The Scarlet Sash

2 smocking projects on the shaping/blocking board!

Another version of ‘Spensers’ Daygown’, by Nona Pontiff, Autumn 2018 Issue of Classic Sewing Magazine..
Blue batiste fabric w/champagne cotton sateen, MOP buttons, hand-smocked

I woke up ill at ease… I am so grateful I have a smocking project in the works & was able to get to it after my chores.. what could be more Pure than creating a childs garment by hand which speaks of great love. And purity leads to peace & calmness. I am no longer ill at ease. Praise You Father!

And remember this cutie from Summer of 2020?? At 12m, finally finding a home in TN!!

My friend Julie Westmaas sent the pattern & fabric (1yd each) to me in Spring 2023. There was just too much going on (& my machine in the shop) that I couldn’t find blocks of time to do any sewing. Feels good to be back at it!

Because there wasn’t enough of any 1 fabric, I had to get creative with fabric blocking. The front blocking is the opposite of the back blocking.
This pattern had an usual straight-cut skirt lining. I had to make that, & the pantaloons, from some yellow micro-check gingham I had in my stash. The pattern called for lace, but I chose to use some rock-rack from my stash. I hope my granddaughter will be able to wear it this summer, 12-18m.

New foam, cushion covers, mattress covers..custom sheets ordered. Hopefully the full interior completed by June 2023.

When the sun shines, we are supposed to make Hay. What does one do when it blizzardy on May 1st??? …. Start on the re-berth of ‘Loch Muir’ of course! All new foam & covers for all the bed/cushions & dinette area, new curtains … basically all fabric replaced. AND, looking at new carpet too! Excited for boat season this year!

So grateful for Life, and for Breath! Praise God for His Festival of Lights in these dark, dark Times. We are SO blessed!

This is a project I have wanted to complete for a L-O-N-G time! I love my silver plate and my sterling, MUCH of it handed down from my mother. But one thing I dread as the holidays approach is polishing it all to make I presentable.
Thanks to the internet, I was able to find ’Pacific Cloth’, an anti-tarnish fabric used to line silver drawers & make pouches. I found the company that sells the yardage, so I can make my own custom pouches. I’ve started on the items in my silver chest, & am working my way up to platters, gravy boats, & coffee urns. Using the simple alphabet on my machine, I can also label each pouch. 😀

I bought this knit fabric @ Time Flies Sew & Quilt in Negaunee a few weeks back. I subscribe to a ladies pattern company called Seamwork. And because I have a dedicated cover stitch, I wanted to try my hand making some basic long-sleeve t-shirts. The pattern is for a round-neck, but has instructions for altering the neck opening. I made the navy one first, it fits really well! When I made the dusty blue one, I lowered the v-neck an inch, & added an inch through the hip. And because I made them myself, I could make the length & sleeve length to my preference. The pattern is more form fitting, which I also like for layering in winter because I lays flatter on the body. Love these!