Bring it on!

The Pincushion Evolution

I have several pincushions, but they are boring. I keep an assortment of sewing needles stuck in the vintage tomato shape pincushion. At least it’s pink, rather than the traditional red. Someone once gave me a tiny pincushion created using a bottle cap, and something else, not sure. One wears it on a finger. I never could get used to it. Because I rarely throw anything away (especially if someone handmade it for me), I’m sure it’s in a tin somewhere.

For the main stay while sewing, I use a simple rectangle shaped pincushion an aunt made me about twenty plus years ago. I’m tired of it. I am ready for a new one (or two or three)!

I’m thinking pincushions for this year’s Christmas gifts! I would think everyone, not just sewists, could use a pincushion! Safety pins, anyone?

I started working on a couple before Momma fell and broke her leg the first part of July. I left them at my studio when I came to Dallas to help her mend and get back to independent living. I will finish when I return home because one is a “pass it on” gift I really need to finish and get in the mail!

The evolution of the pincushion is certainly not boring any longer! They’ve come a long way, baby!

So many…

I love this idea found on Martha Stewart’s site: Wrap around the arm of a sewing machine pincushion! For those few pins here and there, I would think this is easy to sew up and put to work quickly! Oops, I just glanced over and noticed my Pfaff. It won’t work on my machine, but maybe it will on yours!

A perfect use for scraps! Woven pincushion!

This one is a cutie: Owl pincushion. This is on the top of my list!

My favorite of all time quilt design ~ the Log cabin ~ made into a pincushion!

Okay, I like this one, too! The Bird Pincushion may be just number two on my to-do list! Their video interview with Joel shows us how!

Of course, I looked at Pinterest!

QuiltmakerMagazine has a nice collection on their Pinterest board. Then I simply searched Pinterest for Pincushions and came up with a bunch more! Check them out for great inspiration!

Do you have a favorite pincushion? 

PS! Just found Pink Polka Dot Creations, that suggests stuffing the pincushion with steel wool! Sharpen pins/needles at the same time as storing! Clever!

Mesolthelioma Awareness

Yesterday I received an email from someone I don’t know personally. She reached out to me and asked if I would consider sharing her story – to help others. Because this is a powerful story of inspiration and hope, I’m certain she’s contacted others and asked them to share as well.

In part, she wrote:

The reason I have reached out to you is because of your blog! I am 44 and a mother to a quirky little 7 year old, Lily. She is my only child, and my whole world. When Lily was just 3 1/2 months old, I was diagnosed with mesothelioma; a type of cancer that kills most people within 2 years. As I’m sure you can imagine, the first thing that came to mind when I was diagnosed was my baby girl and how I wasn’t going to be able to watch her grow up.

After intense treatment and recovery, I’m still here 7 years later and cancer free! My journey with cancer was a terrifying one and I'd like to turn my pain into purpose and become someone that other people can look to for guidance, inspiration, and hope in situations like my own. My husband and I recently participated in a short video about my experience with cancer and I contacted you because I feel that your blog would be an excellent place to share. I’m hoping to use this video as a tool to raise awareness of this horrible little known cancer that is such a deadly killer (and sadly, 100% preventable).

I hope you take a few minutes to watch her message, see her lovely daughter, and hear from her husband.

Oleta's Insights

And, last but not least, our guest post today is from the person where I get my inspiration. She is my teacher, my mentor, my mother, Oleta.

Who taught you to sew? 

Being the youngest child of six girls and one boy, we all sewed. Our mother helped us and we learned from each other. When I was five and my sister next to me was seven, we would take turns paddling the treadle sewing machine for the other to sew. I remember clearly, we made doll clothes. 

Why did you start sewing? 

Never really wondered why I started sewing. It was just something we did. Everybody sewed either by hand or machine, even our neighbors came over and sewed with us. 

What inspires you? 

I get inspired with the designing aspect, especially making formals and wedding dresses. I love listening to another’s description of how they want their special dress to look. I then sketch it out until it meets their vision, and then make it happen! 

I’ve made special dresses for both my girls and both granddaughters, and a niece, and my girls’s high school teacher who did not have a mother to do it for her. In fact, for Leola, I designed the whole wedding, picked out the material, beading, lace, and even designed and made the hats worn by the bride and bridesmaids.

Leslie & Leasa getting ready for prom night

Leslie's dress

Leslie's petal sleeves

Working on Leasa's dress

Leasa's finished dress

Leasa

Leasa

Leola and Oleta

Leola's soft train

The Ladies

Close up of Bridesmaid dress

What do you love most about sewing? 

Making it right the first time without having to rip out the seam and start over. 

What are your favorite things to make? 

Things that a family member would like to have. 

What is your favorite sewing tip or trick? 

After testing first on a scrap, always press anything that has a nap to it by first laying out a terry hand towel then place the garment face down on the towel. Lightly put the iron on the wrong side. 

What is your favorite project you have created? 

One day I brought in a large brown paper sack filled with pieces of white, shaded with blue, fur skins and the tape I’d gotten at a furrier. From the pieces, I made a fingertip length coat. I only had it a year, before someone took it during a home burglary. 

Another favorite project was the designing and making of my high school Senior Day outfit. It was a red linen two piece dress with a bright print sash, a white hat with a band of sash material, and white shoes with a band of the sash material. I received the opportunity to model it and present my fashion drawings to the Dallas Sportswear Meeting of Representatives. This effort resulted in winning the Neiman Marcus Design Scholarship to Southern Methodist University in Dallas. 

What are you currently working on? 

Well, I was going to make a print skirt for a yellow jacket I have to wear to a last club meeting before Fall arrived. But, that was before I stepped on a needle and had to have eleven stitches in my right foot! Maybe I can get it done before next spring!

Thank you, Oleta, my sweet momma, for sharing insights into your world of sewing! I hope everyone stopping by leaves her a comment!

Pinterest for Sewing

This morning I wanted to simply share a thought provoking quote about sewing. I went on a search for the perfect one. Then I got distracted! Not surprising, I get distracted quite easily! However, during the distraction phases I usually stumble across amazing information I wouldn’t have found otherwise. This is a good thing. But, I can get seriously behind doing the things I really want to be doing! 

I’ve heard Pinterest has opened up to the masses. Originally, you had to have a way in from a friend’s invite, or get on their long waiting list. That must have been during their beta time. Anyway, if you’re not yet on Pinterest, I highly recommend the amazing resource! WARNING: Very addictive!

If you’re not on Pinterest, the following won’t make a bit of sense… sorry!

If you are, I have a few boards! 

Remember, I was searching for sewing quotes...

The first listing on Google happened to be a Pinterest link from Hayes Sewing. I immediately clicked “Follow All” as their 18 packed-full boards with amazingly beautiful inspiration and will be a place I will return, and return! This is a perfect example of the huge benefits of Pinterest!

Then I searched within Pinterest for “sewing” – forget today’s perfect quote – pictures say a 1000 words.

Okay. Now I really need to get off of Pinterest and get busy sewing!

Hope you have a perfect Sunday!

Wordless Wednesday

Photo by Lanetta's Creations