We are having severe thunderstorms right now, but so far my internet is still working… if for some reason it goes off, I will have to finish this tomorrow… but I’m helping my hubby with an electrical issue at a dorm our church is working on, in the morning, so it might be later on in the day…
I was going to work on my blog post earlier in the day, but I was helping my hubby in the basement this afternoon…
Then we were invited to a couples house… (Remember Sebastian who helped me with Isabelle’s “Aqua” “Mint” dress?) He and his wife had us over for Asian Cuisine tonight… and we stayed till 10:15… So it’s 11:00p.m. and I’m just getting this written… My modem is flashing so I better hurry…
Okay, so this is the infinity scarf I found at our Thrift store… It was one that was loosely woven and was kind of an Ombre like color… fading from light blue and white to a darker blue in the middle and then back to the light blue and white…
I’ve never done this before, so I was learning as I did it… I decided to see what happened first by trying this out on the light blue and white section of the scarf…
I cut along the back seam…in between the squares that were woven…in other words… I kept the scissors in the same “channel” all across the scarf …and noticed it didn’t really fall apart like I thought it was going to…
I have made enough tiny little fringed squares for Addy’s neckline that I just started pulling the threads that were hanging out the sides..
They had to be pulled out pretty much ONE AT A TIME.. and even then, sometimes they would draw up the scarf like this…
I just kept pulling out the threads going crosswise in the scarf…
When I realized it was probably going to work… I moved to the blue section in the scarf and did the same thing… I cut exactly in one channel all across the scarf…
…and then started doing the same thing… pulling the threads out on the side of the scarf… one or sometimes 2 at a time…See the scissors point? They are pointing to the crosswise threads that I was pulling out…
The pile of threads accumulates pretty quickly…
When I got the threads pulled out about 1″ at one end, I tried it on Josefina and marked where to cut it for the other end… The only thing I wish is that I had made it just a little bit longer… I had a little bit more of the blue, but I thought I had made it long enough…
It was pretty wrinkled, so I took it to my ironing board and pressed it on a medium temperature and then used a comb to sort of comb the fringe in one direction and then pressed that flat…
Once it was pressed flat, I took it to my sewing machine and using matching blue thread, I stitched a tiny zig zag stitch across the last row of threads I had pulled out… to secure the scarf from losing any more threads…
It just took a little bit of careful thread pulling and it ended up looking like this…
Here’s a closeup of the corner…
One thing I learned… there were some “pulls” in the back of the scarf and I thought, “oh rats, that doesn’t look so good” but it was an easy fix… I carefully picked up the loose or dangly thread and just pulled it out… since the ends were both cut off, the thread just pulled out and there were no snagged looking areas on the scarf…
I think once it was wrapped around Josefina’s shoulders and down her arms, it looked very nice…
So that’s how I turned an infinity scarf into a Rebozo… it was fun and very easy to do… I’ll be doing it again… :o) will you???
Here comes round 2 of the storms… but I made it… Whew!!
Thanks everyone,
See you tomorrow,
Blessings, Jeanne
Thanks for another helpful tutorial, Jeanne! I, too, would have zigzagged around to keep the threads from raveling out any further!
I kind of like the size/shape of the rebozo, as it’s “square” enough to fold into a triangle, or just maybe used as a rectangle. More versatile that way, and it could even be “borrowed” by a slightly smaller doll if desired!
It would be nice if you could send some of your rain out our way! We have been a whole month without measurable precipitation, and things are getting crispy-dry out here. Central and Eastern Wash. are getting wildfires again.
BTW, I finally–FINALLY!!!–finished Maya’s dress tonight. I will try to get some photos in the next couple of days and send them to you. I had enough of the micro-check ribbon to make a nice bow with streamers, which I hand tacked in place. She is pretty happy about that, as she was thinking it was a little too “plain” otherwise!
Bravo for creativity. I am in the mountains of the Polish Beskids
I immediately had to look up the Beskids Mountains. Wow, just beautiful. đ
Hi, Alina,
Like Joy, I looked up your region and totally agree with Joy. âWowâ says it all. Beautiful! Like Susette mentioned, it would be really nice to know your town/city name. Thank you, Alina.
Sally
Hi, Alina. I like to follow the weather in places where friends live and also people I âknowâ even though I may not have met them in person. I have also lived in different countries and like to see what the weather is like there. Perhaps you could let us know the name of the city where you live or the closest one thatâs big enough to show up on the Weatherbug website.
Thanks for showing us your technique for dealing with fringing knits. Fairly easy but requires patience. I was able to do a simple repair on my daughter-in lawâs favorite beach hat which was really simple but the hat was unwearable without the repair. Seeing your posts about making hats was instructive about the straw just being sewn in strips. She was very happy!
I live in Krakow and at the moment I’m in Limanowa
Thank you, Susette. Easy to enter Krakow on my list.
Thanks so much for an awesome tutorial. I have a black infinity scarf that will work perfect for this. My Josephina will love it!
Good morning, Jeanne and all you wonderful Sofa Sisters!
