The Tenth Day of Christmas

I'm making this sign for my sewing room!

We all live with stress, good and bad. I don’t know about you, but at times I feel like stress is choking me to death! So before the New Year really gets underway, I’m looking for ways to handle the unproductive emotions before they carry me away! I need some stress busters – el pronto!

I went to Google (of course I did!) and did a search…

The first article I found was on MedicineNet. I’ve simplified their 8 points, yet I would encourage you to read the full article. It’s powerful and on-point! Emphasis added is my take!

1.      Practice letting go [this will be difficult!]

2.      Breathe slowly and deeply [great reminder!]

3.      Speak slowly [need to do this!]

4.      Take care of one nagging responsibility [get it done!]

5.      Get outdoors for a break [even if it’s cold!]

6.      Drink water and eat small nutritious snacks [remember the advice from a tree?]

7.      Check posture [do it right now!]

8.      Plan a reward for yourself at the end of the day, give yourself time to fully relax [read more for fun!]

The next site I went to is also spot-on! In the World of Psychology’s article, they shared 10 stress busters! I just captured their main points. I would encourage you to read why they addressed that particular issue! It truly makes sense!

Simplify ~ Prioritize ~ Use pencil, not pen ~ Give away your cape ~

~ Collaborate and cooperate ~ Laugh ~ Exercise ~ Stop juggling ~

~ Build boundaries ~ Think globally

Then I went to Pinterest, to find us some visuals for stress busters. I’m such a visual learner, I know they will help me, and hopefully you’ll find them easier as well!

This is what stress does to us…. pretty scary stuff…

These are the signs and symptoms of stress…

And, this is what we can do…

I hope I’ve encouraged you to spend 2017 practicing these stress busters with me! 

The Sixth Day of Christmas

Encourage

Another focus within Lanetta’s Creations is to encourage others. 

When reading through the different articles I’ve done over the years, the following aspects are basically the key elements I’ve tried to share:

Pass it on!

Teach someone to sew!

Learn a new technique!

Forget the seam ripper! Turn mistakes into new designs!

Do something creative everyday! 

Simply do! Forget perfecting!

Take a break!

And…

…through it all...
leaving a bit of me within each post.

The Fifth Day of Christmas

Inspire

Over the years, some have asked me, “Why do you write a blog?” That’s a very good question! Sometimes, I wonder the same thing! There are various reasons why, but primarily to leave something behind that I hope will inspire and encourage others to create – something, anything!

It warms my heart when I hear from someone about an article I may have written a few years back, something they had been searching for on how-to do, or if it will work for them as well. A simple comment from someone does make my day!

For some reason, right now, I cannot leave a reply/comment on blogspot – even my own! There’s a glitch somewhere that I hope to get resolved soon!

Creating things – whether it’s quilts, doll clothes, aprons, Action Quilts (aka Fidget Quilts), Prayer Flags, etc. – is such a huge part of my being, my soul. It’s a part of me because everything I do is prayerfully done. I so appreciate this gift I inherited from my mother, and learned from grandmothers, aunts, and others ~ every day. Simply, I want to share with others!

Through this blog, it is my hope and prayer to inspire others… but, how?

1.  Create a virtual environment that cultivates creativity
2.  Promote thinking outside of the box
3.  Facing challenges
4.  Share ideas and methods
5.  Nurture heroes!

Acts of Kindness – aka Happiness Heroes

When we “sew for the experience of it” (the 2016 theme set by organizers of National Sewing Month) we make something special, a unique one-of-a-kind creation. When sewing for others with a giving heart, it lifts our spirits!

What is your favorite thing to make for others?

Quilts?   Pillowcases?    Doll Clothes?    Bags?

I love the mission statement found on Mum in the Madhouse’s website:

·         Spread the word – encourage other people to join in and become happiness heroes

·         Have fun and enjoy making other people happy

·         To be kinder than you need to be

It’s her key phrase: Happiness Heroes that caught my attention!

Such a wonderful idea!

Although the article’s focus is on kids doing random acts of kindness, many of her suggestions apply to all ages!

Are you into free printables? Click here for their offer!

Will Never End!

