Hi everyone,
I’m going to get my stuff out of the way and then let Charlotte finish up today’s post.
When I woke up this morning, I found one of my hubby’s boots that he uses out in the garden and doing yard work, on my island in the kitchen, laying on a piece of newspaper. He had told me he needed to see if I thought I could fix it. Well, YES… if I can do pants pockets, I can surely do a BOOT! :o)
One of the sides of the boot had torn apart and he wanted to know if I could stitch it back in place… and it didn’t matter what it looked like. He said he fell once yesterday because it wasn’t tied tight against his ankle. EEK! And then this morning before I got up, he said it happened again… So, of course, I got started on it right away. (We don’t throw anything away, until we have exhausted all possibilities of fixing them!)
This was the boot and this is where it had come apart…
I decided to punch some holes in each side of the split and then stitch them together. They had a foam/lining and it was a bit tough to get some of the holes punched, but I managed.
I used a leather needed and some waxed leather thread and did a cross stitch saddle stitch…and this is how they turned out!
He was thrilled and said he thought he’d keep me! :o)
Now let me show you Felicity’s dress. I added the skirt to the bodice and pressed the waist seam toward the bodice.
I used 3 rows of basting stitches at the waistline and gathered them up very close together…
Don’t you just LOVE perfect tiny gathers? Me too! :o)
Oh, and one more thing… I was reading the comments and noticed a few comments about the raw edge of the ruffle around the neckline on Felicity’s dress. I searched my vintage laces for something to use on top of the dress in a bright white… like the sleeve ruffles, but didn’t have ANYTHING… but modern polyester, nylon or Venise lace. They just didn’t look right. So I used a piece of my Swiss Batiste and cut it on the bias… (it won’t unravel) and gathered it up. It was the only way to make it curve around the neckline. It was too delicate to finish the edges. I paid $21.00 a yard for this at a fabric store about 30 minutes from her and love the stuff but seriously it’s like sewing a tissue. It’s super delicate and I think it will look okay when you see the dress all finished and neatly laying in place.
Oh, just one more thing too… I was reading the comments and Marilyn’s comments about Felicity’s dress had me laughing out loud… then I read it to my hubby and he was laughing. I had to read it 4 times before I moved on. I think it was the most I’ve laughed in 2 weeks. So, thank you Marilyn, and for those of you who missed it… here it is again…
“Felicity’s dress is going to be beautiful. As everyone is saying, that is her color. I was thinking that this is “do it over” day. My house is being painted and yesterday the team was painting the window frames and staining the porch railings, which were supposed to be a little darker than golden oak. They are now reddish purple, which clashes horribly with the fresh brown house paint, turning it yellowish. Yuk.
While the stain was going on, the windows were covered with plastic, so I couldn’t see out, and the team couldn’t say, “Come see,” because we have no common language. The bilingual assistant manager is trying to be at 2 projects (in different towns) at once. She’s very good with colors and will faint when she sees this. The work is beautiful — it’s just that the color is horrible.
Perhaps this story is so sad that Jeanne will send me Felicity’s dress to make me feel better. Do you think? Then in the future, we can tell sad stories to try to win the next outfits and before long we’ll have the most depressing blog on the internet.
Maybe I’d better quit before I dig this hole deeper.
Thank for indulging me again, Marilyn! You made my day! :o) :o) :o) :o)
Okay, I can’t forget Charlotte waiting in the wings! This is what she emailed me…
Hi Jeanne,
Last week we had two crafting days at our church, where we made cards. Diane, the daughter of one of our members, has been making cards for many years, and she has LOTS of stuff! I should have taken pictures of all the things she brought over (they live across the street from the church). She filled several tables!! She also had tables set up for us to work on, complete with things like scissors, glue, etc. In addition to card stock, envelopes, and rubber stamps, she had many colors of stamp pads, all kinds of fancy papers, washi tape, ribbon, sparkles, you name it!!! The first day there were eight of us, including Diane (who was there just for guidance, not teaching a class or anything). Even our pastor got in on the card making, especially the second day. I think he helps his wife make cards sometimes–they used to always make all of their Christmas cards every year, as well as for other holidays, birthdays, etc. I’ve saved quite a few of the cards they’ve made and given us.
