Needle Storage

Have you noticed how the reclosable packs that hand sewing needles come in do not stay closed? I have tried taping them closed and putting them in small zip lock bags. The results were that the tape only worked for a short time and I soon had small bags of loose needles. I needed something that would really contain them, could be labeled, and would travel well.

I now store my needles in empty medicine bottles. The bottles can be labeled, the tops stay on, and my needles have a home of their own!

If you have a cool idea for keeping up with your needles I would love to hear it!

Michie'

A Pair of Helping Hands

She showed up and said, "Do you need some help?" That sounds like a dream....but it REALLY happened! I thought quickly and replied, "Would you like to come one day a week and do bookkeeping, computer layouts, and other non creative stuff?" "Sure" she said. "What are you working on now?" I showed her the project that I was trying to layout on the computer and went back to my sewing. Half an hour later she said, "Look at this and see if it is what you have in mind." My heart began to race, I think I heard angels sing, she had just accomplished what would have taken me an entire day and much muttering at the computer.

And best of all, it is our daughter Anna, who I don't get to see near as much as I would like! I CAN HARDLY WAIT until this coming Thursday for our next "Girl Workday."

Michie'

Sewing for Summer

Do you ever wonder which pattern the winner of the Free Giveaway picks out? Chel, picked out pattern #123! With summer creeping closer day by day, what a great time to start making a playsuit.

Made from blue fabric with brightly colored sand pails. This playsuit was featured in Sew Beautiful Magazine several years ago. This was the first picture smocking that I had ever tried to design myself! The designing was the easy part.....writing the directions was a whole different story.


This is the link that Sew Beautiful has provided for the FREE smocking plate!

http://www.marthapullen.com/sb/freebies/articles/issue107.html

For a girl version, I decided on three cute summery satin stitch ice cream cones. The embroidery design is included in the pattern and is easily stitched using DMC floss. I think they look good enough to eat!

If you prefer a smocking pattern Little Memories "Mice Cream Cones" would be an adorable insert in this playsuit.

Michie'

#112 Pattern of the Week

The pattern of the week is pattern #112! I designed this pattern several years ago after struggling to find a boyish Christening Gown. The pleats in the front and back gives the gown a tailored look. The pattern has a choice of three different style collars and may be made with a boy's, girl's, or a long sleeve.

This first version is made from white pima cotton and is trimmed with ecru lace. The Shadow Stitched cross design can be found in the pattern and the "Heirloom Embroidery Book."

This gown is made from Handkerchief Linen. Large shank buttons are stitched to the front pleats and only a touch of lace is used around the collar.

The instructions for the heirloom lace techniques can be found in the pattern.

This Christening Gown is one of my favorites, because it goes together quickly, is simple enough for a beginner, and is still elegant without having to spend a lot of money on fabric and laces. I am looking forward to teaching the construction and embroidery of this gown in a two day class at Martha Pullen's School of Art and Fashion in July!

Michie'

And the Winner Is.....

And the winner of our free giveaway is .............

chel said...
My father! He showed me by his wonderful example of reading and thorough study of books techniques. He showed me with persistence I could self-teach or learn anything. I have learned to sew, hand embroider, and smocking. Being able to self-learn has showed me there no boundaries or limitations on my learning or creativity!

Although the drawing was random, this was also one of the more unique entries! I have loved reading every single comment that was left. Thank you for sharing and "Happy Mother's Day!"

Chel, please email me at crmichie@aol.com with your name, address, and number of your FREE pattern.

Michie'

Embroidered Ducks

While reorganizing I ran across this little print dress made by pattern #106. It has been in my collection for several years, so I am sure that the fabric is no longer available. The blue cotton fabric has little yellow ducks and laundry hanging on the clothes line. How sweet is that?

The collar is made from white Imperial Broadcloth. I used orange gingham for the piping and for the covered buttons.

The embroidered ducks were traced from the fabric and were hand stitched using a Satin Stitch. This dress is fun and playful, exactly like what my daughter wore when she was little!

I hope this inspires you to keep sewing!

* Don't forget about the free give away!


Michie'

Thread Storage

In the eternal quest for thread storage, here is what I am using now. I found clear stackable storage boxes at Hancock's Fabrics. Each box holds 15 spools of thread and I am able to have one box per "color family." If you do not have a lot of wall space for the hanging spool rack (which I also like) these work nicely.

I have a small cabinet with several drawers that sits next to the sewing machine. I am able to get 4 of the spool boxes in each drawer and can tell at a glance if I need to go and buy more thread.

* Don't forget about the free give away!


Michie'