February Reflections

For a little month, February sure has been packed full this year.

New Publications

I released two new publications this month. In Detail: Blue Ribbon Sewing Case is the first of a series of In Detail e-publications. This volume looks closely at an original sewing case made entirely from a blue plaid ribbon. Next, Balloon Style Workbag

Millinery

My hands were busy this month. I sewed 10 straw millinery pieces, decorating most of them. I really enjoyed decorating a bunch back to back. I still have several decorating ideas in my head too.

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Little Projects

There were several little projects I worked on as well.

This first one was a spur-of-the-moment making. As I was neatening up the coffee trunk, I decided I had enough of the over-size spools not having a place on the spool holder. It was past time for a new spool holder. I happened to have an extra mini-plaque from the hat stands. For the sticks, I was too lazy to run to the hardware store, so four chopsticks worked just fine. I “polished” it with the dark wood polish to give it a little color.

Now, I have one spool holder for the small color spools and one spool holder for the straw colors.

I had this fabulous celestial fabric from Chestnut Bay. It was one of those fabrics that I just had to have but had no idea what I would do with it. After finishing up the directions for the balloon style bag, I realized this would be a great fabric to test up-sizing the bag for modern use. It came out as a really fun bag.

Coming up….

I am not sure what to put for coming up for March. It have lots of little life things scheduled, including some stressful ones, but I don’t have any events planned unless I do something for Maple Sugaring.

For the year, I am looking at several GCVM events: Jane/1812 in June, Independence Day, Chocolate weekend, and the Civil War event in July, A Novel Weekend in August, Ag Fair in October…. I will be giving a millinery talk in April at a closed event.

Projects:

It seems, I have made no progress on the Running Project Checklist:

  • The Super Secret Project
  • Pink Plaid Parasol
  • Rose stripe sheer 1860s gown
  • Pink plaid gown
  • 1830s dress (Still from 2017)
  • Red wool petticoat – hanging on the rail w/ the ribbon
  • Blue wool skirt with tbd work bodice – wool hanging on the rail
  • Embroidery on ticking relaxation project (kit from Colleen)
  • Millinery piece for me
  • Birdcage Windsor Chair – IN PROGRESS
  • Modern quilted silk bag – pieces hanging on the door
  • Winter Hood Book – LOTS of PHOTOS NEED TO BE TAKEN
Published in: on February 28, 2020 at 6:00 am  Comments (1)  

New Publications!!!

I am excited to announce 2 New Publications in my Etsy shop!

In Detail: Blue Ribbon Sewing Case is an in-depth look at an amazing nineteenth century sewing case. This 12 page e-booklet explores the details of how this beautiful sewing case was made from a stunning blue plaid ribbon. It is packed full of more than three dozen photos.

I have been asked many times to put the directions for the Balloon Style Workbag together into a single PDF. It is Finally here! This type of bag spans the full of the nineteenth century, first as a reticule, then as a workbag. This 11 page e-booklet walks you through how to make this much loved project with directions and photos.

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In celebration….. All my Etsy based publications are on a special SALE!!!

This sale runs through my February Recess.

Now is an excellent time to download a mid-winter read or project!

From Field to Fashion is on SALE

Paisley, Plaid, & Purled is on SALE

To Net, or Not to Net is on SALE

My Winter Bonnet Pattern is on SALE

My Winter Hood Pattern is on SALE

Published in: on February 14, 2020 at 5:58 am  Comments (1)  

Hearts for Valentine’s

If you need a Snow Day project for the coming Valentine’s Day, or just because, Eliza Leslie and I have you covered.

Both of these projects can be made child friendly.

heart 1

This fun heart from An American Girl’s Book is made from an elongated triangle. These can look great in silk or cotton. Each heart needs 2 triangles. Cut them out like below. Sew the two short sides completely. Sew the long side, leaving a space open. Turn the triangle right side out. Fill with emery or batting. Stitch the opening closed. Run a strong thread along the closed long side. Pull it up into a gather bringing the points together. A heart will form. Tie a ribbon on if desired.

Heart Pincushion Triangle

Heart 2

For this playful pin-holder, I would recommend lighter weight pasteboard if using it as a pin-holder with small hearts. If this is for decoration, cardstock will do nicely. Embroidery ribbon would work well as the strings.

Published in: on February 7, 2020 at 4:14 pm  Leave a Comment