I didn’t get pictures of Everything we made–and I didn’t have my camera with me the first day, so didn’t get any pictures of Becky’s or Katy’s cards, which were all lovely, and somehow I missed getting pictures of Pastor’s cards, but here are the pictures I did get.
The first picture shows how some cards begin. Penelope (the pastor’s wife) was making some cards suitable to send to men, so started with more “masculine” prints to glue onto the fronts of cards. I didn’t stay long enough to see how she finished them, but this was her start.
The second picture shows the cards that Jum made. The blue lacy stuff on the card on the right is actually that Penelope cut with her special machine! Jum layered it over yellow.
The third picture is the two cards I made. The one on the left is done on a very pale blue cardstock; I found that little piece of star print in one of Diane’s folders (we save even small scraps because that’s often all you need!), and she had the sequin trim which I added around the edges of the star paper. The quote is something I stamped on white cardstock, then cut with my deckle-edge scissors (yes, I have some card-making supplies, too!) and glued in place. The two diplomas are stickers Diane had on hand. This card is for my friend Tonya’s younger daughter, who just graduated from college.
The card on the right is a notecard I made for my friend Kathy, who now has dementia and can’t email or message any more. The gold oval, the flowers. the sparkly centers, are things Diane had among her bits and pieces. The “Just a Note” is something I stamped on a scrap and cut out with my deckle-edge scissors.
The fourth picture is the inside of the graduation card. I stamped and cut out the “congrats” and glued it, and stamped the two corners directly on the cardstock.
The next two pictures show cards that Diane made. She uses lots of die-cut pieces on her cards, everything from simple shapes cut from printed paper to ornate and delicate things like butterflies. She does such beautiful work! As I said, she’s been doing this for years, and is very artistic!
The last picture is my transplanted snapdragons–as you can see, there are now LOTS of flowers and buds!!
Jeanne here… I have quite a few bits of scrapbooking things too, and they come in pretty handy when you need a quick card or even just “stuff” to embellish a card you may already have! Nice work Charlotte!
Have a wonderful Friday and then a great weekend! I’ll see you Monday!
Blessings, Jeanne
Good job on the shoe repair for George! Who knew that cobbling doll shoes would prepare you for this need!!
Felicity’s dress is looking lovely. Yes, your gathers are pretty. I often use your tip of using THREE rows of gathering stitches instead of two, and get very nice results. So thanks again for sharing that tip with us some years back!!
Marilyn, your comment made me laugh, too!! Well, we can dream, right?!
Thanks for sharing my pictures today, Jeanne. I’m glad you were able to use them. I did send you one more picture of the snapdragons this afternoon, as they are now really full of blooms, so hopefully you’ll be able to tuck that one in somewhere. It shows the range of colors I have in those plants.
Tonight when my son was here, I had him move a few things in the garage so I can get at some of my tubs of fabric that are stored there. I am trying to do some cleaning out (a seemingly endless project!) and told Leah I’d keep an eye open for some blouse fabrics for her. Yes, she finished her skirt with pockets, and is ready to start something new! I was at her house today, and last time, her “homework” was to finish the hem, which she did. She also had the elastic threaded thru the casing, and after she tried it on and I adjusted it to her preference, she sewed the ends together and closed the casing. Done!
Tomorrow I take my car in for repairs. Yay! They will have it for about a week. I’m so glad I still have Ron’s car to drive, as getting a rental car for me can be difficult, because I’m so short. “Small” is not necessarily an advantage in cars for someone short! Often it’s a choice between do I want to see where I’m going, or reach the pedals?! Likewise, car shopping can be a real trial. So, yeah, good for me, for keeping Ron’s car!
I know you and I are the same height, Charlotte, so I gotta ask you, what kind of car do you drive? My current car, and favorite by far of all I’ve owned, is my Toyota Camry. I do need a seat cushion for extra height, but I can reach the pedals easily and also be a comfortable distance back from the steering wheel, and still be able to see. 🙂 And my left foot rests comfortably on the floor. In addition to his truck (which I do not drive), my husband has a GMC Terrain. I can drive it if I have to, but it’s not near as comfortable as my Camry.
Hi Theresa. Another one my size (4’6″)? I don’t run into that very often!
