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JMJ/AMDG
1 Corinthians 15:57 - But thanks be to God,
who hath given us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
A Blessed Thanksgiving Day to all.
Some Modest Sewing & Craft Projects
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JMJ/AMDG
"The hands should be at work, the heart with God."
- Saint Mary Joseph Rosello
"The hands should be at work, the heart with God."
- Saint Mary Joseph Rosello
Just a few former projects from the old blog - with a little 'funky Photoshop' for fun!
The 'Bee and Tea' to the left, was a Lily cotton yarn I made from a pattern on the back of one of the envelopes; it's a bit cock-eyed, but so am I! I still have it - use it every day. The cup is one of only a few existing from my Grandma Lottie - they are antique, and I love glass cups! I use them - what good are they on a shelf? the bee is one from my childhood - don't ask. It's a 'honey bee' - no, really; it keeps honey and you use the tiny spoon from its, well, you get the idea.
The purple cotton hand bag to the right was sewn for me by Grace for my last Birthday, when I turned 39. Yes; again. And then some. It's my favorite color, and she embroidered a little lavender design she dreamed up, since I love the smell of lavender so much. It's lined with a navy polyester, and I wear it everyday! It truly does exemplify, "the thought that counts"!
Grace made this really artistic and yummy cake last summer for her sister's Birthday - complete with organic violas from her garden! Yep; they were good to eat! Interesting; but good. that was before I went on the South Beach diet. I lost quite a bit, and Grace has always been an advocate of healthy eating, so it just gets easier everyday. A cake like this now would be made with organic whole-wheat pastry flour, Smart Balance margarine, scant little organic cane sugar, and a light drizzle instead of the full frosting experience. Pretty, though!
The famous vintage Butterick Sewing Pattern from the 50's, "The Walk-Away Dress" is shown here, sewn by Grace 2 years ago. She saw so many others sewn online, she decided it looked best in a solid color with a blouse. I agree. Of course, anything looks great when your young, thin, beautiful, and talented. It does make a nice summer jumper.
Click on images for larger views - more new projects coming up.
Modesty is always the correct fashion choice.
But sometimes my Photoshop efforts aren't. (sigh).
Click on images for larger views - more new projects coming up.
Modesty is always the correct fashion choice.
But sometimes my Photoshop efforts aren't. (sigh).
Keep your hands busy, and say a little prayer for us!
Grace's Crocheted White Shawl
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JMJ/AMDG
'Virginity is the queen of all other virtues and the possession of every good.'
This
is from a former post - my lovely daughter is modeling the beautiful
crocheted shawl she made for me earlier this year - I love it! It is
acrylic, but the design and workmanship make it look like a more
luxurious fiber. There are several views and ideas of how to wear it
-enjoy!
Ain't she "purdy", too!
Vintage Patterns & Thrifty Fabric Finds
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JMJ/AMDG
"Thrift is poetic because it is creative; waste is unpoetic because it is waste."
"Thrift is poetic because it is creative; waste is unpoetic because it is waste."
—
G.K. Chesterton
(What's Wrong with the World)
It's always a good thing to be 'thrifty', as opposed to 'spendy'. Why spend more than we have to, when we can save a little of that extra money for the church and the poor, instead of filling China's and Middle-Eastern coffers? God Bless them and give them true light; but we need both the industry and support for the American Citizens' in need, right here at home in the U.S.A., first.
This is a great find at our local AmVets Thrift Shop - a beautiful king-size sheet in excellent condition, no tears, stains, and it is not faded! A good quality cotton, and very soft. I am debating sewing a full cotton summer dress, since it is so soft, or turn it into schirred shears or a schirred roman/other shade for our living room. There's certainly enough to do great thing with - all for $2.98+ tax.
As well, these great and complete patterns I discovered at a library sale; vintage and cheap at 25¢ each:
Poetry in motion.
The Hanky Without the Panky!
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JMJ/AMDG
"Love is a great beautifier."
- Louisa May Alcott
- Louisa May Alcott
Aren't these lovely? They are in new condition, and were given to my daughter yesterday by my Mother-in-law, who's Mother crocheted the edge trim may years ago. She's not sure how old they are, but I am certain they must be much older than 33+ years, considering her poor health before her passing. They were linen pieces of fabric that were taken to a 'hem-stitch service shop', (say THAT 3 times very fast!), where the edges were stitched, providing the finish with the holes so Great-grandmother could crochet the edging directly onto the handkerchiefs.
People still do beautiful hand crocheted work like this, today, although most people prefer to use 'nasty tissues' that get into our laundry and irritate the most docile of housewives; yet, they are indeed a beautiful reminder of days gone by when even hankies were regarded as a ladies' accessory that should reflect the same delicate femininity and charming display that they once were happy to profess in all they wore and utilized.
It seems a shame to use them in the same manner now delegated to the "tissues" that are mounting by truckfulls every minute into our landfills, rather than simply tossing our hankies into a good warm wash, hot dryer, and a quick hot press, which all clean them well and rid them of germs.
And they the task they were meant for seem just a bit more 'appealing'
Both made with love through loving hands.
Both made with love through loving hands.
Butterick Cranberry Jacket #B5372 and Burgundy Floral Skirt #3133
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JMJ/AMDG
"How beautiful then is modesty and what a gem among virtues it is."
- St. Bernard, Confessor and Doctor of the Church
- St. Bernard, Confessor and Doctor of the Church
Being a fan of simple, yet dignified clothing, I liked this pattern for a quick jacket to wear as a Fall indoor/outdoor option. I chose the blue view on the left, but used the roll-up sleeves shown on the right. As well; I always strive to use natural fibres such as cotton or wool; but, sometimes finances lead us to the cheap seats. I made my cranberry-colored jacket from 100% polyester gabardine, which looks nice, but needed to have the edges serged due to a massive departure of warp from weft; and it is a dangerous thing, ironing such a beast! But, at $2.50 a yard, and beautiful matching plastic buttons on clearance for a total of $1.50, I decided it was also an economic choice as well as being a modest style.
Here I am; 32lbs. lighter than I was last March - (and still, "...miles to go before I eat...") - I'm also sporting my cheap, plastic, er, I mean, affordable, polyester skirt from a favorite pattern of mine, Butterick #3133, which has a flat front waistband and a gathered side & back. It is good for fabrics that flow like this polyester or a rayon callais; and is a better elastic waistband than the classic all-around:
What about a petticoat, you say? My "home-y" black cotton broadcloth that I drafted from scratch (NOT rocket-science!) 3 years ago is still 'hanging in there" - HAHAHA! (punny!)
I used my Sears-Kenmore Model 90 vintage machine to sew the buttonholes on the jacket - it really does a great job, and is even faster to get the job done than using the "eye" on the programmable buttonhole-foot on my Bernina patchwork model activa 230! I love it!
I know; less talk - more photos. Be back with more very soon. Stop by often; I've got some dresses coming up I made when I was heavier this Spring! Let's see how they look on me now. My goal is to make a size 12 pattern again! Modest dresses look great on both skinny and well-endowed ladies, so; go make some!
Welcome To My New Modest Sewing Site!
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