Category Archives: uncategorized

My Sewing Room ~ Coming Clean

AFTER cleanup this is the north end of my sewing room .

 

Nothing motivates me to clean house like incoming guests.   The first time we were scheduled to host our new Bible study/fellowship gathering I did a good bit of tidying up,  but we had to cancel because I had bronchitis.     This week, it was our turn again.  Okay.  No problem.

And then….the ladies said, “Oh good!  We finally get to see your sewing room!”  Gulp…gulp.  I thought I might be experiencing my first panic attack.

Usually, when we have guests I just close the door to my lady cave.  Company respects a closed door.  But it seems that everyone who has ever stitched wants to see others’ sewing rooms.  I know I surely do.  And these ladies sew.

Now, Dear Readers, by inviting you in I am reaching up to another level of friendship with you.   A few, Judy Day,  Suzanne Sawko, Terri Click, Mildred Turner, Linda McGehee, Rheeta Booth and June Mellinger,  have seen my mess and still call me “friend.”    I hope you will be as understanding.

So here is/was my sewing room before my cleaning tornado.  Actually, I had already begun the cleaning process and took some small comfort in the old saying that things often get worse before they get better.  This was worst not worse.

WARNING!  GRAPHIC IMAGES! Continue reading

Keychain Tutorial -Work in Progress

Dear Readers,

Thank you for your enthusiastic interest in the keychain tutorial. It is well underway and should be posted toward the end of this week. I’ve finished the tute for The Dream, Quattro and Duetta and will get started on the others soon.

Meanwhile, you might want to stock up on some sheets of stiff craft felt and regular soft felt in matching colors.

Today, Monday, I have another fabulous class at The Sewing Studio in Maitland, FL.  The instructor, Lyn Powers, knows this machine, as well as Babylock’s Destiny, like the back of her hand.  This will be my 4th class with her, having already learned a great deal about the scanning mat, bobbin work, combining decorative stitches from the sewing side and importing them into hooped embroidery designs and more.

Those of us in central Florida are so fortunate to have The Sewing Studio, its knowledgeable staff,  incredible fabric selection and machine support.  FYI, I am nothing more than a long-time satisfied customer.  If you live in the area and have not checked it out, you really should. At the website you can take a short virtual tour.

In my class last week, the lady sitting next to me gave me a chuckle.  She said that she had moved to the area four years ago.  As she was looking at homes for sale, she happened upon The Sewing Studio and thought it was sewing heaven.  She almost did not buy the house of her dreams because it is just minutes from the store.  “I could afford the house,” she said.  “But could I afford it if I spent all my time and money here?’  She said it is like living on a non-stop diet, limiting her visits and purchases.

With this testimonial, I must say again that I have no connection whatsoever to this sewing heaven but that of a long term happy customer.

Now, to finish packing up for my class.  Then on to the keychain tutorial.

Canterbury Cathedral Boys Choir

choir pic

choristers at Canterbury Cathedral in London

 

This weekend we were delighted to host two of the boys from England’s world famous Canterbury Choir.

 

choir brochure

 

Our Reformed church, St. Andrews Chapel in Sanford (near but not in Orlando as indicated on the program), was the last stop on their tour of the southern states.

 

choir st. andrewsCR.

Canterbury Choir at St. Andrews Chapel

 

The weekend was a series of incredible experiences.  Meeting these amazingly talented youngsters, hearing their glorious music, and learning about the Canterbury Cathedral where they live year round left us in awe. Witnessing the focus and determination of our young guests astounded us.

How different are the lives of these boys from that of our two homeschooled grandchildren who are nearly same age as our guests, 10 year old Felix and Nathaniel.  Before the choir arrived, we watched this video for insight into the program.  What a rigorous routine!  And they all look so angelic. But it turns out that they are just boys. Continue reading

Only for the Love of Grandchildren

Apparently,  there is no limit to what we will do for our children or grandchildren.

 

Pokemon ninja headbandss

 

I can’t believe I’ve just made 43 Pokemon Ninja headband birthday party favors for sweet grandson Alastair.  That’s LOVE!!!

Now 6 years old, he and most of his friends are  smitten with Pokemon characters. The headbands are embroidered with four of the all-important “energy symbols.”

 

party ninjas

Alastair is the little guy standing with his hands in his pockets.

Continue reading

True Friends

towel 1

 

I have a sweet story to share with you.  It’s a story of a daughter’s love and the loyalty of her friends.  And there is a sewing connection.

 

communionclothRheeta

Aunt Rheeta, 73

 

Many of you may remember my dear Aunt Rheeta who has stitched many projects featured on this blog. (See  Aunt Rheeta’s Communion Cloth, Vacation or Sweat shop,  Bible Cover, My Heroine, Patient Pillowcases.)

Just before she left her home in Indiana to come visit me, Aunt Rheeta celebrated her 80th birthday. Continue reading

Just one more reason…

Lately, my thoughts have turned to a little unicorn girl, though you probably wonder why.  It’s all about what we do for love, specifically, sewing.

We’ve been very busy with family activities and demands and are so grateful to live near our children so we can be closely involved in their lives.   Spending time with them is such a blessing.  So I’m not complaining.

