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WINTER PROJECTS!!!!!

2012-01-25T16:57:00.000-06:00

Well, it's not winter as we know it anywhere in the country and Missouri has been no exception. Some cold nights but very pleasant days!!! Today is rainy so I finished up one project!!! My friend Carrie has a Mom who uses a walker, I had made her some bags for the walker before and now she needed a few new ones!!! Only got this one finished but thought it was kind of cute and springy!!!

I started out with some cotton/poly woven, I cut the pieces15" x 50". I used 2 of the blue and a piece of interfacing to give it more body. Two packages of bias tape should be enough, use the wide tape, not the quilt size but the in between wide size!! Bind off each short end, I sew the bias on the back, fold to the front and sew down. Then fold up each end 10-11" and pin sew around the whole piece to hold in place. Round off the corners if you like. And then bind the whole deal and put a strip of velcro on the back sides to hold it on the walker.

These bags can be customized to anyones special needs, I have put inside pockets for cell phones, or mobile phones, divided the bags to hold different things. On one walker I made a special bag to hold the newspaper so she could get her paper in the house. Walkers do not have to be boring, many folks are decorating their walkers with artificial flowers, painting, decopaging, etc. And the bags can be made of assorted prints, denim with their initials or names on the bag, canvas, vinyl, the ideas are endless!!!

So if you know someone who uses a walker this might be the deal for them!!!

January in Missouri!!!!

2012-01-11T18:11:00.001-06:00

Happy New Year to one and all!!!

We are trying to keep busy around here!!!

I still haven't gotten into full swing with my sewing but I am trying!!!

I found this plum/burgandy blazer at Goodwill for $5.00 and I bought it because I had found some expensive shoes at a resale shop and wanted to create and outfit.

So finally I put it together with flowers made from ties, some leaves also made from ties, some ribbon,and a few pearls.
I think it's quite fun!!!
I was thinking of binding the edges of the lapels and the sleeves but in this case I believe less is more!!!

What with using ties you have the bias already done so it can be used in many ways!!!

Tomorrow I will go to the Lake Area Fiber Arts Club meeting and I think I'll wear my new duds!!!

Let's hope they have the meeting, it was 50' all day and sunny, now the wind has kicked up and they are predicting snow, we shall see.

It's really something when it snows in this neck of the woods, no one moves. Well us Wisconsin folks know how to do it, 4 wheel drive and all!!!

Have a wonder January, the entire nation is enjoying warmer weather, we may be in for it now!!!

CHRISTMAS AT THE LAKE!!!!

2011-12-26T10:02:00.000-06:00

I believe this was one of the nicest Christmas's we have ever experienced!!!

We were all together for Christmas Eve, Ben, Melissa and Devin, Brandon, Aubrey and Ryan, my folks, Dave and I and our friend from Arkansas, Marilyn. We had our normal appetizer buffet with seafood, wings, dips, meatballs, etc. Lots of fun presents and good cheer!!!

The kids have always had Christmas in Middleton, WI. When they were little we went to Cornell a couple of times but they only remember Middleton, so this was different for them. Ben and Melissa took of later Christmas Eve and headed to Iowa City so they could be in Wisconsin for Christmas Day. Brandon and Aubrey are leaving Tuesday for a few days in the Dells, Ryan is going to be so surprised at the indoor water parks!!! And Brandon has to hit Delaney's surplus!!!!

Sunday we fired up the new smoker Ben got Dad and did a turkey and was that good!!! We haven't worked with a smoker made like this before so we were not sure. It's a keeper, what a wonderful bird. I rubbed it down with Emeril's Bayou Blast and wrapped it in wet cheesecloth and smoked it boob side down for 3-4 hours, the last hour we turned it over, mopped it and then took off the cheescloth for the last half hour, YUM!!!!! Moist and delish!!!

A big thanks to Linda for the reindeer cookie idea!!! Darling and they taste great!!!

It's been a wild couple of months but things are coming together and I know we made the right decision to move to Missouri!!!

And now a Happy New Year to everyone!!!

Quilt Jackets!!!

2011-12-22T17:18:00.005-06:00

Here's my Mom Marjorie modeling one of the coats,

doesn't she look fab for 90 years old!!!!!?????

Sorry folks, I'm on a roll,
got most of the boxes unpacked and put away,
at least it feels that way, may not look that way!!!!!

We are settled in and machines are plugged in,
I'm SEWING!!!!!

Now I know some folks would have a fit cutting up these old quilts BUT, like I mentioned before, I really don't know who made them or when, they don't fit on any bed I own, they are falling apart and I believe in upcycling so now we can wear them!!! They are fragile and will not wear well but what the hey!!! I think they are kind of fun!!! I used some old pattern that was hanging around, I left off the shirt tales and on the beige one I lost the collar and buttons. And for the button holes I just sewing a narrow rectangle and cut it open. My machines would not do a nice button hole with all that thickness, I assembled the jacket on my industrial machine.

