(a) room to sew

I must admit that I was a little (a lot) bummed about leaving our house in Vermont just when we had finally gotten around to finishing off the old sun porch into a craft studio for me. It's been a long time since I had a space to work in that was all mine. Will and I shared an office/studio in our house in Charlottesville but it was before that, back to the house we rented when we first moved to Virginia, when I had a dedicated sewing room - a sunny nook off the kitchen. Even that didn't last long, it was turned into a playroom (and a very handy one) once Evie was walking. So it's been a while.

Our house here was a little bit of a gamble. We took it sight unseen after my best friend came to look at it and proclaimed it "so you". We knew the neighborhood, sort of. We knew 1920's houses, we've lived in them before. But other than a few photos, we didn't really know what the house was going to be like. Boy did we luck out. It's far roomier than we expected, spacious, particularly for a house of this age. It's full of period details like coved ceilings and wide trim and built in bookshelves. And it has a sunroom.

It's not a big room. Not really big enough for much of anything. If we had brought the piano and were musically inclined, it would make a pretty little music room. But sine we didn't and we're not, I claimed it as mine. My own. For the moment it's full of a mishmash of furniture that we had. Things we weren't using elsewhere. It would be a lot more efficient with some better shelving and maybe a different table thingy. But it's also lovely as it is. All my yarn and my pattern books are there. There's enough room on the floor for fabric cutting and because it's off the dining room, I can stretch out to the big table if needed. I can sit and knit in my old rocker or at my sewing machine and see the view of the street - gardens and charmingly painted cottages (it's much nicer in this neighborhood than when we lived here before the kids were born, ah the difference some paint and regular lawn care makes).

I'm spoiled to have it. I know. A place that is all mine. But I love it. Spring weather makes me want to sew. I picked up a remanent at Fabric Depot - oh how I'm missed that store- and cranked out a pillowcase dress for Evelyn, playing with french seams and a longer lining so that no seams are exposed on the inside. I need to make more of them for her, they work well for her habit of layering and shedding clothes though the day.

And I've got mad, crazy plans for an entirely thrifted or hand made wardrobe for myself (the thrift stores here....oh my! SO amazing!) This weekend I'm hoping to start on a chambray Staple Dress, something simple to see if I like the pattern. I love my go to tunic but it's a chore to make and for some reason (maybe it's because there are SO MANY SEAMS in it) I seem to get failed seams in them after a while. I literally wear them to death. I'm not 100% sure about it, it may not really be my style, but it's worth a go.  I've been flipping through old sewing books that I forgot I even had (moving is good for treasure finding) and dreaming away.

lovely old lady

Not me, of course. Although with a birthday this week, I am feeling a little old. The lady I'm talking about, though, is this pretty little 1928 Singer 99.

Don't you have a Singer 99 already? Well, yes, yes I do. But a girl can never have too many sewing machines, right? (Ahem)

Last week a friend sent me an email asking if I'd like to adopt a vintage sewing machine. I looked at the pictures she sent, gazed up into the living room where my 99 is sitting, still unworking in it's bentwood case and over to where (one of my three) Brother machines (one is loaned to a friend though, so really only two) was tucked behind the piano and thought, "Four sewing machines is probably enough." And then I said "Yes! I'd love it."

Will, wonderful man that he is, didn't even bat an eye when I told him I had an antique sewing machine in the back of my car. He just hauled it into the living room for me, where I spent the better part of the weekend futzing with my new toy.

Because this one? She works. And her decals are all perfect. And ALL the attachment (The ruffler foot! It's so fun!) are tucked into the original box.  She's a little stiff from years of disuse but inside her little drawer were all the little bits that she came with 85 years ago. And after some oiling and a little coaxing, she's been whirring along. Well, not whirring, still chugging a little, but the more I use her, the better she's running. I suspect that I need to open up the machine a little more to clean out decades of fluff and grease to really get her going.

I'm still getting used to the knee pedal, which, after years of using a foot pedal feels a little strange. But I'm getting there, and so is Evie, who has already finished a toy she was making on it and who has her eye on the one in the Bentwood case, if we can get it working (now that I have one working, I think I can figure out the other. Yeah, yeah, that was my reasoning all along) because she would like a machine of her very own please.

