Creations by Michie Sailor Dress

Shortly before my most recent eye surgery, I shared here

that I was working on a little dress.  I ran out of time, and still lacked buttonholes, buttons, hem and a few other handsewing details.

I am happy to say it is now finished!

I began this project to prove to myself that I could still do what I love.  That would be to stitch, even if it meant sewing with limited vision.  The project also had to incorporate some of the things that always make my heart go pitter-patter:  tucks or pleats, little puffed sleeves, pretty Mother of Pearl buttons, dainty bias bindings, and fine cotton fabrics.  I selected Sailor Dress 106, a Creations by Michie pattern.

I opted for View D.  While I adore the other versions with their sweet collars, I thought the simplicity of bias bindings might be a better fit with my limited vision and time.  I can't wait to make this pattern again, using one of those adorable collars!

The dress fabric is a lovely floral lawn , by Fabric Finders, Inc. 

The sleeve and neck bindings are 

Pink English Import Gingham by Spechler-Vogel. 

As I was constructing, I decided the front placket needed something special!  My first thought was to incorporate more of the pink gingham.  However, most of my ideas would have required some slight changes to the front pattern piece prior to cutting out.  We were well past that point!

Instead, I hand whipped  one of my favorite narrow Swiss Edgings by Capitol Imports down the edge of the front placket.  So sweet!

While very simple, I love this little easy, breezy dress!

Mostly, I was happy to know that I could still stitch, even with less than perfect eyes!

My left eye is not clearing as quickly as my right eye did.  There is still a dark blob of unknown origin, as well as continued double vision.  So, I just close that eye sometimes, and keep on stitching!

Now, what to stitch next?

I love daygowns!  It was sweet daygowns, received as gifts for our baby son 25 years ago, that first led me down the path of discovering heirloom sewing.

I am joining Jeannie Baumeister on her blog for a Daygown Sew Along!

Click here to join Jeannie and the rest of us for some stitching fun!

I am also linking this post to Sew & Tell Friday!

Click on the button below to view even more fun sewing projects completed this week!

Project Runway, Season 8!

It's time once again to join Tim, Heidi and the newest group of Project Runway designers!

I have previously disclosed my lack of enthusiasm to sew for myself, focusing mostly on sewing for children.

That in no way diminishes my fascination with those who can whip fabric into a wearable piece of clothing that is walking down the runway, in what seems like a very short period of time!

                                                                      Originally posted at Gertie's New Blog for Better Sewing

While watching Project Runway for several seasons, I became intrigued with the process of draping.

Visit Gertie's wonderful blog for a step-by-step description of her recent draping adventures.  I certainly learned a lot, and am sure you will, too!

Don't forget to tune in tomorrow evening, July 29, for the premiere of another fascinating season of Project Runway on Lifetime!

Blessings

Do all the good you can,

By all the means you can,

In all the ways you can,

To all the people you can,

As long as ever you can.

                                                  ~John Wesley~

Farewell to Peas!

Since my first surgery on June 30, frozen peas have been an almost constant companion.  They have been plastered to one or both eyes throughout the days and nights to help decrease swelling and increase healing.

I now bid them adieu, and move on to warm compresses on both eyes!

My surgeon continues to be mostly pleased with the outcome of both surgeries.

I am currently seeing a dark blob in my left eye.  Fingers crossed that it is simply caused by swelling, and will disappear as that eye continues to heal.

As a precaution, restrictions on activities have been extended for a little longer.

Double vision is still present, and most likely will continue for anywhere from three to six weeks.  At that time, we will determine whether additional treatment or surgery is necessary.

Mostly, I am so very thankful to have the surgeries behind me and so very hopeful for a full recovery within the coming weeks.

No doubt, many of your prayers and well wishes have brought me safely to this point.

I am forever grateful.

It is my joy in life to find

At every turning of the road

The strong arm of a comrade kind

To help me onward with my load.

And since I have no gold to give,

And love alone must make amends,

My only prayer is, while I live,

God make me worthy of my friends.

                                                        ~Frank Dempster Sherman~

A Favorite Foot

I love my 1/4" foot!

I especially love that the single needle hole provides more stability when stitching with our fine heirloom fabrics.

So many our favorite heirloom patterns use 1/4" seam allowances.  It is a cinch with this foot to accurately stitch each and every seam! 

It is also easy peasy to make those teeny tiny 1/8" French seams, by guiding the seam along the inner side of the foot.

The marked guidelines on the toe of the foot make judging pivot points a breeze, as well!

My foot is made by Husqvarna Viking, and fits my Designer 1.

My second favorite foot is probably the Edge Joining Foot.

Do you have a favorite sewing foot?

Smell the Roses, Not the Smoke!

When visiting my dear mother-in-law, I would often admire the charming little sterling silver vessels that she filled with miniature roses.

They were sometimes grouped in mass on the dining room table, as a type of centerpiece.

Or, they might be spaced throughout her lovely home on top of coffee tables, side tables and other surfaces.

Little did I realize their original purpose!

Evidently, in a different society from ours today, a gracious hostess would fill these little vessels with cigarettes for the ease and comfort of her guests!

Cigarette urns or cups were likely to be found on the dining room table, as well as the living room coffee table.

My mother-in-law was a very gracious hostess.  I inherited at least a dozen or so cute little urns!

I believe my mother-in-law's repurposing efforts are a much better idea!

I also discovered they are perfect holders for the many cotton swabs I currently need on a daily basis to clean and medicate my eyes.

A favorite thing that brings memories of a special lady, and adds a little smile and style to my recovery!

Project Storage

How do you store your projects?

I must admit that many of mine are in resealable plastic bags!

However, I much prefer this method.

I especially love using these for my needlepoint!

Most of my needlepoint projects are of the small variety.  Otherwise, they would never be completed in my lifetime!  I like that the canvas remains relatively flat when stored in these cases, as opposed to rolled up in a plastic bag.

Needles, scissors and other sharp pointy objects remain safely inside, not poking holes or jabbing fingers and other body parts when it is least expected!

Just for grins, isn't he cute?

I adore nutcrackers for the holidays!

I discovered that I could "feel" the canvas and wool much more easily than other types of sewing and embroidery, while my eyes recover and heal from surgery.

Give me a needle, and  I am a happy camper!

This size case, is also the perfect size for many of our favorite sewing and smocking magazines and class handouts.

I find that holding the case in my lap provides a comfortable work surface while reclining on the sofa, sitting in doctor offices, or traveling in the car.

Speaking of traveling .  . .

The case slides easily into most of my tote bags.

I also fill it with my scissors, embroidery hoops, and other sewing notions when flying to and from classes and schools.  If I place it right on top, inside my checked luggage, the majority of my other clothing and belongings are less likely to be rumpled, should the bag need to be opened for inspection.

Upon arrival at my destination, it is ready to be slipped into my tote bag to hurry off to class, or holds all my sewing utensils safely for any hotel room stitching.

The cases will also stack nicely for storage!

If they stack this well on my tufted ottoman, just think what they would do on a closet shelf!

I purchased my cases at the local Staples.  They are made by Iris.