Saturday, May 30, 2009

ARGGG....the Princess Pirate!



A friend of mine has a precious little girl in need of glasses and an eye patch to strengthen the muscles of one eye. But the taped on bandage style are sweaty and sticky and tight and annoying. Any patch will be annoying, but to have a reusable patch is much cheaper! So I designed a small patch that fits all ages and can be for play or some medical purposes (not for keeping out light completely or dirt) I want to make a small barrette to hold the ribbon off her uncovered eye and to make it one step harder to throw off. And I figure you might as well mix style with function!

If you want to make one of these, it takes 2 layers of fabric (one in black) and two layers of iron on interfacing. The patch I made has a 1/4 inch seam allowance.

I cut two pattern pieces of interfacing and two squares of fabric large enough to fit the pattern piece.

I then ironed on the interface to the back of each fabric and cut out around the interfacing EXCEPT for the center dart.

At the sewing machine, sew the dart with right sides of fabric facing together and on the interfacing to a point in the middle of the patch.

Now you can trim the un-faced fabric. Do both fabrics this way.

On the colored fabric fronts, sew two pieces of ribbon, 1/4 of an inch from the top corner of each side and as close to the edge of the eye patch as possible. (The ribbons should lay to cross each other, with the front of the ribbons down on the fabric.) Pin the ribbon to the middle of the eye patch and hang the ribbons down to the bottom of the patch.

Place the black piece on top so right sides are together and starting on one side, sew around to the other side and leave the bottom open. Turn inside out and whip stitch the bottom closed!

Friday, May 29, 2009

Nature Day: Hibou Park on Georgian Bay Ontario

We are starting a nature study! It really was too cold for the water today, but what child can resist water! These pictures are actually our second trip today, as they soaked their clothes the first time! So we returned home to change into water wear and to bring warm clothes to stay warm in after. DD and DS1 filled in a page of their new nature journal today as well after supper. We had a wonderful day!

Click to play this Smilebox photobook: Simply Spring 2009
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Thursday, May 28, 2009

Vintage Find: Project bag

Just before mothers day this year, our local Salvation Army had all their craft supplies 50 % off, so I went in to look for yarn. But I found something better! (I did find yarn too!) Priced at a whole dollar, and rang in for 50 cents I bought this vintage folding work basket. It folds into a purse and opens into a sitting work basket. I had eyed one of these up on eBay a long time ago but couldn't convince myself to pay the shipping.

(before picture)
It had a "lovely" (read the sarcasm) fabric of brown and gold upholstery and a lining of gold. I did like the lining color and material, but it had a few small holes from stray needles poking, so I removed and discarded the entire bag AFTER I cut it up and made a pattern to copy it. Here is the result!



I have traced the wood for a pattern and also kept the pattern for the bag. If anyone desperately wants to try making one or has one to recover, email me and we'll see what we can do!
Here's a question... is this a work basket that you would be interested in seeing brand new, in an etsy shop? Click "Interesting" below if it is, or leave a comment!

Thanks to DD for modeling the bag and letting me use her camera!)

Vintage Find: Spool Caddy

It's officially spring when we make our first trip of the year out to the Keady Market (close to Tara, Ontario) Last Tuesday we had a wonderful day out at the market with my parents and the children, looking at flowers for grandma's flower beds, browsing the vendors, and sitting in the cattle auction. I didn't buy much, in fact only one item. But OH What and item! It is a sewing spool caddy. And each level spins Lazy Susan. I am in love with this vintage piece and might have been willing to pay more than the $12 I did hand over for it. It is my new sewing friend! I am contemplating turning the little cup on the top into a pin cushion, although it might be useful to hold the machine bobins in, still undecided on that yet.



I am working on the tutorial for the doll head (this post is me procrastinating) It is requiring me to make a few diagrams in the windows draw program to help explain the process. I hope to finish soon to get it up for you all!

Monday, May 25, 2009

To Ad or not to Ad

I really don't admire the distraction of adds on a blog side bar. 10 adds in neon flashing colors asking me to trust their company as my best option for products?! I don't even have cable, or buy magazines, because of all the ads.
BUT!! I do believe in promoting things you believe in, and from people you trust. So you will notice I have two buttons on my left side bar. FOFDesign and Mom pack.

Mom pack is a requirement for being a part of the group. I usually don't like being told what to do, but I love their group concept. It's moms helping moms in their home based incomes. And that's something I can get behind! You can send out your advertising to various other moms who will include it in showcases, info packs, guest packs, shipping orders etc.

FOFDesigns is my personal choice to add. It's a new company started by a wonderful mom and aquaintance of mine! (Her husband was best man at our wedding!) I believe there are several readers of this blog who would appreciate her services. She designs announcement tools with your photos. From book marks to thankyou cards for your weddings, births and hollidays. Carissa is also an accomplished artist who will also draw portraits from your photo's. Beautiful examples are posted at her site. So please have a look around, and if you are inspired, pass her link on to others who would be interested too!



