Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Quilts for Charity





Hello! I have a special woman I would like for you to meet, her name is Susan Summers. Her sewing story begins when she took a sewing class at her high school, in which she received all A's. I think it is safe to say she was bitten by the sewing bug! A few years later she had the fight of her life with an severe illness and although she is disabled and leading a busy life with her three adult children and two grandchildren, Susan finds it in her self to make and donate quilts to children in need all over the world. The charity she started with was "Healing Of The Hearts" with her quilting teacher Virginia H.. Virginia is who taught Susan to quilt and introduced her to Sandy D. of "Children's Hope Network Adoptions Agency". Susan has made and donated over 2000 quilts, hats and other items just since 2004. Her quilts have been sent to children in China, Russia, Afghanistan and Kabul, in which many of these orphaned children live on the streets in very cold environments. Susan truly enjoys quilting and loves seeing the photos of the children with her quilts to help keep them warm and feel a little bit of security. The only downside for her is the cost of supplies needed to complete these beautiful items. This is where you and I can help, by sending our scrap fabrics left over from projects or unwanted cotton fabrics, quilt batting and quilting thread, to Susan. You may contact Susan about your donation at : 414-464-3713. Please take a moment to look at the pictures of her wonderful quilts and blankie. Thank you in advance for any donations!

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Backpacks For Brothers




Here is a change of creations, just to mix it up a bit! These are little backpacks for my nephews that they were supposed to get for Christmas!  I am slowly going through my UFO's (unfinished objects) pile and hoping to get to the bottom of it by the end of July, maybe! Anyway, about the backpacks, they are made of a tan poly cotton mix on the outside with their names embroidered in green thread. The inside lining is made of 100% cotton green fabric with construction vehicles abound. I also used the same lining fabric for the straps on the outside. I used a McCalls pattern #4609. If you have any questions about these bags or would like to have me make one for you, please feel free to leave a comment.  

Strawberry Dreams Forever





Okay! I know it's another dress in the same design and  all the fabrics imaginable! This is the last one of this style for a while! Here we go with the description: The pattern used for this one is an older Butterick 4417. I have used all 100% cotton fabrics, the main fabric is black with little strawberries all over it, purchased from fashionablefabrics.com. The lining fabric is red with white pin dots and purchased from eBay. There are no notions, just fabric, thread and bias tape. The dress ties in the back and is gives a bustled look, as well as functionable. If you have any comments please feel free to leave one or two or three...... Happy Sewing! 

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Montage Of Dresses



My montage of dresses made from the same pattern. I didn't want to list them separately as that could make my blog more boring than it already is. They are all so quick to make, usually no more than 2 hours, and require no notions. They all tie in the back and the pockets tie as well. All fabrics are 100% cotton, that is for the lining too, which is usually a contrasting fabric. If you have any question please leave it in the comment section and I will get back to you as quickly as possible. Thanks for looking!  

Tuesday, May 12, 2009




This is a little dress, size 3T, I made for a Charity Auction to raise money for homeless families. It sold for $55. The fabrics are all 100% cotton and there are no zippers, buttons or closure hardware of any kind. The tie in the back is not just for looks, it actually functions as the closure. I love the little pockets on the front, but boy are they something to figure out! I have made several of these little dresses for charity in lots of different fabrics but this is one of my favorites as I love fall colors!

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

A Dress I Made For Ashlyn



This dress I made for my niece, Ashlyn. The pattern I used was an out of print (OOP) pattern from Butterick #4417. I love the back of this dress! When it is tied it gives it a bustled look, which is so adorable! The fabrics are all 100 percent cotton and the black floral fabric was bought from Fashionablefabrics.com.
I used french seams on the sides and hong kong seam on the back for a clean finish. I also used 
hem tape along the hemline for added length as well as cleaner look. The dress is completely lined so no need for a slip


Monday, May 4, 2009

Layette for A Irish Friend




This little baby layette was made for my friend in Ireland. She just became a Grandma January 28, 2009. I embroidered his name and date of birth on the cuddle blanket. 

I Made This Dress For Greta