I drive a 2012 Nissan Altima, although I did have to have foot pedal extensions on that one (the dealer paid for that, if I was willing to buy the car on the showroom floor, rather than find the color I wanted!), and we also still have the 2008 Nissan Versa, which fits me probably the best, as I don’t need extensions. Each car has features I really like–if I could only combine them! Previously I drove Hyundais–we had a 1984 (I think) Hyundai Excel, the first year Hyundai was sold in the US. It was absolutely perfect! When it was totaled out in an accident (too expensive to repair), we got another Hyundai. When that one was ready to retire, I looked at Hyundais first, but found they brought the dashboard down so far, by the time the seat was pushed up enough for me, there was no room for my legs! (I do use a small seat cushion, too–have had the same one for eons.)
My very first car (back in 1970) was a 1962 (I think) Studebaker Lark! We had to raise the seat (bench seat, in those days) on blocks, but other than that….Oh, I LOVED that car!! It had a V8 engine and could get up a long steep hill in nothing flat!! 😂 Doing 80 on the freeway? No problem!! 🤪 (Back then the speed limit was 70, so….okay, I was a bit of a speed demon when I was young!) I was so sad when I had to let it go–the transmission was dying. Went from that to a RAMBLER…..😞 Can you say “gutless wonder”?!
What kind of seat cushion do you use? I find most just squish down flat when you sit on them–too soft for our purposes!
Aaugh!! I just lost the three paragraph reply I was typing to you!
Not gonna try to type it all out again, which will probably make everyone glad, because Jeanne’s doll sewing blog was going to turn into “Car Talk, with Charlotte and Theresa”.
I will answer your question about my car seat cushion, though. I got it a little over a year ago on Amazon, and it is very comfortable memory foam and doesn’t squish down too much. It is called an “adult car booster seat cushion”, and the brand is “ZHUANXUA”. Yeah, one of those chinese off-brands, but the quality seems to be quite good. And, my first car in 1975 was a 1974 Chevy Camaro, and it could go fast, too, and often did! 😂
Thank you for the info, Theresa! I’ll check it out.
“Car Talk, with Charlotte and Theresa.” Too funny!! 😂
Hi Charlotte, i just changed the picture of your flowers… I had seen your last email, but forgot to scroll up to get it.
It’s fixed now…
Blessings, Jeanne
OH WOW! what a happy surprise of pretty Snapsters!
Thank you, Rosemary!
Thank you, Jeanne. I saw that this morning!!
Glad tomorrow ( or today ) you get your car fixed and that you have some sort of therapy gir your neck.
What a fun project making cards. Yours are very pretty. That looked like a lot of interesting pieces to use.
Thank you, Paula. I’m glad to have my car “in the shop” at last. There was a piece hanging down underneath that would scrape sometimes when I drove it, and it was starting to bug me!
And thank you, about the cards. That graduation card I worked on (or at least spent time walking around, deciding what to do) for two hours last Thursday, and then finished it and made the other one on Friday. I’m just as picky at card making as I am at sewing! But it was sure fun!!
Jeanne, I’m so glad George has YOU to fix those boots, because of it was me, nothing would have been done! A few weeks ago, Michael gave me some socks to darn, and what, ME darn socks?? Of course his mother did, and I have her darning egg, but I had no clue how to darn! You certainly do have to have the right needle and thread for darning, at least I know that, but then things get tricky! I tried to close up the holes, but mostly did that by bringing them closer together, which really isn’t darning. They are just okay, and won’t win any beauty contests, for sure! You did an excellent job and saved yourself $$!
Charlotte, I have lots of scrapbook things, and just might want to try making a card or two, but do you make your own envelopes too? Do they have to be a certain size for the PO to accept them? I especially like the anniversary card your friend Diane made, with the birds sitting on a branch! The graduation card you made is especially nice too! It certainly looks like fun to create them!
Your snapdragons look very happy there and are blooming beautifully!
Thank you for sending all the pictures!
I’m with you Linda, on darning. I remember my mother darning my father’s socks often, but the lump created wasn’t pleasing. And believe it or not, I collect darning eggs and have that same one my mother used too. As well as many others I’ve picked up over the years. I display them in big clear glass jars. 🙂
I forgot, as to the envelopes, grands recently sent some cards they made for Father’s Day to other person, but they didn’t arrive. Turns out that they were returned because they were too thick and 87cents was due as well. I believe that there is also a standard size for a one stamp card. No idea what it might be. So, daughter is mailing the cards again. The grands always make cards. Kind of a tradition in our family. 🙂
Lol Joy, I wrote my comment to Linda before I read yours. I think displaying darning eggs in a glass case is the best place for them!!
