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When purchasing patterns for my guys, I look at the same things as I do for myself and Little Miss. How many ways can I use the pattern? Are their multiple size ranges? Can I wait and buy it on sale?
For the guys, I have a few basic patterns only. Sleep pant patterns often come with a t-shirt pattern included. With Little Man, I have the option also of making him elastic waist pants from the same pattern for him to wear during the day. Just that one pattern can provide Little Man with nearly any clothing need he may have. The sleep pants can be made long or as shorts.
Shirts are a pattern that I am getting from Buckaroo Bobbins for both Joe and Little Man. They have western shirt pattern packs with multiple styles in both the men's and boys' sizes. The size range within the pattern packs are complete for most sizes. A boy's pattern pack would carry nearly all the sizes needed until the boy grew old enough for a small men's shirt. For about $20 you would have both the boy's and men's pattern packs to add to your collection. They also carry vest, jacket, and outer coat patterns. One of our favorite patterns that I still have to purchase is the "Ranger" coat. It is a very long length duster type coat with a double layer at the top to protect in the rain. For little ones, they have the "Little Ranger" that is a duplicate to the men's version.
One of the cautions that I like to extend to those considering making their family's clothing is to pay close attention to the style. Don't invest in styles that are fleeting or trendy. These will not save you any money. Instead, go for the timeless styles that you can work with for years to come. You can easily take a basic pattern and through the fabric choices that you make, you can turn an every day style outfit into one that can be worn on special occasions.
One example of dressing up a pattern for a little boy would be the sleep pant pattern. Using flannel they are comfortable sleep pants. Using fleece they become a winter weight sweat pant. If you make the exact same pattern with an elastic waist in a nice poly/cotton fabric they can become a pair of church pants. From a heavy linen or broadcloth, the pants would make a nice everyday wear pant to play in. The trick is to sew the front seam so that there is no button closure and use elastic only instead of the drawstring elastic.
The next, and likely the greatest, expense to sewing is the fabric. For each of my patterns, I have an index card with the fabric amounts needed for Joe's & my current sizes and the next size up for the children. When summer weight fabric goes on sale at the end of the season, I could take these cards to the store and know what fabric amounts to buy for the following summer. The same applies to buying winter weight fabrics. By knowing the amounts for the next size up, I won't be short on the fabric when time comes to make their clothing. Some fabrics are used more than others. Muslin is always in supply here. Next to linen, it is likely the fabric I would find the most use for.
Sewing for the home is treated the same as clothing. I buy one pattern pack that contains as much as possible to meet the needs of that particular room. Whenever possible, I would consider checking second hand stores for old blankets, table cloths, etc., before buying new fabric. An old quilt in need of repair usually has enough area in good condition that you can cut it into pieces to use for other things. Placemats, hot pads, changing table pad, are a few ideas. If the old quilt has a cotton or wool batting, you can use it to make "momma pads" or the soaker pads to place inside of a cloth diaper to increase absorbency. Old linen table cloths can be repurposed to make linen napkins. Those old decorative bed sheets can be made into curtains, aprons, or furniture scarves. Never discount the idea of using repurposed fabric for making quilts! You can save a tremendous amount of money doing that alone.
When tossing out worn clothing that cannot be repurposed, carefully cut out the buttons, pockets, zippers, and any other notions that you can reuse in another sewing project. I remember my Grandma's old button box. I had many hours of fun in my childhood simply looking through them. She saved any notions that she could possibly use again. Sets of matching buttons were strung together on thread to make them easy to find. I learned much from observing her habits in this. Today, I find that prudence to be a money saving idea that serves me well.
The last tip that I have is one that I recently began doing. Little Miss wants a cloth doll for Christmas. I went to Mardel's Christian Book Store which has a very large selection of curriculum and teaching supplies. In the back of the store, they have a self-service copying and laminating machines available for a very low cost. I took the pattern pieces for Little Miss' doll and laminated them. This pattern is a discontinued one and I wanted to preserve it so I can use it often in the future. I wouldn't do this will all of my patterns, but those that are often used or no longer available would be good candidates for it. For a multi-sized pattern, simply trace off the pattern pieces in the size needed. If you will be making many of that item, you may want to laminate the traced off copy. Crafting type patterns are most likely the ones I would use this idea for. If you are making crafts to sell at a bazaar or craft show, certainly having a laminated copy of the pattern would be a benefit.
In closing this topic, I would mention one more thing. Always have a written record in a little notebook of what patterns you have and their size ranges. This will prevent you making a duplicate purchase later on. If there are other patterns that you are wanting to purchase, have a list and make note when you buy each one. Watch the sales. Most fabric store chains will have all patterns from a manufacturer on sale once every couple of months, alternating pattern companies in each month.
Showing posts with label Sewing Room. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sewing Room. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Monday, December 19, 2011
Back To Basics Sewing, Pt 1
This is a topic that I have talked about before but wanted to revisit. Many times, I hear people say that it is expensive to sew your family's clothing. They are right and yet they are wrong. It comes down to how you go about it. If you buy patterns often and expensive fabrics, the costs can be much higher than store bought. One factor to remember is that typically homemade clothing will be more sturdy than the cheap clothing bought in discount stores. There is always a way to cut the costs however. In these next couple of posts, I will explain how you can make sewing for your home and family more affordable.
One of the best ways that you can cut costs is to be prudent in your pattern selections & purchases. When I have to buy a pattern, I always plan ahead and wait for a sale. I have been able to purchase patterns for $1.99 each that were sold at up to $16.99 at regular price. In all, I have purchased over $120 in patterns for less than $30.
The second thing that I have done to keep costs down is to be creative in my pattern choices. Buying pattern packs that contain several options are always best. Let me give you a couple of examples. I bought the "Frillies" pattern from Buckaroo Bobbins. The pattern is one that I have spoken of before. It contains 2 versions of a camisole, 2 versions of bloomers/pantaloons, and a petticoat. At first glance, you can easily see that made in a plain muslin or linen fabric, the clothing is old west period underpinnings for ladies. Take a second look though. Omit the wide ruffle on the petticoat and you have a half slip. With the petticoat ruffle omitted and the straight line of the petticoat extended to the length of the finished petticoat, it becomes a full length skirt. The bloomers, ruffle omitted, can be made into wide leg capri pants or extend to full length for slacks or sleep pants. Cut a shorter length and you can have shorts of whatever length you prefer. The camisoles can be made of any fabric to become a pretty summer top to add to your skirt. The options are nearly endless! All from a simple pattern pack for old west styled underpinnings.
The second example is that of Little Miss' dress pack called "Nicole's Dress" which also came from Buckaroo Bobbins. In the pattern set there is a simple plain dress with pinafore. What I love about the dress pack is that you can make it with the long sleeves or with short. The best part is that the single pattern pack, containing girl's sizes 4-12, only cost $7.95. Add to that the underpinnings pattern pack that I had bought from McCall's patterns before it was discontinued. When I bought the McCall's pattern, I got it on sale for $1.00 and bought it in all sizes available. So, for under $10.00, I have underpinnings, dress and pinafore for her in all sizes up to size 12. Being that she is currently in size 5, I won't have to buy a pattern for a long time.
The point is, I try to get as much out of the patterns as possible. I never buy a single purpose pattern. The only exception may be if I ever buy an apron pattern. Then it is only because the apron wasn't a part of a pattern pack I used. Even with that situation, I would only get an apron pattern that has options in how I make it. By holding down the number of patterns purchased for each family member, I can hold down costs. I buy can watch for sales on the fabrics. Buying winter or summer weight fabrics when they are off-season and on sale is a bonus. One added perk to using only a few patterns is that you are able gain skill in making the clothing. With experience, the construction gets easier and faster.
