February on the Pemigewasset - View From My Window

 

Pillows!

I haven't used the embroidery attachment to my machine in so long, I was afraid I was getting rusty. Below are two pillow I did for Christmas. The first, St. Nicholas, embroidered on vintage French linen, was a hostess gift for a special sister who hosted Christmas this year. The back is a soft velvet with one of my favorite hidden zipper applications. 

The "Jack" pillow is for a grand nephew. The embroidery combines designs from Hatched in Africa, their African Jewels collection. 

I very seldom follow recommendations for thread, I use whatever I have at hand that appeals to me, though I did stick to all rayon for St. Nicholas. On children's pillows, I like to use regular cotton thread since it is likely to get washed and dried, and I think it stands up better to wear and tear.  

Where Have All The Bloggers Gone?

 I got away from my sewing blog during a busy time in my life and when I came back, sadly I couldn't find many of the sewing and other creative blogs I used to follow. I have noticed lately that many of them have moved over to Instagram which I understand, but it makes me sad. I find Instagram reminds me of little, fast-moving sound bites, unlike the blogs which felt like a community that you could visit with over a cup of coffee. I've decided to try to come back to blogging and find others of like mind. I need a break from the fast lane! 

Another thing I have noticed is that when I want to look at one of the blogs I used to follow, I am forced to click on a redirect to get there. Anyone know if there's a solution to that. I've tried to find answers on the internet but haven't yet been successful.

Peace

Cutting Lines Light and Shadow

This pattern is such an oldie! I've made it a couple of times, this time in a double face fabric (from Quilted Threads, which sadly has closed). I thought that between the top and the matching scarf it showcased the fabric nicely. Since then, I've actually cut up the front and hemmed each cut side and used it as a jacket! I'll try to post a picture of what it looks like net time I wear it. 

 

Brindle & Twig T Shirt Dress

 I've always shied away from sewing with knits but with four grandchildren it is almost impossible to sew and not include knits at least once in a while. Brindle and Twig has some of the most wonderful patterns for children and I have found them to be so well drafted and their instructions meticulously written. Additionally they have a website with tutorials. 

Below is their T Shirt dress made for my 6 and 8 year old granddaughters. This is the second time I've made this pattern. It is asymmetrical, with the back longer than the front. The pattern has looked good on them as toddlers and now as bigger girls. They've always worn it with coordinating leggings making it warm and comfortable.  A real keeper.  

The fabric is from Quilted Threads in Henniker, NH, which sadly closed this fall after many years due to retirement. A real treasure of a shop that is sorely missed!

Blogger Redirects

 I have fallen off both posting and following on my blog but would like to become more active again. One of the things I have noticed is that each time I want to read a new post by someone I am following, I get a redirect message and I need to click a link to get to their new post. I am assuming this is a problem that has been around for a while, but is new to me. Does anyone have a solution for it?

Many thanks,

Fran

Patricia Rose Dress by Style Arc!

I have had this fabric for years. I found the silk yardage in an antique store. There were several yards, but it was quite narrow. I pulled it out last week when I saw some photos of the Patricia Rose dress by Style Arc. The dress looked perfect for summer. It was loose fitting, no zippers, no buttonholes. Although the pattern comes with three quarter sleeves, a lot of people had made it as a sleeveless dress, simply binding the sleeves.

I love StyleArc patterns but have not made many of them. I did notice that instructions were minimal. There was nothing about staystitching the neckline. Because my fabric was so thin, I staystitched back and front necklines on both the dress and the facings. I also thought it ran short, for me. I am only 5'2" and it finished at the length shown. I had to add a hem facing in order for it not to be too short. I will make the length adjustment before I sew it again.

I made a muslin first and the size 12 fit perfectly with no alterations.  Very happy with the finished product. But in this Covid year, there is no where to go!