We have been having wild nights with the dogs, the last three nights they start pawing at us while we are sleeping, they shake and carry on like I don't know what!!!
Abbey is sleeping in the laundry room closet, they try to get in the shower with us, it's very unlike any of them to behave this way.
Then they sit and shake and cry, it's been horrible. So this morning while trying to calm one of them the smoke alarm chirped AGAIN!!!and she shook her head and then the light went on!!! I bet the noise hurts their ears, they are trying to hide from the noise. And since these alarms were no doubt put in all at once 3-4 of them were chirping!!! So, all the batteries are out, I tried putting new ones in and chirping increased, they are kind of fancy so they must have to be reset, can't find the directions, they must be here!!!!

So, our nights have been short what with all the dog drama!!! Then today we had some good news, our one dog has become diabetic so we are on insulin. I last purchased the insulin from Costco in Wisconsin and it cost around $80.00 I called Wally World here, they need no prescription and the cost is $24.88, now that's something to chew on. Talk about MARK-UP!!!
I could just scream, I hate supporting Wally World but they got ya but the short hairs!!

Once again thanks for joining me, please share any ideas you have for old quilts and pics.

And Y'all have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!!

Birthday Time!!!!

2011-12-18T20:45:00.001-06:00

Great Grandpa Jack loves holding Devin !!! It is the best part of his day. Great Grandma Marge likes baby watching the best!!! What fun to see the four generations!!!

Tonight we celebrated the birthdays of Melissa, Brandon and Aubrey!!! We had a dinner here at our new home in Osage Beach!!! It is such fun to be near our kids and their spouses and grand daughter Devin.

Tonight I got going with the muffin tins, I made mac and cheese in the giant muffin tins homemade cheese sauce with bacon and bread crumb top. Then I made mashed potatoes cooked in chicken broth mashed with sour cream, cream cheese and butter topped with shredded cheese. They went nicely with sirloin steak sliced thin and shrimp, tossed salad and chocolate banana bundt cake. I really like using the muffin tins they are cute and make life easy!!

I keep threatening to start sewing, butttttt it has been hard, I love to sew but really I was burned out and needed a rest!!! I did do an order and will patch Brandon's jeans this week. I also cut out a jacket out of an old quilt I had. I actually have several old quilts and I decided I have had them hanging around for 30 plus years, they don't fit on any bed I own these days so I am going to make them into something useful!!! A jacket will be the first project. More on that later.

We have been running to Columbia for Dad's nose surgery, they got all the melanoma but the graft is questionable so back on Friday. The we have a friend coming for Christmas from Arkansas, the kids will be here Christmas Eve and then they are heading up North. I don't mind running to Columbia I got a membership for Sam's from my friend Lynne so I can replace my Costco runs, not as nice a Costco but it works well.

The best news this week, Dave got a job with a local slaughter house so he is back cutting meat. Like the old days, the custom orders still have all the stuff like liver and tongue and heart, interesting!!!! And all the custom are hanging beef, no boxes like the stores!!! Back to lifting hind quarters!!!! He was pretty excited and so are we!!!!!

Someone has to work!!!

Have a wonderful Holiday Season!!!!!!

MISSOURI TURKEY DAY!!!!!

2011-11-24T21:26:00.001-06:00

We're still pinching ourselves, we can't believe we are finally here!!!

Today was a beautiful warm sunny day, we cooked up a storm, turkey/ham and all the fixin's.

The kids were here along with our new grand daughter, got the 4 generation pics to boot!!!

We pulled out the cherry table grandpa built years ago and finally had our dinner on it!!!

And it's official, I have Missouri license plates on my little car!!!

Now, back for the drivers license.

The dogs are enjoying their new yard, Cody and Abbey are doing well laying around the front yard without leashes but Dakota, never can trust him. Even with his legs and diabetes he will do his best to run off. The deer have disappeared for a few days, we have upwards or 7-8 deer hanging around here most everyday, tons of acorns to munch on. I thought the dogs would scare them off but they don't seem to care, they come right near the cars and us.

Black Friday will not see us at the big box stores, I am going to do my best to buy American, homemade,handmade, recycled, etc for the holiday season. I plan to visit a store that carries handmade in Missouri items tomorrow.

I can't say we don't miss Wisconsin because we do, we just hope everyone can come see us and we will be back to visit!!!!!

Have a wonderful Holiday Weekend!!!!!

FINALLY!!!!!! WE ARE HERE!!!! MISSOURIANS!!!!??

2011-11-21T19:57:00.002-06:00

November 18th we had the last of 18 years worth of stuff packed and loaded in a 20 foot U-Haul truck and headed south!!!! It was a very sad and exciting day, I never thought I would ever really leave Wisconsin, after all I arrived 30 years ago for 30 days and look what happened!!!!! I must say it has been a wonderful 30+ years with many, many good friends, neighbors, customers and people passing thru!!! I can't thank you all enough!!!!!

Each and everyone of you have brought something special to my life,

THANK YOU!!!!!