The last issue on this that I want to mention is that many people overlook the free sewing patterns available online for making clothing accessories. One case in point. A hooded scarf pattern I saw at the fabric store cost $11.95. I found free directions for making the same thing online. Be resourceful and do a Google search for any accessories you want to make. There are many available if you take the time to look at them.
One of the best ways that you can cut costs is to be prudent in your pattern selections & purchases. When I have to buy a pattern, I always plan ahead and wait for a sale. I have been able to purchase patterns for $1.99 each that were sold at up to $16.99 at regular price. In all, I have purchased over $120 in patterns for less than $30.
The second thing that I have done to keep costs down is to be creative in my pattern choices. Buying pattern packs that contain several options are always best. Let me give you a couple of examples. I bought the "Frillies" pattern from Buckaroo Bobbins. The pattern is one that I have spoken of before. It contains 2 versions of a camisole, 2 versions of bloomers/pantaloons, and a petticoat. At first glance, you can easily see that made in a plain muslin or linen fabric, the clothing is old west period underpinnings for ladies. Take a second look though. Omit the wide ruffle on the petticoat and you have a half slip. With the petticoat ruffle omitted and the straight line of the petticoat extended to the length of the finished petticoat, it becomes a full length skirt. The bloomers, ruffle omitted, can be made into wide leg capri pants or extend to full length for slacks or sleep pants. Cut a shorter length and you can have shorts of whatever length you prefer. The camisoles can be made of any fabric to become a pretty summer top to add to your skirt. The options are nearly endless! All from a simple pattern pack for old west styled underpinnings.
The second example is that of Little Miss' dress pack called "Nicole's Dress" which also came from Buckaroo Bobbins. In the pattern set there is a simple plain dress with pinafore. What I love about the dress pack is that you can make it with the long sleeves or with short. The best part is that the single pattern pack, containing girl's sizes 4-12, only cost $7.95. Add to that the underpinnings pattern pack that I had bought from McCall's patterns before it was discontinued. When I bought the McCall's pattern, I got it on sale for $1.00 and bought it in all sizes available. So, for under $10.00, I have underpinnings, dress and pinafore for her in all sizes up to size 12. Being that she is currently in size 5, I won't have to buy a pattern for a long time.
The point is, I try to get as much out of the patterns as possible. I never buy a single purpose pattern. The only exception may be if I ever buy an apron pattern. Then it is only because the apron wasn't a part of a pattern pack I used. Even with that situation, I would only get an apron pattern that has options in how I make it. By holding down the number of patterns purchased for each family member, I can hold down costs. I buy can watch for sales on the fabrics. Buying winter or summer weight fabrics when they are off-season and on sale is a bonus. One added perk to using only a few patterns is that you are able gain skill in making the clothing. With experience, the construction gets easier and faster.
The last issue on this that I want to mention is that many people overlook the free sewing patterns available online for making clothing accessories. One case in point. A hooded scarf pattern I saw at the fabric store cost $11.95. I found free directions for making the same thing online. Be resourceful and do a Google search for any accessories you want to make. There are many available if you take the time to look at them.
Christmas & Fabric Gift Bags
Less than a week until Christmas. Oh my. I look around the house and there is little signs of the upcoming holiday. So, this week, the kids are making decorations as well as some little gifts. They are doing great with the homeschooling. Grandson is loving his new school materials and Little Miss is enjoying the materials that she is using. She was surprised to notice that she has earned 2 badges in her Little Keeper's program. We won't have them until after the holidays, so I am thinking of saving them until the next time Daddy is home and then making a special event out of it by us taking her to dinner at her favorite place "Growls", which is pronounced Golden Corral by the rest of us. For those who don't know, Golden Corral is an all you can eat buffet. If given a vote, Little Miss will choose her "Growls" every time!
I have been busy in the evenings working on gifts. Mainly finishing up smaller projects. It is such fun to be able to make the gifts, with a house full of people, and no one know what you are doing. Requires a few late nights sometimes, but it is worth it.
I still have to finish making stockings and Little Miss' doll. If I can, I will sew up a few fabric gift bags to use instead of paper gift wrap. I am considering making a batch of the fabric gift bags later after the holidays to have a supply for during the year. I hate the idea of spending so much for paper wrap. With the fabric gift bags, I can make them to use with Joe and the kids. Once used, they can be saved for another time. If giving the gift to someone outside your home, the bag can be reused by them or they can fill it with a potpourri to make a nice scented bag to display in their home.
If you do much sewing, you know that there is often fabric left over. Sometimes, you have pretty fabric from an article of clothing that is out-grown in size. The fabric can be repurposed into the gift bags. The bags can be made of an assortment of sizes to fit nearly any wrapping need. I love the ones that are about lunch bag size. Those would get used more often than any other. A few bags made slightly larger would round out the set. If you need to stiffen up the bag bottom, place a piece of poster board or cover a portion of a cereal box cut to size into the bag bottom. Coordinating ribbon makes a nice closure.
In being conservative in the spending not only of our finances but in the natural resources the Lord has blessed us with, fabric gift bags just makes sense to me.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Knitting Nightmares
Okay, I am doing it. I have been talking about wanting to learn to knit
for some time now. Well, I bought a pair of needles about a year ago
and gave it a go. What a first-class disaster! I just had the worst
time trying to do the stitches. They were too tight and just a pain in
the backside to work with. I remember learning to knit when I was in
elementary school. It was a very informal group of girls learning from
a girl's mother who came to the school and volunteered as a room mom. I
remember how she taught us to cast on to load the stitches onto the
needle. Well, after learning how to do the basic knit & purl stitches,
the family moved before we could learn to increase, decrease, or finish
off the piece. In a nutshell, I learned how to do basic knitting to
make a scarf, but never learned how to take it off the needles.
for some time now. Well, I bought a pair of needles about a year ago
and gave it a go. What a first-class disaster! I just had the worst
time trying to do the stitches. They were too tight and just a pain in
the backside to work with. I remember learning to knit when I was in
elementary school. It was a very informal group of girls learning from
a girl's mother who came to the school and volunteered as a room mom. I
remember how she taught us to cast on to load the stitches onto the
needle. Well, after learning how to do the basic knit & purl stitches,
the family moved before we could learn to increase, decrease, or finish
off the piece. In a nutshell, I learned how to do basic knitting to
make a scarf, but never learned how to take it off the needles.
Last year, I carefully loaded a needle and began knitting. When I
reached the end of the first row I switched the needles in my hands and
started the next row. Got through that one and thought I was doing
great. I thought to myself, "Woo hoo! I'm knitting!" Little did I
know, lurking around row 4 was the beginnings of a nightmare. The
stitches were becoming gradually tighter and in row 4 were actually
making a slight squeaking sound as the yarn slide across the metal
needles. By row 5, I could not even slip the needle under the yarn on
the other needle to start a new stitch. I was in such a state of
frustration that I was ready to cry. I set the work aside until I was
ready to deal with it again. So, here I am nearly a year later looking
at that knitting attempt. It lurks on the shelf. I know I need to just
remove all the yarn from the needles and start over. It is my albatross.
A week ago, I was at a craft supply store and saw a beautiful pair of
wooden knitting needles that I fell in love with. I thought about some
handcrafted wooden crochet hooks that were made for me. I use the
wooden ones and prefer them to the plastic or metal. They feel very
comfortable to work with. I thought that if the wooden knitting needles
are as comfortable as the crochet hooks are, I would enjoy using them.
