Sweet Sewing Shed

This little sewing shed is very sweet, isn't it? I love the natural light coming in over the sewing machine. I ran across a big stash of vintage ticking I had completely forgotten about this week and it made me want to sew. Sewing rooms are probably pretty rare these days but they are a must for the serious seamstress. You can just close the door and pick up where you left off later. We always had one when I was growing up and my mother and I both sewed with a red-hot needle on our Singer. via

Chintz Love

The world just looks better when viewed between vintage chintz draperies with roses, doesn't it?

image

Easy Chair and Ottoman Slipcovered in Ticking

I adore this chair and ottoman and the slipcovers. What a cozy place to rest your weary bones. Perfect for Sunday mornings and a big fat newspaper too. Enjoy what's left of your weekend depending on your timezone.

Pottery Barn

Old Book Wide Cotton Tape | Love.This

There are so many creative crafters out there. I love this cotton tape. I can think of so many ways to use it too. Old Book Wide Cotton Tape

The American Museum in Britain

Queen Kapi’olani’s Fan Quilt, early twentieth century, Hawaii.

The American Museum in Britain: The only museum of Americana outside the United States, the museum was founded to bring American history and cultures to the people of Britain and Europe. I've never been there, have you? I love that eye-dazzling red and white Hawaiian quilt. 

Eye-Dazzling Red and White Quilt

This is one of the quilts that was exhibited in New York City at the Park Avenue Armory. I don't have any information on this particular quilt but I really admire this monumental graphic design that makes me dizzy and a little woozy when I look at the photo. The display lasted only 5 days and there were 650 quilts -- all red and white. I saw a short segment on Martha Stewart and learned that this color combination was the most popular because the dye formula that was used made the red fabric the most stable color of all. This must be true because I don't see any fading or running in all of the quilts that were on view. I didn't go in person but I've seen many photos...including those sent to me via iPhone by a friend.

The Little Prince Pillowcase + Rubber Stamp Set

Just look at this adorable hand-embroidered pillowcase by Claudia Marchán. She made it for her nephew who lives in France. Translation: "Sweet dreams little prince WiWi"

Hand-made presents really are the best, aren't they?

I found someone who made this hand-carved set of rubber stamps from line drawings in the book 'Le Petit Prince" -- I don't know if they are for sale or not. Finding out is up to you. Please let me know if the answer is yes.

650 Red and White Quilts at Park Ave Armory NYC

Free to the public. On display March 25-30, 2011

Park Avenue Armory, New York City

“Infinite Variety: Three Centuries of Red and White Quilts”

On loan from American Folk Art Museum

This special exhibit has a very short run which is such a shame. Five days is not long enough!!! When will you ever get another chance to see so many red and white quilts in one place so beautifully displayed? It's free too. Are you going? Read a great article about these quilts in the online edition of the Wall Street Journal.

You can download the FREE App for your iPhone, iPad, or iPod showing all the quilts in the exhibit in case you can't attend in person. How cool is that?

Sewed All Day

I've been sewing off and on for the past two days and have used almost every sewing notion I own. Can you even remember the last time you used a sleeve board? I just finished altering some things to wear to an upcoming special event. Is there anything harder or more frustrating? I think not. It's so much easier to sew something from scratch than to take a finished garment apart and make it fit properly. I know, I know -- I could have taken the items to a tailor or dressmaker or even the cleaners and they would have done it for me. But I wanted to do it myself and I did. So happy.

Plaid Infinity Scarf | Tutorial | DIY | Handmade

I love this beautiful wool infinity scarf or cowl. It's very easy to make too; I've already made one this morning (in my mind).  I have some red silk and might make one to wear with my black velvet blazer for an upcoming affair. These would be great made from a light flowery fabric for dressing up spring outfits, especially on a chilly morning. One in a madras plaid would be fabulous too. I like the way this one looks on the headless mannequin. Happy sewing!

Tutorial from H is for Handmade.

Button Hearts

Button Hearts This is a pretty hanging Valentine heart beautifully crafted using mother of pearl buttons strung with wire. Why not go to your button drawer and see if you have enough of your own to make one of these yourself. Let me know if you do. Sometimes I buy garments at rummage and garage sales just for the buttons. 

DOT the movie

Click here to watch the movie DOT
starring the world's smallest character.

Shot with a Nokia N8 cell phone. This smartphone has a 12MP camera with Carl Zeiss lenses. I think this is going to be my next phone.

I wasn't able to embed the movie in my blog. When you click on the link there are several fascinating short films to watch and be amazed. Anyone who sews or knits will be especially entertained.

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Sewing Machine Power

I love this quote. "Never Underestimate the Power of a Woman with a Sewing Machine." Image from Crust Party ~ She sews with a red hot needle.

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Make Do and Mend -- Again

My grandmother used to take outgrown hand-knitted garments apart and reuse the yarn for other knitting projects. Rush over to The Homely Place to see more versions of the "Make Do and Mend" slogan that is so timely once again. Elbow patches are all the fashion these days so don't throw away your worn garments. Patch and be proud.

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Embroidery of a Homemaker

It's the story of a happy home told in embroidery. via

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Less Is More | Sophisticated Simplicity

LESS IS MORE! This is a wonderful quote and image, isn't it? I grew up sewing on an old Singer sewing machine just like this one. Another photo I liked and saved with no image source for credit.



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My Antique Silver Hedgehog Pincushion

While we are on the subject of hedgehogs, I decided to take two more photos of my little antique fellow since he sun was shining so brightly on my marble kitchen counter.

He's a solid silver hallmarked pincushion in the shape of a hedgehog. The marks indicate that it was made in Birmingham England in 1903. I got it on an an antique house call years ago and it's one of my favorite things. I had to provide all the quills; the straight pins aren't antique. The stuffing is some kind of coarse animal hair (probably horse). He's pretty wonderful, isn't he?

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Monograms for Hand Embroidery

A is for Alphabet.

B is for Beautiful.

C is for Celtic.

D is for Design.

E is for Embroidery.

F is for Font.

The rest of this Celtic Knotwork Alphabet can be found here along with other vintage alphabets for hand embroidery. When the page loads scroll down a bit past the ads to see the wonderful designs. Aren't you glad I found these for you? Now I want to monogram some linens. Click images to enlarge. Print and use your scanner to enlarge or reduce. You can also use your photo editing program. You can make stationery too. Have fun however you decide to use this and the other alphabets.



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May Your Bobbin Always Be Full

Great Illustrated Quote Don't you hate it when the bobbin runs out in the middle of a seam? When I was young, I used to think if I ran the machine very slowly the thread would last longer.




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