Well, as some of you know we had our first granddaughter Saturday Nov. 5, she is a doll and here are a few pics I took. The professional photos are on their way!!! She is so cute and sweet, not much fussing and just a joy to "baby watch"!!! Her name is Devin Marie Krokson, 6lbs. 8 ozs. 20" long!!! She is now 6lbs. 10 ozs 2 weeks later!!! And the clothes are just the best, Melissa got some of the cutest outfits, all the girls have great taste!!!!

And now the real work begins, where do we put it all!!!

Already went to Lowes for storage and shelves, Dave got them up and it's only a small dent.

We really thought we had cleared the decked but we were wrong, lots to do!!!

Hey everyone, have a HAPPY TURKEY DAY!!!

MIssouri and Brisket!!!!!

2011-08-31T09:57:00.001-05:00

When I used to live in MO. in the 70"s I worked for a woman who had a fun restaurant called the Calico Cupboard and they made brisket in the Nesco for Sunday buffett. It cooked all night with stuffing on the bottom of the pan and a big 12 lb. brisket on top!!!!! Delish but very greasy, all the flavor but????????

So, we got down to MO. and called our favorite shop to buy meat and of course they had a full brisket. 11 lbs. So since we don't have a smoker or grill yet we decided to prepare it the Jewish way, tons of onions, ketchup, Heinz, of course, and vinegar and brown sugar, yum yum, can't go wrong with that combo!!! Slow cook at 300 for hours and hours till it falls apart. Again it had lots of grease but lots of flavor. Really a great way to prepare brisket in the cooler months, plus wonderful leftovers!!!!! We could have trimmed the fat but what fun is that?????

And here's a few pics of my folks new digs!!!!

Ben and some friends got the porch screened in and we are anxious to hang out there!!!!

Not much crafting going on around here, lots of wedding alterations and lots of ideas flowing, now just a bit of time to get back at it!!!

Have a wonderful Labor Day Weekend!!!!!!

Mom's 90th Birthday !!!!!!

2011-08-31T09:48:00.001-05:00

It has been months since I did a blog,

I do not know where the time goes but it sure flys by!!!! Lots going on here!!!!

The shop is busy and moving my folks to Missouri from Arkansas has taken some time.

I brought my folks home with me for 2 weeks so we could do dome Wisconsin things and have a birthday party. We head back to MO for Labor Day Weekend!!!!

We grilled brats, chicken and burgers and had some close friends and family to celebrate,wonderful weather and great company!!!!

The recycling bug has bit again!!!!!!!

2011-05-09T14:29:00.005-05:00

Fun project to go Green!!!!

I have a customer, Jessica, who owns Cozgroovy Green Cleaning Co. here in the Madison area.

She needed her cleaning aprons fixed so I suggested some recycled denim aprons instead of her aprons.

She agreed and I think we came up with some pretty cool cleaning aprons!!!!

These are made from old jeans, new denim and old pockets.

They are lined and double and triple stitched to hold up during the work process.

Basically I took 3 jean legs and trimmed them up, sewed them together, surged and top-stitched, cut out a basic cobbler apron added assorted pockets, loop, ties from the old aprons with clasps and such and added Jessica's Logo, and here we go...an all green recycled apron!!!!!

You can reach Jessica at Cozgroovy.com for more info on her business, and to have your home cleaned the green way!!!

It's a stormy, windy day and certainly not warm enough for me!!!

I sorted my stash room with my friend Carolyn for Mother's Day and what a difference that made.

I suppose we should have been relaxing but it was so nice to have a friend pushing me along to purge, something I'm not very good at!!!!

We had a fun day and now it's back to Stabbinrags!!!!!

Is Spring Coming?????

2011-05-04T09:12:00.007-05:00

Not quite here in Wisconsin!!!

This has been the most forlorn, dismal, wet and dreary spring I can remember and after such a long delightful winter I can't wait to see what summer really brings us!!!

I had a fun week!!

Last Saturday our sewing guild had a workshop and we made covers for journals or photo albums using the Alabama Chanin method or reverse applicate

I spoke of this earlier and made a recycled jacket up with denim leaves appliqued on with embroidery floss. Now I made this t-shirt using her exact method.

I started out with 2 t-shirts from Wally World and then

I stenciled on the black shirt with a soft gold paint,

I used her stencils you can use any store bought or make your own.

Stencil on your pattern and let dry.

Then put the shirts together and pin in place and hand applique around the paint.

She leaves the knots on the top for extra dimension you can do whatever you like top or under

. Then take a small scissor and cut out the center of the applique leaving 1/4" inch of paint showing.

Cut away the t-shirt underneath and save to make flowers or use under another shirt.

So for $10. for 2 shirts,, $1.60 for the paint and 50c for the floss and about 3 hours including drying time I have a one of a kind t-shirt!!!!

Use a hair dryer to speed up the paint drying!!!

After playing around with this concept a person can do endless items....I'm thinking Christmas stockings with initials, or shirts too.