There's something so beautiful about these old machines, I don't think the new ones, snazzy as they are (and I could never give mine up. It makes perfect button holes. And pretty stitches! And, you know, does things like back stitch and zig zag. All very necesary) will ever be as elegant. And the fact that after 85 years, some of which were spent sitting unused, she fired up the first time, well, that's pretty amazing.  I know it's a cliche but I really think they don't make them like they used to.

Now, I need to find a good dress pattern for some back to school sewing. Any recommendations?

her dress

It took us one extra day of sewing to get it done, not because it was hard or she wasn't interested, but because break was too full of play dates and (almost) sleepovers and snowball fights to spent too much time sewing. But now it is done, and Eliza's is too. And oh my goodness is she proud of herself (but probably not as proud as I am).

She is remarkably patient and careful for a six year old. My machine (oh how I love my sewing machine) can be downshifted to force it to run very slowly which is so much easier for little fingers and feet that are still learning to control the foot press and steer the sewing at the same time. There were a few things that were a bit beyond her, although more on Eliza's dress than her own. I didn't really expect her to be able to set in sleeves on a wee little dress on her first try, although try she did.

She loves it. And so do I. We have carefully packed away the pattern so another can be made in the summer with something lighter. Although now she has her sights set on the flower girl dress pattern that arrived from her much loved, and soon to be married, Auntie Kim last week. And just one version of the dress isn't enough. It's got ruffles and flounces and she needs A LOT of them. And also her own sewing machine for her birthday, please please please mom! She's caught the sewing bug for sure.

good morning from narnia

I'm sure C.S. Lewis wasn't thinking of the Vermont woods after a snowstorm when he described the winter forest in Narnia, but really, it's a perfect fit. All day yesterday we had heavy, wet snow falling and this morning we woke up to an even whiter world than usual. It's breathtaking, truly. My photographs don't do it justice.

While Briton played with a friend yesterday, Evie and I had a sewing lesson. Her first using a pattern and the machine. She picked out (bright, but oh so Evie) fabric at the store the other day and a pattern and asked me to get enough extra so that we could make Eliza a dress to match (naturally). So with the boys banging around upstairs we ironed and cut out the pattern and the fabric and read through the directions. She doesn't love the ironing part. I got a sign that read "Why do I have to?" when I told her we couldn't start sewing until everything was pressed. Not surprising. I hated having to wait while my fabric got washed and then ironed before I could start too. Actually, I still hate that part, I just do it because I know I should.

Today (at last!) we start the sewing. Her goal is to have it done in time to wear it on the first day back, which I think is attainable.  It's a pretty easy pattern other than the zipper. But it is our first try. So we'll see.

We are trying to grow an avocado plant. I don't know why but I never have good luck with that. This time, however, something is definitely pushing up through the top of the seed. Fingers crossed it will work this time. I'm also on the hunt for a really good, soft, honey wheat bread recipe. Something like the one they make at Great Harvest. Yesterday I made a pretty good one with this recipe, but the top didn't rise very well. Maybe I need a different shaped pan. Anyone have good tips on making wheat bread that white bread lovers will like? Or a recipe they love? I'm sick of white bread. Plus I'm going through a bread making phase. It's nice to see it rising away next to the woodstove.

I can't quite believe the week is almost over. Where did it go? We still have two more days off next week, although one of them will be taken up mostly with the town meeting. I must admit that I'm kinda excited to attend my first town meeting. So very Gilmore Girlsy! I didn't think that actually happened, but it seems that it really does. 

matching

This year I made half of our traditional Christmas Eve pjs. The smaller half, to be precise. Will and I still unwrapped bought jams, but Evie's nightgown and Briton's pajama pants were mom (and in the case of Briton's, where Evie helped me, sister) made. The pants were such a snap I kind of wondered why I've been buying them all these years, and next year I'm hoping to make Will's as well. The girlie usually gets pajama pants and top but this year I thought she needed a real, honest to goodness flannel night gown (which are kind of hard to find if you want o buy on anyway). I actually cut out two versions of the pattern at the same time and after Christmas made up the second. This, though, is the first. It's a little roomy, which bodes well for it's longevity (I made it extra long too, so she can tuck her toes into it and so she can wear it for a while) but I did narrow it up a bit for the second. The pattern, if you're interested, is McCalls 4646, and was very simple. The second one took less than 30 minutes to put together. My favorite kind of pattern.

Last week, when Eliza made her roaring comeback from the closet, I realized that I had just enough left over from both fabrics to make matching nightgowns for her. Because why not. A little girl and her best doll should have matching nightgowns, right?