Hi Linda- you might have missed yesterday’s reply to you but yes, all the 50’s girls have their “ Molly’s plaid jumper “ for school. I love Molly’s clothes.
I actually do know how to darn as it’s one of the skills my grandmother taught me when I was there for weeks in the summers. I have her wooden mushroom darning tool. The handle unscrew to hold the darning needles.
Thank you, Linda. In the past, I just bought blank cards that came with envelopes, but Diane had lots of various sized envelopes and just cut cardstock to fit them! I had never thought to do that before, but it certainly makes sense, and then you can just buy some nice envelopes and make each card a different color of cardstock, if you wish. They don’t have to all start the same. I’m not sure about sizes, but I would guess the post office could tell you minimum and maximum sizes (or they might have that info on their website).
I loved that anniversary card that Diane made, too. It really was very pretty.
Backing up a bit, I was never “taught” how to darn, but watched my mother darn lots of socks when I was growing up, so kind of picked it up, and then some of the older sewing books tell you how, too. If the socks are wool, then a lightweight darning wool works best. But for my cotton socks, I have just used sewing thread, doubled, and it seems to work and hold up okay. I put the egg into the sock, stitch threads crosswise across the hole, and then weave them in and out of those threads, going the other direction. Even though a sock is knit, and you are essentially weaving, since it’s a small spot, it doesn’t seem to matter.
Thank you for the compliment on my snapdragons. I have been surprised at how well they are doing!! I guess it helps to water them now and then!! 😂
Charlotte, you are so funny. Yes, please water me! I can hear the snaps at your place from here. 🙂
I darned socks in the 70’s but found it pretty thankless. Not only were they really thin around the hole but no one liked wearing them because they were too irritating.
Jeanne, Jeanne, can fix anything, what a girl and George is so happy!! I remember he is very able to fix things too. I pray his next surgery will really help him.
Charlotte, I would have LOVED to make cards with Y’all. What fun, so many lovey and different ones. I know they will give fun to those who open them.
I had so many stamps when I taught school and also used some to press into my clay to make jewelry. All that is gone now but I still have some of the Jewelry. Maybe I should take photos to send?
Today is making meringues day. I have separated the egg whites but they have to get to room temperature before they get beaten. I have to make a LOT of them for all the folks who will be there. It is funny to think about how long ago making these started by my great aunt when I was a very little girl. It has always been my favorite dessert.
I’m wondering how you transport meringues? Are you flying down? Just curious. 🙂
We drive. The drive is four ours. I have several large plastic boxes and put the meringues in them with wax paper in between. I have to make them at least 4 times to get enough. The kids are never done with just one helping.
Yes, a four hour drive with an ice chest should do it. 🙂 You are so good to make enough for all and more. 🙂
Thank you, Sissy. I would have loved to have had you join us for cardmaking, too!!
Oh, yes, please do take pictures of the jewelry you made! I would love to see them!!
Your meringues sound wonderful! Isn’t it funny how a recipe from long ago will become a tradition? Our peach pie recipe is like that. I remember mom making it when I was a young girl–the recipe came from a neighbor, who may have found it in a magazine. It’s very simple (I think I may have shared it here, with a picture or two, some years back), and just ever so yummy. It can only be made with fresh peaches, though, so it’s kind of a once or twice a year thing! It is my absolute favorite kind of pie!
Faire encore durer less objets auquels on tient.réparer de vieilles chausuures ; voilà des réparations que j’adore et que je fais ,moi aussi,avec plaisir .En ce moment,je dois refaire un drapeau italien Bien usé ,par le temps ! Alors,devant la maison; quand Ferrari gagne,c’est l’italien ; quand c’est l’équipe de France( ce soir ) qui gagne,c’est le français. Et vous ,quelles sont les demandes les plus fantaisies de votre entourage ? Voilà une question,pour toi ,Jeanne… Belle journée à vous toutes. Georgina.
It is nice to fly two flags, Georgina!
I have fixed many many things of my parents over the years (they were from the Netherlands and everything is saved forever [a lot of it is in my house now]) I repaired shopping bags… and favorite hats.
