I got a few more birthday cards in the mail today… One of my dear dolly friends lives in California and every year she drives to Oakland, where I was born, and has my birthday card postmarked there. It’s always fun to get that one…
I also received a personalized “Just for Jeanne” card from Kathie, one of my readers, and she tucked the loveliest 20″ piece of vintage Swiss Embroidery inside. I’m sure it must have come off a Christening gown. Look at this…it is nothing short of stunning!
Yesterday, I told you about a sale that Joann Fabrics is having from September 2nd till Monday, the 5th. (HERE)
Who could pass up a sale where the Fat Quarters were .74 cents? Not me! I was a little restrained…though. Marilyn said maybe take $20 and see what I could come away with… I spent $16.66 and walked away a happy camper.
All of the decorative boxes were gone at my store, except for 2 that I had already bought, so I didn’t have to worry about them.
I looked at the Harvest Print fabrics and decided I didn’t need any.
I took a long walk down looking at the fat quarters and you won’t believe this, but I only got 6 and 4 of them were white prints. I picked up 2 that were a dark navy and white polka dot print and the white ones were print on print designs… I like to use them for bodices or blouses…
I think the one with the birds on it is really sweet…
The two patterns caught my eye… the dresses with the long full skirts are very nice. I like them and they’ll make great Civil War skirts. I won’t have to mess with figuring out the ruffles.. maybe make them a little fuller is all…
I like the collar on the long green one too. It’s nice.
I also bought a piece of white wool felt. It seems like I always need a piece of white when I don’t have it. So I used my 40% off coupon on it since it was regularly $12.99 a yard.
I also found some time today to do a little painting. Remember this white wooden chest of drawers that I had in my sewing room? Well, I decided it needed a facelift. I’m not sure what we are going to do with it, but the white paint was flat, and pretty ugly and chipped. It looks much better now… although I’m not totally done. I think it needs black knobs now…
My brother and sister and their families are here so my sewing time is limited again. I am sneaking in time to work on Rebecca’s Civil War dress every chance I get. I’ll get it finished soon…
What’s in store for your September Saturday?
See you tomorrow,
Blessings, Jeanne
Hi Jeanne! I commented yesterday, but for some reason, your website told me I had already commented (?) and it never did get printed! That has happened a few times already now, so I wonder what happened.
Oh what a beautiful piece of embroidered fabric your friend sent! Something pretty for Kirsten? So you really are a California girl? I can just see you out surfing on the beach—-not really!
Those patterns are really nice, especially the price! The green dress on the second one reminds me of Scarlett O’Hara in Gone with the Wind! Have you ever made costumes to go with movie themes?
The dresser looks so much better in the close up shots. I assumed it was in good condition, and matched the dresser you bought with it. Yes, black knobs would look good, but then would you have to also change the dresser knobs, since they are together?
As far as plans for this weekend or today, we are planning on going to the Japanese Festival at the Missouri Botanical Gardens here in town. Have you ever been there? it is beautiful, and we go 5 or so times a year. it’s a great place to get ideas on flowers and landscaping , but also so very relaxing and refreshing to walk around and get in touch with nature. I’ve spent the past few days working in the yard and also at church, so I’m ready to go somewhere!!
Have a great time with your family, Jeanne, and Happy Labor Day weekend!
HI Linda,
Strange things are happening on my website again… A reader emailed me yesterday saying she couldn’t get through with a comment and the “contact Me” page said it wouldn’t go through either. I checked out the Contact Me page and it is messed up. I’ll have to see if I can figure it out. I did once before when it was messed up but I don’t remember what I did to fix it. *sigh*
The embroidery on this piece is teeny tiny so I think it might work for something special for the Little Darlings… maybe a pinafore or something. It is so gorgeous. I just couldn’t quit looking at it.
Oh Linda, that’s not the matching hutch I got up in Alton… this one is the one I’ve had in my sewing room for a few years. It was just sort of tucked away in a corner for the most part. My new pieces are all wonderful.
I thought this one I took out of my sewing room looked like it needed a boost with some color. And it might become a different color. I mixed up some chalk paint but it feels to grainy to me… so I’ve sanded it down and now it might become red! :o)
No, I don’t think I’ve ever been to the Botanical Gardens… if I have, it was a long time ago.
It’s also our 35th Wedding Anniversary on Monday so we might go somewhere too.. Paducah or Cape… just to get away…
You have fun and we will too! :o)
Blessings, Jeanne
How funny! I just bought exactly the same two patterns the other day for Riya when I teach her to sew. The raglan sleeves will be easy and the ruffles should go on easily, and there are the butterfly cap sleeves on B6265. I was going to ask if you think these two patterns will be good for teaching a child. Aren’t the overalls darling? I found also that there were only a couple of boxes left. I think they are trying to clear the shelves before the flood of Christmas merchandise arrives.
