Summer Blouse

Good morning! I have another summer project to share. The pattern is Simplicity 3789. Before starting I did not take into account that, while most patterns run quite large, Simplicity does not. So-o, I cut out a 14, like usual, put it together and it was too big. I took it apart, cut it down to a 12 and put it together again. Still too big. Took it apart and left it for a while. I came back to it later, cut it down to a 10 and just made it. Yep, that's right, didn't try it on or anything, just did it. But I think it worked! Here is the result:

Shirt Front

The fabric is from Hancock's.

Shirt Back

Collar and Shoulder

After some self debate I decided to do flat felled seams and I really liked the way it turned out.

Side Front

I only did two things differently from what the pattern said. I shortened the length two inches and I didn't use any interfacing.

I'm working on a tutorial for the panel skirts. It will probably take me another couple of days to get it together though. See you around!

Irish Soda Bread

Ingredients:

4 cup flour

1 1/2 cups milk add 2 tbsp vinegar to it

1 egg

1/4 cup soft butter

1/4 cup sugar

1 tbsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1/8 tsp nutmeg

1/2 cup raisins

Photo by Mom

Instructions:

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Put all dry ingredients in a large bowl. Add butter and cut in with a pastry blender or fork. Add egg and milk, mix well with a wooden spoon. Add raisins and blend. Put dough onto floured surface and knead about 2-3 minutes or until it is no longer sticky. Cut in 1/2 shape into 2 balls and put on greased baking sheet. Cut a cross in the top of each. Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden. Remove from oven and cool on wire rack. When cool top with glaze.

Glaze:

1 c powdered sugar

1 tbsp hot water

1 tsp vanilla

In a small bowl mix all together. Spread on top of cool soda bread.

Thanks to Janice from the Sense and Sensibility message forum for the recipe.

Crocheted Flowers Tutorial

Supplies:

2 skeins of Perle Cotton in two colors

Crochet Hook size 5 (1.7 mm)

Scissors

Flower

1) Chain 6. Slip stitch into first chain to form a ring.

2) First Petal: chain 3, 2 treble into ring, 1 double into ring, 1 single into ring.

3) Second Petal: 1 double, 2 treble, 1 double, 1 single into ring.

4) Third Petal: work same as Second Petal.

5) Fourth Petal: 1 double, 2 treble, 1 double, 1 single into ring. Slip stitch into first chain of beginning chain three.

6) Chain 1. Cut thread and pull through chain to knot. Weave in tails.

Leaves

1) First Leaf: slip stitch between two petals.

2) Chain 3. *Wrap thread around hook twice as if preparing for a treble. Go into the same stitch as your slip stitch and bring up a loop. Pull through two loops twice.* You should have two loops left on your hook.

3) Repeat from * to * once. You should now have three loops on your hook.

4) Pull through all three loops. Chain 1. Cut thread and pull through chain to knot. Weave in tails.

5) Repeat steps 1-4 for Second Leaf.

Flower Front

Flower Back

Notes: The trick to the flower is to keep the stitches pushed together tightly on the ring, otherwise there will not be room for all your petals. An even tension is also important. Please let me know if you think this needs any corrections or revisions.

Enjoy!

Second Blog

I've set up a second blog specifically for historical sewing projects. You can visit it here.

Greetings!

Welcome to Mrs. Darcy's Dressing Room where I shall chronicle my historical sewing projects as I make them. I will not be posting here as much as I post at Standing in the Sunlight since this blog has a specific theme. I set up the Dressing Room because I wanted to have a separate place for my costumes of which I hope to make a lot more this year then I did last.

See you around!

Crocheted Flowers

I made some wee flowers for a friend to use on her beautiful cards.

Pattern: My own

Supplies: Hancock's

I am planning to post a tutorial for these tomorrow or Thursday. See you then!

Butler - Bailey Handbag

I started my summer sewing projects.

Pattern: Madison Bags by Amy Butler

Fabric: Pop Garden by Heather Bailey

Just had to show off the hard part (it only took me three tries to get it right!).

Look What Came in the Mail!

This!

I love, love, love my new apron! Thanks so much to Nadine for making it and to Holly for hosting the swap!

Scrappy Aprons

Problem #1 - We were invited to a party and according to the invitation were required to wear aprons. All our aprons, however, where not looking their best.

Problem #2 - There was no time to go to the store.

Solution - Dig through the scrap bin and feverishly throw something together.

Fabric: Scraps!

Pattern: I made it up as I went along.

Velvet ribbon from One Hundred Wishes.

This is my apron, the above pictures were of Mom's.

Have a blessed Lord's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Would you like a cupcake?

Another Birthday Gift

...this time for a bird lover.

Fabric: umm... I can't remember the collection name but I know I got it at a quilt shop!
Pattern: Sewing Roll from All People Quilt, altered to make a wallet.

And a couple of birthday cards:

Have a great day!

A Little Pincusion

Another birthday gift. This time for a young friend who will soon begin sewing lessons.

Card Materials: Stampin' Up!, Hobby Lobby and a page from an old book

Pincushion Materials: Jo-Ann, One Hundred Wishes and a vintage button
Pincushion pattern by Heather Bailey from All People Quilt

A Bag Full of Birdies

Vintage buttons plus a cute ruffle equals a birthday gift for Mom!

Pattern: Sling Bag from Simple Sewing by Gooseberry Patch

Fabric: Harvest Home by Blackbird Designs for Moda
Lining: 100% cotton from Jo-Ann

Happy Birthday Mom!