Monday, August 31, 2015

Domestically Speaking....Ahem...


Thinking about this now...

 Was it Domestic Art, Domestic Science, House Crafts or just Sewing?

 At times I felt domestic and yes, of course an artist!

 Then I'd feel like it was a blasted science. I'm not fond of reading patterns. 

 House craft, yes! I was home bound. Except for the drives to and from JoAnn's fabric store. 

 Here's the deal, I'm not really good at sewing, but I love it! 

 Isn't that a shame?? Sad situation. Okay, have you heard of pillowcase dresses? Seem up one side of folded fabric, make a hem, turn down top and add ribbon. 

 Why was that difficult for me?

 Let me tell you about a few issues....

 1. My machine. Not me, the machine. 
2. My eyes. Not machine. 
3. Bobbin spins out of control and knots up.
4. Can't see to thread. 
5. Get out magnifier. Hold under chin. 
6. Chair is too low. Add pillow.
7. Sun shining in and too much glare.
8. All set. 
9. Start to cut fabric. Scissors are not sharp. 
10. Go downstairs look for new ones that I tucked away.
11. Start again.
12. Sew up one side. 
13. Press and admire. 
14. Oh joy, wrong side seamed up. 
15. Find seam ripper.
16. It breaks.
17. I forget it. 
18. Start with new fabric.
19. Look online at tutorial again...sigh
20. Note to self, always buy enough fabric. Be prepared.
21. Horrors now bias tape.
22, Kiss bias tape woes goodbye, Back to tutorial. 
23. Two days later and not two hours..
24. Two dresses are made.
25. I go back for more fun.
26 Make two more. 
27. Granddaughter's have pillow case dresses now. 
28. Inside label. Do not wash. 

 Now, I can say I may sew again. I did get enough material to make some skirts. No bias tape. Only elastic. 

 One thing I can say is that my office that doubles as a sewing room was perfect. I could close the door and sew away! 






I'm off to knit as soon as I finish the skirts. 
However, I don't knit unless it's cold outside. 
When it does cool down...
I'll be ready with this nifty book!

 Storey Publishing-Stitch'n B*tch The Knitters Handbook

Yes, I bought the book. 


For right now, sun is coming up and while it's pleasant...
I'll go hold a water hose and enjoy the blooming flowers! 
I'll have my camera in my back pocket, always ready for special shots of something that has survived! 
With the Heat, Fred and Pete...
Tough out there.
I don't have a green thumb either! 
Watch me hold a garden hose, impressive!!
I can shoot across the entire yard and hit the very plant I want to water. 
Seriously...



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25 comments:

  1. eileeninmdAugust 31, 2015 at 6:20 AM

    Good morning, Nancy! The dresses are cute, you did great! I like your sewing room, very pretty. I hope you stay cool and enjoy your flowers and the bunnies. Happy Monday, enjoy your new week!

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  2. Tessa~ Here there be musingAugust 31, 2015 at 7:09 AM

    -grin- i want to sew too. did, just simple stuff, years ago. but can't get the 'gumption' to begin again. you! you are working on it!!!! :-))) hooray for you!

    oh yes, just elastic, for a simple skirt. seam binding... "pish-tosh" who looks inside at the seams???? ,-)

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  3. La Table De NanaAugust 31, 2015 at 7:25 AM

    They are adorable:)

    I have days ike that you know too.. where I can't find something and I am sorganized.. where my thread breaks at every breath..hate replacing a bobbn..I want endless bobbins lol..

    All this is good for us!!

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  4. TheresaAugust 31, 2015 at 8:09 AM

    Oh Nancy, you made me giggle this morning:) I might just break out the sewing machine today! You inspire me! Have a blessed and beautiful Monday dear friend, HUGS!

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  5. LaurieAugust 31, 2015 at 8:53 AM

    OMG! I had to laugh at your sewing mishaps. I was about to say just go get another cup of coffe and then I saw....two days later. Well, at least you didn't give up. I've made several pillow case dressed for my granddaughter, but I actually used old pillow cases that embroidery at the bottom. Turned out really cute. I'm impressed with your watering talents. You go girl! Lol!! Hope you have a great week.

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  6. Row homes and CobblestonesAugust 31, 2015 at 9:45 AM

    I smiled all the way through this post, thanks for it. Your skirts look pretty Nancy, enjoy your Monday.

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  7. chateau chicAugust 31, 2015 at 10:13 AM

    LOL!! You do have a fabulous sewing room which I'm sure will see more productivity like those darling skirts!
    Mary Alice

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  8. UnknownAugust 31, 2015 at 10:26 AM

    I love the dresses and so will the girls. My attempt to sew sounds so much like yours...I had to laugh and was thankful I wasnt the only one with those troubles. Have a nice day.