My mother made a lot of needlepoint and embroidery pillows, table mats and covers. Over the years, the linen fabric became thin. I made a beautiful hanging for the wall with one of the very sweetest cushions from her couch, now very nicely preserved.
For myself, I am always patching the knees on my pants!
via google translate: C’est agréable de faire flotter deux drapeaux, Georgina !
Au fil des ans, j’ai réparé quantité d’objets ayant appartenu à mes parents (ils venaient des Pays-Bas et ils gardaient tout précieusement ; une grande partie se trouve chez moi désormais) : j’ai raccommodé des sacs de courses… ainsi que des chapeaux qu’ils affectionnaient.
Ma mère réalisait de nombreux coussins, sets de table et housses en broderie et au point de canevas. Avec le temps, le tissu en lin s’était usé et affiné. J’ai créé une belle tenture murale à partir de l’un des coussins les plus charmants de son canapé, qui est ainsi parfaitement préservé.
Quant à moi, je passe mon temps à repriser les genoux de mes pantalons !
MEN. I love how they put shoes on news paper on the kitchen counter. haha haahaha – oh, perhaps that would be ME 😁 so I can remember to fix them.
Jeanne, this was a brilliant fix. If you need it more water proof, good old gorilla tape works great too, if you can get it to let go of your fingers.
I adore Felicity’s dress, I love the unfinished batiste collar. The dress is just so lovely, Jeanne, slowly and carefully you are making this dress a perfect charm.
I am glad to hear both of you are moving around “looking busy” and being busy. I hope this week-end is perfect for both of your recoveries.
Marilyn, your house painting sounds frightening. I hope that gets resolved.
Snap a photo if you have a chance, what a funny memory too. Interesting situations arise from foreign speaking workers. I heard a story once about a miscommunication with painters, and they painted the wrong house.
Charlotte, your snappy dragons look so cute and perky! I love the colors.
Card making is fun! hand made cards are the best. I love everyones creativity!
Sissy, I am so excited for your adventure this week-end. I am sure everyone is excited to see your delicious creations again this year.
Linda, my aunt used to LOVE darning socks. …. I never delved into that.
Charlotte, good luck using Ron’s car this week ahead. I hope your car repair is perfect.
Our two cars are tucked away inside our garage. About a dozen of us on the street here are receiving our second coat of asphalt on our driveway today.
We still have mom’s ancient mercedes and it is parked near the club house, hubbs and I can keep our cars in the garage until Monday, really no problem. It is supposed to get super hot this week-end (why are weather and news reports so frantic, clamorous and alarming these days) I will stay inside and get more stuff done. I am hoping we will get some rain.
Perhaps tomorrow or Sunday afternoon, hubbs and I will take a look at the progress on the old house. I bet it looks incredible. 😁
I hope all of you enjoy a happy easy going Friday and week-end
Thank you, Rosemary. I’ve always loved snapdragons; mom used to plant them in the garden in Michigan. And using Ron’s car is no problem for me, as it used to be my car! Just a little adjusting (like remembering to use a KEY instead of a push button!! Ha!!). I’m about to head out to my chiro appt. so will use it then, as I took mine down this morning.
OH Jeanne, we also do not throw things away, and I DO try to repair.
Besides the fact that I do not like throwing stuff away, … finding a suitable replacement can be a major undertaking as well!
I do not like hearing that George, took a tumble in those old boots. So, I’m really glad that Jeanne, was able to do a very professional save on them. Next, will be the new boot fund for George. Even though old things like to be reinvented or saved for repair in Carbondale, sometimes, something as important as work boots, should be replaced for safety reasons. 🙂
I loved seeing the close up of the perfect gathering on Felicity’s, new dress. I so like that fabric, and when I went to pull out a tee this morning, I found one with similar colors in the print. I forgot I had it, and haven’t worn it because it is a print and not a solid as I prefer. But, I love the colors. Only problem for making something for the dolls with it is that it is a knit. I do not like to sew knits. So, it will probably remain in the closet for the time being. I could probably be twins with Felicity, except not with a dress which I never wear. 🙂
Charlotte’s card shop industry is thriving. How nice that a church member could provide the supplies and guidance for the fun project that everyone enjoyed at the church. The cards are so creative and fun. And Charlotte’s snapdragons are just perfect. What a fun display to see by the door. Love it.
