Grad school classes start up!

And I've really been sewing, too! Just not getting it all blogged.

This weekend I want to show you my new 18th century stuff, plus a new skirt or two.

Happy New Year!

A Pocket (Not Lost)

As in "Lucky Locket lost her pocket,
Kitty Fisher found it".
How does one lose a pocket? When it's an eighteenth century pocket. Ladies (and girls) had a "pocket" that they tied on around their waist. If the pocket came untied, perhaps while playing, voila!!, it's lost!
Here's my new pocket:

Here's Lottie, the tape dummy, wearing my new chemise and pocket:

I used some scraps from old projects, found deep in my stash and rag box.


Some check for the front



and plain white linen for the lining and the back. I sewed the front and lining together at the slit, clipped the seam and turned it, then sewed the front, lined piece to the back. I added a ribbon to tie the pocket around my waist--over my chemise and under my petticoats.
Many times pockets were quite lovely, embroidered and fancy.

This is a mid 18th century pocket displayed at the Museum of Costume, Bath, England.
http://www.museumofcostume.co.uk/exhibitions/past_displays/pockets_of_history.aspx
But mine is not so fancy. One day, perhaps, I'll get out the ol' embroidery hoop and silk threads and go to work on a pretty pocket!

Here's my new Nightie! Simplicity 3573

This was very easy to put together. And came out so nicely!
I changed it up a bit:

I put a self-fabric binding around the neck.

A regular purchased binding just didn't seem appealing--scratchy and rough. This is so much softer. I sewed it down around the neckline again to make everything lie down nicely.

Used my buttonhole stitch around the sleeves and at the placket. The sleeves are 3/4 length and without any elastic.


The buttons were in my stash. I had some great little flower buttons--but only two! These look bright and cheerful, though.

I added about 10 inches (even for shorty me!) to make a long gown. Otherwise the nightgown would be quite short. I like something around my legs when it's cold!

So cozy and warm--especially since it's supposed to snow again tomorrow!

BRRR! A new Nightgown

A warm one, of course.

Here's Christmas Eve in Dallas:

Which inspired a new fluffy flannel gown.

The pattern is Simplicity 3573. I will make "B" with a longer skirt and no ruffle. I found the bright little flannel at Walmart for $2 a yard. It's 100% cotton and so soft and warm!

Okay, I'm Sewing!! First, A Christmas Gift

First, a Christmas gift that I made for someone who loves to drink tea.
A tea cozy!
I cut out a pattern first:

It's approximately 12 X 12 inches--I wanted the tea cozy large enough for most teapots. If you had a specific teapot in mind, you could measure your teapot, making sure that you left enough "ease" to pull the cozy on and off, and for seams.

I used an already quilted fabric I got on sale at Jo-Anns. It took about 3/8 yard.

This is the inner print. The seam inside is bound with plain ol' bias tape.

As is the bottom. Theoretically, it's reversible.

Here's the little tea-time bit I found in an antique store in Waxahachie. Isn't it great? I used my fancy machine's buttonhole stitch to sew the embroidered piece on.

I hope she like it! And doesn't see it here first!

Merry Christmas!

A Merry and Blessed Christmas to Your Household!

Jane

Round Robin Quilt

In my Mom's quilting class, we have started our "Round Robin" quilts.
To do this, I first made a 24 X 24 inch quilt piece.
You then pass around the blocks for other moms to add a six-inch (or so) border--one border each month.
In May, I will see---for the first time!---my new quilt!
And also see how I and all the other moms have added and produced each others' quilts!

I envisioned my quilt as a montage of things that I enjoy/like/or are important to me.

Sewing, especially vintage patterns.

Taking care of my house--and fixing it up!

As a seven year survivor--breast cancer.