My Grandma Hixson was a driving force behind my early sewing. She attempted to teach me to use the sewing machine but a debilitating stroke made that very difficult. Grandma was very determined, though, and she made a few things with one good hand to get the work done. This is a photo of Grandma, my mother, myself and older… Read more »
There were so many great things about the years I spent working for Chocolate Soup as an Accessory Buyer. One of those things was a little lesson I had from our longtime warehouse manager, Loretta. She showed me how to tie a pretty sash bow. Easily. Every time. or this one… It’s not difficult. You need a method to follow…. Read more »
It’s a happy morning when you open up Facebook and are immediately greeted by a photo as adorable as this one! Such excellent photography combined with quality workmanship. On top of all of this? It’s an Ezy T! I had to share this one with all of you! I sent a message off to my dear friend, Julie Helmer who… Read more »
I’ve had my head down since before Thanksgiving, focused on sewing projects. Things like this… and this… and a few like this… I am finally surfacing – and just in time for Dance season to begin! One of my more popular posts from the past is a tutorial I did on making doll tights from adult sized socks. Did you… Read more »
I hope you have all been following along with the blog tour for Erin Hentzel’s book ‘Doll Dress Boutique’. As promised, I’ve selected a random winner to receive a free e-copy of the book. Congratulations to Marge R. Just as soon as I figure out how to get it to you we’ll be sending your e-book copy of the book!… Read more »
How about a book review and a blog tour post? My online sewing friend Erin Hentzel has just released her third book of patterns for 18″ dolls, Doll Dress Boutique (can’t wait to get it? here’s a link to the book on Amazon) Doll Dress Boutique on Amazon Erin is the owner, designer, blogger and sewist at Avery Lane Designs. She… Read more »
One of the things I love best is the feeling that I am helping others to learn and enjoy sewing. I try to encourage anyone I can to this end. My patterns have been streamlined and filled with helpful tips for this purpose, as well. Recently a dear online sewing friend had a precious young niece visiting her. They… Read more »
I’m getting feedback that buyers are loving the new Starlet Mermaid pattern. Ready to add something fun? Here is my promised mini-tutorial on adding a standing lace collar ruffle to the neckline edge. Doesn’t our updated Snow White gown look wonderful? Adding this lace ruffle is really quite easy to do. Describing it takes longer than actually accomplishing it! This tutorial… Read more »
Wow, it’s been a while! I feel like I might need to introduce myself all over again. Life happens and mine got a little crazy for a while. Settling an estate was followed by an engagement announcement for my daughter. Chase & Sharon, with Frances This brought a whirlwind of wedding planning which we’re still deeply involved in. Right now,… Read more »
I’ve said it before but it bears repeating – Custom Orders help us learn new things! It’s so easy to settle into a comfortable little rut. Stitching the same, favorite patterns over and over again. There’s nothing really wrong with that, at least occasionally. If, however, you’d like to be learning something new? It’s important to break away from that… Read more »