Summer Video Series – Strawberry Bookmark

For today’s Whimsey Wednesday we are making strawberry bookmarks. These are inspired by the strawberry emeries so popular for the last 150 years.

Materials:

  • Strawberry velvet, wool, or other tight weave fabric – approx 3″ circle
  • Leafy green wool or felt – approx 2″ scrap
  • 8″-10″ of ribbon
  • Batting
  • Optional: beads or embroidery floss
Published in: on June 24, 2020 at 10:51 am  Comments (1)  

Summer Video Series – Meet Cali and Birthday

Today I share two more of my dolls and have a new idea mid-video for one of them.

Published in: on June 23, 2020 at 10:34 am  Comments (2)  

Summer Video Series – Bonnet Stays

Today’s video talks about how to keep a bonnet on your head and attach a bonnet stay or crossband. Please read my previous article on Bonnet Stays for more information and photos. Find velvet covered Crossbands available at Timely Tresses.

Sorry for the quick end to the video. My allergies were getting really irritating and about to be problematic.

Published in: on June 22, 2020 at 10:01 am  Comments (2)  

Summer Video Series – Fan Box pt2

Today’s video finishes up the fan box started yesterday.

Published in: on June 21, 2020 at 9:40 am  Comments (1)  

Summer Video Series – Fan Box pt1

This weekend we are making boxes to hold fans. The video is split in two parts….

Small box dimensions:

  • Bottom and lid – 3″×8″
  • Sides – 2″×8″
  • Ends – 2″×3″
  • Flap – approx 1.5″×8″
  • Finished box – approx 8″×3″×2″

Large box dimensions:

  • Bottom and lid – 3″×10″
  • Sides – 2″×10″
  • Ends – 2″×3″
  • Flap – approx 1.5″×10″
  • Finished box – approx 10″×3″×2″
Published in: on June 20, 2020 at 11:00 am  Comments (1)  

Summer Video Series – Follow Afroculinaria

For this first Follow Friday, I want to introduce you to Micheal Twitty, author of The Cooking Gene and the blog Afroculinaria. His latest post is a nice introduction to his heart-filled writing style and the evolving story if The Cooking Gene.

Today is Juneteenth. Please take some time to learn about the importance of this day:

Published in: on June 19, 2020 at 9:19 am  Comments (7)  

Summer Video Series –

Well, today’s video did not go as planned. For the first show’n’tell, I grabbed a box I thought would be easy. When I opened the little paper covered box, I was surprised to see the face inside. I instantly thought of the rebranding announced yesterday for the Aunt Jemima syrup. I thought this was done years ago. So, I was simultaneously surprised it hadn’t been changed earlier and glad it finally was. Looking at the box closer, I saw the lid and bottom had the opposite sides of a topsy turvy doll. I say it made me feel a little better. But, not much. Those dolls have always been unsettling. The whole thing of having a head at each end was/is just plain creepy. The stories I’ve heard over the years just make them more bothersome.

I invite you to learn more about racism in advertising through this virtual tour of the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia at the Ferris State University.

Resources on Topsey Turvey Dolls

Published in: on June 18, 2020 at 10:39 am  Comments (13)  

Summer Video Series – The Story of FanU

In today’s video, I talk about how I came to write Fanciful Utility and share some of the smaller projects in my Etsy shop.

Published in: on June 17, 2020 at 12:14 pm  Comments (4)  

Summer Video Series – Doll Intro

Today I introduce Violet and talk about my doll collecting.

Published in: on June 16, 2020 at 10:27 am  Comments (6)  

Project Reflection

Given the seasonal transition today represents, as abstract as it feels, I am reflecting on the state of projects.

Okay, so, I sorta just did this with my UFOs list. Well, it is really on my mind. I keep resorting them in my mind.

I needed to go back to my February Reflections to see what the list looked like then

Much of this is on hold or fallen off my attention list. The pink plaid parasol became the brown parasol, which is in progress. The wool petticoat and modern silk bag are complete.

My list of projects has evolved with the circumstances…..

Works in Progress

  • Brown parasol
  • White sunbonnet
  • Birdcage Windsor Chair

Projects in the Works

  • Modern dress from a sari
  • Modern robe a la bed gown from a sari
  • Pink sunbonnet

Projects in the Wings

  • Ticking embroidery
  • Millinery for me
  • Leafy fabric quilt

Projects in My Head

  • 1830s dress (this has moved up in the list of interests)
  • Crazy straw hat
  • Check kerchief
  • Stripe fichu
Published in: on June 15, 2020 at 12:18 pm  Comments (3)