I thought the white chest was one you already had, not one of the new ones. They looked very well finished. I hope so. Nice to paint the old one gray-blue. The lace is wonderful, so many details on the same piece. Thanks for the reminder about white fat quarters for trim and bodices. Now I’ll be going back again today. Nice to have different patterns in small pieces.
Marilyn, I grew up in St. Louis until I was 15 but moved many times including to Japan for three years. I remember the fall festivals and parades. When we traveled through St. Louis one time, we visited the Arboretum on a very hot day when one of my sons was about four years old. When I complained about the heat, he said, “If I was a plant, I would want to live here.” I had forgotten that. These posts continue to bring back fond memories. Thanks, everyone.
Hi Susette,
I thought the patterns had some cute ideas. You might want to cut a trial bodice out before you use any good material, because their last retro pattern like this that I used didn’t fit very well in the neck until I tweaked it a bit. Just cut it out, stitch up the shoulder seams and then stitch where the seam should be around the neck. Then just off that seam leaving just the edge of the stitching to stabilize it. This should give you a pretty good idea of how the neck will fit.
Yes, the chest is the old one I cleared out of my sewing room. It got a little too rough when I painted it with chalk paint, so I have sanded it down and will try a different paint… whatever I have…
I’m like you… I like to see lots of little prints and some of my dolls can get by with a dress from a single fat quarter. That’s nice! :o)
We are having a beautiful day today… I’m looking forward to it!
Thanks Susette,
Blessings, Jeanne
Good morning Jeanne. I’m catching up on posts this morning as I’ve gotten a little behind. It was nice to see the progress on your latest creation for Rebecca, and I’m sure your enjoying your new sewing room. The Swiss embroidery is just gorgeous; it will be perfect for a period doll outfit. I’ll be in Corpus Christi later today and hope to squeeze in a trip to Joann’s to check out the fat quarters!
HI Carolyn,
I AM enjoying my new sewing room very much. My hubby got the lights all done and I got 2 new pictures hung up. As soon as I get the cutting table done, I’ll do another post on what has been done…and changed! :o)
Have fun on your trip today and buy lots of FQ’s… it’s a real bargain at .74 cents each! Maybe I should go back… :o)
Thanks Carolyn,
Blessings, Jeanne
Love that white with the birds fabric. Didn’t even think of looking at white when I was at Joann’s yesterday. After that sidewinder jumped into my cart, I didn’t want to come home with too much. By the way, the Singer sidewinder I purchased can take batteries but also comes with a cord. Hope to try it out today.
The little outfit with the short sleeved jacket, Butterick 6265 is exactly what I had in the 50’s.
Your chest, with a fresh finish, looks like it can be useful almost anywhere. I like to put one in a closet. The extra storage is great.
We’re heading to Walnut Creek, just over the hill from Oakland, for grandson’s first birthday pool party.
Have fun with your family.
Hi Joy,
You had to pull out all the white FQ’s and look at them to see the designs on them. When I saw the birds on the wires, I thought I had to have that one.. I thought it would be cute across the bodice of a dress.
I have batteries in my Side Winder. I hope you enjoy it… let us know…
Have fun at your birthday party… Say HELLO to Oakland for me! :o)
Blessings, Jeanne
So, you are originally a Caligirl! I never would have guessed, Jeanne. You seem like a Midwestern Gal through and through! How nice that your friend Kathie honors your roots with a birthday card postmarked from Oakland. What a sweet gesture! The Swiss embroidery is so delicate and lovely. I’m sure dozens of ideas began swirling in your mind at the first sight of it. Blouses, bodices, aprons and pinafores, oh my!
You certainly made some very good buys at JoAnn’s, Jeanne. Your fat quarters were well chosen, as white-on-white seems to be one of your pretty “calling cards.” The swirly patterns always lend femininity, and the bird print has such whimsical charm. I’ll look forward to spying them in your future designs. The two patterns are very versatile. The full ruffled skirts will be perfect for full civil war dresses, but the shorter designs will provide inspiration for other eras, too. (Patsy likes the polka dot dress with lace trim, wink-wink!).
Your chest of drawers looks completely refreshed with the new coat of paint, Jeanne, and new hardware will definitely dress things up. Have you thought of stenciling the drawers? That would really make this piece unique. Just Google “Images for painted lace stencil on furniture” for ideas. Wherever you decide to use this piece, it will provide plenty of good storage.
