Where did February and Part of March Go?

I cannot believe that so much time has elapsed since my last post!  I was really ill with a horrible sinus infection for the entire month of January and am still trying to get my steam back to full speed.  I have purchased some beautiful cloth for some items that I am making for my two granddaughters.  A recent trip to my Husqvarna Viking dealer resulted in buying a nice table extension for my Designer SE and a couple more specialty feet.  Now, I need to get to work and sew!  I really have not broken in the Designer SE as that my time was spent on taking care of my father 24/7 for 20 months, and then becoming caretaker of my spouse who is in early stage of a form of dementia, plus handling the responsibilities as a personal representative for my father's estate during the last 11 months.  My spouse is fairly functional, but I have to keep an eye on him just the same.  However, I am making the most of time that I can find for myself.  

Is fada an bóthar nach mbíonn casadh ann.

It is a long road that has no turning.

Irish Proverb on Life's Ups and Downs 

I Am Still Around

I finally have started feeling well enough to start sewing projects.  However, a great deal of house work is staring at me, too.  Well, today I am doing set goals in house work, and then I will initiate a sewing project.  I will try to follow this pattern daily for the rest of the week and see how it goes.

I am committed to making some doll clothes for the American Girl doll for my granddaughter.  The first is a smocked night gown and the pattern is one created by Genine Wren, which I plan to pleat and smock today.  If I am up to it, I will sew it today...but that may be put on tomorrow's agenda.

The next project will be collars for myself and my 2 granddaughters to "dress up" a bit or just for a change in looks.  I recently obtained some Simplicity patterns at Hancock Fabrics while they were 5/$5.  I have plain knit tops, in which a collar that just is worn around the neck (not attached to the garment), can be jazzed up with such an accessory.   Naturally, my older granddaughter likes the look of the animal print.  Well, off to do house work and then, to manage some sewing!

Another Item Inspired by Gift for Granddaughter

My eight-year-old granddaughter needed a pencil case to clip into a 3-ring-binder for the start of the school year.  Okay, but this item was hard to find, or the ones found, were of poor quality.  So, of course, Grandma was asked to make one.  Hers was made of a more elementary school themed print.

I liked hers so well that I made another of a bi-wing plane printed cotton fabric that is appropriate for a boy, or an adult.  I added outside pockets for easy access to pencils or pens, and a pleated pocket roomy enough to store and access easily, a pencil sharpener, erasers, small sticky notes, etc.

Metal grommets were placed to allow the case to be clipped inside a binder, as seen in the photo here.  The zippered pocket allows for storage of many pencils, etc., and/or a small notebook or journal/planner.

The lining is of a polka dot printed cotton fabric and made as so that there are no exposed seams.  This case is washable and made to be used for a long time.  At this writing, I have one available on my ETSY shop.

Good Memory

"A photograph is usually looked at - seldom looked into." ~Ansel Adams~


Do spend some time this summer with a child: broaden her/his view of the world as well as enjoy each other's company.  

Denim Girl's Jacket

These photos are of a denim jacket that I made in January for a granddaughter.  The lining is flannel that I quilted and the faux chenille was created from portions of the same print of the horse images. 

 I made a detachable hood (not shown) that is buttoned to the under collar.  It was a true labor of love.  And, of course, this will be handed down to the younger granddaughters.  Children outgrow things so fast and it should be wearable for the two other girls.