I didn't buy those needles. I love them, but will consider them as a
reward for learning to actually make a finished project using the pair
of knitting needles I have right now. Sigh.......
So, here I sit with that Knitting Nightmare mocking me. I am really
going to do it. I am going to reach over tonight and undo all that yarn
from the needle and banish that nightmare from my sight. If I don't
post again soon, I may need a rescue from a savvy knitter to get
unraveled. Or maybe a Knitter's Anonymous intervention. Or maybe a
good cry over a piece of dark chocolate. Will see what happens.....
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Textured Blanket for Micah
This past week, I have been feeling a little stressed, so have been taking a bit of time to do something creative. I have been wanting to make Micah a texture quilt, but have had a difficult time finding fabrics of various textures. I came to an idea though that will make the project move along better. I am learning new crochet stitches. I have used the same basic 3 stitches for years and am wanting to learn more variety.
This all started with a dishcloth exchange that a friend in Australia is doing. I am making a couple of dishcloths to send to her and she will exchange a couple that she has made to send to me. This gave me an idea.
What about making a bunch of squares of the various crochet stitches and sew them together to make Micah's blanket? Each crochet stitch has a different feel to it. Add to this the various types of fibers that are available and the possibilities are endless. Fibers or yarns can be found in a wide array of styles, colors and texture. Some are bumpy and soft, some are very fluffy, some are slightly coarse, and some are smooth. With all the options, I should be able to make a textured blanket for him that he will enjoy.
I am so glad that my hands are finally cooperating and I am able to do handwork again. I have been unable to do much of it ever since the ram tackled me early last autumn. I have gotten very behind in sewing and crochet projects. Abbie is already asking for a new shawl and for me to make her some head coverings. She wants some bonnets similar to what I wear. With the longer daylight hours, I am trying to work on these things after the day's work is done and the little ones are settled in for the night.
This all started with a dishcloth exchange that a friend in Australia is doing. I am making a couple of dishcloths to send to her and she will exchange a couple that she has made to send to me. This gave me an idea.
What about making a bunch of squares of the various crochet stitches and sew them together to make Micah's blanket? Each crochet stitch has a different feel to it. Add to this the various types of fibers that are available and the possibilities are endless. Fibers or yarns can be found in a wide array of styles, colors and texture. Some are bumpy and soft, some are very fluffy, some are slightly coarse, and some are smooth. With all the options, I should be able to make a textured blanket for him that he will enjoy.
I am so glad that my hands are finally cooperating and I am able to do handwork again. I have been unable to do much of it ever since the ram tackled me early last autumn. I have gotten very behind in sewing and crochet projects. Abbie is already asking for a new shawl and for me to make her some head coverings. She wants some bonnets similar to what I wear. With the longer daylight hours, I am trying to work on these things after the day's work is done and the little ones are settled in for the night.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Sewing & Such
We are doing very well. I have been busy getting the sorting and cleaning done. It is a big task each autumn season. We have to rearrange the furniture in the front room to make room for a supply of firewood to be stored in the house when the cold weather is upon us.I am moving my sewing area to the back of the house again. We are determined to have heat back there this year. The only rooms currently with heat in the winter are the kitchen, front room, and the children's bedroom. They are all heated with the wood stoves. One is a heating type and the other is a small cookstove. Between the two, the front of the house stays very warm. We have a kerosene heater that we can light on the very cold nights to heat the bathrooom and our bedroom if necessary. We don't like using it very much though due to costs.
I am still working on the PIFs. They are taking longer than I had hoped to complete. It seems that daily tasks keep setting back my time to work on them. I am making ..........oops! You thought I would post that before I got them mailed, huh? LOL
I received some old baby quilts recently and am recycling them into new ones for a charity quilt project. I cut away the worn, loose areas if need be then use the old quilts as batting inside a new one. It makes the project go very fast. I have already donated the blankets/quilts that were done. Now, I am starting up a new batch.
A fun project I am doing is the friendship quilt block exchange that I am organizing. It is a fairly simple one. All blocks are 8.5 inch square (allows for a 1/4 inch seam) and each person who sends one to me gets one made by me to add to their own quilt. Can't be simplier. I am doing a combination of appliqued block with some embroidery - name, location, year. I found a pattern in a quilt book for an appliqued oil lamp since that seems to be a good choice representing our non-electric lifestyle.
The garden is still producing zucchini. I mainly use it in breads, cakes, muffins, and pancakes. Just a quick tip - add shredded zucchini & the same spices that you would put into zucchini bread to your pancake batter. Increase the flour content a bit since zucchini can make the batter too thin. The result is a pancake that tastes like the bread. Very yummy!
May the Lord's blessings be with you all.Paula
I am still working on the PIFs. They are taking longer than I had hoped to complete. It seems that daily tasks keep setting back my time to work on them. I am making ..........oops! You thought I would post that before I got them mailed, huh? LOL
I received some old baby quilts recently and am recycling them into new ones for a charity quilt project. I cut away the worn, loose areas if need be then use the old quilts as batting inside a new one. It makes the project go very fast. I have already donated the blankets/quilts that were done. Now, I am starting up a new batch.
A fun project I am doing is the friendship quilt block exchange that I am organizing. It is a fairly simple one. All blocks are 8.5 inch square (allows for a 1/4 inch seam) and each person who sends one to me gets one made by me to add to their own quilt. Can't be simplier. I am doing a combination of appliqued block with some embroidery - name, location, year. I found a pattern in a quilt book for an appliqued oil lamp since that seems to be a good choice representing our non-electric lifestyle.
The garden is still producing zucchini. I mainly use it in breads, cakes, muffins, and pancakes. Just a quick tip - add shredded zucchini & the same spices that you would put into zucchini bread to your pancake batter. Increase the flour content a bit since zucchini can make the batter too thin. The result is a pancake that tastes like the bread. Very yummy!
May the Lord's blessings be with you all.Paula
Saturday, August 22, 2009
What's in the Sewing Basket?
It has been a while since I posted about my sewing projects, so I thought I would catch up on that. In truth, there was little time for sewing for a while. Life is beginning to slow down however and I am planning out my next projects.
One that had been on the "back burner" for too long was making new coverings. I am going to start cutting out the fabric to make new Prayer Kapps to sew. My favorite one is looking a bit worn and being it is my only Prayer Kapp, I need to make some more. This time, I am going to make a special one for outings, such as going to church, and another for daily wear. I also need a nice warm one to wear when outdoors.
I plan to start making some other capes that look a bit like a snood to wear when working about the home or garden. If I find them to be easy enough to make, I will likely sell some along with the Prayer Kapps & Cauls. I will add pictures when I am able to do so.
I have been working on the PIFs and hope to have them ready to send out by the end of next week. I am also drafting up the pattern for my 8.5" square quilt blocks for the Friendship Quilt block exchange I am hosting. The exchange is really fun and easy. You make one 8.5" block to exchange for a block made by another person. Friendship quilt blocks are collected until you have enough to make into a quilt.
I am still finding time in the afternoons when the children are napping & the housework finished to be able to crochet a bit. I am learning to put edgings on handkerchiefs. I am finding it to be much easier than I had thought it to be. One personal project that I am wanting to crochet is a couple pair of wristlets. My wrists and hands get sore in the cold weather, so hopefully these will keep my wrists warm enough to ease the pain.