Knits are good to use but with denim fraying out it looks nice too.

Coin purses, wallets, purses , any kind of stuffed animal, pillows, any home dec.

This is a great technique and you can make it your own so easily.

And the Mirror!!!

We have an older home and the mirrors in the bathrooms are having issues on the edges!!!

So I saw in a magazine where they trimmed a small mirror with the printed duct tape.

Well, since this bathroom is jungle style I choose the animal print, it doesn't match my painting but it sure makes the mirror look a ton better!!!

Ducktape is the answer for everything!!!!

Hope your Spring is going well, happy sewing and crafting

Branson Mo. or Bust!!!!!!

2011-04-28T09:07:00.001-05:00

It's been a long time since I wrote on the blog, it's been sooooo busy!!!!

My friend Lynne and I made a trip to Branson Mo. the first part of April.

We had a great time shopped, did a few shows, ate some good and some bad food and stayed in a very nice condo and had good weather!!!

We left Madison and went down thru Iowa and took a side trip to Herman Mo. a town I had once worked in years ago, fun to see that cute German river town, full of cute shops, eateries and wineries. Then we headed south to Branson.

We saw the Amazing Animal Show and the illusionist Kirby VanBurch both shows were good

. We ate at the College of the Ozarks which was wonderful and a small cafe in the old downtown Branson run by folks in a rehab program and had the best Chicken fried steak, homemade mashed taters etc.

Our dining experiences outside of the College and the Cafe were very dismal.

Branson is over run with Malls and chain everything very hard to find a local anything!!!

On Sunday we joined the thousands of Christian teenagers at Silver Dollar City for their grand opening of the season, they celebrate that with all these teen Christian kids from MO. AR. and OK.

They were great entertainment between attending the meetings and making out they were a blast to watch!!!!!

Oh yes I do remember Church Camp, always a must do!!!!!

Then we headed up the hill to Lake of the Ozarks and spent the night with my son and his wife, had dinner and left the next morning to north to Wisconsin!!!

The Illusionist is the guy who was on TV with the amazing helicopter gig, he has a full sized helicopter appear in nothing flat, I do not know how this all works but he did some really wild things and a must go to show if in Branson!!!!

We have had a horrid spring and today is cold and wet and a possibility of snow, yay!!!

I love Wisconsin!!!!!

This takes the Cake!!!!! Toooo much fun!!!!!!

2011-02-20T13:42:00.002-06:00

I know this has been around awhile but it's fairly new to me. Someone sent around a You Tube clip on making bags and stuff out of plastic bags. So I watched a couple of the clips and decided today is really crappy, snowy, cold and even thundering so perfect day to PLAY!!!

Gather up some plastic bags for these projects I used the plastic sleeves the newspaper comes in everyday. These bags are also good for picking up poop!!! And as y'all know I have 3 large puppie dogs hence lots and lots of poop!!! I just can't believe someone figured out ironing these goofy bags together works and makes for a great "fabric", no fraying just tooo much fun to sew on and play with. If you use Wallie World bags cut off the handles and bottoms so you have a flat piece

You will need an iron set on synthetics or polyester, wax paper or parchment paper, and your bags. I did an 8 ply which is simply 8 layers of plastic, so with the sleeves I used 4 bags. It only takes 15-20 seconds for the plastic to bond, press each side, it will scrunch up and get a leathery look, once pressed pull off the paper, if it's not all bonded together repeat the pressing. You can reuse the wax paper till it has holes in it.

Next I cut out the wallet, it's an old pattern from the 80's but kind of neat, I put a zipper in this time, you can find tons of patterns online for free. This wallet was made with 2 red bags and 4 blue bags to give it the maroon/pink color, I put the blue bags in between the red bags. In this case the red bags are for the Sunday paper, bigger and the blue bags the daily so they are smaller.

The peace purse I just started cutting and made a strap about 30" long, should be longer for todays bags. It has a slanted flap and slanted pocket. I have zig zagged around everything to hold it all together and I like the look. I believe you need to keep a longer stitch length when doing these projects or you will perforate the plastic and it will tear apart.

The skys the limit with this one!!! I'm thinking rain hats, rain coat???, any kind of tote or purse, wallet, cell phone holder, diaper bag, this list goes on and on!!! What a cheap and easy project for kids and adults, going completely green!!!!!

Dubuque, Iowa or Florida!!!!!!

2011-02-16T18:20:00.001-06:00

Which would you pick????
Well, we tried for Florida but that wasn't a happening so our next choice was a 2 day trip to Dubuque!!!!! For those who know us we spent years being river rats cruising up and down the Mississippi River with our kids and boat!!! We had a blast and traveled to Louisiana, MO. to the top of the St Croix and to Hastings, MN. Many trips were to Dubuque to drop in and then head North or South, so we never spent much time in the area other than the boat launch. And now years later they have opened up the Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, what a wonderful place. We learned so much about the River History, boat manufacturing, local history, the fish, a really cool river fly over from the head waters to the gulf. A really great experience!!!! Then we had a chance to polk around in the shops and spent the night in downtown Dubuque. I was quite surprised at the cute shops and a shoe store I couldn't believe, WOW. cool shoes!!!!

