Holiday Sewing! Quick Scarves & Cozy Tied Throws for Starters

Soft and cozy royal blue ribbed knit is outstanding!  So I made two!

A few weeks ago I took a quick inventory of winter knits that might be lovely as scarves.  I wanted some bulky, some silky knit, and all pretty.  My first dive into the first tote netted enough for six cowl or circle or infinity scarves.  I was looking for in the neighborhood of 2 yards by 11 or 22 inches.  Not all the same but in the neighborhood!

Love this soft and silky but with medium heft.

Red, black, and white cable is quite striking as well as so soft!

I REALLY like this very soft and a little bulky number and I made two of this too.

Six scarves lined up and done.

 

Next I went through the three quilting totes and found three pieces suitable for tied comforter style throws.  I am not sure if I will give them all as gifts or who I might gift them with but I am enjoying getting back to my treasures!

Two velvet and one cotton patchwork topper for a throw.

I plan another fabric dive as soon as I get finished with these pieces!  I also hear throw pillows calling my name. Listen.......do you hear it too?  Ops I had to do it!  Thinking Christmas or New Years Eve sparkling glittering scarves!  Lots to do!

GLITZ GALORE! May go for something festive!

If you want to make one of these scarves (or more).  For each scarf cut fabric 2 yards (72")  by 22 inches.  Fold with right sides facing longways.  Machine stitch 1/2" from the edge the long seam.  Turn right side out.

Fold scarf in half.  Match the raw ends.  Pin right sides facing of the ends and machine stitch leaving a 4" to 6" opening.  Turn the scarf right sides and fold the raw edges of the opening together to close then hand stitch the opening closed.  You are all done!

NOTE:  For complete instructions with photos go to my link as follows..... thehiddenpantry.blogspot.com/2013/01/infinity-scarf-circle-large-double-loop.html
Of course you can plat around with the dimensions too!

Cutting the corners of THE CHRISTMAS TABLECLOTH.

Well after my pondering was through this morning I did it.  Snip, snip, snip!  I found on an edge it is a Hallmark Fabric.  Whatever that may mean!

First I folded right side in down the length of the fabric and pinned the edges straightening to the very best of my ability!  Then I folded in half cross ways lining up all four corners.  Nest I trimmed a bit as to even things up.

Now for my biggest platter!  The big one the girls fired for me as a special gift!  Perfect as the template for a big easy curve!

And then to mark oh so carefully!  Instead of the Tailor's chalk (they were out of dark) I had to buy a fabric marking pin that becomes invisible with heat.

Then the cutting is done and I am ready to sew tomorrow!

Assembly of the 3 layers, trimming, and basting the next quilt to be done.

I pin and trim and as I go I turn the quilt on the table to get to the next section.

After a six day trip to Indianapolis and a week to get things back into order at home I started back on Quilt #3 this afternoon.  Previously I had completed the embroidery of the four women's names who will have "had a hand" in the completion of this quilt* and purchased and laundered the backing material.  I chose unbleached perma pressed muslin. I had on hand 100% cotton batting and hand quilting thread in several colors.  I chose to hand baste in contrasting black.

The quilt top measures 6 1/2' by 7 1/2' so it is nice and big but it will be awkward to work on because of the size.  I start by lining up the backing on the corner of my dinning room table with all of the leaves in.  With Brian's help we laid the batting on top lining up the starting corner and sides.  It was much easier with a little help!  Next we placed the pieced top on the batting forming the three layers of the quilt.

The new long straight pins did make this go with more ease.

Last week I broke down and spent $7.00 on a new package of long straight pins with red beads on the end.  This made the pinning easier and more visible.  I pinned it all of the way around the perimeter smoothing the three layers as I went. Then trimmed the three layers all to about 3/8"from the raw edge of the top. (I can't tell you why I do it this way, I just do?)

Honking big gaudy basting stitches!

My hand basting is big and easy to see as well as easy to remove when I am finished! It has only one purpose and that is to keep the layers smoothly in place as I work. It was evening by the time I finished the basting and I had to turn on the dinning room light which is why the photos are so differently lit!

