Tag Archives: Nivia hemstitch designs

Teaching in Puerto Rico

This is the view from one of the classrooms. The other had the same view along one entire wall.

This is the view from one of the classrooms. The other had the same view along one entire wall.

In all my years of teaching, I have traveled to some beautiful places, met beautiful people and seen beautiful projects. San Juan, Puerto Rico, was one of my favorite venues, a place at which I taught several times for Luis and Rosa Medina, owners of the San Juan Brother dealership. They were absolutely the most gracious host and hostess that you could imagine.

Their 12 year old daughter helped out but spent most of her time in the classroom, sewing on the Quattro 6000D.

Rosa Medina and 12 year old Deborah, a sewing student! We all talk about learning to sew on our mother's old straight stitch machine or some even tell tales of learning on a treadle.  But Deborah is learning more than basic sewing on this technological wonder. June Mellinger, in ivory shirt, discussing project with two entrants.

Rosa Medina and 12 year old Deborah, a sewing student! We all talk about learning to sew on our mother’s old straight stitch machine or some even tell tales of learning on a treadle. But Deborah is learning more than basic sewing on this technological wonder.

On one of these trips, June Mellinger and I taught the classes and were asked to judge a sewing competition. June, by the way, is Brother’s Director of Education in the US, president of the American Sewing Guild and just a terrific, fun lady. We were absolutely astounded at the variety and quality of the entries.

The following photos show just a few of the beautiful items the ladies brought from all over the island.
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Nivia diaper set

Nivia A grass

When I saw this baby boy outfit in Sew Beautiful magazine, issue 121, I knew I would make it for Alastair.  The style is so unlike any heirloom baby patterns that I have seen.  He is shown here with the bib covering the unusual front, but it is shown below.  Even his father noted the masculine military look.

With all its charm, it really is more old fashioned than modern.  It needs to be ironed.  But Rebecca is willing to do that for this sweet suit.

 

Nivia shirt

 

Usually, I change one thing or another when a project moves me to duplication.    On this set, I stitched it almost exactly as shown.  However, if I recall, the magazine sample was made from linen and I chose cotton Swiss flannel.

Another small change I made was to substitute some very pretty vintage, almost brown, pearl buttons for the off white buttons as shown in the magazine.   From other articles in the same issue, I added the coordinating bib and bonnet. Continue reading