Here's Davie with the catfish, they were really BIG!!!!!

And the dull stuff, here's a tutorial on letting pant hems down!!!!

Gad, can't get much more exciting!!!!

Well, these are some pretty cool black and gray pants. I'll let you in on the price of the black pants.....can you guess???
These pants warrant the finest treatment as they retail for $655., yeah you heard me!!!!

So, I let the existing hems down and press them nicely with a press cloth.
Then I open up the inside seam about and inch from the bottom.

I then cut a nice piece of black ling 6" wide by the width around the pant hem.
I do this on the straight of grain no bias.
I then fold the strip in half so it is 3" wide and with the raw edges I sew it to the hem, then I edge stitch it so it stays in place, like a facing, which it is!!!!
Then I go back to the open seam and lay the pants out to make sure the slight flare from the last hem in taken in so it is perfectly straight.

Turn up your facing and press, I hand stitched these hems but they could be done in a blind-stitch.
This way you have a double facing which is more likely the weight of the fashion fabric and a clean edge to sew the hem down.

We are seeing hems being really narrow, 1-11/2" is really common, this is only a cost factor to save money, a quality pant has a deeper hem so the pant hangs nicely.

Not everyone has this problem but for those who do it's nice to know they can be let down and no one is the wiser!!!

Well, we are going to hit 50' in Wisconsin, can hardly believe it!!!!!!!

Winter Projects!!!

2011-02-09T17:02:00.002-06:00

This time of year is usually slower than other times so I have more time to fool around!!! I acquired this hot pink sweater in a throw away bag and it happened to be 90% wool, so I quick washed and dried it and made up these mittens and headband.

The mittens are the generic pattern people are using for the sweater mittens that are so popular this year, again!!! And the band is just a piece approx. 8"x 19", measure your head and allow for the stretch, it must go around!!!???? Then I free hand cut out flowers in 3 sizes and some circles, a few vintage silver buttons and you have a flowered head band. I hand sewed on the flowers and buttons and tacked the petals so they didn't all droop!!!!

Kind of fun!!!

Next I have a customer who has a 2 year old grandson in the Seattle area and he loves to cook with his Mom!!!

So we made a Valentines apron for him.

I had no idea what size, my boys are a tad older!!, so my friend Carolyn drafted me a pattern and I cut the apron and pockets and straps from denim and red hearts and initial.

Very simple, applique the hearts and initial on and sew the straps in place, cut out a lining of whatever and sew around, turn inside out and press

Topstitch around the apron to close up your opening for turning.

I made the neck closure with Velcro.

Hope the mini chef likes his new apron!!!!

And for my two favorite girls I can make up some for your daughters!!!!!!!

It's been quite the winter, we are very cold here and so much snow all over the midwest, hope everyone can dig out!!!!

It's the best time for sewers and crafters, much more fun to hang out in the sewing room this time of year than summer!!!!!

Happy Shoveling!!!

I Love My Dogs!!!!!

2011-02-03T18:01:00.002-06:00

I was paging thru Veranda magazine and found my chair and ottoman and it was pictured with 3 pillows and a throw, one was a dog bone!!!!!! This is what I've been looking for!!!! So I quick cut out a dog bone and dug around in my stash and found the corduroy with the gold labs and presto!!! a new pillow for me!!! Then I got to thinking about my dogs and of course Cody is the easiest, so denim, old scrap jeans and the Alabama Chanin applique technique and another personalized pillow!!!

To make these fun pillows I took some newspaper and drew out the bone shape then folded the paper in quarters and cut it out so it was even all around. Then I cut out 2 pieces for the front and back and a 3" gusset to go all around. Then I made the trim with bias tape and cording. Sew the cording on first with a zipper foot to get nice and close. I appliqued the pillow top first, then put on the cording, mark your top so you start in the same place for the gusset. front and back. Sew up and leave an opening, stuff, sew shut and you are ready freddy!!!

I think these could be great gifts for doggie lovers!!!!!

We had quite the blizzard here in Wisconsin this week, lots of shoveling!!!!

Now that, that is over with, time for Spring and nice weather!!!!!

Happy Sewing!!!!

Recycled Prom Dress-- Wine/Bottle Bag

2011-01-23T18:41:00.002-06:00

Here we go again on the recycling projects!!!! I have shown the bags before but not given directions!!! With Valentines Day coming up this would be a nice project and great gift bag for a bottle of wine, sparkling juice, olive oil, etc.