But as I strive to find time to sew a little of this and that, to begin Vivian Rose’s 2nd birthday dress, and to tackle some long overdue home dec projects, I have given considerable thought to why I feel such a drive to sew these projects.  It reminded me of this post from almost two years ago and think it bears repeating.  I often find myself wondering just how that sweet little unicorn is. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So here is just one more reason…..

to sew.  Not that we need another one, but a recent event really gave me pause to think about sewing and why we do it.  It has taken me some time to digest and organize my thoughts, to say what I want to say, so please bear with me.

 

Laurel,3 days old in "gender neutral daygown," made especially for her.

Laurel,3 days old in “gender neutral daygown,” made especially for her.

 

Like mothers and grandmothers before me, I was sewing for Laurel long before she was born.  The daygown shown above was made before we knew the gender of our first grandchild, but I couldn’t wait to start sewing for our long-awaited bundle of joy.  Announcement of a new baby will chase even the least productive needleworker to the sewing room.  The ambitious hopes and heartfelt dreams we have for baby’s future are in our thoughts with every stitch.

Last week  I had one of those gut-checks that make you stop and think.  This gut-check (or reality check) was initiated indirectly by Laurel, our first grandchild, just turned 9.    As we watched her portrayal of Lucy in a little production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe last week, I was overcome with gratitude for this loving, gifted, hearty, and hale child. I couldn’t help but think back to the day she was born.

 

Laurel, on the left with characters Susan and Peter

Laurel, on the left with characters Susan and Peter

 

Of course, we were so pleased with her acting and clear, audible speaking. And we enjoyed the entire production.  But that’s not the point.

The playbill, as usual, featured ads placed by parents, congratulating and encouraging their children.  One caught my eye–a photo of a pretty little girl whose parents declared their pride in her dramatic participation now that she can hear, and looking forward to her future accomplishments.

Yes, this child, who appeared to be about Laurel’s age, apparently had been deaf her entire life until some recent surgical or technological breakthrough.  Though she had only  two or three short lines, one can only imagine her parents’ pride in their daughter. Continue reading

Seaside Madeira Table Linens

placemat

Making these table linens was a nice break from sewing for my granddaughters. Fine white linen is paired with lime green and embroidered with a fun blue fish. This color combination reminds me of the beach, just 30 miles away.

Sitting on the screened breakfast porch, looking out over our front yard with this table setting made me just as happy that I was not roasting on Daytona Beach and scanning the waterfront for sharks. It’s very peaceful on my porch. I enjoy pulling out dishes and napkins that coordinate with the setting.

Linen is one of my favorite fabrics and Madeira applique’ is one of my favorite sewing techniques. Add pinstitching and embroidery–well, just let me tell you I was having a big time! I never once missed lace or a girlie angle. If there is any interest, I would be happy to put up a Madeira applique tutorial. Let me know if you would find that helpful. Continue reading

Tutorial: Disney Project & Fun for All

 

I’m getting ready to post some new garments I made using a few of  the delightful new Disney designs.  They have really updated the characters and created very contemporary designs.  I stitched a new Minnie on CC Callie, Ariel on a two piece play set, and Nemo on a beach scene baby outfit.

With the new Brother machines being introduced there is a lot of  Disney excitement.  I thought you might enjoy this old post with my daughter’s tutorial for her castle pin/bulletin board.   This is a great back-to-school activity for kids and parents.

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It was a fabulous weekend, full of fun.   Rebecca had a project in mind so after the downtown Mardi Gras Dog Parade (details below the tutorial), this is was our family project.  It really is useful to anyone, young and old.  It would be great for teachers.

What is it for, you might ask?  Well, read her explanation below. Continue reading

Coming soon: Smocking Arts Guild Convention in Orlando!

SewCation cover

You must be a member of SAGA to sign up for the SEWCATION classes. Membership fee will be reduced by half on July 1st to $17.50. Join then and sign up for Sewcation classes. There are many classes still available. You will have a fabulous experience with some of the best teachers and greatest new friends.

Wow!  This is a great opportunity for needleworkers around the country–and beyond!  Not only is this historically a fabulous event, but this one in particular seems to be among the best ever offered.   You could bring the whole family and combine a great vacation with this great learning opportunity.  And it is in my backyard–Orlando!  Take note you Florida gals.

Every quality needlework event I have ever attended has given me new skills, years of inspiration, many new friends, and priceless memories.  This SAGA convention will offer all that and more.

Classes range from pattern drafting, alterations, heirloom sewing, beginning smocking, silk ribbon embroidery, and so much more.  There is a WeeCare competition with a grand prize of a hand embroidered sewing hussif.  Raffle baskets, table top clinics–well, the list goes on and on.  Rental sewing machines are available.

I encourage each of you to attend if at all possible. I was just freed up from a non-optional activity over those same dates so now I certainly plan to be there.  It would be just wonderful if we could all meet in person!  Yeah!!!

I’m babbling.  Click here to check out the brochure for yourself.

Look at some of the classes on the schedule. Continue reading

Gallery of Readers’ Easter Projects

 

Children's Corner Johnny

Julie’s Children’s Corner Johnny–how many French knots do you think there are?

 

It seems like forever since there has been a new post at Janice Ferguson Sews.  Busy, busy, busy is what I’ve been but only some of that busy-ness has been sewing. Sigh….

Now the distractions and other responsibilities are mostly behind me so I can share more sewing projects and chat.  Before the joyous Easter celebrations are even further in our past, I want to share some of the Easter outfit photos I received from our creative and talented readers.

Julie shared these photos and information about the precious, classic Johnny she made for her nephew.  She also smocked a dress for her niece.  I’d love to see that. Continue reading