“Mama, are you using this?” “Mama, can I borrow that?” “Mama, do you like this color?” “Can I have that when you’re done, Mama?” That was Emma, at my elbow, hopping in front of the sewing machine each time I got up, using the iron in between my own ironing, taking the pin cushion for her own creations. She sewed… Read More »Emma’s Sewing
Or perhaps I should say Parts Un and Deux. (And while I do remember just a little bit more french than that, that’s all I’ll attempt today). Why the French numbers? And why One and Two? Well, it was just a couple of weeks ago that my oldest daughters and I were browsing one of my favorite fabric shops. I… Read More »Citronille Thadée – Parts One and Two
I was getting ready to sew the lining into my current project (which I can’t wait to show you when it’s finished!) and I had a dilemma. My lining fabric had less “give” than the outer fabric, so even though they were cut to the same size, my outer fabric had a little more width. I really wanted all my… Read More »Sewing Tip – which fabric on top
We had a flurry of making during the days before Christmas. Some things I remembered to take pictures of before wrapping and giving, some I didn’t. But there was one thing that I never got to. A new Christmas stocking for Silas. Actually, new isn’t the right word. The boy has never had one of his own. For six Christmases,… Read More »One Last Christmas Project
I asked my daughter what my granddaughter, Ali, would like for her birthday. The quick reply was for pajamas for the doll I made her earlier this year. And, of course, when making a nightgown for a doll, one must also make a matching nightgown for the girl. I took Emma, Sophie and Silas fabric shopping with me, and they… Read More »Birthday Nightgowns
Our children love costumes. They love dress up, pretend play, becoming someone (or something) by changing their clothes. I love sewing. I love making things for my children that gives them joy. My husband loves building things. He loves making something from nothing. So Halloween has become the perfect time for collaboration of all the things we love to… Read More »Costumes – Our Handmade Halloween
I have to admit, I was looking for something that needed repair. Surely somewhere in our home there was some item of clothing that still fit the wearer but needed some mending. Maddie’s jeans fit the bill perfectly. Some of the websites tell you to use a sashiko needle and thread, but since I don’t have either of them, I… Read More »Mending
Once upon a time, there was a young blacksmith. Like many trades, blacksmiths learn more skills throughout all their lives, and so like all blacksmiths, he was still learning his trade, though he was much more at the beginning of the learning than at the ending. One day, this young blacksmith, Zach, wanted to give a birthday gift to a… Read More »A Satchel, a Blacksmith and a Story
I haven’t been home very much these last weeks, so my time for making has been minimal, but I do have one project I’ve been working on. I can’t tell you much about it though, because while I don’t think the recipient it’s intended for reads my blog, I don’t want to take any chances on spoiling the surprise. Let’s… Read More »Making a Secret
I’ve been working along with others on Mandarine’s May Knit Along. I chose the Moonlight Garden Shawl for my project and I’m making it in this gorgeous yarn – Rios by Malabrigo. I’ve knitted with yarn by them before, and it is SO soft and easy to work with. I feel a bit behind on my project, as I made… Read More »May Knit Along, a Pillowcase, Play