Soon, thoughts of the holiday season will be becoming more in the forefront. I would like to make table linens in a pretty autumn fabric and maybe a winter design also. I already have fabric, just need to get busy and make them.
One that had been on the "back burner" for too long was making new coverings. I am going to start cutting out the fabric to make new Prayer Kapps to sew. My favorite one is looking a bit worn and being it is my only Prayer Kapp, I need to make some more. This time, I am going to make a special one for outings, such as going to church, and another for daily wear. I also need a nice warm one to wear when outdoors.
I plan to start making some other capes that look a bit like a snood to wear when working about the home or garden. If I find them to be easy enough to make, I will likely sell some along with the Prayer Kapps & Cauls. I will add pictures when I am able to do so.
I have been working on the PIFs and hope to have them ready to send out by the end of next week. I am also drafting up the pattern for my 8.5" square quilt blocks for the Friendship Quilt block exchange I am hosting. The exchange is really fun and easy. You make one 8.5" block to exchange for a block made by another person. Friendship quilt blocks are collected until you have enough to make into a quilt.
I am still finding time in the afternoons when the children are napping & the housework finished to be able to crochet a bit. I am learning to put edgings on handkerchiefs. I am finding it to be much easier than I had thought it to be. One personal project that I am wanting to crochet is a couple pair of wristlets. My wrists and hands get sore in the cold weather, so hopefully these will keep my wrists warm enough to ease the pain.
Soon, thoughts of the holiday season will be becoming more in the forefront. I would like to make table linens in a pretty autumn fabric and maybe a winter design also. I already have fabric, just need to get busy and make them.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
PIFs
What a fast response!!! I already have 3 people wanting to participate. Mrs. CW Mouse, Deanna Smith, and Carrie were the first 3 to respond. Carrie, please email me at okprairiemom@gmail.com to give me the address so I can mail out your PIF once it is finished. Thanks!!!
If you are new to PIFs, here is how it works:
I wrote and invitation for 3 people to participate. Each one will receive a handmade item from me. Once I have confirmed who is participating, the participants then post about PIFs on their own blogs and ask for 3 people wanting to join in. They send a handmade item to each person and so on.
The handmade items can be anything. One time, I sent out crocheted dishcloths I had made. This time I am sending out something different. It is really up to the sender what they want to mail out.
There is no rigid time frame, but I recommend that you mail something out within a month so that you don't forget. Most small crafts can be made and shipped in that time frame. Participating in PIFs is a lot of fun....both for the sender and the recipient.
So, in a nutshell, the 3 ladies who are participating in this PIF will be posting on their blogs and asking for 3 people to join in. They will then make & send a handmade item to each participant.
If you are new to PIFs, here is how it works:
I wrote and invitation for 3 people to participate. Each one will receive a handmade item from me. Once I have confirmed who is participating, the participants then post about PIFs on their own blogs and ask for 3 people wanting to join in. They send a handmade item to each person and so on.
The handmade items can be anything. One time, I sent out crocheted dishcloths I had made. This time I am sending out something different. It is really up to the sender what they want to mail out.
There is no rigid time frame, but I recommend that you mail something out within a month so that you don't forget. Most small crafts can be made and shipped in that time frame. Participating in PIFs is a lot of fun....both for the sender and the recipient.
So, in a nutshell, the 3 ladies who are participating in this PIF will be posting on their blogs and asking for 3 people to join in. They will then make & send a handmade item to each participant.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Free Mulch resource & PIFs
I am so excited. this morning, we were blessed with a second dump load of mulch from a tree cutting service. They have been cutting down the trees that have grown too close to power lines along the roads near us. I spoke to them a couple of weeks ago and they agreed to drop off the mulch at our home. This is a free resource that you can check into. Many of the tree cutting service companies look for new places to leave the mulch made from the tree limbs and branches run through the chipper. We now have a small mountain of 2 loads of mulch sitting ready to be put into our garden. They are going to use our home as one of their regular dumping areas. this means that whenever they are in the area working, they will be bringing a load to us periodically.
The mulch works well in compost piles, or simply spread around your garden plants. In autumn, it makes a nice layer to place on your garden soil to add nutrients to the soil as well as prevent weed growth in the early spring. Definately worth checking out the tree cutting service companies in your area.
This morning, I had a comment waiting to be moderated from someone (Mrs. CW Mouse) who had missed out on the first PIF that I had held. For those new to PIF, I gather the names & addresses of 3 people wanting to participate. I send each participant a handmade item. In exchange, they gather from their own blogs the names & addresses of 3 people wanting to participate. They make a handmade item for each and mail it off to them. Each person participating is expected to continue "Paying It Forward" to 3 people on their blogs. If you are interested in participating, please email me at okprairiemom@gmail.com and let me know. Mrs. CW Mouse, I will assume that you are wanting to participate. Please email me to confirm. I then will have room for 2 more participants.
The mulch works well in compost piles, or simply spread around your garden plants. In autumn, it makes a nice layer to place on your garden soil to add nutrients to the soil as well as prevent weed growth in the early spring. Definately worth checking out the tree cutting service companies in your area.
This morning, I had a comment waiting to be moderated from someone (Mrs. CW Mouse) who had missed out on the first PIF that I had held. For those new to PIF, I gather the names & addresses of 3 people wanting to participate. I send each participant a handmade item. In exchange, they gather from their own blogs the names & addresses of 3 people wanting to participate. They make a handmade item for each and mail it off to them. Each person participating is expected to continue "Paying It Forward" to 3 people on their blogs. If you are interested in participating, please email me at okprairiemom@gmail.com and let me know. Mrs. CW Mouse, I will assume that you are wanting to participate. Please email me to confirm. I then will have room for 2 more participants.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Thinking Ahead
Greetings! During all these very warm - 108*F. yesterday - days of summer, my thoughts are already on the cooler days of winter. I have been giving thought to the holiday season. Before you think I am silly for thinking of the holidays so early, let me explain.
Nearly any gift given is handmade. This requires that I think ahead and plan early. Many of the gifts involve sewing. This year it seems that quilts are the ones desired most. There are also other smaller gifts that I am sewing or crocheting.
Another reason for planning ahead is to prepare decorations. I am wanting to make seasonal table linens - placemats, cloth napkins, and potholders. Another decoration that I am working on is coming up with a handmade ornament for each of us. I am wanting to have the tradition for the children of having a new ornament each year to commemorate the year.
Making the gifts can seem a daunting task if left late in the season. By planning ahead, you can take more time to enjoy the process. I love making the gifts. As I work on each item, I am thinking of that person. It is a very personal thing. Handmade gifts can be as simple or as detailed as you choose. Everything from making bath items to artwork. You are only limited by your talent and time. When making gifts instead of buying them, you have the additional blessing of a less frazzled holiday season.
Nearly any gift given is handmade. This requires that I think ahead and plan early. Many of the gifts involve sewing. This year it seems that quilts are the ones desired most. There are also other smaller gifts that I am sewing or crocheting.
Another reason for planning ahead is to prepare decorations. I am wanting to make seasonal table linens - placemats, cloth napkins, and potholders. Another decoration that I am working on is coming up with a handmade ornament for each of us. I am wanting to have the tradition for the children of having a new ornament each year to commemorate the year.
Making the gifts can seem a daunting task if left late in the season. By planning ahead, you can take more time to enjoy the process. I love making the gifts. As I work on each item, I am thinking of that person. It is a very personal thing. Handmade gifts can be as simple or as detailed as you choose. Everything from making bath items to artwork. You are only limited by your talent and time. When making gifts instead of buying them, you have the additional blessing of a less frazzled holiday season.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Baby Slings
Recently, I received an email about a blog post that I made in the past. I had posted about a website where I found the directions for making your own baby sling. The lady who had the website no longer has the site available so I wanted to share a different site that may be of help to those wanting to make their own baby slings.