Since, I finally received tracking for my Jolli RRed dolls yesterday, I’m having trouble containing my excitement. You know, the new doll rush. I presume that they will be hanging out at the HKong airport for awhile though before catching a flight. I can only hope that they don’t land in Chicago, like last order, rather than LA. Took forever for my girl to head back across the country.
Have a lovely weekend everyone. Strange weather, as snow is expected in the Sierras tomorrow and it will be cool here as well.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone.
Enjoy the new doll rush! That is half the fun. Please let us know of her safe arrival.
lucky you, dolly surprises in the mail 😁
I do not have a serger machine, and I tried making some doll things with knits, but ugh, they turned out way too disappointing.
I can’t apply the neck binding without the shape going completely out of control. My mom’s 316G has a zigzag but I do not think I have ever had any winning results with knits on that machine, especially in tiny mode
Definitely with you on the knits. 🙂
Rosemary, I rarely use my serger on knits! Just my sewing machine, a 3.0 stitch length or sometimes a very narrow zigzag for seams. If you can find an older Stretch & Sew book (they had titles like Sew an Easy Wardrobe–anything that has t-shirts, pants, skirts, etc.–it would give you a lot of good, basic information that takes away the fear of sewing on knits. Ann Person developed all of this in the late 60s, first getting offcuts from Jantzen, etc., and doing a lot of experimenting. Once you know the “secrets”, it becomes E-A-S-Y!!! I even taught S&S method for about three years. I’d rather sew in knits than wovens, actually! Doll things with knits are a bit different, because, for instance, you can’t do the same kind of ribbed neck trim you do on a “real” t-shirt. But if you’re interested, Jeanne can give you my email address, and I can walk you thru some things that I do, that help. It does take a certain amount of getting used to, doing it that small.
Yesterday when I told you I used an ointment called Well Care or Care Well, for my sunburns, I realized there’s a department within our health insurance called that and it probably came in a yearly medical kit our insurance sends us. Sorry about that.
I’m still using it and it is really helping.
Tks Paula. I didn’t get to looking yesterday so will try now. 🙂
Joy, sewing on knits is not difficult, if you do a couple of things. One, a new needle–preferably a “jersey” or “stretch”, but often “universal” works well, too. I like size 75/11 or 80/12. Also, lengthen your stitches. I use 3.0 stitch length, sometimes 3.5. You can use a narrow zigzag, also. These help build a little stretch into the seams. For hemming, I sometimes use a zigzag, but a bit wider. Straight stitch works, too. It’s a matter of personal preference. When I am sewing seams, I use two rows of stitching, one on the seam line, and one about 1/8″ inside (on the seam allowance). I also stretch the fabric GENTLY as I sew–just a little bit. It helps prevent popped stitches later on!
We were all so happy that Diane was willing to share her expertise and her supplies with us! She did this once last year, too, but it was only one day. It was kind of nice to have it for two days so we didn’t have to feel rushed.
I used to have geraniums by the front door, in that pot, but haven’t done so the last few years. It’s been nice having the snapdragons there, and I actually like them more than the geraniums! More colorful, I think.
We’ll all be looking forward to seeing pictures of your new dolls when you get them. I hope they don’t take “the scenic route” getting to you!!
Tks for the knit sewing strategy. I really should try it, but it seems so daunting. 🙂 I’m old school cotton liking.
Yes, do try it. I have been sewing on knits since BEFORE I took my first Stretch & Sew class in about 1970. Remember the old polyester doubleknits? That was my first experience, made a dress using my best sewing techniques–finished seams, interfacing, etc. The thing could practically stand up by itself!! 😂 Sewing on knits is Much easier than I ever suspected, so please, Joy, give it a try, and let me know what you think. Jeanne can give you my email address if you have questions.
Ignoring the hunt for “The Missing Necklace” to spend time with you this morning. I think I will wait for the weekend when hubby is entertained by sports programs and not bothering me with post retirement finances. I am thankful that he is interested but I am not.
Felicity’s dress is coming along nicely. I am so happy that the waist is flat in front, not gathered, as was the style in the 1700’s I was imagining trying to sew that delicate white batiste. Turning the edges under would have made a mess and probably torn the fabric in places. Thank goodness you are a shoe cobbler and were able to save George’s boots, money saved. Prayers for his upcoming surgery and for patience with the current medical staff. As someone said earlier, computers have made getting information so difficult because the humans assume you will find out everything you need to know online. When they stopped sending my test results in the mail my stand off with them ended. This seems to be the way forward with the digital life.