The basting is done at about a 6" interval in a rectangular spiral pattern from the outside in.

My next step will be to try to figure out how to put together one of my two quilting frames and how then to get this quilt onto it!  Hopefully my son Mike and his wife Julie can lend a hand tomorrow night after supper.  Both frames were her late Grandmother's.  If that doesn't work out I will call my neighbor Cindy who quilts with a frame and perhaps she will help me.  Will go from there!  Plan "C" is to just use a lap hoop and just get at it!  *  Here is the link explaining the 4 generations who have put these together.    thehiddenpantry.blogspot.com/2014/10/quilt-number-three-starts-today-weekend.html

Sewing, Mending, Repairing, and More

There are three blocks to do, this is the second.

My sewing is finally underway!  Sunday afternoon I started slowly by putting a casing into a pair of Brian's favorite sweatpants and inserting a cord as a tie so he could continue to wear that favorite pair of pants with the elastic out of the waist!

Next I pinned mid weight woven lace and lace doilies in place on two coverlets showing some wear!  This afternoon I stitched them and they are good as new! 

There is a pieced quilt top I need to decide to either tuft or quilt but first I want to embroidery the names of the women who have stitched it together by hand and will finish it.  The last one I completed was embroidered after the fact and I am sure it will be easier to do it now before it goes together!

My purpose is to leave these to my children with an idea of their age and the ancestors who created them. This piece is all hand stitched quite beautifully with again vintage fabrics that are not as heavy as the first one I finished.  It is primarily dark fabrics and I am unsure if hand quilted what color thread I would use.  On the other hand I could use a heavy batting and tuft it as a comforter using a contrasting wool yarn for wonderful winter warmth.  I really loved the way the blanket stitched edges looked in the crazy quilt and would use this again on this one if I  choose tufting.

There are several other finished tops and some are light weight and light colors that would be very suited to hand quilt.  Others are pieced in velvet just a wide range to ponder suitable finishes!

Sewing Again, Selection is the Start!

I see a big bag of kitchen goodies in a cheery red bag!

Friday I went through every piece of fabric in the 6 large tubs of woven fabrics I have kept and separated them by color.  This will make projects much easier then randomly rummaging for fabric regardless of the project.  I need to get busy sewing and quilting now even though there is still a bit of cleaning to do.

I plan to start a special gift for my best friends recently married daughter. (I have known her since her birth!) The newlyweds reside in North Carolina and enjoy day trips to the city, beach, and she likes to fool around in the kitchen a bit too.  So I am planing a bright happy tote bag stocked with kitchen treasures. 

So, yesterday I made it and stocked it in my mind!  Next I went to the RED WOVEN crate of fabric and after touching every single piece of fabric, selected a red and white pillow ticking for the outside of the bag.  Then I choose a deep deep dark red with cream fine cotton print for the liner. My next challenge was to find the correct weight flat batting to place between the layers.  Happily it was in the first trunk I looked into!  In my mind I saw a big antique button as the closure held in place with red ribbon and red strapping for handles.  Easily these items were found and I am happy. 

After finishing the loads of laundry I had going I pitched the fabrics into the washer as is my habit ALWAYS to wash and dry all of my fabrics before I start cutting!  I am ready to start.

Up tp my Ears in Fabric so I am Sorting and Purging.....

There are not nearly enough labels made yet!

Yes, you read correctly.  I am admitting to having W-A-Y too much fabric.  (Like maybe a couple of dozen big totes plus.)  I have been in denial thinking I may live long enough to use it all but the sheer volume tells me I could not find it if I were to remember I had it!  My intentions were to have gotten this done much sooner but now the day has come.  Actually I made a stab at it last week.  Today I have dug in and have already filled 3 huge 30 gallon trash bags to donate to various community factions.  Especially local the nursing homes and the American Legion Quilters group.  I may even join the the Legion Ladies as they make quilts for needy veterans and have invited me several times.