Cut a piece of newspaper 14" X 18" or draw on your fabric. I used 1/2" seams.
We used old prom dresses so find an area big enough or you may have to piece the fabric together to make the size of the pattern.
Cut 2 pieces one will be the top and the other the lining but also the fold over top.
So I used what ever I thought would be cute, improvise, patchwork pieces together etc
Sew the 14" tops together, press to one side, now put them wrong sides to each other and sew the entire length of the tube
Turn inside out so you have a tube and press where the fabrics join. Then sew across the bottom, thru all layers and then box the sides by sewing across the seam ends and make a 2" box, one inch on each side of bottom seam.
Turn inside out and fold top down attach a ribbon to the back seam, top-stitch thru the ribbon on the back seam right under the turn downed cuff, where it ends approximately 6" from the top of the bag???.
Insert bottle and tie ribbon and you have a unique one of a kind bottle gift bag!!!

You can make the bags out of anything, decorator sample swatches, old prom dresses, old bridesmaid dresses (give a gift to the bride), vintage fabrics, anything will work.

The gift bags can be made to any size and can be used again and again!!!

Think big gift/laundry bag or pillowcase!!!!

Small gifts storage for jewelry etc.

The sky is the limit!!!

February is almost here and we'll soon be done with winter, thank goodness.

My dogs really need to get out but I hate the cold and it has got to be over 10' and no wind.

Happy Sewing!!!

Recycled Jacket!!!!!!

2011-01-01T15:24:00.003-06:00

I have always been a fan of recycling, reusing and re purposing!!!! Recently I was introduced to Alabama Chanin, I had seen her clothing in Vogue some years ago but had forgotten about her. So after viewing her website I decided to try my version of her technique.

This is a velveteen jacket from Savers, $6.00 range. I took old jeans scraps and cut out leaf shapes free hand. I sewed them on the jacket with 6 strand black embroidery floss, leaving all the ends and knots showing. All this, of course goes on by hand, didn't take but 2 hours or so. On the lapel I am sewing on pearls for the leaf veins, not sure how many will get that treatment???? I am not sure what else I will do, I think leaving the sleeves with out leaves will be just fine and possibly I'll just do the pearls in the lapels and sleeve cuffs.

I really like this idea, I can see pillows, quilts, any clothing, tote bags or purses done with this idea. The Alabama Chanin uses stencils and paints and then sews on by hand the cut out painted stencil, very clever and fun. This is a neat concept and just wide open for any ideas. Check out her website and see where you can go!!!!!

Happy Sewing and Crafting, 2011 is going to be a great year!!!!!

ZIPPERS GALORE!!!!!!!

2011-01-01T15:15:00.002-06:00

I don't know about you but zippers are a royal pain!!!! As most of you know I have a tailoring business and zippers are part of the deal. I decided last year to quit replacing jacket and coat zippers, you have to be really special for me to even talk about it!!!! Zippers in coats are really time consuming and people don't understand why it costs so much, so I have just quit. If the cleaners or other shops like to do zippers I say good deal!!! I will replace jean and pant zippers, they are not a problem!!!

So what to do with all these zippers, some are antique and some are just worthless so the sort begins. I have no idea how many zips there were, but I got them all organized in zip lock bags and labeled and put in a bin. I had already sorted and organized all the pulls and stops for repairs so now I am in good shape. I did throw out a bunch and have no idea what I'll do with the rest. I have seen some really cute flowers made with the zips, another project!!!!

This is my first of many drawers and cupboards to go thru I would just like to have the whole mess organized once and for all!!! But for you that sew and craft we all know that is a pipedream!!!

Happy New Year to all!!!!!!

Ties Ties and more Ties!!!!!!!!!!

2010-12-06T18:25:00.002-06:00

Sunday was Tie day here at Patches and Pieces. I got an order for three tie purses and two children's bags. So this is what I came up with, I think they are quite fun.!!!!

Ties are a lot of fun to work with, however they really do not hold up well for purses used all the time.They are thin silky fabrics that are really designed to hang around a neck and not a beating in the car, on the counter, over the shoulder etc. So keep this in mind when you decide what to do with your ties. I use my purses regularly and they hold up a couple of years.

These bags are made from ties as they are, no taking them apart, leave the interfacing in them for added strength and stability. I cut my bag from some cotton fabric, scraps work great. I don't use patterns as I think the ties talk to me and lead me to my design. I cut the fabric and then start cutting the ties to fit, overlap and top stitch or zig zag. Trim up the edges and then you can serge the whole works and sew it however you want. The flap purse has bound edges, the brown bag is just overlapped ties and turned inside out, the red had 2 ties sewed on the top edge and tied in a knot on the side, the kids bags are bound on the top and turned inside out. Since I used a backer fabric and serged the edges I did not do anymore lining. This is already alot to sew thru, I use a commercial machine that I use for denim and leather. You may have to just butt the ties together and zig zag for less bulk.

Years ago I read about Alabama Chanin, a company out of??? Alabama owned by Natalie Chanin. has done a wonderful job using US made fabrics, threads and labor to develop a wonderful collections of designs, such an inspiration!!! So, of course I have to try my hand at this in some fashion, coming up next!!!!!!

