Taking The Dare

Over the course of a couple weeks one too many people encouraged me to take Rex to the beach for a getaway.  I finally told Rex, "Mention it one more time and we are going."  So we did.  A beach trip doesn't seem like you would need a dare, but with his fair Irish completion and health issues, we were not sure how it would go.

Of course the big hesitation for both of us was that we have not traveled since his health has changed.  Not only would I be doing all of the driving, but how he feels can change suddenly and that is a lot trouble and money to sit in a condo.  And then as someone said, if you are going to sit in bored, why not do it at the beach?  Brilliant!  So off we went with back up plans of movies, reading, and hand sewing.  How was the trip?  Some days a challenge for both of us, but I had my attitude in the right place and handled the ups and downs, the  physical limitations and his lack of words with more patience than normal.  

We did have a good time and will always remember eating fresh peaches on the beach while watching the sunset.  Maybe we appreciate things like that more when they are a little more trouble.

Michie'

Floral Bishop

I love this beautiful print from the "Fabric Challenge."  I could hardly wait to see how it would look pleated, but must admit that I tried several different colors of floss before settling on white and yellow

The dress is made by pattern #135.  The smocking design is a combination of simple waves and trellises.  

Aren't the colors pretty on her?  She is a little obsessed with bracelets right now.  Something that I am proud to say that I am responsible for!

Michie'

Pink and Ecru Daygown

And here is the girl's version of pattern #125.  Made out of pink and ecru handkerchief linen, the bottom of the daygown is finished with a scalloped Madeira hem.  The pattern and instructions are included in the pattern for the Madeira hem.  Madeira trim adds so much to a garment without the cost of expensive laces.

A pink neckband out of pink and edged with purchased tatting, tiny tucks and hand embroidery finishes the daygown off.

Michie'

Blue and Ecru Daygown

Christian 3 month.  "Discovery of feet!"

Nothing is more appropriate for baby than a daygown.  So, when sewing for the little man, I can usually keep the daddy happy by adding a touch of blue, using purchased tatting instead of lace, and then make him practice saying, "This is a daygown, not a dress."  

This lovely daygown is made by pattern #125 out of ecru and blue handkerchief linen.  The instructions for the Madeira hem are included in the pattern.

Tiny tucks and a touch of hand embroidery gives the gown an elegant look.

Michie'

Sewing Classes

New sewing classes are now scheduled at the local  fabric store.  Lots of fun classes and lots of fun people to meet!  Click here to view the schedule and class descriptions.

I regret that I am now longer able to travel and teach at this time, but I hope that if you happen to be in the North Alabama area you can take time for a class!

Michie'

The Fabric Challenge

As someone who only buys fabric with a particular project in mind, it has been a wonderful challenge to be given a box of  fabric from a sweet friend.  Every piece is something that I would have picked out and how convenient that some will work for the boy and some for the girl.  As with all my fabric, I am trying to use it within a couple of months.  In this case for Fall sewing.  Is there anything sadder than fabric that sits on the shelf for months or years having lost the vision that it was purchased for?  

How about you!  Do you start on your new fabric right away or is it stashed away for future projects?

Thank you Janice, two out of the five are now outfits!  :)

Michie'

The Print Dress

The dress was so happy to finally have someone to wear it.

It just knew that the sweet little print with green trim was just right for someone who is rapidly becoming a big girl.

The dress may be made by pattern #131-S or #131-L.

Michie'