Jan Andrea has a wonderful free resource for making not only baby slings but other items that would be of interest. Her site has links for both the pouch and ring-sling styles. The ring-sling that I made is most similar to the Sling-A-Ma-Bob sling. I made mine from a single layer of linen fabric which is very sturdy, yet comfortable. Micah now weighs 22 lbs. and is still very easy to carry in this sling.
I hope that this helps those who have been looking for a free sling pattern resource.
Jan Andrea has a wonderful free resource for making not only baby slings but other items that would be of interest. Her site has links for both the pouch and ring-sling styles. The ring-sling that I made is most similar to the Sling-A-Ma-Bob sling. I made mine from a single layer of linen fabric which is very sturdy, yet comfortable. Micah now weighs 22 lbs. and is still very easy to carry in this sling.
I hope that this helps those who have been looking for a free sling pattern resource.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Current Sewing Projects
Have you ever worked on a craft or sewing project that just made you smile? That is what I have been working on the past few days. First sewing project I finished was a pair of slippers for Abigail. She is constantly going around without slippers on. Too much like her Momma, I guess. I can't stand wearing hard soled shoes either. So, I made her a pair of soft soled slippers. When she saw them a couple of days ago, she had just woke up from her map. She immediately put them on and has worn them each day since. I will have to make her a couple more pair for when one pair is in the laundry. The pattern that I used is the homespun slipper pattern from Candle on the Hill. The pattern pack has all sizes from infant to adult in one packet. I have a pair cut out and ready to sew for Micah. I am thoroughly enjoying making these for the family. Seeing how much Abigail enjoys her pair makes it worth any time involved in making them.
I am working on another fun project I am sewing is the Pay It Forwards. I showed them to my mother-in-law and she liked them. I may make an extra one for her as it is something that she would use. Can't say what they are yet since i haven't mailed them to the Pay It Forward recipients but I was thrilled that my mother-in-law liked them.
My next project is some aprons and head coverings. I also am going to be making a new dress. Beloved has been wanting me to make myself a new cape dress, so I am finally getting one made. Yikes! I haven't made myself a dress in quite some time. I always seem to find things to make for others that takes priority. Beloved is determined though that I make a dress for myself this time.
I am so glad that Beloved has been encouraging me to sew more. I find it to be calming most of the time. There is a satisfaction in knowing that I am able to make things for the family. I am so grateful to the Lord for putting my Grandmother and Katie Swartentruber in my life at a time when I was so impressionable. Their teachings and bits of knowledge that they shared with me in my youth have blessed my family so much.
I am working on another fun project I am sewing is the Pay It Forwards. I showed them to my mother-in-law and she liked them. I may make an extra one for her as it is something that she would use. Can't say what they are yet since i haven't mailed them to the Pay It Forward recipients but I was thrilled that my mother-in-law liked them.
My next project is some aprons and head coverings. I also am going to be making a new dress. Beloved has been wanting me to make myself a new cape dress, so I am finally getting one made. Yikes! I haven't made myself a dress in quite some time. I always seem to find things to make for others that takes priority. Beloved is determined though that I make a dress for myself this time.
I am so glad that Beloved has been encouraging me to sew more. I find it to be calming most of the time. There is a satisfaction in knowing that I am able to make things for the family. I am so grateful to the Lord for putting my Grandmother and Katie Swartentruber in my life at a time when I was so impressionable. Their teachings and bits of knowledge that they shared with me in my youth have blessed my family so much.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Pay It Forward Update
What a fast response! Lanita and "Scrappy Quilter" were the first 2 people to sign up. There is room for 1 more person. Lanita, I will be emailing you shortly. Scrappy Quilter, could you please contact me via email? I need to know where to ship your item. My email address is listed on the blog page under the "About Me" link.
I started working on the items that i am going to be sending. Won't give it away yet. I want to wait until they are ready to post. I think you will like them though.
Thanks again to Andrea for giving me the idea for the Pay It Forward and letting me join in your exchange. I am enjoying this a lot.
May the Lord's blessings be with thee.
Paula
I started working on the items that i am going to be sending. Won't give it away yet. I want to wait until they are ready to post. I think you will like them though.
Thanks again to Andrea for giving me the idea for the Pay It Forward and letting me join in your exchange. I am enjoying this a lot.
May the Lord's blessings be with thee.
Paula
Friday, January 30, 2009
Pay It Forward
One of my favorite blogs to read is Andrea's blog called Welsh Quilter. She shares wonderful samples of her quilts and other projects that she has been making. On her current blog entry, she posted a fun activity that is going around the blogs called Pay It Forward. How it works is that the first 3 people who sign up for it are sent a handmade item from me. After signing up, they post about Pay It Forward on their own blogs and do the same, making and sending a handmade item to 3 people who sign up. And so it continues on with each person.
Pay It Forwards can be any handmade item or craft that you choose to send. The items do not have to be large, just something that you have made. According to the rules, you have 365 days to make & send the PIFs but most send them out much sooner. If you are interested in signing up, send a email or post a comment saying so. Once I contact you to let you know that you are one of the first 3 to sign up, you can then go ahead and post on your own blog about Pay It Forward. It sounds like a lot of fun and I am looking forward to doing this.
Anyone interested in signing up?
Pay It Forwards can be any handmade item or craft that you choose to send. The items do not have to be large, just something that you have made. According to the rules, you have 365 days to make & send the PIFs but most send them out much sooner. If you are interested in signing up, send a email or post a comment saying so. Once I contact you to let you know that you are one of the first 3 to sign up, you can then go ahead and post on your own blog about Pay It Forward. It sounds like a lot of fun and I am looking forward to doing this.
Anyone interested in signing up?
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Homemade Prefold Diapers from Recycled Clothing
I wanted to post the instructions for how I am making my son's prefold diapers from recycled t-shirts and sweatshirts.
Here is the website that inspired me. http://fernandfaerie.com/sewing_prefolds.html
Here are the measurements for the sizes of prefold diapers. The measurement is the finished diaper size. Please note that the measurement does not include room for shrinkage if you are using new fabric.
Newborn: 11" x 11" when fully shrunk, Fits newborn to about 6 weeks or 2 months, or fits about 5-10 pounds
Small: 12" wide x 14.25" long when fully shrunk, Fits 10 pounds to about 6 months old
Medium: 14" wide x 16" long, fits ages 5-6 months or so and older.
Large: 15" wide x 17" long, fits larger babies or age 12 months through toddler.
Toddler: 15.5" wide x 20" long, for age 18 months, or for a night diaper for over age 9 months to potty learning age
Diaper Doublers: These are the inserts that you can add into a diaper to make them even more absorbent, especially good for night time use. These are typically a double layer of polar fleece or other absorbent soft material. A double layer of sweatshirt material works great. I just cut them from the sweatshirt sleeves. and use the body of the sweatshirt for making the diaper.
Small: 11" x 4"
Large: 12" x 5"
When I make the diapers, I lay the t-shirts out flat and cut the diaper about 1/2" larger all around than the finished diaper will be, cutting through all layers at the same time. This will give me the front and back of the diaper. If you wanted, you could mix and match the diaper fabric using a t-shirt for the outside and a sweatshirt on the inside. It is up to you. Either way, you will want 2 layers for the diaper.