National Sewing Month 2015 comes to an end today. Their focus this year ~ Sew for the Charity of it! ~ doesn’t end, sewing for charity will never end! We have too much to do for others!

Remember what I shared during the first week…

I am only one, but I am one.

I cannot do everything,

but I can do something.

And I will not let what I cannot do

interfere with what I can do.

Edward Everett Hale

It is my hope I’ve inspired and encouraged you to create something for a charity (or two or three)!

Until next time!

Thursday Thoughts

My goodness! This is the 300^th blog article I’ve written/posted since joining Blogspot in April of 2011! I spent a little over a year writing on my old ArtFire studio’s blog that I found and shared here, but I’m not counting them.

It’s been interesting reading through the old posts and seeing how my writing style has changed, all the different topics I’ve covered, the dreams I’ve had – some fulfilled, some still waiting, or have changed altogether.

During National Sewing Month is when I spend the most time planning, researching, and writing. Over the years, my focus has changed. I hope I continually change, grow, and learn more ~ furthering my love of sewing.

It is my hope ~ the intent of the articles as I write and share ~ that you will be inspired and encouraged to create.

Just One Block

UPDATE: Thank you all for participating in this endeavor! I'm in the process of assembling the fourth and final quilt top for this project!

I listed first the Quilts of Valor Foundation in my Community Service article back in September. Yesterday, while working on a scrappy quilt for the QOV National Service project, a light bulb went off...  actually several went off (with the help of a friend!). But, for now, I want to share, and ask of you… will you make just one block for a QOV?

Maybe you want to help, and say “Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and valor,” but don’t have the time to create and piece together an entire quilt. Maybe you can do just one block in a matter of minutes, then mail it to me!

There is an urgent call-out for more QOV since the Nightly News did a piece on this fabulous endeavor last Monday (10/21/2013).

I will collect the blocks, put them together, and get it quilted & finished according to their specifications. I will share pictures of the finished project with everyone!

What I need in just one block (based in part on their requirements):

š                  Use PRE WASHED high quality 100% cotton quilting weight fabric appropriate for an adult.

                              Do not use sheets (bedding), thin, stiff, metallic or scratchy fabric.

š    9.5” x 9.5” block – in any design you would like to create using RED WHITE AND BLUE colors!

  š  As customary in quilt making, a ¼” seam allowance is used.

Need ideas for a block? I did a google search and found quite a few “free quiltpatterns” !!!

Please consider helping me get another quilt together by making just one block!

Thanking you in advance! Send me an email when you need my address!

Scary Zippers

Putting zippers into bags has always been a scary thing for me to attempt… until a few weeks ago when I took my one and only sewing class! I’m grateful Michelle Dorsey of Sew Michelle shared her award winning tips and techniques. The class created her cute Kiss & Make Up Bag. I’m not scared of zippers any longer! Thank you, Michelle!

During the class, we got to use an embroidery machine to create the initial of our choosing! Thanks to Thomas Sewing Center in Mesquite, Texas! Oh, my. They have lovely machines of all types and beautiful quilt-quality fabrics. My sister works there and I’ve told her time and again, I couldn’t, and take home a pay check! Knowing me, I would spend it all before going home each day!

Okay… I got off of the subject for a minute there…

For quick reference and a reminder, because I’ll sleep several times before I have a chance to make another one, I found similar instructions on the internet. I also found other ways to insert zippers in projects! 

The Sewing Novice shows how to insert a recessed zipper:

Noodlehead shares the open wide zipper opening technique:

What about the internal zippers? Craft Passion shows us how: 

Working with Laminate and zippers, like lunch sacks? Check out the video from Better Homes & Garden with tips for sewing on laminate fabric and showing clear step-by-step construction instructions! Gotta love wonder tape! 

And So I Sew, also took a class down under and shares clever ideas for using color within the zippered pouch!

I went out into my mother’s garage and emptied her box of zippers (some metal, but mostly nylon). With her permission, they are going back to the studio with me – whenever I get to go home because now I don’t see them as scary zippers!

I hope this round up of zipper applications will help you, too!

Before it's too late

I’ve been pondering a couple of days now whether to write this post. While looking down my wall on Facebook this morning, I saw this picture. I’m taking it as a big YES. Hopefully, you’ll understand what I mean in a little bit.

