Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Scamper

Today I'm listening to the scamper of little feet. No, not grandchildren...

This little fellow, above my head, in the ceiling, in the basement. I'm sure he has found the smallest spot available to get into the house. I have traps set in the ceiling to catch these critters but they are like rabbits. Multiplying.

I'm waiting for the mechanic to call me with the cost of fixing my stupid car. Yesterday, the car would not give up my key. Locked in place. So I abandoned it in the garage, key and all. Off this morning to the mechanic. Just when I thought I was going to get ahead a little and take a weekend off, this reared it's ugly head, snatching cash. (BIG sigh here.)

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Continuing efforts

I  have been slowly working on patterns I've had for ages. It's time they get made. Although just having them is comforting to me for some reason. This pattern by revoluzza is one I've had for awhile now. I first saw a picture of the fox on the web somewhere and hoped she would come out with a pattern. She did! Good things come to those who wait.

I used fabrics from Michael Miller's Red and Aqua line. They were perfect for her. She'll probably go into my future grandma box. One can never be prepared enough for future grandchildren. I want to cover all the bases. This little fox girl went to the little girl next door. They are new neighbors so I couldn't go empty handed.

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Things I Love - First Love

No, not THAT first love. I'm talking about my love of modern fabric designs. Although I have sewn and crafted most of my life, and collected fabric, I was totally unaware of the road being taken by new modern fabric designers and the fabric companies who contracted with them. I had always bought most of my fabric from local fabric stores, a few quilt shops; but mostly the big box fabric stores like JoAnn's and Hancock Fabrics.

While I was perusing eleanor peace bailey's store a few years ago I happened upon the fabric of Heather Bailey, who just happens to be eleanor's daughter-in-law. Well, I can tell you I was overwhelmed, flummoxed, discombobulated even. All these beautiful fabrics in bold, graphic prints, fresh color and exciting ways to use them. I was instantly smitten. When I work with Heather's fabrics it's almost like smelling spring. I love her use of color, the clear, the soft, the vibrant. For me, her work is like no other. I am an unabashed fan of the first order. I will have to credit the fabulous Heather with giving me what I always wanted, new, fresh, exciting, fun fabric to soothe my savage sewing beast. From there I continued to search out new designers to see what they had to offer, Tina Givens, Anna Maria Horner, Amy Butler, Tula Pink....the list goes on and on.

These are the charming pigs I made using Heather Bailey fabrics and her wonderful pattern. I also can't say enough about the pattern. A well-written, clearly illustrated pattern is a boon to any sewist. Trust me, I've made my share of badly written patterns and this one is leaps and bounds above them. All pieces go together perfectly, and the result, well you can plainly see. It worked.

So thank you Heather for bringing me into the modern fabric world. No kicking or screaming here, I went willingly. You will ALWAYS be my favorite fabric designer.

Monday, August 6, 2012

New client?

My mom is a seamstress extraordinaire. My sister and I can attest to that fact. Both of us have closets (yes plural) of clothes my mom has sewn for us. All we need is a whim or desire, and she is there to make wishes come true. She has sewn for me all my life, and I'm no spring chicken. I still remember the dress she sewed for my 2nd grade Hula Hoop Extravaganza. Every time that hula hoop would make the round past my back, I'd get a little prick. Come to find out, there was one small pin hiding within a seam that's sole purpose was to torture me. I also remember the golden yellow wool with the white portrait collar made for my confirmation. It was a beautiful dress. Still one of my all time favorites.

Now that my mom has gone to live with my sister in Virginia, she has new people to sew for. Tote bags for the Summer Sunday School, and her latest client, a bear. Seems my nephew, Jack, wanted some jammies and a robe for his bear. Enter Grandma the Invincible!

As you can see, he is decked out quite nicely. And that is my beautiful mom. Almost 85! Can you believe it? You rock Mom!

P.S. Don''t tell her I told you her age, she would be mortified. She only recently resigned herself to the fact that she is a grandmother!