Now, here is where I do things a bit differently than the website I listed. Instead of overlapping the fabrics, I cut 2 rectangles of fleece (sweatshirt) 5 inches wide and long enough to extend the entire length of the diaper. I stack these and center them down the middle of the the 2 layers of the diaper material and top stitch them in place.
Last step is to either zigzag stitch or serge with your overloc machine around the outside edges, 1/2 inch from the edge of the diaper. Trim fabric if necessary.
That's it!
Now, if you are wanting to use the doublers, simply cut them from the sweatshirt (2 layers of fabric) and zigzag or serge around the edges. To use the doublers, just lay on inside the diaper in the middle to increase the absorbency.
Once you get everything cut out to make these diapers and doublers, they sew up really fast. You can easily make a stack of them in one afternoon.
If you have any questions about making these, feel free to ask me.
Here is the website that inspired me. http://fernandfaerie.com/sewing_prefolds.html
Here are the measurements for the sizes of prefold diapers. The measurement is the finished diaper size. Please note that the measurement does not include room for shrinkage if you are using new fabric.
Newborn: 11" x 11" when fully shrunk, Fits newborn to about 6 weeks or 2 months, or fits about 5-10 pounds
Small: 12" wide x 14.25" long when fully shrunk, Fits 10 pounds to about 6 months old
Medium: 14" wide x 16" long, fits ages 5-6 months or so and older.
Large: 15" wide x 17" long, fits larger babies or age 12 months through toddler.
Toddler: 15.5" wide x 20" long, for age 18 months, or for a night diaper for over age 9 months to potty learning age
Diaper Doublers: These are the inserts that you can add into a diaper to make them even more absorbent, especially good for night time use. These are typically a double layer of polar fleece or other absorbent soft material. A double layer of sweatshirt material works great. I just cut them from the sweatshirt sleeves. and use the body of the sweatshirt for making the diaper.
Small: 11" x 4"
Large: 12" x 5"
When I make the diapers, I lay the t-shirts out flat and cut the diaper about 1/2" larger all around than the finished diaper will be, cutting through all layers at the same time. This will give me the front and back of the diaper. If you wanted, you could mix and match the diaper fabric using a t-shirt for the outside and a sweatshirt on the inside. It is up to you. Either way, you will want 2 layers for the diaper.
Now, here is where I do things a bit differently than the website I listed. Instead of overlapping the fabrics, I cut 2 rectangles of fleece (sweatshirt) 5 inches wide and long enough to extend the entire length of the diaper. I stack these and center them down the middle of the the 2 layers of the diaper material and top stitch them in place.
Last step is to either zigzag stitch or serge with your overloc machine around the outside edges, 1/2 inch from the edge of the diaper. Trim fabric if necessary.
That's it!
Now, if you are wanting to use the doublers, simply cut them from the sweatshirt (2 layers of fabric) and zigzag or serge around the edges. To use the doublers, just lay on inside the diaper in the middle to increase the absorbency.
Once you get everything cut out to make these diapers and doublers, they sew up really fast. You can easily make a stack of them in one afternoon.
If you have any questions about making these, feel free to ask me.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Keeping Warm at Night
Have you ever climbing into bed on a cold night and felt very chilled from the bed sheets being cold? Unlike our little ones who's bedroom is heated, my Beloved and I sleep in a room that has no heat or insulation. Often at night, the bed is very cold which can cause your muscles to clench and tighten.
We finally found a very easy solution for the problem. The first step was to remove the top sheet from the bed. Next, I took a large fuzzy acrylic blanket and spread out on top of the bottom bed sheet. We sleep on top of this blanket. Next, I added layers of blankets. The first is another fuzzy acrylic blanket, then a couple of heavy quilts or comforters.
The acrylic blankets that we use are the fuzzy large throws or decorative type blankets. Most often, you see these blankets with a large decorative image such as an animal or floral design.
The first night that we did this, the temperature dropped to freezing point. Though the air in the room was very cold, we kept warm and comfortable all night. The following morning, I awoke without any pain or discomfort in my muscles from them becoming cold in the night.
I am now thinking about finding old acrylic blankets to use as a batting inside quilts. Feeling how warm the blankets are, I would imagine that they would make a wonderful batting layer.
If you have access to old acrylic blankets, you can turn them into crib sheets to make a little one's crib or toddler bed just a bit warmer and softer.
We finally found a very easy solution for the problem. The first step was to remove the top sheet from the bed. Next, I took a large fuzzy acrylic blanket and spread out on top of the bottom bed sheet. We sleep on top of this blanket. Next, I added layers of blankets. The first is another fuzzy acrylic blanket, then a couple of heavy quilts or comforters.
The acrylic blankets that we use are the fuzzy large throws or decorative type blankets. Most often, you see these blankets with a large decorative image such as an animal or floral design.
The first night that we did this, the temperature dropped to freezing point. Though the air in the room was very cold, we kept warm and comfortable all night. The following morning, I awoke without any pain or discomfort in my muscles from them becoming cold in the night.
I am now thinking about finding old acrylic blankets to use as a batting inside quilts. Feeling how warm the blankets are, I would imagine that they would make a wonderful batting layer.
If you have access to old acrylic blankets, you can turn them into crib sheets to make a little one's crib or toddler bed just a bit warmer and softer.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Crochet Shawls
Over the past week I have been working on crocheting a triangular shawl. I ended up getting 2 made! The are huge ~ 70 inches across and 36 inches from the neck to the bottom tip of the triangle. I am so thrilled to get both done in a week. I used my favorite yarn. It is a very soft acrylic/polyester yarn that is very cuddly and warm. This first shawl is made from an earth tone yarn that has tones of tan and other colors that remind me of a desert.
This is the second one that I made. It is made in a yarn that has shades of tan, cream and old rose with hints of purple and blue.It was interesting how I used skeins of yarn with the same dye lot numbers for this shawl, but I got the really neat striped effect in the top of the shawl. I couldn't have been more pleased at this happy mistake! I got the striped design without changing yarns! It was fun seeing that happen since it didn't occur with the skein used in the bottom portion of the shawl.
I am selling both of these shawls. We have them listed on our family website. If you are interested, feel free to contact me via email if you have any questions.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Simple Solution for Sewing Pattern Storage
If you do very much sewing for your family, you know how quickly the stash of patterns can build up. I have the goal for myself to sew as close to 100% of my family's clothing as possible. Thankfully, the style of clothing we enjoy wearing does not require that I have stacks upon stacks of patterns for giving variety. I do not have a "sewing room" as many women enjoy, so I have to be careful in what I have and how I store them.
I have tried several "systems" for storing my patterns. One being to use the cardboard pattern boxes. I found though that once put into those boxes, I often would forget about the patterns. Luckily, I never purchased a duplicate of a pattern that I already had in my collection. Recently though, I have started going through my patterns with dismay. I have many patterns that I had bought with the intentions to make them for our daughter, but she has out-grown them before the patterns could be used. Many patterns still are in their "new" condition. How wasteful!
