I have an addiction - fabric!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will post my new arrivals from the after Christmas clearance sales, in-store and on the web soon. Lets just say - the bargains were really good!

And now - for me!

First off, I want to show you my new sewing machine. I have a Viking 500 I've had for about 12 years. BUT I've been thinking about experiementing with embrodiery, so I purchased a Singer Quantum 250. It is both a regular sewing machine and an embrodiery machine. You can connect it to your computer and digitize your own graphics, etc.



In the big Christmas sewing frenzy, I did not want to use the new machine in case I had problems, so gave the old Viking a real workout. But now I have the new one out and set up to sew as a regular machine. My plan is to sew as a regular machine for a while until I get used to it, then try the emboridery one long winter weekend!

Here are the items on my "To Do" board. I want to make a couple of flannel nightgowns (given the cold weather in Ohio), so that is my first project - one from Butterick and one from McCalls. I think those are easy first "getting back to sewing" projects!

I have had the Burda dress pattern for a while - not sure how long. I like the front detail, so I think that may be my first dress. There are a few more projects on the baord - an apron, shirts for my husband and a fleece vest for me, as well as a few dresses and tops/skirts. And then I want to try the two Hot Patterns pictured above - the Artful Dodger Dress and MEtropolitan Jacket. I have five yards of a nice aqua/turquoise/off white silk chiffon I will use for the dress. Not sure about what I will use for the jacket - I have some velvet but it is Christmas green, maybe some of the rayon I have in purple or hot pink.

So stay tuned, I am going to start sewing to bead the band on these projects!

Little Orphan Annie - Doll Clothes

My mum had her 80th birthday in September. As we were growing up, she frequently mentioned that she listened to Little Orphan Annie's adventures on the radio, etc. So as I was trying to think of something different for her birthday, I happened to run across this LOA doll on Ebay. Once I got it, I made several outfits for her. My husband said the clothes were too nice, "after all she is an orphan"! I had fun doing it. I got the suitcase item at JoAnnes on clearance - it was a bit beaten up, which was appropriate! I took these photos when I was home for Christmas. Above is her original red dress and white tights. Then the "party dress" I made for her.

I used the 14 inch Betsy McCall pattern to make the jacket, top and pants. I used the Venus Dodget book to make the school dress and pinafore on the right. I could not find a real SANDY dog, so this little guy is standing in for Sandy.

The white dress is a summer dress. The white baby doll pj's are from a Betsy McCall pattern.

The Little Orphan Annie by
James Whitcomb Riley

Little Orphan Annie's come to my house to stay.

To wash the cups and saucers up

and brush the crumbs away.

To shoo the chickens from the porch

and dust the hearth and sweep, and make

the fire and bake the bread to earn her board and keep.

While all us other children, when the supper things is done,

we sit around the kitchen fire and has the mostest fun,

a listening to the witch tales that Annie tells about and

the goblins will get ya if ya don't watch out!

Once there was a little boy who wouldn't say his prayers,

and when he went to bed at night away up stairs,

his mammy heard him holler and his daddy heard him bawl,

and when they turned the covers down, he wasn't there at all!

They searched him in the attic room and cubby hole and

press and even up the chimney flu and every wheres, I guess,

but all they ever found of him was just his pants and round-abouts and

the goblins will get ya if ya don't watch out!!

Once there was a little girl who always laughed and grinned

and made fun of everyone, of all her blood and kin,

and once when there was company and old folks was there,

she mocked them and she shocked them and said, she didn't care.

And just as she turned on her heels and to go and run and hide,

there was two great big black things a standing by her side.

They snatched her through the ceiling fore she knew what shes about, and

the goblins will get ya if ya don't watch out!!

When the night is dark and scary, and the moon is full and

creatures are a flying and the wind goes Whoooooooooo,

you better mind your parents and your teachers fond and dear,

and cherish them that loves ya, and dry the orphans tears

and help the poor and needy ones that cluster all about, or

the goblins will get ya if ya don't watch out!!!

More Photos

Purse for Niece 1

Great-Nieces Fleece Hat, Scarf and Mittens

Bro-In-Law's Fleece Blanket

Father-in-Law's Fleece Blanket

Sister-in-law's purse

Niece 3 Purse

Mum's Purse

Dragon Purse

Christmas Sewing Frenzy - Some of the Fruits!!

I am still coming back to reality after a two week frenzy of sewing! I made SEVEN fleece blankets, four sets of kids hats, mittens and scarfs, nine purses, a man's robe, four pairs of flannel sleepers, a woman's hat, apron and two scarfs! Here are a few of the items.

THE PURSE LINE UP! (Missing the others in previous posts.) Purse for one of my nieces.
Flannel PJ's
Fleece Blanket and Flannel PJ's (and little angels asleep!)
Z-Man indicates that he think's grandma's sewing is the best!