few hours to complete. The pants can be out of solid black or houndstooth fabric depending upon class requirements of various schools. Some schools are using a baseball cap instead of chef's hat which is totally slack in my opinion. I shall wear the chef's hat in defiance. I wish to wear an apron over all this for protection of fabric.
I love a nice crisp happy apron in seasonal fabric. This may not be appropriate for class, but, is excellent for my home.

This sewing art

To sew with such passion, to love every minute of the process of creating, it is a wonderful thing.
To be able to create exactly what you desire, with the exact fabric and style and not accept mediocre home dressings. Kitchen curtains can blend with aprons and placemats with very little effort and be so pleasing to the eye.
How cool is that!