I now am organizing my family's patterns in a binder. I have a section for each family member. I am using the top-loading sheet protectors to store the patterns in. This allows me to flip through the binder to find the pattern needed. In the front, I am making an indexing sheet for each person. I have the patterns listed according to category. The categories are:
For my husband & son:
Shirts
Pants
Underthings
Sleepwear
Outerwear
Footwear
For my daughter & I:
Dresses & Jumpers
Tops
Underthings
Sleepwear
Outerwear
Footwear
Things specific for the little ones:
Diaper pattern
Diaper Cover
Training pant
By having a listing of patterns by category for each person, I am able to keep track of what patterns need to be purchased. Whenever possible, for the little ones, I am buying multiples of their patterns that I know I will be using for most of their clothing needs. For example, if the pattern has 2 or 3 packets, each with a different size range, I will buy one of each packet. This helps to avoid the frustration of the pattern being out of print when she is ready to go into the larger sizes. An advantage to storing the pattern packets in the sheet protectors is that as I trace the size I need, I can store those pieces in a baggie or 6x9 envelope behind the original pattern.
To save on binder space, I will have the patterns for the home & crafts in a separate binder. These will be organized also by type. Quilt patterns, home furnishings, holiday crafts, dolls and toys, other crafts. You can further organize the binders by having for each person a record of their sizes with the date. When sewing gifts for others, you can also include color preferences, occasion, and any other information that would help you when it is time to sew that project.
Now, when I am wanting to plan out my sewing, I can easily find the patterns that I need. No more hunting them down, flipping through boxes of patterns! Everything is easily accessible and at my fingertips.
How much simpler this is making the sewing. Once I realized that I didn't need to have a pattern for every occasion, but started getting patterns that can be made with variations to get many looks from the same pattern, I was able to free up a lot of the clutter and chaos in my sewing pattern collection.
I have tried several "systems" for storing my patterns. One being to use the cardboard pattern boxes. I found though that once put into those boxes, I often would forget about the patterns. Luckily, I never purchased a duplicate of a pattern that I already had in my collection. Recently though, I have started going through my patterns with dismay. I have many patterns that I had bought with the intentions to make them for our daughter, but she has out-grown them before the patterns could be used. Many patterns still are in their "new" condition. How wasteful!
I now am organizing my family's patterns in a binder. I have a section for each family member. I am using the top-loading sheet protectors to store the patterns in. This allows me to flip through the binder to find the pattern needed. In the front, I am making an indexing sheet for each person. I have the patterns listed according to category. The categories are:
For my husband & son:
Shirts
Pants
Underthings
Sleepwear
Outerwear
Footwear
For my daughter & I:
Dresses & Jumpers
Tops
Underthings
Sleepwear
Outerwear
Footwear
Things specific for the little ones:
Diaper pattern
Diaper Cover
Training pant
By having a listing of patterns by category for each person, I am able to keep track of what patterns need to be purchased. Whenever possible, for the little ones, I am buying multiples of their patterns that I know I will be using for most of their clothing needs. For example, if the pattern has 2 or 3 packets, each with a different size range, I will buy one of each packet. This helps to avoid the frustration of the pattern being out of print when she is ready to go into the larger sizes. An advantage to storing the pattern packets in the sheet protectors is that as I trace the size I need, I can store those pieces in a baggie or 6x9 envelope behind the original pattern.
To save on binder space, I will have the patterns for the home & crafts in a separate binder. These will be organized also by type. Quilt patterns, home furnishings, holiday crafts, dolls and toys, other crafts. You can further organize the binders by having for each person a record of their sizes with the date. When sewing gifts for others, you can also include color preferences, occasion, and any other information that would help you when it is time to sew that project.
Now, when I am wanting to plan out my sewing, I can easily find the patterns that I need. No more hunting them down, flipping through boxes of patterns! Everything is easily accessible and at my fingertips.
How much simpler this is making the sewing. Once I realized that I didn't need to have a pattern for every occasion, but started getting patterns that can be made with variations to get many looks from the same pattern, I was able to free up a lot of the clutter and chaos in my sewing pattern collection.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Quilting Challenge Resolved
Living in a home with small rooms, I have found quilting to be a challenge. The only room available to do the quilting in does not have any space for a quilt frame. There is no available wall space where I can place a small frame. A hoop is out of the questions when I have 2 little ones who would be all over the quilt where it lays on the floor. It has been quite frustrating as I have been wanting to hand quilt while I am still able to. I have been doing searches online trying to find an answer. I finally came across what will work and wanted to share the idea for others who may be in a similar situation.
I started looking into the old ways of quilting and in a quilt history I read about how the pioneer women made quilts while still traveling in covered wagons. Intrigued, I read as it talked about how they would quilt each block separately, then would use a sash to join the blocks together after they were done. Today, this method is known as "Quilt As You Go" and is becoming popular again.
Quilting as you go along is very easy to do. Some online quilting sites sell patterns designed specifically for this method. I am using the method using large 12 inch blocks. You can find a large listing of free quilt block patterns at Quilters Cache. Once you make your quilt block, you layer the block, batting, and backing together. Next, you pin or baste the layers together. Mark your quilt stitching lines with chalk and start hand or machine quilting the block together. Repeat with each block needed for your quilt.
You next cut your sashing strips for the top and back of your quilt. The strips are added to teh edges and used to connect one block to the next. After your rows are completed, you repeat the sashing process to connect one row to another.
I don't have a digital camera yet to take pictures of each step, so I will instead give you the best website tutorial that I have found that demonstrates the process. Welsh Quilter: Quilt as You Go has wonderful detailed pictures. I found the instructions to be very thorough. One idea that I am going to do is to use the same fabric on the back sashing as my backing to allow them to blend in.
I am so excited to have found this method of quilting. It has opened up new doors for me. I can now cut out my fabrics, then work on the blocks as time permits. Whether you quilt by hand or machine, this method has it's benefits. For those who want to quilt by hand, these blocks are very portable and can be worked on anywhere.
As soon as I have some pictures of my quilt project available, I will post them.
I started looking into the old ways of quilting and in a quilt history I read about how the pioneer women made quilts while still traveling in covered wagons. Intrigued, I read as it talked about how they would quilt each block separately, then would use a sash to join the blocks together after they were done. Today, this method is known as "Quilt As You Go" and is becoming popular again.
Quilting as you go along is very easy to do. Some online quilting sites sell patterns designed specifically for this method. I am using the method using large 12 inch blocks. You can find a large listing of free quilt block patterns at Quilters Cache. Once you make your quilt block, you layer the block, batting, and backing together. Next, you pin or baste the layers together. Mark your quilt stitching lines with chalk and start hand or machine quilting the block together. Repeat with each block needed for your quilt.
You next cut your sashing strips for the top and back of your quilt. The strips are added to teh edges and used to connect one block to the next. After your rows are completed, you repeat the sashing process to connect one row to another.
I don't have a digital camera yet to take pictures of each step, so I will instead give you the best website tutorial that I have found that demonstrates the process. Welsh Quilter: Quilt as You Go has wonderful detailed pictures. I found the instructions to be very thorough. One idea that I am going to do is to use the same fabric on the back sashing as my backing to allow them to blend in.
I am so excited to have found this method of quilting. It has opened up new doors for me. I can now cut out my fabrics, then work on the blocks as time permits. Whether you quilt by hand or machine, this method has it's benefits. For those who want to quilt by hand, these blocks are very portable and can be worked on anywhere.
As soon as I have some pictures of my quilt project available, I will post them.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Frugal Sewing
Recently a reader sent me a message asking if you can really save money by sewing your family's clothing. In short, the answer is yes! Here is how I do it.
Patterns: If you must buy patterns, buy them only when on sale for under $2.00 each. Many chain fabric stores have these sales once a month. Get your pattern numbers and then go to the store when the sale is on and buy the full limit of the patterns at that price. You can buy 5 patterns this way for less than the cost of a single pattern at regular price. I am picky about my patterns. I don't have a pattern for every occassion. I buy one set of basic patterns that will make up the entire wardrobe. Here is a breakdown of the patterns I have to make the clothing with.