Lovely morning here in Salida and, I am so excited, I have the house to myself and the dogs until Sunday night! It really gives me a chance to recharge AND spread my dear dollies around the house without raised eyebrows. Yippeee! Oh, and you read that right. We have two dogs again. Kipper was so depressed after losing sweet Chester, we found her a 6 year old sister at the shelter and they are crazy about each other. And Sugar is 20 pounds less than Chester, so that helps us old geezer parents out hugely!
So, Jeanne. You make your tutorials very, very clear and take excellent pictures. Certainly you ought to be able to get in the pattern business as successfully as Ann, Eve, Elizabeth, Sherry, and SO many others. Iâm a little nervous to say this, but I am CONSIDERING hauling out my sewing machine, last used for making masks, and get my granddaughter here to help me resolve the doggone tension issues I have, andâŚsew something for my RRFF. I would really like to make something for Luca as RR has not seen fit to offer outfits for him and Rory. That is a bit of a failing on their part in my humble opinion. So, dear Charlotte, I, too, am very eager to see what you have done for your Maya. Boy, these dolls sure make me smile with their expressions; do you find the same?
Laura, thanks for your note late yesterday as I was wondering how Mattel was doing with the repros. If I remember correctly, they pulled Marie Grace, Caroline and Cecile because sales were flagging as more and more girls and their parents were less into âhistoryâ and more into the modern scene. Do you think the main interest in these repros is to people 40+ who never got the originals and are taking advantage of this opportunity? Your reply made me curious so I dug out my catalog that announced these anniversary dolls and was surprised to see Mattel was charging their normal price. It has been awhile since I bought my last AG dollâŚI just counted that I have 32 (!) out on display and that my beautiful Addy is put away along with several others. Well, time to fix that as she is one of my favs. How do you display your AG kids? Lucky you to have the Town Faire set. Like you, I have the skating set, the snowshoes, and the stilt set. Once upon a time, AG, thanks to Pleasant, made pretty quality outfits for their line and fabulous, fabulous accessories (also packed away here.)
Well, I am going to stop lallygagging, get dressed, and play dolls. The post will be delivering three outfits today, too. Oh, BOY!
Have a great weekend, and Jeanne, hope you didnât lose power and have a really fun weekend. But seriously, consider making more tutorials and maybe some patterns. Youâve got all the talents, dear lady, and so, too, do many of you sisters! I am in awe of you all.
Sally
Oh, Sally, so glad to hear you are going to dig out that sewing machine and make something for the RRFF kids. I’m on my third shirt for Luca. I just enlarged a shirt pattern I had for a slightly smaller doll and used it to make his shirts. Same for the shorts pattern. Also, patterns for the Wellie Wishers are about the same size and can be adjusted slightly. You will have so much fun. đ
Hi Sally,
So glad to hear that Kipper and Sugar are best friends.
I actually saw the first PC catalog in the spring of 1989 after my daughter was born and you find yourself getting tons of catalogs. I was delighted at the time and knew I would buy her one or more of those dolls someday. The clothing and accessories were just exquisite.
I lost a few years when she packed hers up and before I started my own collection. I remember Julie’s debut and did catch the end of the NOLA scene. I joined the boards after Caroline. Caroline and Marie-Grace were two I had to have, although mine are Antebellum?Civil War era. They have some of Kirsten’s and Addy’s collections, but are still lacking a large wardrobe. Plans to sew for them haven’t happened for lack of time.
I’m sure many will disagree with me, but I think Caroline was the last to have a really well done(though small) collection. After her, AG went to a prevalent use of plastics for most things. I also miss that not each historical get the school lesson, Christmas surprise, Happy Birthday, Saves the Day (summer), and Changes for (winter) collections of the old books. Technically Kit was the last girl to have that.
I think the repros are probably being brought by people who never got to have the doll as a child or want a brand new version of their childhood doll. Of course, some are buying because they just love them.
Wow, 32 (!) AGs? I have five PC/AG historicals and they “live on the top of my antique glass bookcase along with The Queen’s Treasures, Mary, who I won during lockdown last year when they had a giveaway. You need to get out and enjoy those fabulous accessories. Those historical accessories are what first caught my interest as Pleasant created a unique niche.
Love the remake of the scarf. I think Josefina is happy. đ
Glad the storm waited until you could post. Hope the electrical problem being fixed isn’t major, but in a dorm, it seems like every room would need internet access and lots of outlets for phone charging etc., especially since all students need laptops to do their work.
Here, I woke up to the sound of running water. Not good in our water rationing drought area. Went outside and checked and found that we had a river/creek running down the sidewalk from under the retaining wall. Neighbor had on her drip system I guess, but there is a big problem aka leak somewhere. It eventually stopped, but I’m sure our apple tree appreciates all of that water. đ We have mentioned the leak before to the neighbor, but nothing happens to correct it. đ
The only sewing I did yesterday was to read part of the directions for this cute romper style pattern I bought. Not the way I usually sew, but we’ll see. đ
Thanks for the tutorial. The instructions and pictures are very good. Now I need a scarf to try it on.
