Sewing in the Bayou

Last weekend, I traveled to Lockport LA for a sewing clinic. I know --- 256 miles is a long way to go for an 8-hour class, but WOW, was it worth it! I had so much fun, learned a lot, and just enjoyed the camaraderie of sewing with a group of like-minded women.

The clinic was hosted by Shirley, who has a fabric shop in her home. She sells all kinds of beautiful fabrics for making kids' clothes, as well as lots of patterns and smocking and heirloom supplies. Shirley was a very gracious host and I can't say enough about the other people who were at the class. What a fun group.

The class was taught by Lezette Thomason of Children's Corner in Nashville. She taught us a little about pattern re-drafting and measuring kids. I also learned a ribbon folding technique --- basically we made Prairie Points out of a single length of ribbon. How cool is that? I also learned to use a pin-stitch. My 1984 Kenmore doesn't have a pin-stitch, but now I know what it is, what it's used for, and that my Singer does have a nice one. I also learned about whip-stitching rick-rack, which will be a nice technique to use on future projects.

The dress that we made was the Children's Corner Lucy, and we adapted the front to incorporate the folded ribbon.

Now that I've gone to one sewing class, I want more, more, more! This summer, I'm going to investigate holding a sit-n-sew at the Community Club or maybe the Library. There have to be more sewing enthusiasts in Lillian --- just have to find them!

Blue & White Bishop

I like the idea of this little bishop ... absolutely love the fabric, but the smocking left a little to be desired. Next time, I'm going to buy a plate and follow it exactly!

I used Ellen McCarn's Ultimate Bishop pattern, size 9 months. Sarah says that it does fit Katherine --- I'll be anxious to see how well so that I can adjust for the next one. Next time I'm going to use a soft yellow batiste and smock with white. I'd like to put some little flowers in the design as well. Also, I think Katherine needs a matching pair of bloomers.

The Easter Dress

I am happy with the way Katherine's Easter dress turned out. Originally, the collar was supposed to be attached, but the embroidery caused some puckering that I wasn't happy with. so, while I thought on that, I decided to finish the dress, and do a detatchable collar. After all, Katherine is teething, so maybe a detatchable / reversible collar is not such a bad idea!

The pattern I used was Simplicity 7846 in size 1, but Sarah said it was a little big. I am pretty sure I used size 1/2 when I did the handkerchief dress last fall, so Katherine must just be in-between sizes.

Anyway, back to the collar ... the pattern did not call for a detattachable collar, so it did take a little finnessing to get it to work, but the end result looked pretty good. I did an extra deep hem, just because I could :-) and really like the way it hangs.

Next project is the Sweet Juicy Apple dress this weekend. I'm going to a class in Lockport LA taught by Lizette Thompson, who I'm told is a deisgner with the Children's Corner line of patterns. I'm excited ... haven't been to a sewing class ever!

That's it for now --- until next time, happy stitchin'

Recent projects

Here are pix of some of my most recent projects:

This is a changing pad made for my daughter to give at an upcoming baby shower. There's a pocket across the bottom inside for the diapers and wipes. It all folds up like a book and snaps shut to keep in the diaper bag.

I made this little pin cushion to go with the beach theme in my sewing room. The slipper fabric will be made into valances one day soon :-)

The ceramic slipper was meant to be a tea light holder, but it just called to me when I saw it at Old Time Pottery. I added non-slip rubber feet to the bottom so it wouldn't slide around on the sewing table.

I'm very proud of the way this Christening Gown came out. It has little 2mm pearl beads in the last 3 rows of smocking stitches. The pattern called for 200 beads ... I haven't counted, but there are a bunch, that's for sure.

I added 2 rows of 1/2 inch tucks above the hem, and the embroidered cross and flowers was a free design.

I used Ellen McCarn's Ultimate Bishop, size 6 months. The fabric is just a basic batiste, and should hold up for years and years to come.

I made this bib 26 years ago when first daughter was baptized. All three kids wore it. I just added the embroidery - because I can ;-). DGD Katherine will be the first of hopefully many more to wear it.

I also made the sash for DGS Sean to wear. He's old enough to wear "street clothes" for his baptism, but I wanted him to have something special also.