Those cards are so creative Charlotte! And I imagine a fun gathering making them. The birds and the butterflies are my favorite especially the Anniversary with the birds on the branch. We have said goodbye to our snapdragons. It has been a hot, dry summer; only the begonias and zinnias can survive and that is with frequent watering. The capital city has instituted water controls, we are waiting but with 50 golf courses that would be a difficult ban to enforce.
Marilyn, I am so sorry about your paint mishap. Here’s hoping the stain will dry to the correct color, light oak. That is my favorite shade as well, we used it throughout our “forever home” in Louisiana. I still loved it after 20 years when it was sold.
Barbara, you were talking about Acorn and their confusing billing practice. We had difficulties also. We only subscribed to watch the Agatha Raisin mysteries, I love the “cozy’ genre also. In fact it has become a bit of an addiction. Except for the crime they tend to be more light hearted than all of the depressing “women’s fiction and literature” novels. Some of my favorite authors besides M.C. Beaton are Laura Childs, Anne Claire, and C.L. Miller. And how could I forget – Richard Osman! There is now a Netflix show of this series, The Thursday Murder Club. I think you would enjoy these.
Well Linda, I dressed a doll. I think it was worth the 45 minutes of wigging and re-wigging, then finding under garments, socks, and shoes. The outfit is a patriotic ensemble for a Little Darling. She looks just right with my AG Caroline and Kathe Kruse Mimirelle in red, white, and blue and some antique artifacts.
Georgiana, I am praying for a break in your heat wave and ours. We are in for it this summer.
Stay cool everyone!
Aujourd’hui,une petite averse , mais c’est remonté à 42 °. Peut-être que cela va redescendre la semaine prochaine ;mais la météo a l’air un peu perdue… Je vous souhaite un peu de fraîcheur ,courage…
Wishing you relief as well!
Oh, I hope that you can get some pics of your LD, AG, and Kathe Kruse girls. Love them all. 🙂
Thank you, Debbie. We have some creative ladies in our group. I’m pretty sure that at least Jum had never made cards before, and she seemed to really enjoy it. I’m sorry I didn’t get pictures of Katy’s and Becky’s cards, too. As to the snapdragons, I’m astonished I haven’t killed them all. I don’t usually do very well with plants!
I would like to see the Agatha Raisin series sometime, as I rather enjoy her stories. M.C. Beaton died a year or two ago, you know, but someone else has written a couple more AR stories, and I think another Hamish McBeth one, also. He was a friend of MCB, and worked with her on at least the first one. (I read the book jackets as well as the books.)
It doesn’t surprise me, Jeanne, that you were able to repair George’s boot. Scary that he tripped twice.
Felicity’s outfit is coming along. It’s very pretty and perfectly colonial.
You’re certainly been back to “ busy.”
I didn’t realize the collar fabric was different than the sleeve fabric. Now it makes sense. Yes, I thought it would fray. I’m sure it was just the close- up photo that made it more deceiving. Didn’t mean to be critical. Thanks for explaining.
Felicity is going to be gorgeous in her new dress.
Wonderful fix on George’s boot. We also don’t throw things away unless they are beyond salvageable.
Your cards are so pretty, Charlotte! I used to make handmade cards as well. I still have my Fiscars decorative edge scissors.
Your snapdragons are beautiful!
Thank you, Laura. I can only take credit for the two cards; the rest were done by others. I have done some scrapbooking (I redid our wedding album a few years ago, and I think it turned out really well), but I prefer cards, as those are smaller projects, and can sometimes be done fairly quickly.
I love my snapdragons, too!!
Hi Jeanne, I’ve been trying to reach you through your blog contact and your email. For some reason, I am not able to send my message to you from your blog and your email. I’m not sure what I’m doing wrong. I wanted to send three pictures to you to use when you want to. Thanks
I so loved the conversation about making your own greeting cards! This is my other passion next to painting and sewing new doll outfits or making small rooms for the dolls!
