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!

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.

Pet Screen

Have you ever heard of such a thing, using Pet Screen to make bags and other projects? Maybe I should get out more!

I hadn’t heard of pet screen bags until I saw some lovely ones that Michelle Dorsey of Sew Michelle creates! She has developed a line of patterns using traditional pet screen. Some quilt shops, like Thomas Sewing Center in Mesquite, Texas, sells smaller amounts than what you have to get at the major home improvement stores.

Momma and I went to a “show and tell” – the first Saturday of every month – at Thomas’s. It was then and there I saw Michelle demonstrate her purse pattern she’s created using the pet screen. She gave all in attendance a print out instruction chart and the pieces & parts to make one. This is next on my to-do list!

Using “pet screen” is timely. I noticed on the news recently that some football stadiums are now requiring see-through bags, along with some airports, and many retail stores for their employees.

So versatile!!!

At the Embroidery Library, they have a nice article about embroidering on pet screen!

I just found an amazing resource for pet screen by the yard in fun colors! Wonder what color I’ll start off with? Maybe the Christmas red! But, I love the “garden green”!

Which color at the Fabric Depot do you like?

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!

Dreams to Reality

I know I’ve discussed the concept of “organizing” several times over the years. Really, bottom line, organizing is a quality that alludes me. I’ve tried and tried. And, sometimes, in some places ~ or areas of my life ~ I am rather organized. However, the crafty sewist organizational part of Martha Stewart, I am not, but I want to be…

I make my to-do lists and check things off. I have grand dreams of this or that and sometimes will actually pull it off and it is then dreams become reality. Like the Spring Ho Grand Parade – I wanted desperately to spread the word about National Doll Day (the 1st Sunday in August) – and all that that entailed getting it together to make a big splash. Making the dolls new outfits, decorating their wagon, then making myself a new blouse (I haven’t made myself anything in YEARS) almost didn’t happen at the last minute due to a family emergency, but all worked out! And, I’m so glad it did! I had such a grand time!

It’s rare and far between, that is, the occasion I can get organized. Then it’s the constant struggle to keep things in their proper place when I’m finished with the project(s). What is it about not wanting to let go, to put the left over fabric back in the color coordinated tub, to wait for the next (albeit smaller) project? I need to stop stacking the pieces on the corner of my sewing table!

 

So nice & neat ... wish it stayed this way!

Am I the only one with this challenge?

I've done my thread... 

Better than one large box holding all the different colors!

but it's not very pretty!

While away from my studio, my mind wanders how best I can set up a sewing & craft space within the area I have to work with, and keep it that way no matter if company comes or not. I must have a space. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!

I’ve heard and read about various “sewing spaces” others have … from itty bitty space, to a huge area, large enough to move around in, yet have everything within arms reach. I know – when I return to Lanetta’s Creations, and get busy again – I can, and will, get better organized. Yes!

In the meantime, I’m searching for ideas …

I love the array of suggestions to organize sewing supplies that All People Quilt collected!

OH my Goodness! Sharon has collected over 400 different organizing ideas on her Pinterest board! You go, girl!

 

Although I don’t have a picture of my sister’s sewing studio, she uses mostly vintage suitcases to store her fabric. I saw this picture and it reminded me of her set up.

I did a Google image search “sewingroom storage solutions” and came up with oodles and oodles of pictures! Another great source chalked full of ideas!

I could go on and on posting links, but I think you get the idea!

How do you keep your sewing things organized?

Time and Order

Near the end of May, I began posting quotes on my Facebook wall, and on Lanetta’s Creations page, from a couple of books I’ve had for years. It’s been a long time since I’ve read either of them. I need a refresher.

One of the quotes I shared yesterday meant the world to me, more so than the others so far–

Time is the greatest gift of all. –Anonymous

How true is this!?!

“The Gift of Time” article, written by Delores Elaine Bius, found within God’s Abundance – 365 Days to a Simpler Life, edited by Kathy Collard Miller, hit home to my heart. She wrote about the “privilege” she experienced being with and taking care of her mother the last three months of her mother’s life.

Then today’s quote:

Order is the shape upon which beauty depends. –Pearl Buck

In the other book, Simple Abundance, A Daybook of Comfort and Joy, Sarah Ban Breathnach writes:

There is an immediate emotional and psychological payoff to getting our houses in order. We might not be able to control what’s happening externally in our lives but we can learn to look to our own inner resources for a sense of comfort that nurtures and sustains. I have even noticed that there is a direct correlation between the days when I’m feeling depressed and the days when the house is in disarray.

I ask, what happens when you physically are unable to get things in order?

It was my “privilege” to have given Momma the gift of time last week. Her garage has been in such disarray for years. She’s yearned for help, for organization since she cannot do it herself. She’s wanted it in order, especially her supplies so she could return to doing a bit of artwork.