Saturday, May 23, 2009

Part One: Make a Dolly!

Whooooosh......That is the sound of time getting away from me! But here is Part one of doll making!

Materials:
Doll Pattern, such as this one
Cotton knit (or lycra knit if you don't care about it being made of all natural fiber), such as you find for bathing suit lining, in your choice of skin tone.
Cotton floss for mouth (and optional eyes)
all purpose sewing thread, skin tone color
Quilting or heavy duty all purpose thread, skin tone color
one neutral colored Bamboo stocking (or nylon if you're not going natural)
Pins
Stuffing ( I use a corn based eco friendly stuffing from Walmart)
Scissors
Wool for hair
Crochet hook
1 long beading needle ( at least 3 inches) or doll needle
Pencil (mechanical works best) or marking chalk pencil




Cutting out your doll
To make a doll like mine, she needs to be made from 2 pieces. The average doll made his way is sewn around the head and left open at the side for stuffing.
BUT for this doll, you will extend the top of the head by 2 inches and sew all the way around, leaving the head open for stuffing

So, cut out your doll and sew her up. Snip the curves carefully but not all the way to the stitches. Turn her inside out and pop put all the seams. Use a large end crochet hook to pop out the thumbs and heals if you need, but be careful not to stretch the fabric too much or you will break the thread (The fabric stretches much more than the thread. Also remember this when you stuff the doll)

Start stuffing the doll, legs first. Pack it as hard or as soft as you desire, but be careful not to strain the seams. Pack up to the top of her leg and stop. Using your quilting thread, cut off a long piece and double it on your needle.



Jointing Your Doll:
I like this style better than plastic joints, as the doll hangs more natural baby like.
Knot the end of the thread 4" up from the bottom. Take on stitch at the top of the leg and then wrap the thread around at least 5 times, cinching the stuffing into the leg. Knot tightly and then pass the thread through to the other side of the leg and cut. thread the 4" tail and pass it through the leg as well and snip.
Repeat this process with the other leg and both arms.

Stuff the body up to the neck and set aside


Thus ends Part one. Part Two will be "Forming the head and face, body sculpting" Part Three will be "WIGS"

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Proof!


I really am working on the giveaway doll, in fact, I am further than this picture and I just need to finish her face. Then I will post all my pictures with direction to what I am doing!

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Measuring Up to the Virtuous Woman

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.
Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
-Proverbs 31:10-31

This passage of scripture leaves us all with a lot to think about and aspire for! I am excited in the fact that the passage describes an artistic woman, and also a woman who brings income in to her family through her work from the home. Amongst her many talents it appears she is a skilled seamstress, She makes clothing both sensible to keep her family warm, and decorated so it is pleasant to look at as well.
But more important, a virtuous woman above all else is diligent and honest with her work and her relationships. She is not a gossip, not a braggart. She is trust worthy and lives her life by example. It speaks of a family woman, but even if you are single, the virtues that a Christian woman possesses should be the same. It is important to show Christ in our lives, not just preach it from our tongues. People need to see not just hear, that there is a genuine difference between believers and doubters. They must see that as a Christian we practice honesty, and truth. They need to see that we look after our families as well as those in need. They need to see that Christians are trustworthy in all things and repentant when wrong.

And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without [Christ], and that ye may have lack of nothing.
-1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

There are people who will spite Christians, and argue with them just to argue with no desire to hear the truth. Some of the spiteful speakers may even profess to be fellow believers! The virtuous Christian will not argue back, but feel compassion for the lost soul before them. It is better to acknowledge that the one who spites God is not in a state for a reasoning conversation.

…. keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:
Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.
1 Timothy 6: 20-21

But the virtuous Christian will not remain ignorant of their Lord. We live in an amazing world of knowledge, and there is never a reason that we can’t come up with Gods answer to life’s questions from our peers. It is fair to ask for time to answer their questions, or to provide them with the council of someone with more knowledge. But God does not tolerate ignorance or self-righteousness.

For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
Romans 10:3

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
-Psalm 119:11

That is a lot to measure up to, in fact impossible without the guidance from Gods word, and the presence of the Holly Spirit impressing Gods grace and love on our hearts as an example of how we are to show Christ to a sinful world.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law
-Galatians 5:22-23