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  9. hula-laAugust 31, 2015 at 11:01 AM

    Well, you do have a lovely space here! And your sewing woes...well, I surely didn't mean to laugh, but oh, so familiar your words. I don't do much on la machine, but when I do, it better be running smoothly. And like you, it's about time to get out the yarns and needles. Scarf weather is just around the corner! Aloha

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  10. bj August 31, 2015 at 11:05 AM

    hahhaa, Nancy...you are the cutest thing ever !!!
    reading your sewing list, I thought it was mine....I've tried all my entire loooong life to sew...and I so suck at it.
    I took Homemaking in school...couldn't sew a stitch that was right, sneaked my project out in my zippered notebook, my mama sewed most of it for me...also took Cooking...took a jar of pickles out of the school fridge, slipped thru my hands and crashed on the tile floor..."good gosh almighty dern" flew out of my lips...got sent to the principle's office...
    "nice young ladies don't talk like that, Jean"......no wonder I can't sew or cook....the whole world was against me...
    it was NEVER MY fault. lol lol lol

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  11. Mary@mydogsmygardenandmaryAugust 31, 2015 at 1:38 PM

    Oh Nancy, what a fun post. I am so sorry that you had such a time making those dresses. However, they look terrific and I am sure the girls love them. I have a bad habit of NOT reading directions - I am more visual and sometimes more than once it is a flop. However, I will keep at it until I finish or ball it up and throw it in the corner LOL.
    You are not alone dear friend - we have all been in that boat more than once.
    Have a wonderful week.
    Hugs,
    Mary

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  12. BeachGypsyAugust 31, 2015 at 2:03 PM

    I love the pillowcase dresses and the ones you made look great! When are you giving them to them?

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  13. BeachGypsyAugust 31, 2015 at 2:03 PM

    I love the pillowcase dresses and the ones you made look great! When are you giving them to them?

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  14. SusieAugust 31, 2015 at 4:22 PM

    Nancy, I love those dresses. Wish I knew about them when my four daughters were small. I loved sewing..just wore my old machine out. Got a new one and with glasses and not being so good at sewing anymore...I am waiting for the newer Binford 2000 sewing machine, it has a slot for thread and a slot for a pattern and one for material and it will spit a dress out the other side. LOL. Good idea huh? Just kidding. I just need my machine out all the time so I will want to do things on it. Blessings, xoxo,Susie

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  15. TexWisGirlAugust 31, 2015 at 4:23 PM

    have never been a stitcher, sewer, yarn-artist of any kind!

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  16. Barb August 31, 2015 at 4:44 PM

    Hi Nancy, now, that is some list. I love to sew when I am in the mood....which is almost never anymore. Ha.

    It is wonderful therapy, though.

    Love your post...made me smile.

    Barb ♥

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  17. Red Rose AlleyAugust 31, 2015 at 4:45 PM

    Oh Nancy, that's too bad that you won't be sewing any more. It's such a talent. My mom sewed, and she made all my clothes growing up. The Simplicity pattern made me smile, as I remember my mom sewing all kinds of wonderful things. I look forward to seeing your knitting projects. I believe that's another talent, my friend.

    ~Sheri

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  18. JunkchiccottageAugust 31, 2015 at 5:30 PM

    Nancy I am not a sewing person I can do a straight line on my 30 year old sewing machine so the fact you have a sewing room and can do these beautiful projects is great. I could never read a pattern either I think that is why I got a C in Home Ec. in high school. Love the dresses. Have a great week.
    Kris

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  19. PatAugust 31, 2015 at 5:51 PM

    Nancy,
    Too, too stinkin' cute, this post is, dear friend!!!
    I hate to sew!!!
    You'll find me in the kitchen cooking but not in Studio One sewing!!!
    Thanks for giving me a chuckle today!!! I needed that!!!
    Look out Pete, she's a Lady on a mission with a hose in her hand!!!
    Cute, cute, cute!!!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  20. kitty@ Kitty's Kozy KitchenSeptember 1, 2015 at 7:14 AM

    I enjoyed your post, Nancy! I was a Home Ec teacher way back in the day, and even though I sew, I still prefer the cooking part!! Your little dresses turned out so cute!! Great job!!
    I'm still praying for you, my friend!

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  21. Debby RaySeptember 1, 2015 at 10:45 AM

    I have sewn things ever since my mom taught me when I was a little girl. The thing is, I wanted to things MY WAY and I did NOT get along well with Home Ec teachers! Your skirts are SO cute...you did good!

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  22. 20 North OraSeptember 1, 2015 at 4:03 PM

    Nancy - Hurray for you hanging in there! Dresses are so cute.

    Judy

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  23. AnonymousSeptember 2, 2015 at 1:07 AM

    You have come out with good output with all your issues...

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  24. Castles Crowns and CottagesSeptember 2, 2015 at 4:20 AM

    I am glad to hear that you are UP AND ABOUT and experimenting with interests! Oh the joy of discovery, and that's what my summer was about. Now I'm back to school teaching, and I suppose that this is a different sort of discovery, and the classroom a different sort of garden. Oh Nancy, I wish you FUN FUN FUN!

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  25. AnonymousSeptember 2, 2015 at 6:05 AM

    Oh, my funny little friend! I'm so glad you're up to sewing! And I'm so glad you're a determined little soul. Your little pillowcase dresses turned out really cute. I've never made those before. I love the looks of your sewing room too! Your 1,2,3 list sounds like me sometimes. I think I turn something out in no time and it takes forever! :)
    Be a sweetie,Shelia ;)

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I love your comments!
Nancy

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