My sister & I had planned for several years to get out there and get it done, together. Time schedules and travel (I live 3 hours away), however, has never coordinated for us. During my last visit – while my sister was out of town visiting her daughters and grandsons, I made the time.

Momma came first – before running the roads, visiting friends, cleaning my own house! I’d put her off too long. There is still quite a bit to do, but at least now there is room to do it! At least now, she can get to her art supplies!

Will you give the gift of time to someone you love?

New Discoveries

It’s been a while since I’ve shared any discoveries I’ve stumbled upon while searching the Internet! Honestly, it’s been a while since I’ve done any exploring. With the high winds blowing crazy outside this morning, it’s a good time to see what’s new (at least to me, and maybe you)!

How cute is this!?! At Make It & Love It, she shows how to create your own Fabric Shoelaces!

I love this idea Farah shares: Make your own customized colour paper! Take that plain dull white paper and turn it into something fabulous for creating cards, scrapbooking, or simply let your imagination go to new heights!

Sorry, only a couple today. It’s a start!

Please let me know if you try either idea! I will you, too!

Eleventh Day of Christmas

On the Eleventh Day of Christmas, my true love gave to me ~ Eleven Pipers-Piping. It’s an interesting symbolism between the Pipers Piping and the Eleven faithful disciples. Now I can get this one.

Have you heard of the Purpose Fairy? I started following her on Facebook a while back. I’ve been to her website often and have never been disappointed. Among all of them, she has this particular blog post “11 Things You Should Start Doing for Yourself Today” that I highly recommend!

Just by the headings alone, I hope she will inspire you to read what she says about:

1. Start breathing properly, softly and deeply
2. Let go of your personal history – enjoy the present
3. Let go of all those things that no longer serve you
4. Forgive yourself for past mistakes
5. Forgive all those people who have hurt you
6. Release all judgments you have placed upon yourself and others
7. Expect the best from life
8. Nurture the relationship you have with yourself and others
9. Start treating yourself as you would want others to treat you
10. Start to nurture your mind, body, heart and spirit
11. Develop an attitude of gratitude

Source: Purpose Fairy's Facebook page!

Now, for a little crafty inspiration, this clever person made her own ink stamp! Okay, I’m adding this to my list of things I want to learn how to do!

Click on the picture and it will open up her site!

Make your own stamp!!!

How clever is this?!?

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

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?

Donations for New Jersey - Mail Monday!

This is where I'm sending my (first round of) donations on Monday (11/5/2012):

Lacey United Methodist Church
Attn: Pastor Linda Applegate
203 West Lacey
Forked River, NJ 08731-3509

Lacey UMC’s facebook page: http://facebook.com/laceyunitedmethodistchurch

Keeping checking their Facebook page for their wish list of needed items! 

After searching the Internet for a contact somewhere along the hit-hardest Northeast coast line after Hurricane Sandy, this is the article I found that caught my eye and caused me to call:

“United Methodist Church Remains Open as a Shelter” 

I spoke with an Elaine, a church member and volunteer that runs the church’s Thrift Shop. When I told her I was calling from Texas and wanted to know how we could help, she was so excited!

She also shared there are several other shelters in the area and Lacey UMC will be happy to coordinate the items we send with them so everyone gets what they need.

In addition to warm clothes, she said they really need toiletries such as the small size shampoos, toothpaste/brush, and deodorant. They also have volunteer crews that are going out and helping people clean up their homes (if they have homes). Therefore, they also need cleaning supplies. Elaine mentioned specifically needing duct tape and rubber gloves.

I’m certain they will be thrilled to receive anything you can manage to get to them as soon as possible!

As of about 4:15 today this is what their Facebook page shows they are still hoping for:

• - paper towels - rubber gloves, work gloves
• - sponges - contractor grade garbage bags
• - bottled water - blankets
• - pillows - socks
• - diapers - baby wipes
• - disposable face masks - plastic storage totes

Please share this with everyone you know! The folks need help NOW!

Hope to see you at the Post Office Monday!

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!

Good Deeds

Have you joined the 9/11 Day movement?

Good deeds unite us on 9/11
9/11 Day is a movement built on people remembering through positive action.
Doing a good deed is simple. What will you do?

I joined The Quilt. I hope you will, too!

Quilt Across Texas

The 2nd Annual Quilt Across Texas started yesterday! Everyone has until September 30th to get ‘er done! Oh my goodness! They are offering fabulous prizes: 200+ valued at over $45,000! I so wish I could do it! Maybe next year!

If you’re like me and can’t participate in this adventure, the site provides a listing of the shops by region. With all the website links, this is a great comprehensive resource to bookmark! I think it’s a given that the shops participating in the Quilt Across Texas event would have quality fabrics and notions, and is safe for online purchases. I’m just sayin’ – not guaranteeing anything!

With the way prices are going up on everything, quality is so important. Whenever we sew, we need to have it last – whether it’s a quilt, or a dress, or a bag, or whatever. Think about it!

