Category Archives: Sewing

How to do a turned-under edge on a homemade patch or applique

Posted on April 27, 2013 by

I’m stuck at home with an eye infection today, and since my day was already ruined I figured it was a perfect time to do boring mending. And while I’m at it, I thought I’d share the technique I used. … Continue reading →

Posted in My kids actually are funny (and sweet and wonderful), Sewing, Tutorial | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

A new outfit for a wee dolly

Posted on January 5, 2013 by

This is what I’d been working on before my evening went crazy (as described in my previous post). Last year my mom gave Hazel an Effanbee “Wee Patsy” doll that’s a 5″ plastic reproduction of an older composition doll. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Crafts, Sewing | 3 Comments

Fixer-upper

Posted on September 27, 2012 by

This was a nice morning’s project. (Not to mention that, after being sick a LOT in the last few weeks, I was thrilled to be showered and dressed and not napping this morning.) I found this jumper for a few … Continue reading →

Posted in Sewing | 2 Comments

Pretty patches, and Hazel with straight hair

Posted on September 4, 2012 by

I spent the whole day mending yesterday. It was very boring, but also sort of satisfying. I always wonder if I’ll ever catch up. I hope so. Anyway, of about ten projects, here were the only two slightly-creative ones: I … Continue reading →

Posted in My kids actually are funny (and sweet and wonderful), Sewing | 3 Comments

Summer sewing with kids

Posted on July 18, 2012 by

Yesterday I wanted to look in a fabric store and I had all my kids with me. I told them to put their hands in their pockets and not touch anything, but that if they saw anything they really loved … Continue reading →

Posted in My kids actually are funny (and sweet and wonderful), Parenting, Sewing | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Polka dots and pockets

Posted on July 16, 2012 by

For my Mother’s Day gift this year I asked for a full day off, and spent it sewing. I started this top for Hazel then, and finally got around to finishing it this weekend. It’s from Ottobre Design magazine, 6/2009 … Continue reading →

Posted in My kids actually are funny (and sweet and wonderful), Sewing | 2 Comments

The cost of nostalgia

Posted on June 25, 2012 by

Rose and Mabel, on Hazel’s birthday earlier this year Mabel’s had the top she’s wearing in this photo for at least two years, probably three, or maybe even four years, and she has worn it at least once a week … Continue reading →

Posted in Sewing | Tagged , | 4 Comments

Seasons go ’round

Posted on March 23, 2012 by

(Oh, look–I still have a blog.) This is another old sewing project of mine that’s getting fresh use on Hazel: I did have one problem with this over-sized honeycomb smocking, which was that the pearl cotton thread was too large … Continue reading →

Posted in My kids actually are funny (and sweet and wonderful), Sewing | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Smocking and sewing projects, then and now

Posted on March 10, 2012 by

I think it’s been over a year since I started this. Finally it’s starting to take shape. Fortunately, it’s looking like it might still fit Mabel, especially if I find a way to add a little length to the skirt. … Continue reading →

Posted in Sewing | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

Reversible buttons for a reversible jumper or overalls

Posted on February 17, 2012 by

This was one of those simple, obvious things that took me 7 years to figure out. Short version: to make a reversible button fastener for overalls, make buttonholes in both the bib and strap. Then tie two buttons together with … Continue reading →

Posted in Sewing, Tutorial | 4 Comments