Happy Sewing!!!! And Happy Holidays to all of you!!!!!

CHICAGO THE WINDY CITY!!!!

2010-11-29T10:23:00.001-06:00

Last Saturday we made our annual bus trip to Chicago, so once we got seated on the bus we realized we really hadn't been on this bus trip for 4 years, my how time passes!!!!! Oh well time flies when you're havin' fun!!!!

We left from Madison on the Meister bus line and headed for downtown Chicago, a beautiful sunny day and not too cold. This trip we headed to Rush and Oak where the fancy dancy shops are, plus Crate and Barrel and the Ralph Lauren Store and Antropology oh yes the Nordstrom Rack. We saw lots of neat stuff and got some great ideas. I guess my fav was the cut up jeans at Ralph Lauren patched up with silver mesh, ribbons, patches etc for a mere $1,400. oh but there was a sale on another pair, they were stained in the butt and knees, cut up and patched with wool plaid, hopefully a Ralph wool and they were marked down from $800. to $489., such a deal!!!! There were some super ideas in there but way out of my price range!!!! With the recession and all the place was packed and people were buying!!!!!

Then we had some lunch at an Irish bar, not owned by any Irish folks but good no matter what, the guy next to us had lamb shanks that looked pretty awesome!!!! After a few more shops we headed to an Italian restaurant, the Rosebud on Rush and had a beer and chatted with some folks and decided to board the Navy Pier bus and head that way!!!! The Navy Pier is mostly a tourist destination, hmmm what are we???, so we walked thru and then headed outside, it was breezy but the sun was out, the Lake and sky line were beautiful. We walked to the end of the pier and took some photos!!!!! The pier is one mile long so I guess we did walk around 5 miles that day!!! The ferris wheel was still going and a night cruise was heading out!!! Chicago is quite the city!!!

Back to downtown for some soup and shrimp and crab and raw oysters!!!another beer and back to the bus for our jaunt home. Another successful bus trip to Chicago, hopefully we won't wait another 4 years!!!!

More Tie Accessories!!!!!

2010-11-24T18:02:00.003-06:00

Sure has been a busy fall and now Turkey Day tomorrow.....we all know what that means Christmas will be here before we know it and 2011 is around the corner!!!! Another year down and it's been a great year!!!

We have had a beautiful fall here in Wisconsin, I was still walking my dogs in a sweat shirt Monday, it has turned cold now but usually in November we're not in sweat shirts!!!!! Tonight is rainy and cruddy, glad we don't have to travel!!!!
Here's the latest quickie project, cell phone or camera bags from ties. Cut the tie 12" from the wide tip, bind off raw edge, fold up 4", pin and sew down sides, I just top stitch on the edges. Add a side loop or D ring to top or any other hook or tab??? Sew a snap or velcro to the flap and you have a one of a kind cute bag!!! The one on the belt is for a guy, before sewing up the sides sew a loop on the back to put it on a belt!!!

Another fun tie project and only 10 minutes!!!! Next time I'll have some fun purses !!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!!!

Back in the Saddle!!!!!

2010-10-29T14:23:00.007-05:00

It's been awhile since I sat down to write in my blog, busy time of year and lots happenin'!!!!! So this time I'm showing off several items.

We'll start with the tie purses, aren't they cute!!! A gal came in with her Dad's ties, he had passed on and she wondered what we could do with them for her and her 5 sisters????????? They have their annual girls weekend in the fall, so I came up with this fun shoulder bags. This way they can each have a bit of Dad. I was able to use all their ties and add the binding with my ties. Each bag is a rectangle approximately 8" X 16", cut the ties all 9" long and then piece them by overlapping and zig zagging with your machine. Try to keep the bag even by flipping the pieces to keep it squared up. Then take a ruler and chalk and true it up and cut it out so all is even steven!!!!! With the ties you have for the binding, open them up and take out the interfacing, save or discard, press flat and cut these into 2" wide strips. Sew bias to one long side of the rectangle, this will be the top. With wrong sides facing fold in half stitch on the one side and bottom. Now cut a 2" bias piece from the ties you have taken apart. This will be long strips, I made mine 60" plus then you bind around the 2 raw edges and sew the remainder so it becomes the strap, sew to the other side!!! And you have a darling bag. You can use Velcro or button or snap for a closure if desired!!!! Great for stocking stuffers!!!!

Now for Halloween!!!!

I was asked to make a costume for one of my favorite customers/friend. Her son wanted to be an OWL!!! So she found online several costume ideas and head pieces, we combined two and here we are!!! This is made from felt and my friend Carolyn made it for me the other day and I can't thank her enough, she did a fabulous job!!! The head piece is made from 2 copper Brillo pads, buttons, eyelash trim and a stuffed beak, all this is glued on a piece of felt and fastens with Velcro. They purchased a brown Sherpa jacket, brown knit hat and gloves.

Very fun!!! Trick or Treat!!!