So far I only have the kitty one done. It would have been a quick job to do it on the machine and I probably could have done both in a few minutes, but hand sewing it was a nice, sit by the fire kind of task for the weekend. So that's what it was.

Today, of course, the kids are off school and still in jammies and the fire is hissing along, so I might just cut out and sew the second night gown. A doll can never have too many, after all. Just like a girl. I'm kinda thinking about some felt boots too. Because why not? Right?

I missed Eliza. It's so nice to have her out of the closet again. Although her hair is, yeah, wow, we need to do something about that.

stitching together

The burlap cross stitching has evolved into full blown embroidery here, at least for Evie, who received, much to her delight, a sewing box from Santa that is very much like mama's. He also gave us each a printed sampler to work on, both created by the talented Charlotte Lyons. Mine is the Barney Park Sampler and Evie is working on the Hearts and Flowers, which is sold out at the moment. And we've been hard at work. I'm not much of an embroiderer, in fact I've always thought it was a little boring. But after finished my teapot ornament (after Christmas, but still) I realized that I really, really enjoyed it. In fact, I think I may be addicted a little bit. I'm already trying to decide what project I'll work on next. Evie has already decided she wants to make the Birdie Banner for above her bed.

I checked out a book of stitches (among other fiber arts related things) from the library and Evie and I both have been perusing it, picking out what stitches we'll use for what parts of our samplers. Today she told me "Sewing is my favorite!" Which made my heart sing a little, I must confess. New hobbies, the perfect start to a New Year!

stitching

This week, Evelyn has been working hard to learn to tie her shoes by herself. Her class is having a party for all the kids who learn the skill before the winter holidays so she has been a very determined girl. Last night we had a breakthrough on the shoe tying front (Yay! Party!) which left her feeling mighty confident. So when I sat down to work on my embroidery project, she was full of "I want to try's!"

I've used stitching cards and felt and that plastic grid stuff for little finger sewing and I have to say, burlap was a far superior material for her to work with. Being able to put the fabric in a hoop was very important (because we need to do things like mom!) but having holes ready to go so that there was no hard pushing and poked fingers made things nice and easy for her. She has all sorts of plans for making Christmas gifts for the family now that she's got the hang of it. I have a feeling that I'll need to replenish my embroidery floss supplies before long. I wonder if I could convince her to do a sampler. I've always had a soft spot for samplers. And for little girls who want to sew with their mamas.

fuzzy and warm

Last week a bright red, slightly felted sweater arrived in the mail from my grandma. When she was here she mentioned it, wondering if I wanted to for legwarmers for Evie, which I did. So I was excited when it arrived and I left it on my desk for a few days while I pondered what to do with it. Legwarmers were a must, of course. Evie loved the pair I knit for her last year, even after they ended up felted and a little tight, but after the sleeves came off there was still going to be lots of lovely red and white, thick and cozy sweater left over. A vest sized chunk of sweater really.

I felted it down quite a bit more, until the wool was very thick and the width around the waist was about what a sweater for Evie would be, and then I got snipping.

First, of course, I but off the arms for the legwarmers. This sweater had nice long cuffs so I folded them down and stitched them in place and then hemmed the raw end. Simple and sweet and super cute on. She'll be toasty on the playground today.

The neck and shoulders were too big still, and also one was cut where someone (maybe my grandma but it could have been like that when she got it) had started to cut into it for a project. I cut straight down the remaining sleeve from the neck  and narrowed the sleeves and shoulders by lining up the ends of the raglan decreases (the diagonal lines where the sleeves meet the body of the sweater). I also cut the sleeves at more of an angle, instead of having them end straight. This way it's a a little more "vest" and the holes are roomier for thicker shirts or sweaters underneath. The sleeves I rolled into a hem, which I may embellish a little, or maybe not. I can't decide. I kind of like them rolled and simple.

Once the sleeves were done I cut up the center front of the sweater. Because it was so thick, I wasn't going to be able to double over the fabric to hem it so instead I took a cue from my knitting guru friend Carol, who showed me once how she stitched grosgrain ribbon along the hem of a cardigan that was gaping. I sewed ribbon along the raw edge and then turned that and stitched down the front. Originally I wanted to put button holes in but the fabric is still so thick I'm not sure her little fingers could deal with getting buttons in. And also I don't think my sewing machine could make button holes though that much wool. So now I'm thinking buckles. Or maybe a heavy zipper. Or maybe I'll just leave it because she went off to school today with it as is. What do you think? Frogs? Buckles? Zippers?