CTM

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Hand Print of God


One Look around with your eyes wide open reveals the amazing handy work of God. The smell of wet earth in spring. The bright colors in the flowers of summer. The crisp dried leaves of fall. And the breath of fresh, cold air in winter white splendor.
God takes time to make this world a beautiful place for human kind to live. No matter how much bad we see in the world, when we look at nature we all marvel at how perfect it seems. Creation is Gods fingerprint. It's what God leaves for us to marvel at, despite the destruction brought on through mans sin. It is proof that God is with us to share Love and Joy and Life.
It's kind of like when my mom would make chocolate chip cookies. When I came home from school, I could smell the melted chocolate from the door. Even though I hadn't actually watched my mom make the cookies, I knew she had because they were the same shape and size as her hand. And I could smell the freshness of the ingredients hanging in the kitchen. And often they were still warm, cooling on the cooling racks.
Mom loved us all enough to make us something that would please us. And although I've always loved my mom, I always felt an extra surge of appreciation and love for her, for taking the time to think about me!
Sometimes our physical eyes are open, but our spiritual eyes are not. We don't always see how much God is giving us, and how much he is showing His love to us. We reach out and take what the world conveniently offers us, like reaching for a bag of store bought cookies, not bothering to check the cookie jar for home made. We don't always see how much God is giving us, and how much He is showing His love to us.
We need to stop and smell the roses, kiss a baby, and then come home and tell our mothers just how much we love them for the God given gift of love they share with us!

- Thank you for your gift of love to us, that we might share love to others.

Amen






c CEJTM 2009

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Making Dolly

I have been sewing the doll for the giveaway and I'm having so much fun making these dolls! So cuddly and sweet, like a real baby! If you want to make one of your own, here is a free pattern similar to the design I use. Look next week and I will show you how I assemble my doll and I will try to show you how I sculpt the faces.

Friday, May 8, 2009

RAK - Random Acts of Kindness

(above: proof that spring has sprung!)


Over on Ravelry Reclaim the Home, Kristin allowed us to write a list of little things we don't spoil ourselves with, but would like. And if someone else has that something in their stash they don't need and they want to pass along they get the address from Kristin and secretly mail it. Thus, a RAK!
I've been suffering from an ear infection this week, and feeling frustrated about not being able to get my work list done. I had planned to curl up in bed today, but I had some nice encouragements today and even found the energy to spend some time outside knitting and watching the children. (Notice baby on lounger...he has turned it into a teeter totter here!)First surprise this morning was a box with knitting needles and Pattons wool from blakdove in Ohio (Big THANK-YOU!)


And from across the pond from the Queens Country 4 beautiful knitting magazines, full of patterns that I wish I already owned the yarn to make them! (Big THANKS to Esther!!)


A bit of Advil and a good night sleep, I hope to have a healthier day tomorrow so I can get at all my sewing tasks. Another Rav member (member of Handmade Barters), turtlejen from PA found me an Alchemy for toddler belts on Etsy and my offer was accepted! Yay for friends watching out for friends!

Monday, May 4, 2009

Busy Sewers




It's home-ec season in our house. The sun is out, and I have some of my energy back. I've been sewing some items for Etsy, including embroidered pinafore aprons, and the little ones are wanting to follow along. So I have set them to needle and thread, and designed two samplers for DD and DS1. They are doing a remarkable job! I really appreciate the hard work of MyTransfers, and love the vintage images I was able to use for the snow girl sampler. DS1 is still in love with his giraffe bookmark, so we used the same design to make his needle work. I traced the images onto basic cotton that had the raw edges hemmed, and popped into embroidery hoops. And we are using JP Coats cotton embroidery thread to do a basic back stitch. A simple quick start for a project they will enjoy showing off in their rooms, and they learned a skill to boot! (Sorry they aren't ironed, I popped the hoops off for a quick pic!)

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Writting with lots to say!

By

Design


Beginners Sewing Manual
and
Christian Bible Study

Learning To Make Beautiful Things With Your Hands and Your Life

By
Charlene Tremain Morrison

Scriptures in KJV

- Well, I am once again with pen in hand, well fingers to keyboard actually, writing what is becoming a bible study book with a sewing theme. I love the verse in Titus 2:3-5 that says " The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed."
I'm not old, but I have skills, and have come through experiences that others might be going through as well. I hope to have it edited by a pastor or two and some other seamstresses and of course a few green sewers (drop me a note if you are interested!) I suppose I will have it self published to sell on my Etsy. Watch future posts, I may use some of the devotionals on Sundays!

Friday, May 1, 2009

AND THE WINNER IS.........

Drum roll please.... !!!
I put all 30 entries into a hat and let DD pick out the winning name this morning. This has been so much fun for us all!
I have emailed our winner, joy michelle so that we can design the doll! CONGRATULATIONS!
Thank-you to all who took the time to enter, and those who viewed our Etsy store. I will post pictures of the dolls progress for all to see, and maybe some of you will want to make one along with me!
New items should be added soon to the Etsy store. I have made some pillowcase dresses (or paperbag princess dresses my DH calls them!) some of them hand embroidered, and DD and I have a stash of flower pincushions that are nearly finished. I also have 5 vintage aprons to add to our stock! I am also planning to add an adult do rag (per request...great idea!) that can be worn as a neck tie or a headband! We have also discovered that the toddler-girls do rag also fits as a do rag belt up to 23 inch waist and wears nice as a neck tie as well for all ages!
To all, enjoy your day, and to each life bring something a little fine and fancy!
Charlene