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The second day of Martha Pullen’s Sewing Market was even better than the first, probably because it was a longer day, from 8 a.m. until 9:00 p.m..  So many new sewing techniques learned, so much creative inspiration, so much technical guidance!

My early day started at with Janice Stewart’s class:  Drawn Thread by Machine -Love the look of drawn work? – Let Janice show you how fast and easy you can accomplish this technique all by machine. Copy this high end look for your home, wardrobe and even babies. Lecture includes tips, tricks and a trunk show of ideas to get you inspired.

I am not a morning person.  Margaret Boyles was known to say that her heart did not begin beating officially until 10 a.m.  Some days, mine starts even later. I like to say I work the night shift (in my sewing room).

Any earlier start of the day requires HUGE motivation, like homeschooling my grandchildren or sewing workshops.  But I reeeeeeally wanted this 8:00 class from Janice Stewart.  Thankfully, it was most definitely worth firing up my slow starting old heart. Continue reading →

My head is still buzzing, and will be for quite a while, about Martha Pullen’s Orlando Market. I want to relive it and give you a play-by-play in hopes that you will treat yourself to this delight when the opportunity presents itself.

This is one of Connie's Madeira applique' patterns. I had to buy the companion pattern for AG dolls.

I arrived just before noon on Thursday, in time for my first class, Madeira Applique’ with Connie Palmer.   Though I am practiced in the basics of this technique, I knew Connie would have more to offer.  And, of course, she did.   A few of the things I learned from Connie Palmer in her Madeira Applique’ class:

• Use water soluble thread in the bobbin.  I’ve always put it in the needle but it breaks more easily there than in the bobbin.
• Use the water soluble/sew it together technique to make two identical pieces, such as Madeira frames.
• There is a terrific new scallop template that Connie loves.  You simply determine the size scallop you want by measuring the skirt width (or whatever) and deciding how many scallops you would like, i.e. for a 42″ skirt you might want 7 scallops.  Then you would want them to measure 6″ each.   Just snap the two piece template together at the proper markings and you are ready to trace your scallops!  As Connie said, now you can get all of the saucers, soup bowls, tea cups and whatever you have used to make scallops out of your sewing room and store this flat little notion.

• 

  Mark scalloped borders on hems, collars and quilts quickly and easily in sizes from 5" to 12". Instructions are included with template. In stock Price: $14.99(from MO)

In response to a student’s question, she also went into her uses and techniques for spaghetti bias, especially as a cathedral window look.  I might write more about that in a later post but for now, just look at this blouse she made!  I had forgotten my camera that day, so this was taken with my phone.  The photo quality is not good, but the blouse is spectacular. Continue reading →

This post has nothing to do with “modern projects for old fashioned Nanas” or even sewing, for that matter, but I just couldn’t help sharing this with you.  A friend just sent me these actual bloopers that appeared in church bulletins or were announced from the pulpit.  I’m still chuckling after reading them.

It took me back many years ago when an equally entertaining (to many, but not all) story about our church’s Maundy Thursday service.

Glenwood Presbuyterian Church.  Please disregard the characters in the front. They were there to promote the Vacation Bible School theme. Continue reading →

What a fabulous visit I had with Terri Click a few days ago! She had been teaching in Orlando and stopped by my house for a too-brief visit. It seems that visits from sewing friends are always too short, but we made the most of the time we had.  Mostly, we talked–about sewing, about life, about sewing and more about sewing.  It’s great to have a friend who shares your passion for needlework.

She brought me two one-of-a-kind gifts that I treasure. The first is the sweet pincushion  shown above.  Old sweaters provided the materials for this!   Terri has many talents, but the making silk purses out of sows’ ears is at the top of the list.  I like this so much better than a silk purse.  You would enjoy visiting her blog.

The sweater/pincushion is attached to a felt  base made from her beloved Big Shot Sizzix die-cutting machine.  I need to learn more about that!

The second gift is a screen printed dishtowel, made long enough to be easily converted into an apron.  Isn’t that clever?  Screen printing is another new skill  that she is honing.  The tangerines are the first of this year’s crop from one of our trees.  We were so busy talking that we forgot to pack them up for her to take home to South Carolina.

This is the Old Spanish Sugar Mill. The water wheel no longer turns but the gears and basic parts are still inside the ancient building.

For breakfast, we went to one of our family’s favorite haunts, the Old Spanish Sugar Mill located inside the 600 acre DeLeon Springs State Park. Continue reading →