Quilt Block Skirts are a Hit

I don't have anything new today but I did want to share some good news. Yesterday, the editor of AllFreeSewing messaged me to say she would be featuring the skirt I designed in their newsletter next week. This skirt has gotten me quite a few compliments. I'm working on a longer version now since all the women currently interested in purchasing one want the real "hippy" look.
I actually thought I might have it done today but a neighbor needed someone to babysit the cat for the day. Somehow, in the process of taking in the cat I also managed to end up with the lecherous neighbor. They were having work done on their apartment so he needed someplace to stay as well. I wouldn't mind if he didn't manage to leer at me the entire six hours. That much leering has to be hard on the face. All I could think was my mother saying, "if you're not careful, your face is going to freeze that way."
So, if you do any sewing yourself, head on over to All Free Sewing and sign up for their newsletter. If you don't sew, you may want to put in an order for a skirt :).

Another Project Using Retired Sheets

Sorry I haven't been around for a few days. At the end of August I had major back surgery. All the hardware the surgeon put in may have made it possible for me to continue walking awhile longer but it did nothing to alleviate the chronic pain, or the problems caused by peripheral neuropathy. As a result, when the weather gets wickedly cold, as it has been, my back has a tendency to complain - loudly. The past few days I have been lucky to get off the couch and do much of anything.
So, today I decided to show you another sewing project using old sheets. The pajama pants are very popular but leave me with bits and pieces of sheeting that need to be put to use. The purpose of my renovating old fabric is to leave as little as possible for the scrap pile. (We'll use the scraps in a later project.)
Tipnut has an abundance of patterns and tutorials for aprons. Most of us may think of them as something our grandmothers wore back in the old days but they are making a comeback. The economy is bringing more of us back into the kitchen rather than ordering pizza and it's necessary that clothing not get ruined. Who wants to do laundry more than necessary?

To make this apron I used a sheet for the main part of the apron then I made bias tape from an old shirt I had. Bias tape is easy enough to make, but time consuming.

The ruffle for this apron was once a dust ruffle for a bed. I almost prefer making bias tape to attaching a ruffle. Well - almost.

This is obviously the same apron as  the others but I had some ribbon sporting mixed drinks. This would make a great apron for the bartender in the family. Of course, if the bartender were female :). It's always possible to make one for the man of the house. Any of the projects I show are for sale and can be made according to your own specifications.
Speaking of aprons, it's time for me to head back to the kitchen. I'm in the process of making homemade chicken and noodles. I had some thighs in the freezer and they were starting to look - well, a little cold. I either needed to cook them or make some pants for them.

The Skirt

I finished the patchwork skirt late last night. It's not nearly as long as I originally intended but it was my first effort with quilt squares and I was more concerned with getting it right than getting it long. Besides, I can always adjust by adding more tiers or putting strips between the rows.
I'm very pleased with the results of the project - not so much with the photos. I really can't complain though. The woman who comes in is paid to cook and clean, not photograph.

                                                                                                                 Of course, it doesn't help that my bulging belly is obvious in this picture. I also think I had it sticking out more because the skirt ended up being quite a bit wider than I needed. That was easily fixed and it now fits wonderfully. I can't believe how comfortable it is.  I'm thinking if I made two more of these skirts, and two more of the pajama pants I'd be set for life. Well, maybe I'd better find a top as well.
Here is a photo of the skirt itself.

                            So, once I had the size adjusted, it was time to put together the artsy outfit I promised myself at the beginning of the year. Now, this photo I like. I guess I need to stand in front of the cam more often. (Ew, I just realized how bad that sounded...)
I'm not sure what's next. I'm  playing around right now with some small items . But, mainly, I'm sitting here trying to stay awake. Time for a quick nap before I begin work on my novel.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      








































     

What Was Old is New Again

Everyone's closet is filled with clothing or other items that seem to have no use. They served you well in their time and you hate the idea of these things going to a thrift store or worse, the recycle bin. With a little imagination you can take an old item and create a whole new look.
The other day I decided I needed to do something with some old sheets I'd been given. The pajama pants I created for a few friends are very popular so I'm encouraging them to tell others. They are roomy, comfortable and I don't want to take mine off! The pair pictured here went to a friend.

She called me after picking them up last night and said they were the most comfortable pants she'd ever worn. They were made from an old sheet.

The other day we had a snow storm and I needed a quick stocking cap. I took an old sweater I had lying around and created a hat and scarf. You'll have to excuse the photo, I was not feeling well that day and the photo definitely makes that plain.

I'm not really mad at the world, I was trying to figure out how to take the photo in the mirror and pushed the button too quickly.
As you can see behind me, I'm in the bathroom and one of my future projects is to redo it so it doesn't look quite so cluttered. Not sure how I will accomplish this.
While I was taking these photos, my cat, Fiona, decided she wanted in on the fun.

I think my eyes are closed because she jumped on me just as I was taking a photo and surprised me in the middle of the shot.
Well, I'm off to work on a skirt I'm making from quilt squares. Tomorrow I'm planning to introduce another topic,depending on how much I can accomplish without feline assistance.