During my last visit to Dallas, Momma, Bud, and I went to the cemetery and pleasantly discovered they had placed Daddy’s marker at his grave. The next day, she and I went out and bought the silk spring flowers, then placed them in his permanent vase. Needless to say, when we left the cemetery, we both were upset, missing him terribly. Understandable. It’s not even been two months.

On the way home, Momma cried her words, “I just wish I could call him, to hear his voice one more time.”

A couple of days later, my oldest niece called and spoke with Granny, then to me. In our conversation, Leasa asked me if we had any recording of Papo talking, something, anything to hear his voice one more time. We don’t.

Then on the Bones episode we watched last night, Booth videoed a “living” message to his daughter. Priceless.

Several years ago, for Christmas, I gave Momma & Daddy each a recorder. I asked, for my Christmas gift for the following year, to have a recording from them of different thoughts, favorite past times as a child, any experience they’d like to share. Sort of like the book “To Our Children's Children: Preserving Family Histories for Generations to Come" by Bob Greene – but have it recorded rather than in written format.

I never received the gift.

I encourage each one of you who have children/grandchildren, record your voice. It will be a priceless gift. Do it before it’s too late!

Tenth Day of Christmas

On the Tenth Day of Christmas, my true love gave to me Ten Lords-a-Leaping. This phrase certainly symbolizes the Ten Commandments. I found a very nice, informative article about the Ten Commandments while searching for a photo or graphic to share. I’m not sure of the proper photo credit, but it was with the article by Indy Bikehiker (John Franklin Hay).

A couple of weeks before Christmas, I looked and looked for a “bed cape” pattern that I liked well enough to sew up for my mother. I only found lovely crocheted or knitted ones, but I had about two yards of fleece I wanted to use. It was in my mind to make something such as a bed cape, but not really for bed. I wanted something she could throw around her shoulders to keep that nasty draft off the back of her neck or hitting her chest as she piddled around the house or relaxed in her recliner.

Without a specific pattern, I began to cut, try on, adjust and cut some more! I hope the following progress pictures will inspire you to simply go for it!

I folded the fabric & started cutting out the neckline, tried it on, then adjusted some more

I then measured/marked around from the neckline for the length, making it a tad longer in the back & cut

The marking isn't rocket science!

With the large scrap piece left over, I cut out a section to go as a lapel

I wanted "points" to be at the bottom front of the shoulder cape

I pinned the straight edge of the "lapel" to the front edges of the cape

I then cut one piece from the left over fabric about 9" x 60" and folded in half lengthwise
and stitched to the neck opening, leaving the ends of the tie "free"
To add a bit more of points, I trimmed the ends of the collar/necktie into points -
like one would do ribbon.
NOTE: The neckline seam is not layer trimmed, or did I stitch it down like "normal" - just left it be!
 

It was never my intention to put a "normal" hem on the cape, but I wanted something,
so I used a decorative stitching all around.

Momma likes it!
(I should have taken a picture when she had the ties tied! Oh well!)

And, it swoops down in the back just enough to make it "dainty" !!!

Try working with some fleece! It's nice to work with!

Third Day of Christmas

To symbolize the virtues of Faith, Hope, and Love, the writer of the Twelve Days of Christmas used Three French Hens. I went in search across the Internet for the perfect depiction of three French Hens to share. Not only did I find this amazing watercolor by Vernita Hoyt, but also discovered she too is a Native Texan! How sweet is this!

Source: Texas Sauce Art Life, a blog by Vernita Bridges Hoyt

I encourage everyone to make the time, browse through her work! I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!

Faith, Hope, Love – what wonderful qualities to strive for in every day living.

Sometimes it’s hard to have faith in things unseen, to keep hope alive, and to love with a whole heart. However, it’s doable! Take one breath at a time, one step in front of the other. Give someone a hug; allow someone to hug you. I’m sending you one now!

Second Day of Christmas

Not until this morning had I ever taken the time to look up Turtle Doves! I found this fabulous picture of two together! They are beautiful! After a brief read over, it doesn’t appear they are common in the United States, rather folks will readily see them in the UK and Europe.

