Sarah's Costume

Sarah was invited to a costume party last weekend, so with an old sheet and a belt from our thrift store, we threw this together -- Princess Leia. I think it turned out pretty good for not having a pattern to work with. Did I not mention that Star Wars is Sarah's favorite movie?

Custom Dress Form

When I was in college several years ago, I took a course in making my very own dress form. The instructor, LaVina Scott, developed this particular method and wrote the book on it--SEW CLOTHES TO YOU, How to make a Custom Dress Form.

Of couse after 3 babies and lack of the active life of my youth this is no longer my body size. But it is close to my 18 year old daughter's size. I used it to do some minor adjustments on her prom dress recently.

Making "Bubbies" (Rice Rolls)

During the cold winter months we use rice rolls heated up in the microwave for a little extra warmth. We put them on our laps when at the computer or watching tv on the couch and especially at bedtime. We each take one to bed to warm up our chilly beds before we jump in and put them down at our feet for toasty comfort.

Also during the hot season you can pop them in the freezer for a cool refreshing compress.

Our youngest daughter gave the rice rolls the name "Bubbie Bubbie" so for short we call them Bubbies.

Below are how I make them:

1. Pick out some cute flannel prints. Here are 1/2 yard pieces.

2. Fold each into thirds as shown, with the fold on one end, the selvage on the other.

3. Cut down the lengths. Now you have 3 separate pieces.

4. Sew up the edges and fill about 2/3 full of uncooked rice. Sew up end. And there you have your Bubbie!

They're a big hit at our shop. They also make a great hot or cold compress for ailments.

Christmas Dress

This year I made Sarah's dress for her school's Christmas concert. She's right in between the girl and teen sizes, so we decided it would be better to make a dress to fit her. She picked a Butterick pattern #4385 and red taffeta fabric with black flocked flowers. Also a shear black fabric for the jacket. Luckily most of the fabric was at 40% off and the pattern was only $1. Turns out I bought way too much fabric so I have enough left over for some other future project. Anyway, everything turn out nicely. She got lots of compliments on her outfit.

Handcrafted Yo-yo Christmas Ornaments

I usually try to make Christmas ornaments each year. I made yo-yo ornaments this year. Here's a few samples.

I enjoy sewing by hand. Unlike sewing with my machine, I can snuggle up in a comfortable chair or the sofa and watch tv while I'm making them. It's relaxing and theraputic. Same goes for crocheting.

My first posting!

I've decided to start my own blog. Hmm, let see... What do I want to share? I know, here are two examples of my little chibi dolls that I've designed and made. I use my husband's old blue jeans for the body, felt for the face and hands and I embroider with silk ribbon on their tummies.