I wanted to mention that I order from Amazon and like to keep them on hand: a package of cream, blank 5 x 7 in. heavyweight greeting cards and envelopes…20 sets in a package and the manufacturer is Desktop Publishing Supplies, but I purchase these from Amazon. You can find smaller cards of 4 x 6 in. and plain colors with matching envelopes.
Hobby Lobby currently has several blank cards with envelopes on sale at good prices….you can also purchase a box filled with floral or printed cards, ready to decorate with your choice of trims or photos or words. I have several boxes of different prints ….one has just plain color, textured cards. They all make a great backdrop to get started with your own personal cards. I used to find boxes of blank cards at Tuesday Morning stores, but of course those stores closed.
I use my printer and computer to print out sayings and words, and keep an online file of words/sayings already set to print out in the horizontal layout of printer paper, so I can fold and trim the sheets to attach and insert into the inside of cards. I was on a roll for awhile of using Limericks (nice ones, not naughty ones!) as the Birthday wishes in my cards! I also have a couple of books with appropriate words/verses for making your own cards. I’ve often used the verses for new baby cards, sympathy, wedding, and Birthdays. Also keep on hand a box of thin ribbon and lace trims to use on cards and often incorporate scrapbook paper designs. My favorite adhesive for card making is the 1/4 in. double-side adhesive tapes in rollers…..I buy them in the 4-pack box from Walmart! Adhesive tape doesn’t make the card curl as some glue sticks will.
Jeanne….I am sending you the photos of one of my limerick Birthday cards I did for my Granddaughter who just graduated with her Masters of Healthcare Administration and is working as a Dietician. The inspiration for the card’s humor came from using the artwork small prints that my daughter had ordered for me from Temu! There were several different retro-women to choose from, in the package.
I’ve also been trying new folds for some homemade cards using plain cardstock, and have seen some 3-D folded card tutorials (some with pop-ups) that I want to try!
Elizabeth, you are a wealth of information and ideas for card-making! Thank you for all the great ideas and suggestions!! I don’t have my own printer, so if I want something printed on anything other than white paper, I have to use my rubber stamps (or hand write it). Our library has free printing, but they won’t let you supply your own paper. Maybe they’ve had issues with paper jams or something? I don’t know. But I know one time when I was there, I saw a sign to that effect.
I will have to check out that 1/4″ double-sided tape you mentioned. Thanks for the tip!
Jeanne, how clever of you to fix George’s boots. You did a great job.
Felicity’s dress is lovely, your gathers are so neat. I was a little worried that the white frill would fray but could see why you didn’t edge it. Cutting it on the bias was a brilliant idea.
Charlotte, your cards are lovely. I bet it was a fun day. I have dabbled in cardmaking but Sam is the supreme card maker in our family. She is incredibly imaginative and creative. She always wanted a Cricut and did buy one second hand but it was an early one and you can only use it with their dies which were very expensive, (the new ones you can take images from on line). I have a Sissix Fabi cutter (supposed to be for fabric) which also needs dies and they are no longer available in NZ but Sam found out on line how to use it for the cheap metal dies from Temu. She now has hundreds of them! She has spent two days taking them off the frames and putting them on to a magnetic sheet and storing them in envelopes and these are only the latest ones she has bought. She already did that with the ones she had! I am allowed to use it for fabric occasionally!
Our big day today. NZ are playing Belgium who are 75 places ahead of us in the world rankings, however they haven’t been playing well and could be beatable. We live in hope. Whoever wins this game goes through to the next round, something we have never done the three times we have made it to the World Cup.
I have started quilting another quilt. The blocks the ones my SIL found in a thrift shop when I was in UK. The blocks are quite small (8 inches sq) but there were enough for two quilts of 25 blocks each. I am making them for my nephew’s two children (Gill’s grandchildren). I will start joining the first quilt today, hopefully it will be much easier than the queen size!
It is 1C at the moment (nearly 9am). Think of me when you are sunning yourselves lol.
have a lovely day
Thank you, Anne. Yes, it was a really fun day! And so nice to see other people’s ideas!
I have thought a little about getting a Cricut, but I don’t make cards Real often, so I’m not sure how much I would use it. Perhaps if I find a good sale one of these days….it really does look like so much fun to use, and to be able to cut a variety of shapes with such ease.
Well, after a week of hot weather, we have been back down in the 60s the last couple of days, and I think I’ll be putting on a sweater shortly!! But at least that’s better than having to dress in multiple layers!!