Source: Arkive.org

I then tried to find out why the creators of the song 12 Days of Christmas selected Two Turtle Doves to represent the Old and New Testaments. I haven’t had any luck finding that bit of information. In fact, I haven’t found why they used any particular symbol! Maybe you know and will share!

Anyhoo…

My niece recently wrote the article “Open Me” for her blog. I highly recommend reading her account of an awesome random act of kindness.

I know other people have written or shared similar encouragements of doing 26 random acts of kindnesses in honor of the victims at Sandy Hook Elementary. I’ve started mine, in the name of each victim.

(Source: Huffington Post)

- Charlotte Bacon, 2/22/06, female
- Daniel Barden, 9/25/05, male
- Rachel Davino, 7/17/83, female.
- Olivia Engel, 7/18/06, female
- Josephine Gay, 12/11/05, female
- Ana M. Marquez-Greene, 04/04/06, female
- Dylan Hockley, 3/8/06, male
- Dawn Hochsprung, 06/28/65, female
- Madeleine F. Hsu, 7/10/06, female
- Catherine V. Hubbard, 6/08/06, female
- Chase Kowalski, 10/31/05, male
- Jesse Lewis, 6/30/06, male
- James Mattioli , 3/22/06, male
- Grace McDonnell, 12/04/05, female
- Anne Marie Murphy, 07/25/60, female
- Emilie Parker, 5/12/06, female
- Jack Pinto, 5/06/06, male
- Noah Pozner, 11/20/06, male
- Caroline Previdi, 9/07/06, female
- Jessica Rekos, 5/10/06, female
- Avielle Richman, 10/17/06, female
- Lauren Rousseau, 6/1982, female
- Mary Sherlach, 2/11/56, female
- Victoria Soto, 11/04/85, female
- Benjamin Wheeler, 9/12/06, male
- Allison N. Wyatt, 7/03/06, female

Did you know there is a Random Acts of Kindness organization? They have 273 kindness ideas! They also have wonderful quotes to inspire kindness. This is one in particular caught my eye:

Carry out a random act of kindness,

with no expectation of reward,

safe in the knowledge that

one day someone might do the same for you.

Diana Spencer (1961-1997)
Princess Of Wales

Make a Pillowcase

I’m not re-inventing the wheel, simply sharing how I make a pillowcase. An abundance of tutorials already span across the Internet, I’m just adding my two cents. As I made a couple yesterday (one for a girl, the other for a boy), I took pictures here and there to help with the instructions that we used during this past summer’s Sewing Camp 101.

So Sew Etc

Sewing Camp 101

June 18, 2012 – June 22, 2012

Pillowcase Instructions

Roll Up Method

For a standard size:

7/8 yard large section (cut 27” x width of fabric)

1/3 yard wide band/border (cut 9” x width of fabric)

1/4 yard accent (optional) (cut 4” x width of fabric)

(for a larger pillow, measure the length of the actual pillow and add 2” to the measurement – the band & accent will remain the same)

How to create the pillowcase:

1. Fold band (wrong sides together) in half (long way) and press (Make sure both edges are placed evenly together)
2. Fold accent strips (wrong sides together) in half (long way) and press (Make sure both edges placed are evenly together)

3. Keep accent folded, pin to right side of large section across top. (Make sure all edges are placed evenly together) (Is the brown strip on the boy's pillowcase as I used lace on the girl's)
4. Move step #3 out of the way for a minute. Unfold band and place single thickness with right side up on top of table surface. Place step #3 on top of accent/large section (it doesn’t matter which is “up” wrong or right side). Work from left to right (make sure left side edges are all together) and remove the original pins one by one and re-pin everything together. (Make sure all edges are placed evenly together)

(Don't worry right now about how the pieces line up on the right end:)

______________________________________________________________________

Fold/roll large section up and up and up, then pull the free side of band up and over the roll.

Be careful not to catch the "large" piece in pinning or sewing!

5. Now you’ll have the right sides together of the band, with everything else rolled up inside! Starting at the left side, pin through all thicknesses. (Make sure all edges are placed evenly together)
6. Sew across using a 1/4” seam allowance (back-tack at start only). Remember: pull out pins before sewing over them!
7. Press seam to meld stitches.
8. This is the fun part! Pull out the fabric from inside the “tube”!

