Do you all remember catching fireflies on young summer nights? A glowing mason jar served as a torch in the early darkness at the end of a lazy day of sunshine.
A few summers ago our grandchildren experienced this delight at our cabin in the mountains of North Carolina. It was especially exciting for them because lightning bugs are rarely seen in Florida, and never before seen by them. Continue reading
but she was not happy about it.
Two yo granddaughter Vivian Rose was crying her little heart out, I’m pretty sure, because she was wearing the Easter dress disaster. Â Â Her mother declares that it was not about the dress, but a grandmother knows these things.
First thing at home Easter morning, she kicked away her Easter basket and refused to hunt for eggs. (I think she saw the dress hanging.) There is no photo documentation of her hissy fit. Later the children attended 2 other egg hunts.
She and her happy, easy-going brother, Alastair, joined a large group of children at a friend’s waterfront home.
Alastair had a great time.
no embroidery machine needed!
It’s not too late to whip up a holiday pillow. Brother asked me to design a simple Christmas project that did not require an embroidery machine and this is what was created.   A dishtowel with a decorative hem is teamed up with a bevy of buttons to create a whimsical Christmas tree pillow. It’s a quick and easy way to add a fresh look to your holiday décor and have fun doing it.
The template is at the end of this post, but you could just as easily draw your own. If you download the .jpg and print it, you can resize as needed. Continue reading
This little top was made for toddler granddaughter Vivian Rose to wear to her brother’s kindergarten Thanksgiving program and then to Thanksgiving dinner.
It is another Children’s Corner Jane, my current go-to pattern, especially for garments which have a limited wearing season. It is so quick and easy.
The cute little pocket is a free pattern creation of Children’s Corner designer Lezette Thomason. The top will be paired with a pair of snug black or orange leggings. These are still required for our little darling who can be counted on to release the velcro on her cloth diaper and remove it but for this wardrobe addition. “Naked Baby” is her signature fashion statement.
It has been more than two weeks since a new Janice Ferguson Sews post has appeared, but not because I have done no sewing. Enormous, terribly frustrating computer problems have plagued me as I struggled through two computers-my old one and then a defective new one.  This third one (second new) seems to be functioning well so now I am back to blogging.  Hurrah!
NANA FUN
Houses feature Golden Graham roof shingles, caramel chimneys and pillar posts, and two yellow landing lights on a roof.
This little novelty bishop and two others were loaned to a friend many years ago. I had forgotten all about them until they were returned last week. Of course, they will end up in the closet of our toddler granddaughter, Vivian Rose, though most of them will have a bit of a wait until she grows into them.
Vivi will probably be 4 or 5 before she wears this classic plaid school dress.
Excuse the ugly section of my potting shed shown in the background. It really is nicer than that. See here.
I don’t know what happened to the Liberty bishop shown below. Continue reading
This is another outfit in the kindergarten wardrobe Suzanne Sawko is making for her granddaughter. Â It seems to meet all the requirements of primary school wear in Florida–the outfit is cool, comfortable and allows for active play.
At the same time it satisfies a little girl’s desire for feminine clothing, as well as her Mamaw’s own desire for a pretty back-to-school wardrobe for this 5 year-old. And what teacher wouldn’t love to see a new student in a smocked garment? Clearly, this is a winning 2-piece set. Continue reading
Doesn’t this look cool and comfortable for a Florida toddler?
I seem to be stuck on the simple, free, gathered play top pattern from The Purl Bee.  (See Mountain Sewing Getaway and Free Patterns~Summer Play Top)  There are so many variations dancing around in my head that I doubt this will be the last one I make. I really hope to make some for Operation Christmas Child.
For this version, the top is cut to a dress length–at least for an 18 month old– and given a more elegant look with the a finer fabric. The contrasting casing of which I am so fond and is embellished with stacked yo-yo’s, a single leaf and a tiny pearl button. Continue reading
Here is another outfit my friend Suzanne made for her granddaughter’s kindergarten wardrobe. Of course, also she made the tights, the fabric flower on the leg, and the hairbow. This tall, gorgeous, little redhead would be a knock out in a gunny sack, but when wearing the sweet things her grandmother has made, she will stop traffic.
There is so much detail and a surprise everywhere you look. And yet, it is perfectly unified. The pink gingham outfit was inspired by Kari Mecca’s book, Sewing with Whimsy.
Suzanne is an avid crocheter and can whip up a flower in a flash.   Notice that the button in each flower’s center is the same. That gives an element of unity to the varied embellishments. Continue reading
I think I need a 12-step program. Farmhouse Fabrics just confirmed my second order of the week for Children’s Corner patterns. I need help!
Friends of Sew Classic for Children on Facebook flood that page with ideas, photos and inspiration from Children’s Corner patterns. I try to limit my purchases but this group gets me so excited. Lezette Thomason posts daily and includes little lessons.  I already have way too many patterns and way too little sewing time to keep up with them. And yet I go on.
Meanwhile, every few days another spectacular outfit for her granddaughter’s kindergarten wardrobe emerges my dear friend Suzanne Sawko’s sewing room.  She has patterns aplenty herself, but somehow, she sews most of them up.
Her Classy Casual short set was posted last week. Now we see this brown beauty, as well as the blue dress shown further down. Both were made from this Burda Style pattern. (Pattern–that is the connection to the first paragraph.) Continue reading
Posted in Basic no-embroidery Machine Projects, girls
Vivian Rose having fun at pre-school wearing her easy-peasy play top and her beloved pink crocs
Now here is a GREAT modern project for old fashioned Nanas. Â The free pattern, available at The Purl Bee, consists of only simple directions/measurements so there are no pattern pieces.
It requires just a bit of elastic and 1/2 yd. of fabric—and who doesn’t have cute scraps that are too small for another project?  It’s quick–the basic top can be made in about an hour. And better yet, it is a blank canvas that can be gussied up with applique’ or embroidery or whatever–or not! Continue reading
