Category Archives: uncategorized

Seaside Madeira Table Linens

Posted on September 18, 2014 by | 9 comments

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 →

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Posted in heirloom sewing, machine embroidery, Madeira applique, Nana fun, uncategorized

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Tutorial: Disney Project & Fun for All

Posted on August 14, 2014 by | 1 comment

 

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 →

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Posted in Nana fun, Tutorials, uncategorized

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Coming soon: Smocking Arts Guild Convention in Orlando!

Posted on June 28, 2014 by | 6 comments
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 →

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Gallery of Readers’ Easter Projects

Posted on May 8, 2014 by | 4 comments

 

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 →

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Posted in boys, brother-sister, girls, heirloom sewing, Holiday Projects, smocking, uncategorized

Free Big Bunnies Design

Posted on April 24, 2014 by | 147 comments

3 bunnies

 

As a self-described Only-When-Absolutely-Necessary digitizer/machine embroidery designer, I worked up this design for a Children’s Corner Callie.   It was made in a huge hurry for my granddaughter to wear to the Bunny Lunch at church the day before Easter.

 

VR ball basket Continue reading →

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Posted in free patterns and designs, girls, Holiday Projects, machine embroidery, uncategorized

Easter Bunny Lunch~Casual Garments

Posted on April 23, 2014 by | Leave a comment

fba173397ddc74968502faadb8fb450d

 

I hope you all had a joyful Easter.  We had a beautiful weekend-long celebration with a houseful of laughing adult children and grandchildren.  Our daughter, Rebecca, her family and our son Ryan’s family were here.  He is a pilot and, sadly, was unable join us.  We’re happy that he loves his work, but we miss him at so many family gatherings.

 

sandwiches

 

Friday night, while taking a break from my sewing, I made more than 100 little raisin bread/cream cheese/jelly sandwiches for Saturday’s Bunny Lunch at church.  My dear, helpful husband sat with me and cut away the crusts from 5 loaves while I spread the filling.  The sandwiches were topped with cream cheese carrots sprinkled with a little orange sugar which pleased the children.

 

tie design from Linnie Pinnie, with single bunny from

Tie design from is Linnie Pinnie, with single bunny extracted from Bernina’s Warm Wishes from Ingrid collection.

Continue reading →

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Posted in church projects, girls, heirloom sewing, machine embroidery, Nana fun, uncategorized

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Baby’s Easter Dress

Posted on April 12, 2014 by | 14 comments
dress pink2

Vivian Rose’s white Easter dress with pink slip

UPDATE:  Finally I have a photo of Vivian Rose in her Easter dress.

VR Easter 14 crop

 

NOTE:  Please excuse the poor quality of these photos. They were taken midday, making it nearly impossible to get a shot without shadows.  The breeze was blowing and the dress kept moving.  And photography is not my strong suit.

Are you all busy with Easter sewing?  Busy, busy, busy has been the status around here for some time and it’s not been all about sewing.  With Aunt Rheeta’s visit,  Rebecca’s 3-day visit with Alastair and Vivian Rose,  and sleepovers with our other two grandchildren, progress on Easter outfits is way behind schedule.  But I loved every minute of these visits and have no regrets.

During that time, however, I did manage to make some progress on  Vivian Rose’s holiday finery and now that things have quieted down, I  have just finished her dress and slip.

 

dress no slip

dress without pink slip

Continue reading →

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Posted in hand embroidery, infant clothing, machine embroidery, shadow work, uncategorized

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My Mother’s Porcelain Dolls for Sale

Posted on March 5, 2014 by | 22 comments
Bonnie Babe Bow

SOLD

ALL  DOLLS ARE SOLD

My mother, Dollie Manning, was a very talented doll maker.  For several years, she teamed up with Lezette Thomason who sold the Lilliputian dolls at sewing events such as the Martha Pullen School of Art Fashion.  Most of the dolls are signed, but a few were missed in the rush to meet a deadline.

 

makingdollsmX

This illustration is on the front of an old Needlecraft magazine. I love those old covers.  I’m not sure what the crutch is about, but the image reminds me of my mother surrounded by her dolls.

 

The prices are shown but do not include shipping or insurance.  If you would like any of these babies, just leave your request as a comment or send an e-mail to NCcabin@aol.com.

I’ve held onto these dolls for several years, gifting some to my granddaughters and putting others away for future birthdays and Christmas presents.   But these naked babies need to be liberated from the drawer in my sewing room.  They also need some clothes!

Bonnie Babe Bow (there is another just like her but without the bow, shown further down) is just a precious little girl and so cute when she wears a smocked bishop dress. Continue reading →

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A Valentine Love Story

Posted on February 14, 2014 by | 11 comments

 

sewIvechosen you

 

Happy Valentine’s Day to dear readers of Janice Ferguson Sews. I am so grateful that you read this blog and for your kind and helpful comments. And I hope today there is a Whitman Sampler and a dozen roses delivered to you by a loved one.

 

vintage-victorian-valentine-card-cherub-messenger-pulling-cart-with-roses

It’s hard to read the writing on the boxes but I’m pretty sure they say Whitman, Godiva, and Russell Stover.

 

A year has gone by since this was originally posted.  Still, it remains the most touching Valentine story I can share with you.  My 94 year old Uncle Richard and his bride, Carmen, have just celebrated their first wedding anniversary.  Well done, Cupid. Continue reading →

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Christmas Greeting

Posted on December 26, 2013 by | Leave a comment

gingerbread 12~13

 

This holy day is almost over, but I want to wish you the joy of the season, which my family certainly has enjoyed.  While their mother was at home preparing for a big Christmas day, Robert and Laurel spent Christmas Eve day at our house decorating gingerbread houses.   They  absolutely love this activity.

 

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve, Laurel bottom left and Robert (blond) far right, littlest one, Caroline, front row with white hair bow

 

<< In keeping with the sewing theme of this blog, I will mention that I altered several of these robes, hemming up two, adding 6 inches to another and altering one from a child’s size 12 to a lady’s 14.  Then they were all pressed.  Does that make this a legitimate post?>> Continue reading →

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