Is your favorite quilt shop on the Texas Statewide Quilt Shop Hop? Do you have several to recommend? Please share!

National Sewing Month

This year marks the 30th anniversary of National Sewing Month. In 1982, President Reagan formally recognized the “importance of home sewing to our Nation.” In addition to the thousands upon thousands of blogs, websites, and YouTube videos available on just about anything and everything you can imagine concerning the art of sewing, you’ll find the official home of National Sewing Month here. It’s a great kick-off place with basic information and links to other sites, especially the Sewing & Craft Alliance (SCA) website.

Each day during September, we can enter a contest sponsored by the National Sewing Month. If you’re interested, check out their contest details here. I didn’t see what the prizes will be, but it doesn’t matter! I plan to enter something everyday just because! I hope you will, too!

Here at Lanetta’s Creations, I’m working on a series of articles to share with you over the course of National Sewing Month. It is my hope to inspire, encourage, create for you, and with you. Let’s do it!

P.S. Is there anything I could help you with? Is there anything specific you would like to know about? Please leave a comment and I’ll do my best!

Who is Debbie?

Today I have a package addressed and stuffed with items to help Debbie. Who is Debbie? I haven’t a clue as I’ve never met or even heard of her before yesterday. It was after I read this article A Call for Help: Destash to restash quilter’s supplies, then followed the link to “What Is It Like To Lose Your Sewing Supplies?” that I sent an email asking for the address. I also shared the link on my Facebook page, to help to spread the word.

When devastating tragedy strikes an area like this, my heart aches for what people must be going through. There is no way I can help everyone other than lifting them up in prayer. But when a loving best friend reaches out and lets the virtual world know, and I happen to stumble across the article, I will do what I can!

Blog Tours

Have you ever taken a blog tour? I just completed one hosted by Sewing with Nancy and various contributors. I thoroughly enjoyed learning different sewing and embellishment techniques. The focus was on doll clothes but all aspects shared would apply to fashion sewing for children and adults as well. I touched on it in my last blog post.

Today, I stumbled upon a video blog tour hosted by Sew Beautiful Magazine over Basic Heirloom Techniques.

I had done a search for a specific technique I plan to start implementing in some of my doll dresses. After watching how to do Pintucking, I accidentally found this tour!!! I immediately subscribed to their videos, wanting to keep up with their offerings! Then I went down their list of videos and found Part 1, 1 of 3.

Yes! I’m going to start at the beginning! Oh, learning different techniques is such an awesome thing!

P.S. If you've taken a blog tour, please share the link with us! 

Do you watch?

Although I haven’t in years, here lately I’ve been watching Sewing with Nancy on PBS (click here to find out when she’s on in your area). Because of the wealth of information provided, I record the episode if I happen to be away from the television. Due to bandwidth limitations here, I don’t watch her via online, but you may be able to watch! I always learn something new. Usually she offers tips to make something I basically know how to do much easier or quicker. And, as Martha Stewart says, “It’s a Good Thing.”

I also enjoy Nancy Zieman’s blog and Facebook page!

A couple of days ago, I went to her site and came across her 30-Minute Doll Clothes Blog Tour – Day 1 (dated July 10, 2012). I wasn’t too late to join the tour! I caught up quickly and each day look forward to discovering and reading other’s quick tips and embellishment techniques on doll clothes! Of course, I ordered her new book and dvd! I can hardly wait until it arrives!

Happy Sewing!

So Sew Etc - Sewing Camp 101

I don’t know about you but whenever I’m awake, my brain is multi-tasking 98% of the time. It’s hard to stay focused on just one task. While working on one project, I’m pondering, working out details on something else, and creating new ideas. While out working on the Keyhole Garden, then sewing in the afternoons, the light bulb went off big time!

I’ve not yet shared here what I’ve been working on “behind the scenes” with the help of family and friends. It’s the fulfillment of a dreamed I’ve had for decades – to share and teach my love for sewing to young people who would like to learn the art of sewing.

I’m thrilled beyond words! Yesterday saw the last detail needed to finalize So Sew Etc’s first Sewing Camp 101!!!

Some of the projects we will create during Sewing Camp 101:

Drawstring Bags - A good thing!

Custom Pillowcase

Drawstring Waist Apron

Yes! I’ve posted to Facebook the Objectives for Sewing Camp 101.

The registration process has begun! The free sewing camp will be held June 18, 2012 – June 22, 2012 from 1:30 to 3:30 in the Fellowship Hall of Lometa United Methodist Church, Lometa, Texas. The Sewing Camp 101’s focus is on the Next Generation Sewists ages 8 – 14. Exceptions to the age range are always considered, simply ask!

You can find the Participant Registration Data form here. If you’re not on Facebook, send me an email request at sosewetc@gmail.com and I’ll email you the form!!!