Flock of Ugly Ducklings...

Funny, over at Simple Simon & Co. they are having a 'Can't judge an Ugly Vintage Pattern by it's Cover' Party.  I am still chuckling first because she had to clarify 'Vintage' for the parameters of the party, and set the 1990's as a freshness cutoff.  Personally the 60's and 70' are my vintage maybe even a few 80's.
    It spurred me to run up to my stash of newly acquired patterns that I shipped home this Summer from my (maternal) aunts' houses, during my vacation.  Some (most) of these music patterns were my Nani's.



While I was digging through their sewing items (rooms) and told them I wanted all their old patterns they were like.....,"What are you going to do with those, they are so old!?"

 My answer was almost exactly word for word the Elizabeths' title of her party.  

 Somewhere stashed in my house I have patterns from the 1950's to the present.

 I could only find a fraction of my patterns but even then I could not decide on the ugliest so I snapped some photos of the best contenders, and I kept in mind what I really would use by updating.

 I hate using patterns because of the tissue paper they print on, the older tissue does not tear and shred as easily, some of my GM's patterns have been transferred to interfacing.  I do not think that I have bought a NEW pattern in the last 10 years because of the tissue and no need.

So, which will be your pick for "Ugly Duckling"?  I think I will have to choose one for myself and make me a new 'do then post, just to prove you cannot always judge a pattern by it's cover.

Silent Auction

It is carnival time again at my children's elementary school.  It is a big deal, the most important fundraiser for the PTA of the year.  This year I am in charge of organizing the 2nd grade's 'Lego' basket for the Silent Auction which inspired me to add my own contribution.   As the Carnival sneaks up on me, the music, I took the day to make a crib quilt.

I had no plan other than use what I had on hand and it came together quite easily.  I decided to donate as a little girl's blanket set.

The receiving blanket and spit cloth I had already finished some time ago but I was driven to do this quilt.  It was like it was telling me it needed to be made.



The topper is made from flannel that I had left over from blankets and I backed it in a white on white cotton print.  It is just so soft you just want to wrap it around you.

Gardening

I finally got back to the sewing room today after weeks and weeks of being absent.

My focus lately has been on our garden the kids and I have planted.  If you want to see pop over to  for my post and thoughts.

I diligently worked on a quilt top that I am planning as I sew.  It is a scrap chomper, and though it is taking a serious bite out of my scraps, I still have mounds left over.

This quilt started out as a herringbone pattern similar to  http://www.bijoulovelydesigns.com/   designed.  Now, it is telling me to veer off and make it my own.  We shall see how it develops but as I am sewing by the seat of my pants.

 I hope to have photos of it soon.  The only way I can describe it is that it is truly scrappy in the pure sense of the word.

No planning in how they are placed, I just tried to keep the lights and darks mixed evenly.  The fabrics range from mainly cotton, poly blends and even a few that are unidentifiable.

I have fabrics from my purchases, my mothers, friends, my grandmother and my aunts, some are very old and some are new.  So fun watching a new quilt top take shape, I cannot wait to see what it turns out to look like.

Scrappy Time

House work?  What house work? 

 I avoided all house work today by being productive in my sewing room.  I had intended to just go straiten a few things, ha! I should have known better.  I am nearly finished with a scrappy quilt top.  I had started it a month (or a few ago) on a Herringbone Quilt using this tutorial by escribircanciones.com.ar.  My quilt has taken on a life of it's own.  Here are a few sneak peeks.

Here is my little helper!  Gathering up my strips as they come out of the machine.  He only yanked my stitches once, not too much of an issue.

My 4 y/o son's helping hands.

It really warmed my heart when I (let go a little) and pulled my 4 y/o son up on my lap.  He wanted to help me sew.  I slowly stitched as he guided the fabric through.
Brought back memories of my childhood, sitting either on my mom's or Nani's lap as they sewed.  I do not remember learning to sew, I learned on their knees.  I cannot tell you how overjoyed I am that all three of my children LOVE to craft and sew.  Each has their own approach but it is a beautiful thing to see.