I’ve finished cleaning and reorganizing my study. The room feels twice as big without all the stuff on the floor. Now my next chore is to get my two able-bodied sons to move the four boxes in the dining area to the storage building so I can get the dining area cleaned up. But I’m seeing a light at the end of the tunnel for this project. Then I need to play wardrobe mistress in my guest room. I never switched clothes from summer to winter last year because there always seemed to be something demanding my attention. I just pulled out warm pants and tops and stuffed them in the bedroom closet with my summer clothes. Then as it warmed up I took them all out of that closet and dumped them on the bed in the guest room figuring I had time to take care of them since I rarely have guests and Dionne isn’t working right now so I don’t even have the grandkids overnight these days. I decided instead to tackle my study. Tidying up the guest room definitely won’t take me as long as the study has. It had become quite the little “junk” room.
We’ve had so much rain this spring/summer that the Crepe Myrtles in town are amazing. So many and so many colors. We have never cut mine back like others usually do. When we moved here there was a house down the street where the people had let theirs grow and it was absolutely breathtaking. That’s the way mine looks right now. It’s like a pink cascading waterfall.
Josefina’s ensemble is really lovely. I know it will do well at auction. You always do well but some of your creations lately have done exceedingly well. Knowing people like what you create makes your efforts all the more worthwhile I’m sure.
Thank you for the pictures and lesson on the wide weave scarf. Your pics are so clear and from the right angles. She looks so authentic and with two skirts she is even better.
I have a question for the Sofa SistersâŚ.can any of you recommend a lightweight sewing machine that ca be easily taken to quilt classes? I had a Brother that was from WalmartâŚ.but then a a fellow quilter sold me a Singer Featherweight. (Not sure where the name came from because it is VERY heavyđ) Gave the Brother to a lady that was making masks. We all seem to have lots of experience with sewing machines.
Congrats on your last auction Jeanne!
I too have a Featherweight that belonged to my grandmother. Believe it or not, I’ve never used it, but I understand that it is wonderful for quilting. For regular sewing, I have a BabyLock. I’ve had two different models. This one can do heavier fabric like jeans nicely. I just use it for basic sewing, but it also can do embroidery. The machine is so easy to pick up and carry anywhere. Very unlike my old Singer Touch and Sew which was quite heavy.
Thank you Joy! Appreciate your viewđ
Kathie, I have a hunch your “featherweight” is just an older sewing machine. A featherweight is about 3/4 the size of the usual (vintage) Singer, and is light enough for ME to handle–and I’m only 4’6″ tall, and 75 years old, with a bad back and an iffy shoulder! If you take a good look at that machine, you might find some identifying marks on it. Also check The Featherweight Shop (just google–they have a web site) and you will see pictures of FWs. You can also send them a picture of yours and they might be able to identify it for you.
I have an old Babylock Quilt and Craft machine that was my “portable” until I got my FW a few years ago. It is very reliable, and fairly lightweight. Depending on how much you want to spend, I would suggest trying some of the main brands (Viking, Pfaff, Bernina) and see what they offer in a more lightweight machine. Be sure to “shop the dealer”, too–the ones sold in the big box stores are Usually not all that wonderful, and a good dealer will offer classes and extra help when you need it. Further, bring in swatches of fabrics you know you will sew, and test them on any machines you are considering! ANY machine will sew on that stiff cardboardy “fabric” they use to demo stitches! When I got my Elna Lotus (the newer version) a few years ago, I brought in things like swim fabric, nylon tricot, t-shirt fabric, etc. But the thing that sold me on that machine was that it made the most gorgeous buttonholes I had ever seen!!
Why, yes, I do own five sewing machines–and a serger!! LOL
Charlotte you have so much knowledge in that head of yours! Thanks for sharing. Iâm pretty sure this is a FeatherweightâŚfrom the serial number and book that came with it. I love the small size but just not the weight. It has the original case and the lady I bought it from even copied her book . My very favorite is my Bernini 930. It is HEAVY but doesnât go anywhere except my sewing areađ Love, love that machine! I have thought about a new sergerâŚ..mine is 26 years old but still works wellâŚa Bernina too. I had a quilting edition Alex Anderson, Bernina computer model that I gave my sister when she wanted to learn to quilt. She had an awful machine so hope she will do well with this one.
Thanks again Charlotte!
What a quick and easy tutorial, Jeanne. Josefina looks so pretty and very pleased with her rebozo.
Lovely rebozo, Jeanne, and it looks easy enough to do! It goes so well with both skirts, and brings out the colors of each one. I just need to find the right material for making a scarf or wrap. Fabric stores wonât have that kind of material, for sure!
Kathie, for sure, donât get a Singer Touch and Sew! They are really heavy, but are portable. I used to be able to carry mine around but not anymore! It is not made anymore, but I feel your pain. However, a lightweight sewing machine is mostly plastic, and I like my machine with metal gears and gauges, but is heavy!
Now you’ll have to keep a lookout for similar fabric. It’s wonderful that the shawl goes so well with both skirts.
We’re having a cloud cover and the temperature is falling to a mere 88. I’mgoing to try for a walk.