I have always believed in not "pack ratting" but in giving useful things to others when no longer needed.  I just got overwhelmed by the quantity of fabric Grandma Powell has given me.

Sorting atop the entertainment center.

My goal is to first get rid of the excess.  Then as I go through I am sorting into woven, knits, felt, sheers, etc.  Later I plan to categorize to some extent by color.  That would be most helpful I believe.

This tote will be labeled "WOVEN" for future quilting.

The next thing will be to store in some logical way to be able to get to things.  Then lastly to clean the downstairs really well.  Then I will be very happy and can garden and sew to my hearts delight.


There is a rumor I may soon have a new baby to sew for and a wedding gift to send out.  So I am also thinking on these issues as I toil.

Ease a Zipper that Sticks......or Ease Thread that Knots....More "Cheap Tips"

There is always a zipper that sticks or wants to kink at our house.  Somewhere along the line I learned this handy trick and have used it so many times.....on children's coats, little boy's pant zippers, long robe zippers, and many more.  Just rub a bar of soap down either side of the teeth of a zipper and work it a few times repeating until it works with ease.

To ease hand sewing with an old needle just poke it a few times in a bar of soap or if you are fortunate enough to have bees wax that works even better.  When hand sewing if you find your thread wants to knot just run the length of thread through bees wax then thread the needle and sew away.

Vintage Singer Sewing Machine, Vintage Aprons, & Treasures Galore!

What memories this brings to mind!

Yes......I have been away.  Last week I made the rounds seeing both sides of the family! Our son, grandchildren, my Mother, and sister, Grandma Powell,  Uncle Gene and Aunt Betty.  My husband's Uncle took a terrible fall on the ice and I was quite shocked to see how badly he was injured!  Grandma Powell sent me home with lots of treasure, most of which is still in the back of the car as I wait for either a break in the weather or a visit from one of our sons to help me carry a lovely vintage cedar chest in and another fantastic treasure!  A vintage Singer sewing machine!

I really do think it is exactly like the one I first learned to sew on in Ruth Sproat's class and in 4-H starting in the early 60's.  I would say it is well over 50 years old and will bear further investigation when I can get it inside!  Grandma Powell used it for years and one of our sons took it up to Noblesville to Arbuckle's Appliance Repairs and had it overhauled about a year ago so I am grateful to know it still runs like a top!

On a personal note I am sure hardly anyone reading this can imagine that as a member of my local 4-H club I walked on a gravel road between 4-5 miles each way, sometimes twice a day in the hot summer sun to attend the various 4-H meetings I needed to attend!   Back in those days there was no air conditioning much less a cell phone and everyone didn't have a car.  I fact I never had a bicycle!  Can you imagine anyone even feeling safe enough to do that now?

Even though I now have three sewing machine I am tickled to have this old girl to add to the line up!

I was also fortunate as she gave me a large oval lap quilting hoop.  I have a round one and am again tickled to add this to my vast array of sewing treasures!

Some of the vintage aprons.

Last but far from least she gifted me with Aunt Margaret's collection of aprons, which I dearly love!  I would say Margaret probably made most of them which I find really neat,  She and Uncle Boge never had children so I will treasure them.  I really haven't figured out how best to photograph them but I am working on it!  Only one of them simply ties at the waist.  Most have armholes and wrap around the torso as they frequently did in days of yesteryear!. 

Blankets Finally Finished for the Twins Plus One.

Two CHEETAH BLANKETS for the twins.

Finally I feel like I have accomplished something this week and it is 12 Noon on Friday! My, my what a week!  Doctors appointments, dentist appoints, prescriptions and the V.A.........Oh my gosh!!  Around and around and around........BUT I've put it past me now as I have sat down to the best medicine I know........My sewing machine.

I love these mitered corners!

Not that there has been anything terribly wrong.  Just a cracked tooth and annual check ups for my husband with the heart doctor.  Couple that with the fact I have now either telephoned or visited every single fabric store in the tri-state trying to find a piece of polar fleece for another blanket with no success!  How can this be? 

