I love visiting our local library in October for the annual quilt show. Many of the quilts are new and several are very old, but they are all inspiring. Whether it is the person who made them, hours of quiet stitching, or special fabrics, quilts hold special memories.
I like my quilts to have special meaning whether it is the fabric I choose or a special design or color combination. The quilt that I cherish most was made years ago with scraps of fabrics from things that I made for my children. Fabric from play clothes, nursery curtains, and a favorite Kindergarten dress are all included. This quilt has a place of honor on the foot of my bed and every time a touch it I remember how much I loved being a mommy to little ones.
Michie'
I was excited to be involved with the grand children's Halloween costumes again this year! The mommies chose Mickey and Minnie Mouse and we divided out the sewing and party planning. Since football season gives me a bit more time to sew on Saturday afternoons, I took care of Minnie's dress. Pattern #131 worked great with the only adjustment being a couple of inches added to the length of the yoke. Mickey's shorts are being made using pattern #139 out of red broadcloth.
Since Grandda's birthday is on Halloween and "Minnie" will turn 4 years old a week later, they decided to share a party this year. I am more than happy to do the sewing and leave the party planning to others. :)
Michie'
Nap fabrics have a definite surface texture and must be cut in one direction. If the fabric is not cut correctly it will look like the garment has been made out of different color fabrics.
Corduroys and velvets have a raised nap that you can feel by running your hand along the surface. Rub your hand in one direction and it will feel like you are rubbing an animal's fur in the wrong direction. Rub the fabric the other way and it will feel like you are stroking the animal in the right direction. Just like stroking the animal from top to bottom, the fabric nap should run from the top of the garment down to the bottom. Once the direction of the nap has been determined, the pattern pieces can then be laid out. The example below shows the correct way to lay out pattern pieces with a nap.
Michie'