I have to say, as a devoted vest wearer, I'm a little (a lot) jealous of this thing.I'm going to have to look for a huge Nordic sweater to felt down and make my own.

grand old dame

I didn't really need another project - what with the unpacking and painting and getting ready for back to school among other things- or another sewing machine - I have three (eek!) - but when I spotted this lovely lady languishing on a back table at a garage sale, I decided she needed me. Or maybe I needed her. Ten dollars later she was in the trunk of my car headed home.

I posted a photo of her on a sewing thread I frequent on Ravelry and the experts there tell me she is a 1937 Model 99, which was the little sister to the mack daddy sewing machine of the day, the 66. And in the opinion of some, it seems she is one of the best machines ever made, which makes me want to scupper any plan to sell her (that would be Will's idea. I think he finds the idea of four sewing machines in the house a little over the top, or maybe we've just been watching too much American Pickers) and use her as my main machine. As much as I appreciate all the bells and whistles of my heard of Brother machines, most of my sewing involves straight stitching, which is the forte of the 99.

Since then I'm sorry to say she's just sat on top of the heater, looking decorative. Unpacking came first. And then painting, which I'm still chipping away at. But now that the main part of moving in is done (yay!) I can spend a little time tinkering with my new toy. And she needs some tinkering for sure. Some cleaning - the remains of a mouse nest was tangled up with the original owners manual and a few extra feet under the machine - a new belt and perhaps some new wiring, I'm not sure about that yet. There is also the pesky issue of learning to sew using a knee press instead of a foot pedal to run her. I can't quite wrap my head around making that work but I'm willing to give it a try. I think.

I've found a few resources for restoring old sewing machines but would love any advice I can get. Anyone ever restore a 99. Or a 66 for that matter because it seems they were identical except in size. Should I keep her and use her? Or perhaps fix her up, sell her and buy that featherweight I've always wanted? Decisions, decisions. 

a quilt. or muscle memory

It's been a long time since I've made a quilt. I think the last time I did any kind of quilting was just before Evelyn was born. Feeling bad at the stack of quilts (mostly not made by me, but still) that Briton had at birth and the utter lack of quilts for my second child (ah, isn't that the way of it, poor second children) I made a violently pink and green diamond quilt and matching bumper for her room, finishing it a few days before she arrived.

I used to quilt a lot. Baby quilts were always my favorite and were once my go-to gifts for the new babies in my life. Two babies of my own, however, somehow sucked the quilting mojo out of me I guess. I hadn't even thought about making a quilt until I spotted a gorgeous log cabin lovely on one of my favorite blogs, Posie Gets Cozy and realized that that, that  was just what my girl needed.

It's funny. Even thought it's been years, literally, since I did any kind of quilting, I find myself sliding back into it easily. My hands remember the smooth, sweeping movement of a rotary blade along a wide ruler, my fingers press out the seams, lining them up for ironing. I'm not in a hurry with this quilt, and I probably wont get fancy with the actual quilting. I've always liked piecing better than quilting. In fact, I'll probably just tie this quilt when it's done. But for the moment I'm enjoying the slow, steady process of piecing a log cabin, which I think has always been my favorite pattern.

This weekend I unpacked some of the last boxes, one of which held two quilts passed down to us that have been packed away in tissue for years, waiting for the right time, the right age of kids, to be used. I'd forgotten, really, about the Sunbonnet Sue quilt. It's fits Evelyn's bed so perfectly that I almost don't need to make her another. Although, having been made in, and for, the south, it's not particularly warm. So I think it will become her summer quilt, and the log cabin will have thicker, warmer wool batting for the winter. The Postage Stamp quilt is on our bed right now, much appreciated, and not just by us it seems.

Quilts have an odd fascination for me. As a little girl I used to gaze at the big block quilt that covered my grandparents bed and try to find the pattern in the patternless order. My fingers walk over the tiny squares of the postage stamp quilt, thinking of all the hours- hours and hours- that went into sewing those tiny squares. I wonder if Evelyn, or someday Evelyn's children, will find the same fascination in the quilt I'm making now. Is that just me?

Briton has been watching me work and has requested a quilt for his bed, except in solid colors. I'm tempted to make another log cabin since I so enjoy them, but I should probably branch out. Any suggestions for patterns that are boy-ish and would look good in solid orange, blue and grey (and maybe black and white too)?