I love clothesline rope!!

I ran across a picture on buckalooview's Instagram of a nifty basket made from clothesline rope. This type of basketmaking has been around forever but I always thought that was a lot of work for a basket. I couldn't get it off my mind so I picked up a 100 foot, $3.44 package of clothesline rope from WalMart and became instantly addicted to the possibilities.

There are plenty of tutorials available online. Basically, you start in the middle and keep zig-zagging around until it is the size you need. It tends to start the bowl shape on it's own. I had to concentrate on trying not to pull too tightly as I stitched until I got the flat bottom finished. I controlled the shaping by pulling the cord slightly as I stitched.

When you get to the end, you have to decide how to finish off and tidy up the end of the cord. Just use your imagination!!





I had about 4 yards left after making my first 3 bowls. I couldn't stand to let it go to waste so I made a couple of coasters. I gave them a little steam press so that they are nice and flat.

I'd like to try dyeing my next batch of baskets. I see another trip to WalMart in the near future!

Winter Storm 2016 Knitting

Nothing like a foot of snow to strand you at home and get you in the mood for knitting! Winter Storm 2016 allowed me to slow down and do a little guilt free knitting. I had purchased a few skeins of Downton Abbey yarn recently, not because I needed it, but because I love the show!

I decided on the Hermione Hat pattern for my daughter in a color she has not worn before but I have always encouraged her to wear. A day and a half later and here she is.

Ravelry link

My second Winter Storm 2016 project was to finish a pullover sweater for my grandson which I started last October. The pattern is A Simple Baby Pullover and the yarn is Vanna's Choice from Michael's Crafts.

Ravelry link

Now on to Winter Storm project #3 which will be fingerless mitts to match my daughter's hat!

A Raggedy Andy Birthday

My little grandson turned a year old a couple of weeks ago and I wanted him to have a handmade gift from Grammy that he could keep forever. I guess kids don't play with Raggedy Ann and Andy all that much any more but I couldn't resist making him a classic Andy doll. I made a lot of these dolls back in the 70's so I dug out my vintage pattern and made Hayden a little buddy in the just the right size for him to carry around.

I was running a little short on time so, rather than hand embroider the face, I found this listing on Etsy for a digitized machine embroidered face. It turned out great and I got Andy finished in time for the birthday party! 

Hayden's Grammy Jammies

I finally figured out how to get myself back to the blog after a break and that is to make something for Hayden. He is so much fun to sew for and such a good model as well. His momma mentioned that he had outgrown his pajamas and also that it's kinda hard to find them roomy enough for his chunky little arms. I pulled out my Kwik Sew Sewing for Baby book that I bought when Hayden's momma was about his age. It has an assortment of basic patterns for newborn through 18 months. Some of the styles look a little dated but there are great basic pattern pieces for pants, tops, rompers, etc. The fit is much roomier than the ready mades.

Just look at that sweet face! He loves his Grammy Jammies. I've already made a second pair and bought fabric for a third.

Did you know that September is National Sewing Month? National Sewing Month began in 1982 with a proclamation from President Ronald Reagan declaring September as National Sewing Month "In recognition of the importance of home sewing to our Nation"

I hope you're keeping your machine humming this month in celebration!

Hot Summer Days Pullover Top

I sewed this little top up a few weeks ago and, since it has now become one of my favorite summer tops, I thought I should share it.  I've had Butterick 3383 for some time now and decided to give it a try. I used a printed polyester fabric from my stash. This pattern has no darts so I was a little nervous about the fit. It actually turned out great. Easy to sew and fun to wear!

It's pretty easy to slip over my head and I love the length with the side slits. The pattern suggests bias tape for the neckline and armholes. I cut self-fabric bias bindings for a more professional look.

This pattern is moving way up on my list of  "make me again" patterns. It takes about a yard of 60" wide fabric and sews up very quickly.

Seersucker!

We love seersucker! Can you tell? After I made my grandson's little blue seersucker Jon-Jons for Easter, his auntie decided that she wanted a blue seersucker dress to wear to her Master's graduation. And, of course, I never say no when one of my daughters wants to wear something made by me. She loves classic, timeless designs so we chose McCall's 2401. We loved the wider rounded neckline and the simple lines. I did the usual alterations for her, added white piping to the neckline and armholes, and an invisible zipper in the back. I finished the lining hem a few hours before graduation and she was thrilled!

Here she is with her sweet nephew who is sporting his pout-pout look for the photoshoot.

Congrats to Hannah for completing her Master of Science degree in Instructional Design!

Little Easter Jon-Jons

I can't believe it's been 6 months since I've blogged! I sewed. I sewed a lot. I just couldn't find time to sit down and blog. As a matter of fact, I feel like I never sit down. Always something that needs to be done.

Nothing like a cute little baby boy to get you inspired to sew and blog about it. My grandson needed an outfit for his first Easter. I have always loved Jon-Jons on little boys. He is a healthy little boy and the Children's Corner pattern I have was just a little too slim fitting for him. I found a pattern on Etsy from OlaJanePatterns which looked like a better fit. I paired it up with classic blue striped seersucker, embroidered his initials on the front, and it was just perfect.

The pattern has very detailed instructions and a pretty nifty lining technique. I plan to sew up a few more for the little prince for hot summer days and, hopefully, find a few minutes to blog about them!