It's coming! 

Fold bottom up to the top edge and trim off, making all layers even

 

9. If you want to sew decorative stitches across the band, now is the time! It's much easier now when flat, before you go on to step #10. I realized this in the nick of time!
10. With wrong sides together, match up the band, accent edge, and pin along the side and bottom. (Make sure all edges are placed evenly together)

First step in creating a "French Seam"

11. Starting at top of band, sew 1/4” seam allowance, stitch down side, pivot, sew across bottom. Remember: pull out pins before sewing over them!
12. Carefully trim corner.
13. Press seam to meld stitches

"French Seam"

14. Turn outside in and now right sides are together. Press out the folds made from stitching. Pin occasionally the same places as before, and stitch but now use a 1/2” seam allowance down side and across bottom. DO NOT TRIM THE CORNERS!!!
15. Press seam to meld stitches.
16. Turn right side out, use knitting needle to gently push out corners. You now have a lovely totally finished pillowcase (without any raw edges showing inside)!

I based these instructions on this video:

Hope you create a pillowcase!

Sisters of the World

It’s been a while since I’ve shared an amazing website or blog discovered or, in this case, a Facebook page. I’ll try to do better once January arrives!

The universe is amazing when you trust her to bring for you what you need most at the time and allow her to take away what no longer serves you, then you are in the perfect place in the perfect time. Melanie Wadham

If you’re on Facebook, I highly recommend following Melanie’s page: Woman2Woman. Within her “about” section, she quotes Pam Brown:

No woman is without sisters, however desperate, however lacking in kin. For all the women of the world are bound together as a family, by common experience and concern.

You will find uplifting quotes sprinkled all over her page. A recent one she shared resonates with me: “Some changes look negative on the surface but you will soon realize that space is being created in your life for something new to emerge.” ~ Eckhart Tolle

And, she posted this from Lewis Carroll:

“There is no use trying,” said Alice; “one can’t believe impossible things.”

“I dare say you haven’t had much practice,” said the Queen. “When I was your age, I always did it for half an hour a day. Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.”

I discovered this video when reading through her page:

For a variety of reasons, getting through December is hard on some of us. It’s this time we need to fall back on our sisters. So, sisters of the world, let us join hands and give a little love…

When things go wrong

Yesterday - within the Facebook’s Sewist Group - we had a discussion about when everything seems to go wrong while sewing. 

Sometimes, enough is enough ripping out stitches!

Sometimes it’s better to just walk away for a while, and then come back to the project.

Many times, I/we keep on and on until total frustration sets in and our mood sours beyond repair for the remaining day/evening!

What can we do during this time when we’re working on a deadline, and can’t afford the time away from the project?

What can we do to change the mindset? Find the happy sewing place again?

What will lift our inner altitude and get things back on track?

Here are several suggestions the group came up with, plus some of my own:

• Wash face and put on makeup, including lipstick!
• Spritz on a favorite perfume
• Spray air freshener around the sewing area
• Light a candle
• Go for a brisk walk – get fresh air & the blood pumping through the brain (and fingertips) again
• Change up background noise … television/radio/silence
• Pray continuously

What would you add to the list for others to try when they’re having a bad day/go of sewing?

It's a Wrap!

If you’ve been here from the start you know, during National Sewing Month my writing focus has been totally on sewing. Throughout September, it was my hope to

inspire and encourage,

and

create an atmosphere

benefiting those who stopped by. I also hope along the road a new technique or tip or share helped in some small way.

This month, I also wanted to give others a platform to share insights into their world of sewing. I hope everyone enjoyed getting to know some of my family and friends.

Again, my humble thanks go to:

(in order of appearance)

Linda (my sister)

Jackie (BFF for over 45 years)

SueEllen (friend met through my sister)

Gail (neighbor/friend)

Arleen (met through the FB Sewist Group and now Facebook friends)

Leola (High School teacher and long time friend)

Joyce (met at the Burnet, Texas Arts/Craft Shows & we’re now Facebook friends)

Oleta (my mother)

 Another year, another National Sewing Month is over.

It’s a wrap!