Vintage Recipes

I am putting together various projects that celebrate the past in clothing, arts and food. One of the topics I'm exploring is recipes. I recently acquired the Inglenook Cook Book, published in Elgin, Illinois in 1913.
The book was written by women belonging to the Church of the Brethren. This particular organization was founded in Germany in the early 1700's so the women writing these recipes were primarily German. Meals were rarely fancy since they were meant to feed family members who labored hard on the farm.
During the early 20th Century, weeks were often divided with each day set aside for a regular chore. Laundry, visiting and church, for instance, each took nearly a full day to complete.
Sunday Soup:
At night wash a pint of dried beans, place them on the back of the stove in a porcelain vessel, with 2 quarts of cold water and a pinch of soda. In the morning, when they have simmered half an our or until breakfast, pour off the water through a colander; return beans to cooking vessel; add 2 quarts hot water; let boil until nearly done, then place the vessel where it will keep warm, but not boil. After church, visit or washing (according to the day) add to your beans a teacupful of sweet cream; salt to taste and serve. They should simmer before serving. 
Not all the recipes were meant to serve as a regular meal. Some were also used to aid in healing during an illness....
Barley Water for Fever:
Take 1/2 cup of pearl barley and wash well. Take 1/2 gallon of cold water, put it over the barley, set it on the stove and let cook for 1 hour, then strain the liquid of the barley and put it to cool. Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon and sugar to taste in the barley water, and add a piece of ice. This is cooking and nourishing.
I'll add other recipes over time, some from the past, some from the present.  

Quilt Block Bonanza

A few months ago I put an ad up on the Freecycle Network for clothing or fabric for my projects. One of the women answering was a wonderful older woman who makes quilts for charity. I told her I was trying to make extra money to meet bills since disability wasn't enough but I would use some of the fabric for charity projects once I met my needs.
One day she called and asked me to come pick up a few things she had. I arrived to find she had boxes and boxes of fabric, a majority already cut into blocks and strips for quilts. I stood there speechless, thinking this was all wonderful but I have no clue where to start. She then pulled out a plastic bag with blocks already put together and explanations on how to make each one.
I discovered the largest problem I would have with a quilt is the cost. She gave me material to back a couple but a small bag of batting is overwhelming to someone who is struggling to pay rent and utilities. Of course, that didn't stop me from doing a little creative problem solving.

I started with a couple of patchwork bags.

I then decided to try a wallet.

I'm still working on the design for the wallet. I'm having one heck of a time getting the slots for cards the right size so they don't fall out.

I promised quilts to each of my three children. If those work well, I will hopefully be able to make some for charity. Otherwise, I think patchwork organizers and totes for those in wheelchairs would be pretty cute.
One of my goals is to make long skirts out of some of those squares. I've always loved the hippy look but have been far too concerned with what others think to dress as I want. This is the year I stop being worried about other people.

Clothing from Fabric Scraps

I have been sewing since I was fourteen. The Christmas I learned I decided to make flannel shirts for all four of my older brothers. Somewhere along the line I got slightly mixed up and each shirt had the front of one and the sleeve of others. I'm not certain exactly how I did it but they came out very interesting. I gave up and the shirts went into my scrap bag.
Move forward 36 years and I was looking through my current scrap bag looking for inspiration. Those shirts came to mind and I considered the possibility that those shirts may simply have been ahead of their time. Mismatched fabrics are seen everywhere. Why not take my old mistakes and create new possibilities? Besides, in today's economy everyone needs to save money where ever possible. Once made, I can sell the clothing for much less than if I were to use new fabric.
This is the first jacket I designed. A friend asked me to make her a jacket out of the material I had with the Coca Cola logo on it. There wasn't enough of the logo fabric so I found some wool I had in my stash.

I am still working on it, trying to determine what type of closure to use. The sleeves are long but those are the things you have to work out when you don't use a pattern, no big problem.

I will be making more and they will be for sale in the near future for $15, at least $10 less than if they were made from new fabric. Plus, you have the added advantage of wearing clothes that are from recycled materials.
If you would like more information, email me. I also make other items from recycled materials, such as bags.

You'll soon find these up on ETSY and other places. I will provide more information as I get things taken care of. I'll also be posting tutorials on how to make some of the items.

If You Love History and Music You'll Love This

I am a big history buff. One of my favorite periods is the Renaissance, obviously. During that time the aristocrats often spent large amounts of money supporting the Arts. Philosophy was encouraged and artists, such as Leonardo, were provided with the money needed to live while they took advantage of their talents. Of course there were some problems with this practice. Often the artists were owned; everything they did or thought was expected to be handed over to their patrons without question. To avoid some of these issues Da Vinci began a practice of writing things backward and leaving out key elements so no one could steal his ideas.
The other day I was sent a link. On YouTube there is a channel created by history teachers in Hawaii. Their purpose is to teach history through the use of popular music.