Last but not least I have been meaning to put in the Happy Canes,

I recently painted 18 for a client in the south!!! She gives them away because they make people smile. The canes are handmade in Northern Arkansas and then I paint them. The patchwork design is the most popular. With our aging population canes are really becoming a fashion accessory!!!

So that's the latest and the greatest.

In a few days November will be upon us and then Thanksgiving and Christmas and on to another year and long winter!!!!!

SEPTEMBER!!!!! THE month of Birthdays and Anniversaries!!!!

2010-09-22T19:02:00.005-05:00

I'm not sure how it happens but September is the month for our family for birthdays and anniversaries!!! Melissa and Ben got married last year September 12 and my birthday was the following day the 13th, then my Dad had his birthday on the 17th and Dave and I have our anniversary on the 17th also, so we cram a lot in a few days, oh yes my Mom has a birthday on August 25, pretty close!!!!

So this year was the biggie my Dad turned 90 so of course we had to celebrate!!! Melissa and Ben had planned a trip so they couldn't make it for the actual birthday so we planned it for October 9 when most everyone could be there, so that is the plan. But the neighbors thought there should be something on the actual day so Brandon and I packed up and surprised them on Thursday night the 16th and drove down. what a surprise they had no idea and we had so much fun. We were there for the party at Garvan Gardens, even the newspaper came and Dad was in the Sunday Paper!!!! All the volunteers and staff threw a party Friday am, where they volunteer, very fun!!!!!! Brandon and I got a cart ride to see the beautiful woodland gardens. About 40 folks attended and the cake was delish!!!

Then Friday night was the progressive dinner in the neighborhood, we started out with appetizers and wine at the Gottliebs then gumbo, salad and corn at the Wurm's and dessert at the Postman's. What a fun night and the icing on the cake was Steve playing Happy Birthday on his trombone. It was an interesting evening, we met Steve who is a famous jazz musician from New Orleans, he and his significant other relocated to Hot Springs after Katrina, he is fabulous!!! And then I had no idea Deanne, Mary Kay's sister is such an artist, she does incredible paintings of horses, dogs, cats, etc.

Pictured are her paintings of race horses from the Oaklawn Track in Hot Springs, now how to market this wonderful artist????? And let me tell you her paintings of pets are amazing, all she needs is a photo and you will be happy as can be!!! Contact me for more info!!!!

We collapsed after Friday and hung out and visited with the folks Saturday and Sunday Brandon and I packed up and headed up the hill for Missouri. Had a great ride and Pam had the jet skis ready and the river was up so we spent a few hours tearing up and down the Osage River, wow what a fun afternoon, topped off with a wonderful dinner at Baxters in Lake Ozark. Monday I was off to Wisconsin and the cooler weather!!!

Now, to sew like mad, lots to do before we leave October 1 to do it all over again.

This trip we'll do a Fall Party in Honor of the birthdays etc for 30+ folks. More on that later!!!

Last weekend my tutorial on Naturally Dyed Scarves was on Tipnut.com, a neat website full of tips and tricks for DIY, crafts, food, sewing, knitting, you name it!!! They do a Craft Medley each month featuring fun ideas and the scarves made it in the line up!!!!
Lots of ideas brewing just finding the time to get them done!!!

Happy Fall!!!!!!

Labor Day Weekend Dinner Party

2010-09-05T18:09:00.001-05:00

Saturday night was our Labor Day Dinner Party with Jim and Linda and Dan and Deb. We had a rather chilly evening so we had the appetizers out side and the other courses indoors, we ended up doing the fire pit and coats to top off the evening!!! I don't care for this so early, winter is already toooo long aound here, no sense in starting early!!!!

Well, we started off with poppers, smoked spicy shrimp and a caramelized onion tart I got from Bob. All were very, very good and went together nicely, we had a sangria drink made from a mix I got at Good Neighbor Festival. It's a dry mix of sugar, tea and lemon flavoring, think I can make my own, then you add water and Merlot wine and freeze, only goes to slushy, add orange juice, lemon and lime slices and pour over ice, very nice!!!!

The soup was a combo of smoked tomato and mint cucumber, tomato hot, cuke soup cold, garnished with mint and a Parmesan cheese crisps. It was a good combo and fun to try, the mild and cool cucumber tempered the stronger smoke flavor of the tomatoes. Wouldn't make it every week!!!!!!!!

The salad is super simple with marinated mozzarella balls, olives and artichoke hearts tossed with fresh tomatoes on a lettuce bed, no dressing required, use a bit of brine out of each jar and you have a wonderful, easy salad!!

Our main course was rib eyes, veggies stackers, garlic bread and a smoked bulb of garlic. The steaks were cooked on the wood fire and the stackers on the gas grill. all were very good.

I forgot to photo dessert, it was a peach custard galette with almonds and whipped cream. Very tasty!!!

Well, that was our big night, the pics of us are not that cute so I will leave them out!!!!

Now back to the rag stabbin biz, no rest for the wicked.

I have a fitting on Labor Day 10am, very fitting!!!!!