I did resolve the problem though by giving up and finishing the "snow man" blanket to put back as another gift to give.  Then I purchased a chenille and made both grandsons what I am calling CHEETAH BLANKETS!  I concluded that at age 5 they will get a lot more mileage out of a very soft and cuddly animal print with a very grown up chocolate brown satin blanket binding than they would a juvenile print.  They are very in to animals and reptiles and dinosaurs.

So soft!

I do offer up a few suggestions should you decide to make some blankets too.  Here it is very difficult to find the lovely satin blanket binding.  (Bet you know of a child who loved the soft satin of a blanket too.)  The only place I have found with what I wanted to buy was Hobby Lobby. 

Sewing is the best medicine I know!

You need to press the blanket binding before you pin it down.  Use long pins, they work better for this.  One side of the binding is slightly longer than the other so keep that in mind as you apply it.  I found it easier to sew a zig-zag stitch just inside the edge of the longer side.   Be sure you launder the fabric you are using for the blanket first to get past any chemicals they have applied and shrinkage there may be.  Happy sewing!

Today the Crazy Quilt Ida Bell and Ellen started a hundred years ago has been finished as a cozy comforter using a blanket stitched Alpaca yarn to complete the edges.

I am fascinated by these fabrics. Not faded with time, not made in China, but old heavy prints like nothing seen today.

Today I just sat down and finished it.  It feels good to have done so!  After it's being stored in boxes and trunks and passed through 4 generations the bright colors and batting have been bound to flannel.  It looks just like it belongs on that big old oak sleigh bed in the south bedroom. 

Not mass produced coordinating prints but this is probably pieced from their clothing, maybe feed sacks too?

It isn't that I did anything special.  It is that something special is done by 3 women of different generations.  It is that an heirloom has been resurrected from scraps that will go to a child or grandchild.  I am pleased.

I love the look of a hand sewn blanket stitch and it works to my liking on this comforter.

Yesterday I stopped at the new yarn shop that has opened in out town.  It is large, and well appointed.  I sought Alpaca yarn for the edging and the owner Jennifer Wahle took very good care to help me find the perfect skein.  She calls her shop, Sheep Skeins, now isn't that a clever name?

This stitch serves a very good purpose both decorative and sturdy to hold the edges beautifully secure.

The yarn is soft and perfect and will never itch or cause anything except sweet dreams, I pray. The finished piece is quite large, big enough to cover over the pillows at the top and hang down over the edges of the bed!

If the edges do come into contact with my beautiful dreamers (grandchildren), there is nothing I can think of any softer than Alpaca.

It hangs nicely against the eyelet bed skirt and gives the room a bright and happy feel!

All of these ladies resided in Hamilton county north of Indianapolis.

You may recall that I have been entrusted with 4 unfinished pieces so this is one down and three to go!  Plus it took a year to get this far!  Hopefully I will do better as time goes on.....thehiddenpantry.blogspot.com/2013/09/finallyive-finished-label-for-vintage.html

Returning to finish the vintage comforter.....Plus My Favorite New Book and Sewing Blogs!

I am in love with this new book! There are big bold and beautiful illustrations for over 50 hand stitches of which I am greatly fascinated!  I can easily see them even without my glasses!

This week I have started back upon a project from last winter and I hope to get this one finished soon.  It is the vintage crazy quilt top pieced by Grandma Powell's mother and grandmother.  There were a few repairs to be made in the top.  Then, since it is dark as well as of heavier fabrics I choose to tuft or tie it after inserting a layer of warm batting and an underlining of soft flannel

Next I started folding the two layers under and lining them up to close with an almost invisible overcast stitch.  After which I plan to finish with a knotted blanket stitch.  Almost in an afterthought I decided to embroider the names of the three it took to conceive and finish what will be a family heirloom.   So yesterday I found my washable pen and a place for this to be done and started to embroider the names.  I had to remove some of the tufting to get to  both sides of the top.