Once you've watched this video you'll want to watch them all. As far as I'm concerned this channel is the best on YouTube. Well, next to Mary Hartman Mary Hartman

and Soap, of course. :)

An Introduction to My Staff

I work from home doing various types of creative work to help make ends meet. Since my primary income at the moment is from disability I have had to choose my staff very carefully. I managed to find two who are willing to put up with my personality quirks. They are quiet and stay well out of reach when I have a meltdown, are always willing to be there for me when I'm depressed and have no problem working for no pay (other than the occasional treat, anyway.) However, like in other areas of life, you get what you pay for.
I have to cope with fights that make fur fly, jealous little jabs at one another when they both want my attention, and breaks are never taken on my schedule - always theirs. I've taken a picture of the two hard at work in my office.

The white one, Fiona, is the easiest going but most likely to be laying down on the job:

While Rory is constantly asserting his opinion and rarely approves of my ideas.

As you can see, my threat to fire him made absolutely no impression.

Well, I guess when you engage in nepotism you get what you deserve!

Not All of San Francisco's Insane Live on the Streets

Yesterday I told you I was a Progressive. Perhaps I should modify that. I'm probably more of a moderate since I see insanity on both extremes on any issue. Take San Francisco's law on Happy Meals for example.
They have decreed that the city's McDonald's may no longer sell Happy Meals with a toy unless the meal contains more healthy ingredients. Last night The Daily Show with Jon Stewart had a great take on the issue when his correspondent, Aasif Mandvi interviewed City Supervisor Eric Mar. You can see the full interview here:   
http://www.thedailyshow.com/           
( I am still trying to figure out how to embed video, so please forgive the link)         
Probably the best part of the interview is when Mandvi asks Supervisor Mar why they can't simply insist Netflix send a copy of Super-Size Me! to everyone in the city. His response? We can't demand such an action from a privately owned company. Apparently, no one told Mar McDonald's isn't publicly owned.
While this law in San Francisco is wrong on so many levels, it is a foreshadowing of something many in the government would like to see happen nationwide. They want nothing more than to be able to mandate what foods you serve your family.
One of the chief arguments for this movement is that obesity is at an all time high. More children suffer from diabetes and other weight related health problems than ever before. Yes, it is a problem that needs to be addressed. But it all starts at a much deeper level.
Before we begin telling parents they can't feed their kids fast food we must address who these obese children really are. Most of them are from single parent homes, or live in a poverty-stricken environment. The reality is processed food is far less expensive and easier to fix than healthy foods. Food stamps only go so far and fresh fruits or vegetables are not cheap. Healthy food must be made more affordable.
Every year there are more budget cuts in education. Many of the cuts mean classes such as PE are eliminated or available only once a week. To make up for time cuts, recesses are being eliminated. Anyone who knows anything about education understands you cannot take free time away from children without affecting their minds and bodies. When there is no P.E. there is no incentive for children to exercise.
Most marketing to children centers around video games. Unless they are playing some of the more active WII games children are spending hours in front of a screen. Parents need to be more involved in enforcing rules that insure children are not playing every free moment. When both parents work, or there is only one parent involved, this is difficult. Yet, there seems to be no question that any funding might possibly go toward after school programs.
Taking toys out of Happy Meals accomplishes nothing. It will not encourage parents to stop feeding their kids unhealthy meals, especially if it's all they can afford when they go out. It only punishes the children, giving them no justifiable reason why.

                             

A New Year/ A New Beginning

Most of us see the 1st day of January as a time to try out new ways in which we wish to live our lives. Sometimes resolutions are brought out and dusted off from previous years, only to be relegated to a dusty corner of our minds once again. Some actually manage to keep up with their resolutions, reaping benefits from even minor changes that propel us forward.
I admit, I've always had a difficult time keeping my resolutions. I hope to believe this year is different. Certainly, I'm far more motivated than ever. 2010 will go down as the year that changed me forever.  In February, I moved into an apartment after three years of homelessness. In July, I broke a disc in my back and needed major surgery. When I awoke after seven hours I was told had I not had the surgery I would have been completely paralyzed in a month. In November, I turned 50.
They still are not sure what caused the spinal fracture and I will begin tests this week to see if the same degeneration is taking place in my neck. Last week I turned slightly and felt something else "snap" as I twisted. One doctor is convinced it is some form of cancer despite the fact he isn't looking for it. I just had an epiphany. Life is short and I have too much to do to give up now.
My resolutions aren't so much things I plan to do as they are things I am already working on and am determined to keep on the path. I will write more, design more, create more, and worry less.
I will do my part in changing the world as I wish to see it. I am saddened by what is happening today in politics and religion. I have announced to everyone I am a Progressive, so now I will progress.
I realize some of my political  and religious views may be contrary to yours. That's okay. You give me a chance and I will give you one. I promise to listen and consider. You may not change my mind; but, if you speak to me in a manner that is respectful, you're more likely to. Any comments involving name calling or patronizing will simply be deleted.
As my note above indicates, I will be covering many different issues. I want to share letters to , and from, my father during WWII, designs I make in crocheting, tatting and sewing, as well as my writing. You never know what tomorrow may bring.
Today I will keep it short and sweet. I'm diabetic and had a bit of a crisis today so my mind is not completely with my body at the moment.
2011 is the year I over come. My fears of failure, of success, of perfection are left on the doorstep of the past. I walk forward strong, capable and ready for anything. I hope to find you on the journey.