Seeing all the amazing wardrobe changes in “Wicked” made me wonder if you have every designed costumes, Jeanne? You certainly have the talent for it. We’re going to the Greek Festival today and the Parade of Homes on Sunday. Enjoy your visit with family, Jeanne, and happy Labor Day adventures to one and all!
HI Anne,
Yep, I’m a California girl…but only for 3 weeks. My dad was in the Air Force and we moved to Texas when I was just 3 weeks old. Needless to say, I remember nothing of CA! :o)
It actually wasn’t Kathie who sent the CA postmarked birthday card, but another doll friend. Kathie sent the Swiss fabric…and yes, as soon as I saw it, my heart did a little Happy Dolly Dance…or maybe a Happy Fabric Dance!
I’ll have to keep that polka dot dress in mind for Patsy… :o)
The chest of drawers “looks” okay but it feels rough, so I’ve sanded it and will have to give it another coat. But, I put my chalk powder in the whole container of paint, so I’ll have to pick something else now… I think I must have added too much and it turned out grainy… oh well, it needed a second coat anyway as the first one was a bit see through in places.
I’ve never made costumes on a big basis, just small things like my dress when I was in Oklahoma, or things for church… but nothing big.
Oh, the parade of homes sounds like fun… I guess I’ll just have to stay here and “enjoy my family…” :o)
Blessings, Jeanne
The Swiss embroidery is beautiful. I’ve talked about Boulder’s fabulous fabric store, Elfride’s Fine Fabrics, as being worth the trip if you love fabric and live anywhere close to Boulder. One of the women who loves the store had a show there of outfits she had made with stunning fabrics, and Elfride was wearing a late 20’s, I think, pale yellow dress of Swiss embroidery. She’s very slim and effortlessly elegant and surely the dress had never looked better. The skirt was medium full to show off the embroidery. It was a privilege to see it.
Jeanne, we weren’t born the same year, but my father was in the Army Air Force in California at the end of the war, and my mother had joined him, so I was born there but we moved to Colorado when I was 5 weeks old. My hospital was in Torrence.
I decided to go to JoAnn’s to see if my store had boxes — there were several and I got three like yours and some silk flowers, so I outspent you. I also didn’t have a coupon book, but the clerk was especially nice and gave me a card so I’ll be on the mailing list. She was so nice that I asked if she liked dolls, and when she said yes, I mentioned your blog. She quickly grabbed another card and a pen and I spelled it out, so you may well have a new viewer from Boulder. She’s a former teacher who finds working in a craft store a great source of satisfaction.
Susette, your son was so smart to recognize that a plant would love to be growing in the Arboretum. Isn’t it amazing when they understand so much when they are so young?
I hope everyone has a lovely, productive, and safe Labor Day weekend.
Hi Marilyn,
If I am ever near your fabric store…I’m stopping in! It sounds like a wonderful store to visit…
I bet that woman’s dress in the pale yellow Swiss embroidery really was a treat to see
So we’re both baby travelers I guess!
Actually the same thing happened to me. When the young girl checking me out saw my patterns she mentioned something about making doll clothes. I told her that’s what I did and wrote a blog about dolls and sewing for them. Her eyes got all big and she started asking me about my dolls and she too, grabbed a piece of paper and asked me to write it down for her. She said she didn’t know anyone else who was into dolls and she had 2 ball jointed dolls and was so excited to meet me. She wanted to keep talking but the lady behind me was kind of pushy and she wanted service right then. As I was going out the door.. the girl called out, “I’ll look you up…!”
Maybe next time I see her in there we can chat more. It was fun…
Thank you for sharing with the woman you met…
Have a wonderful weekend.
It’s our 35th anniversary on Monday and there has been a hint dropped for a day trip!
I guess I’ll see…
Thanks Marilyn,
Blessings, Jeanne
A day trip. I’m so glad you were so careful with your money at JoAnne’s — there’s more for Monday!
I do hope both of our clerks join the group. If yours doesn’t know anyone else who likes dolls, this group will assure her that there are lots and lots of us.
Hi Marilyn,
I’m hoping for fabric shops or doll shops and he’s probably dreaming of tool places… maybe we’ll both get our wishes!
My girls name was Gail… and I told her if she left a comment, I’d know it was her… of course, I guess she could just say, “I was the one who waited on you at Joann’s…”
Thanks Marilyn,
Blessings, Jeanne
Jeanne, love everything you’ve been showing.
Are Butterick patterns on sale at Jo’s?
Yes I think they are…I glanced through their catalog so they must be…
Blessings, Jeanne