For our daughter:
1 dress pattern that has 8 different options
1 underthings pattern that has several options of bloomers, camisoles, slips
1 nightgown & robe set
1 coat pattern (still to be purchased)
For our son:
1 pant pattern can be for day wear or pajamas (free online)
1 shirt pattern (self drafted from other clothing)
1 diaper pattern that also makes a diaper cover (free online)
1 bunting (free online)
For my husband:
1 sleep pant, shirt & robe pattern set (shirt can be used as a t-shirt, sleep pants can be shortened to make boxers)
1 shirt pattern
1 pant pattern (still to be purchased)
1 coat pattern (long ranger coat style)
For myself:
1 dress pattern (cape dress that can also be made without the cape portion attached)
1 underthings pattern (contains half slip, camisole, bloomers)
1 bra pattern (still to be purchased from Kwik-sew if I don't draft my own)
1 coat pattern (will alter my husband's pattern to make a feminine version)
My apron doesn't require a pattern
Headcovering - Prayer Kapp is a self-drafted pattern, Hanging veil is a free one given to me by another Sister
For the entire family:
1 slipper pattern - has sizes from infant through adult
1 fleece sock pattern - sized infant through adult
Winter hats - free pattern I drafted myself
There are a lot of free patterns available online if you look for them. Skirt patterns for example are very plentiful especially if you check the re-enactment clothing sites. You will find the directions for making the tiered or gathered skirts that require only your body measurements to make patterns custom sized to your body.
Fabric: this can be as expensive or inexpensive as you want to make it. It all depends on how much work you are willing top do. When I know that I have some sewing projects coming up, I start watching the sales. I rarely pay more than $3.00 a yard for fabric. Buying fabrics when they go on clearance is a favorite option. You can also buy fabric much cheaper online than at the local stores. Many of the online fabric stores will be willing to send you a swatch of the fabrics you are interested in if you ask. Some charge about $1.00 for sets of swatches. It is worth the money though, especially if you plan to purchase fabric from them often.
A cheap resource for fabric is old clothing. As I have posted about in previous blogs, you can make infant & toddler pants from adult clothing. Another way to utilize old clothing is to refurbish them. A short denim skirt can have fabric added to the bottom to make a longer one. The bib potion of a pair of old overalls can have a skirt attached to make a jumper. A skirt added to the bottom of a t-shirt can make a dress. For boys, you can use old men's jeans to make a pair of jeans for a young child. Any large sized adult t-shirt can be cut down and used for making a child size shirt. Old bed sheets can be used to make a girl's or woman's slip, an apron or a child's nightgown.
Old fleece blankets can be used to make slippers, boot socks, hats, scarves, or mittens. You can also use them (or any old blanket) as batting inside of a quilt. If you have an infant or toddler, you can use the fleece to make diapers, soakers, or training pants.
Notions: This is one area where you can really save money. While you will always need to buy thread, there are ways to recycle the other notions. When cutting apart clothing to recycle the fabric, remove all buttons, zippers, snaps (cutting a little of the fabric around the edges to give you a way to sew the snaps onto a new outfit), and any hook and eye closures. These can be stored in jars or cookie tins until needed later. String the buttons together in a set, measure the zipper and label it or place zippers of the same length in their own containers to make them easy to find.
I hope that this helps to inspire you in thnking outside of the box about your sewing. I haven't even touched on the idea of sewing for the home, but many of the ideas given above such as finding free patterns online or recycing fabric to make the items can be used for your home sewing also.
Happy Sewing!
Patterns: If you must buy patterns, buy them only when on sale for under $2.00 each. Many chain fabric stores have these sales once a month. Get your pattern numbers and then go to the store when the sale is on and buy the full limit of the patterns at that price. You can buy 5 patterns this way for less than the cost of a single pattern at regular price. I am picky about my patterns. I don't have a pattern for every occassion. I buy one set of basic patterns that will make up the entire wardrobe. Here is a breakdown of the patterns I have to make the clothing with.
For our daughter:
1 dress pattern that has 8 different options
1 underthings pattern that has several options of bloomers, camisoles, slips
1 nightgown & robe set
1 coat pattern (still to be purchased)
For our son:
1 pant pattern can be for day wear or pajamas (free online)
1 shirt pattern (self drafted from other clothing)
1 diaper pattern that also makes a diaper cover (free online)
1 bunting (free online)
For my husband:
1 sleep pant, shirt & robe pattern set (shirt can be used as a t-shirt, sleep pants can be shortened to make boxers)
1 shirt pattern
1 pant pattern (still to be purchased)
1 coat pattern (long ranger coat style)
For myself:
1 dress pattern (cape dress that can also be made without the cape portion attached)
1 underthings pattern (contains half slip, camisole, bloomers)
1 bra pattern (still to be purchased from Kwik-sew if I don't draft my own)
1 coat pattern (will alter my husband's pattern to make a feminine version)
My apron doesn't require a pattern
Headcovering - Prayer Kapp is a self-drafted pattern, Hanging veil is a free one given to me by another Sister
For the entire family:
1 slipper pattern - has sizes from infant through adult
1 fleece sock pattern - sized infant through adult
Winter hats - free pattern I drafted myself
There are a lot of free patterns available online if you look for them. Skirt patterns for example are very plentiful especially if you check the re-enactment clothing sites. You will find the directions for making the tiered or gathered skirts that require only your body measurements to make patterns custom sized to your body.
Fabric: this can be as expensive or inexpensive as you want to make it. It all depends on how much work you are willing top do. When I know that I have some sewing projects coming up, I start watching the sales. I rarely pay more than $3.00 a yard for fabric. Buying fabrics when they go on clearance is a favorite option. You can also buy fabric much cheaper online than at the local stores. Many of the online fabric stores will be willing to send you a swatch of the fabrics you are interested in if you ask. Some charge about $1.00 for sets of swatches. It is worth the money though, especially if you plan to purchase fabric from them often.
A cheap resource for fabric is old clothing. As I have posted about in previous blogs, you can make infant & toddler pants from adult clothing. Another way to utilize old clothing is to refurbish them. A short denim skirt can have fabric added to the bottom to make a longer one. The bib potion of a pair of old overalls can have a skirt attached to make a jumper. A skirt added to the bottom of a t-shirt can make a dress. For boys, you can use old men's jeans to make a pair of jeans for a young child. Any large sized adult t-shirt can be cut down and used for making a child size shirt. Old bed sheets can be used to make a girl's or woman's slip, an apron or a child's nightgown.
Old fleece blankets can be used to make slippers, boot socks, hats, scarves, or mittens. You can also use them (or any old blanket) as batting inside of a quilt. If you have an infant or toddler, you can use the fleece to make diapers, soakers, or training pants.
Notions: This is one area where you can really save money. While you will always need to buy thread, there are ways to recycle the other notions. When cutting apart clothing to recycle the fabric, remove all buttons, zippers, snaps (cutting a little of the fabric around the edges to give you a way to sew the snaps onto a new outfit), and any hook and eye closures. These can be stored in jars or cookie tins until needed later. String the buttons together in a set, measure the zipper and label it or place zippers of the same length in their own containers to make them easy to find.
I hope that this helps to inspire you in thnking outside of the box about your sewing. I haven't even touched on the idea of sewing for the home, but many of the ideas given above such as finding free patterns online or recycing fabric to make the items can be used for your home sewing also.
Happy Sewing!
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