Next time I will do this first before starting the assembly of the layers!

In the process of all of this I discovered a wonderful artisan in the UK.  She is Sarah Whittle and she composed "The Needlecraft Stitch Directory." An absolutely beautifully written and illustrated  book on hand stitching of many types. This is always fascinated me and I have other books on this subject. This is my new favorite!  Plus I was able to order it on Amazon for half of what it would have cost to purchase and ship from her blog site in the UK.

Here is her link if you would like to preview the beauty of her stitching.   sarahwhittle.blogspot.com/2011/02/raised-chain-stitch.html
I am planning to use her illustrated knotted blanket stitch to finish the edges instead of a binding to correspond with the yarn used in the tufting.  (Don't I get all wound up about these old things?)

There is also another blog I LOVE called Cambric-Cotton, Pins and Needles   posted by a wonderful woman in Australia.  Here is a link to her blog too:                                                                    cambric-cotton.blogspot.com

It is beautifully done and I enjoy it a lot so today I share these things with all of you.

10 Baby Bib Project Complete Or How To Make Baby Bibs.

One side is a soft knit baby print.

The second side is terry cloth with a bit of colorful trim making the bibs reversible.

5:00 PM. and I just finished picking up my mess.  All of the bibs are done and I will move onto something else tomorrow or this weekend.  They are cute and I thought I would give the steps I used to complete them.  They are all the same save one.  I used velour seam binding to finish it and I liked it a lot but it made the sewing so heavy the machine kept bogging down and I've not a lot of patience with that!

So after selecting the patterns from Googling "free baby bib patterns" I selected the fabric and cut a front and a back for each bib.  Next I selected flattering trims and sewed them onto the right side of the terry cloth.  This will make the bibs reversible.  Cute on both sides.

I press the pieces and pin the right sides facing each other of each front and back.  The nest step is to sew them together with a 3/8 " seam EXCEPT FOR A 4" OPENING along the side that has no trim work.  This is where you will turn the bib right side out.

When you are turning the bibs it will help to use a long pencil's eraser end to turn the strap or tab ends right side out.  Again press and in doing so turn under the 4" un-sewn seam to make it easier to hand stitch it closed.  I will use a simple overcast stitch and good strong thread when I get to that part!.

You can see the left side is not stitched or trimmed.

After turning the bibs I trim the seam by half EXCEPT FOR THE 4" portion left open.

This is important, don't skip this step.

Then I clip the curves being very careful NOT to clip the stitching.  Go ahead now and turn the bib.

Just overcast the opening closed.

Press and stitch the opening closed.  Press again on both sides and top stitch 1/4" from the edge all of the way around the outside edge of the bib.  Sew on Velcro fasteners and they are done.

I am ready for babies to be born.

Cutting Out Patterns and Fabrics & Selecting Fabric Combinations for Bags

These will be so very soft for babies with knit fronts and terry cloth lining!

My sewing started and finished today with the mending of the "corn hole bags" for our game.  After that I hunted fabrics and bindings.

This is the smaller infant bib.

There were enough heavy infant knit fabric remnants from sewing for Jack and Sam that I cut out 5 small and 5 large baby bibs.  Note:  I Googled "Free Bib Patterns" and found several.  One I used was from  mynameisHeather.com and she calls this "sl o b b e r monkey BA BY BIB" the typos must be part of her identity?

This one is a bit larger for the really messy days!

Yesterday I had laundered my fabric so I cut and cut and cut.

White terry cloth is the perfect lining for these.

 The white terry cloth I purchased will be perfect to line the bibs with.  I will use Velcro for  the fasteners.

5 large bibs lined and pinned.

5 small bibs lined and pinned.

As I close up shop this afternoon they are all cut, lined and pinned together ready for me to sew tomorrow!  First thing in the morning I will pull some trims to embellish some of these.  Then to sew!

Lots of fabric and contrasting linings to think about.

I also pulled a bunch of fabric to consider for tote bags for all of these new Moms!